Identity label preparation method and identification method using ultrasonic imaging

Abstract

The invention discloses an identity tag preparation method and an identification method using ultrasonic imaging, and relates to the technical field of tags. The method comprises the steps that a, a sound conducting material is prepared into a 3D printing raw material; b, the obtained raw materials are printed layer by layer through the 3D printing technology, and structural blocks with identity codes on the surfaces are obtained; c, continuously printing layer by layer on the structural block in the step b by adopting the 3D printing technology, sealing the top of the structural block, discontinuously arranging a plurality of grooves in the structural block according to the shape of the identity code required to be formed, forming an interface I for ultrasonic thickness measurement at the top of the structural block with the groove, and forming an interface II for ultrasonic thickness measurement at the bottom of the structural block without the groove; and d, manufacturing a label shell matched with the size of the obtained structural block, and putting the structure obtained in the step c into the label shell to obtain the label. According to the method, the label is made of the sound conducting material, label identity recognition is carried out through ultra-deep recognition imaging, the application range is expanded, the label identity recognition efficiency is improved, and the recognition process is more convenient and flexible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tag technology, and more specifically to a method for preparing and identifying identity tags using ultrasound imaging. Background Technology

[0002] In production operations, the management of equipment and tools is crucial for both production efficiency and quality. To improve efficiency and reduce costs, identification technology can be used to manage equipment and tools during production. Specifically, the following identification technologies can be employed: 1. Barcode technology: Barcodes are affixed to equipment and tools, and their usage and location information are recorded by scanning the barcodes. This technology is simple, easy to implement, and low in cost, but the barcode information needs to be updated regularly.

[0003] 2. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: By attaching RFID tags to equipment and tools, RFID readers are used to record the usage and location information of the equipment and tools. This technology can achieve long-distance, automated identification and tracking, but the durability and anti-interference ability of the RFID tags need to be considered.

[0004] 3. Smart Card Technology: Information about equipment and tools is written into smart cards, and their usage and location information are recorded using a smart card reader. This technology offers high security and accuracy, but the cost and ease of use of smart cards need to be considered.

[0005] The adoption of identity verification technology can improve the efficiency and accuracy of equipment and tool management, reduce production costs, and improve product quality. At the same time, the security and privacy protection of identity verification technology need to be considered to prevent data leakage and misuse.

[0006] In certain specific application environments, the confidentiality of equipment and tools is crucial, and these equipment and tools often face extreme operating conditions, including high temperatures, high pressures, and strong corrosion. In such cases, exposed methods such as nameplates, barcodes, and QR codes pose a risk of information leakage. Furthermore, RFID and smart cards, due to their electronic components, are at risk of failure in extreme environments. Additionally, the currently researched specialized RFID tags have high manufacturing costs, hindering their widespread application.

[0007] Chinese invention patent document CN116663598A, published on August 29, 2023, discloses a method for manufacturing a radio frequency (RFID) tag suitable for downhole drilling tools. The method involves: a) processing a protective shell and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) base, and then installing the shaped PEEK base into the protective shell; b) processing an RFID antenna, connecting the chip and the shaped RFID antenna, and placing it in the PEEK base; c) using a potting mold to fused the PEEK material with the PEEK base under high temperature, forming a fully enclosed enclosure for the RFID antenna, and then polishing the potting surface smooth; d) sealing a transparent protective cover onto the protective shell after potting, thus obtaining the RFID tag. This invention employs a specific potting process, and the resulting RFID tag is suitable for specific downhole environments of 200℃ and 200MPa, ensuring long-term stability. However, due to the internal design of electronic components, the above-mentioned technical solutions cannot guarantee the stability of materials in environments with higher temperatures, humidity, pressure, and corrosion. At the same time, they have higher requirements for injection molding processes and the performance of injection molding materials, resulting in higher costs. Furthermore, the above-mentioned technical solutions involve polymer material injection molding and filling processes, and the high-temperature and high-pressure fluid injection can affect chips, ceramics, and the chip-antenna welding parts, which can easily lead to failure.

