Proof Tag

The Bubble Tag™ results from a sort of manufactured chaos, whose generation is totally random and unforeseeable.

It is the material itself which generates the position, the shape and the size of bubbles. It is almost impossible to calculate the statistical probabilities of finding two identical Bubble Tags™, since it is not possible to predetermine the shape of the bubbles. If we assume that the bubbles are perfectly round and that there are 40 bubbles in each Bubble Tag™, the probability of finding two identical Bubble Tags™ is inferior to 1/10¹⁶⁰. The formula for calculation is :

The Bubble Tag™ cannot be reproduced, not even by its own manufacturer. The self-generation of bubbles in the material is totally chaotic. The probability of obtaining two identical Bubble Tags™ is therefore near zero.

The generation of a translucent tri-dimensional structure like the Bubble Tag is impossible to copy in an identical way using any other technique. The bubble is an absence of material within a material with very specific optical characteristics. The surface condition between the bubble and the material is the perfect result of the balance of gas/material forces during its creation. This complex convex surface reflects and reacts to light in a totally unique way.

The Bubble Tag™ is made of a complex inert polymer which remains stable over time. It does not contain any electronic components. It is acid and alkaline proof, and does not break down.

Any mobile phone equipped with a wap or html browser can be used to check a Bubble Tag™ visually. iPphone 3GS owners have a free I-Proof application which can be downloaded from Apple store. This application provides easy access to the contents of the databases necessary for visual authentication.

A Bubble Tag™ is by its very nature a security feature, due to the unique production source imagined, designed, developed and built by Prooftag. The security value of the Bubble Tag™ is essentially based on the possibility of authentication provided by reference to a database. The Bubble Tag™ can be authenticated through a visual comparison or electronic comparison  with a previously recorded original reference.

The rate proportion of Bubble Tags™ checked are depends largely on the communication strategy associated with the product brand.

Brands using the Bubble Tag™ inform the consumer in a very straightforward way about the possibility of authentication. This information can be found either on the product, on the packaging, in the accompanying documentation, or on the Internet website.

The Bubble Tag™ can be produced on different materials (polyester, polycarbonate, metals, …). It can then be integrated into products, packaging, documents, cards, …

Bubble Tags™ can be produced on tamper-evident material making any attempt at their removal visible. These Bubble Tags™ are thus irreversibly marked, proving that an attempt to tear them off has been made.

Chaometrics is based on the characteristics of a randomly generated physical phenomenon, used to create a unique identifier enabling authentication. A similar example is biometrics, a chaometric science which uses biological chaos to identify, and consequently to authenticate the identity of human beings.

Most technical solutions for visible authentication are counterfeited sooner or later, since they are based on reproducible systems. The Bubble Tag™ offers the advantages of a highly secure visible solution. This visible authentication solution acts as a deterrent to counterfeiters, as well as a warning signal for those checking the product.

The Bubble Tag™ is a technological security solution based on the characteristics of a chaotic element.

Like any technology based on chaotic characteristics, the element is intrinsically secure. It is this mode of characterization which makes the technological concept sustainable. Indeed, this mode of characterization gets stronger with time. In this way, the level of security is not only maintained, but it increases.