[0008] No existing technologies for the preparation and identification of identity tags using ultrasound imaging were found. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To overcome the defects and shortcomings of the existing technologies, this invention provides a method for preparing and identifying identification tags using ultrasonic imaging. The tag is made using a sound-conducting material, and the identification is performed using ultrasonic imaging. This expands the application scope, improves the identification efficiency, and makes the identification process more convenient and flexible. It also solves the problem that RFID and smart cards, which contain electronic components, may fail in extreme environments. Furthermore, the high manufacturing cost of currently researched special RFID tags hinders their widespread application.

[0010] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0011] A method for preparing identity tags using ultrasound imaging includes the following steps: a. Prepare sound-guiding materials as raw materials for 3D printing; b. Using 3D printing technology, the raw material obtained in step a is printed layer by layer to obtain a structural block with multiple grooves of the same depth on the surface; the multiple grooves together form an identification code. c. Continue to print layer by layer on the structural block in step b using 3D printing technology to seal the top of the structural block. Multiple grooves are intermittently arranged in the structural block according to the shape of the required identification code. The top of the structural block with grooves forms the first interface for ultrasonic thickness measurement, and the bottom of the structural block without grooves forms the second interface for ultrasonic thickness measurement. The first interface is used to reflect Y-type sound wave data to the ultrasonic wave generating and collecting device, and the second interface is used to reflect X-type sound wave data to the ultrasonic wave generating and collecting device. d. Make a label shell that matches the dimensions of the structure obtained in step c, and put the structure obtained in step c into the label shell to make the label.

[0012] The sound-conducting material includes metal, ceramic, or plastic.

[0013] The identity code graphic includes characters, QR codes, and barcodes.

[0014] An identification tagging method using ultrasound imaging includes the following steps: S1. Use an ultrasonic generator and collector to scan the top surface of the label. When the first interface inside the label is scanned, Y-type acoustic data is obtained. When the second interface inside the label is scanned, X-type acoustic data is obtained. The X-type acoustic data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the second interface and its return. The Y-type acoustic data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the first interface and its return. S2. Based on the X-type and Y-type sound wave data in S1, and combined with the sound velocity, obtain the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one. S3. Round the two distance data obtained in S2 to obtain the rounded distance data. S4. Denoise the rounded distance data to obtain distance data with only two values. S5. Define the points on the top surface of the labels corresponding to the two values ​​as two different colors on the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the identity code graphic. After optimizing the graphic, display it on the background software. S6. Recognize the identity code image obtained in S5 to obtain the tag's identity information.

[0015] In step S1, scanning the top surface of the label using an ultrasonic generator and collector includes scanning directly when the ultrasonic generator and collector can completely cover the top surface of the label, and scanning along a specific path on the top surface of the label when the ultrasonic generator and collector cannot cover the top surface of the label.

[0016] The specific path is obtained based on the shape of the label.

[0017] In S3, the rounding process refers to rounding the integer part of the vertical distance data from each point on the top surface of the label to the interface inside the label.

[0018] In step S4, denoising the rounded distance data includes: S41. Map the rounded distance data to the points corresponding to the top surface of the label on a Cartesian coordinate system. S42. If a point's data is different from the data of its four adjacent points (up, down, left, and right), it is defined as noisy data; the adjacent data is selected to replace the data of that point.

[0019] The distance data with only two values ​​includes the processed distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the processed distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one.

[0020] In step S5, optimizing the graphic refers to smoothing the graphic using an algorithm.

[0021] The speed of sound refers to the speed at which sound waves propagate through the material of the label.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention, because the tag does not involve electronic components, has a simple manufacturing process with low requirements, enabling mass production and low manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since it does not involve electronic components, the magnetic identification tag manufactured by this invention maintains excellent stability under high temperature, high humidity, high pressure, and corrosive environments. This invention also avoids the problems of high-temperature, high-pressure fluid injection molding affecting chips, ceramics, and chip-antenna welding points in RFID tags, thus preventing failure. It also avoids the problem of deformation caused by inconsistent elasticity between different polymer materials in RFID tags, leading to failure of internal chips, antennas, and welding points. Simultaneously, ultrasonic imaging technology can provide higher recognition accuracy and resolution, detecting smaller and finer features, making ultrasonic imaging tags superior in scenarios requiring precise identification. Moreover, ultrasonic imaging tags do not require an external excitation source; identification can be achieved using only an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, making them more convenient and flexible. In contrast, some magnetic identification systems may require an external magnetic field excitation source, increasing system complexity and cost.

[0023] 2. This invention has a wider range of applications. Currently, no existing technology in the field of identity tagging utilizes ultrasound imaging in identity recognition tags. However, this invention, with its ultrasound imaging tag devoid of electronic components, is suitable for various materials and environments and is unaffected by electromagnetic interference, thus offering advantages in a wider range of application scenarios. In contrast, magnetic recognition may be affected by external magnetic fields, limiting its application scope.

[0024] 3. This invention denoises the data obtained from the ultrasonic identification tag and further processes the identification code image, resulting in a more refined identification code image and improving the accuracy of identification. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sound wave generating and collecting device of the present invention scanning the top surface of the tag. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sound wave generating and collecting device of the present invention scanning the top surface of the tag. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention, where the identification code is a numeric code; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the label obtained in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1 As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment discloses a method for preparing an identification tag using ultrasound imaging, comprising the following steps: a. Prepare sound-guiding materials as raw materials for 3D printing; b. Using 3D printing technology, the raw material obtained in step a is printed layer by layer to obtain a structural block with multiple grooves of the same depth on the surface; the multiple grooves together form an identification code. c. Continue to print layer by layer on the structural block in step b using 3D printing technology to seal the top of the structural block. Multiple grooves are intermittently arranged in the structural block according to the shape of the required identification code. The top of the structural block with grooves forms the first interface for ultrasonic thickness measurement, and the bottom of the structural block without grooves forms the second interface for ultrasonic thickness measurement. The first interface is used to reflect Y-type sound wave data to the ultrasonic wave generating and collecting device, and the second interface is used to reflect X-type sound wave data to the ultrasonic wave generating and collecting device. d. Make a label shell that matches the dimensions of the structure obtained in step c, and put the structure obtained in step c into the label shell to make the label.

[0028] The sound-conducting material includes metal, ceramic, or plastic.

[0029] The identity code graphic includes characters, QR codes, and barcodes.

[0030] This invention, because the tag does not involve electronic components, simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces process requirements, and enables mass production at low cost. Furthermore, since it does not involve electronic components, the magnetic identification tag manufactured using this method maintains excellent stability under high temperature, high humidity, high pressure, and corrosive environments. This invention also avoids the problems associated with high-temperature, high-pressure fluid injection molding in RFID tags, which can affect the chip, ceramic, and chip-antenna solder joints, leading to failure. It also avoids the problem of deformation caused by inconsistent elasticity between different polymer materials in RFID tags, which can lead to failure of internal chips, antennas, and solder joints. Moreover, the tag prepared by this method has a wider range of applications. Currently, no existing technology in the field of identification tag technology applies ultrasonic imaging to identification tags. This invention, with its ultrasonic imaging tag without electronic components, is applicable to various materials and environments and is unaffected by electromagnetic interference, thus offering advantages in a wider range of application scenarios. In contrast, magnetic identification may be affected by external magnetic fields, limiting its application scope.

[0031] Example 2 As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment discloses an identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging, comprising the following steps: S1. The top surface of the label is directly scanned using an ultrasonic generator and collector. When the first interface inside the label is scanned, Y-type acoustic data is obtained. When the second interface inside the label is scanned, X-type acoustic data is obtained. The X-type acoustic data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the second interface and its return. The Y-type acoustic data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the first interface and its return. S2. Based on the X-type and Y-type sound wave data in S1, and combined with the sound velocity, obtain the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one. S3. Round the integer part of the two distance data obtained in S2 to obtain the rounded distance data. S4. Denoise the rounded distance data to obtain distance data with only two values; including: S41. Map the rounded distance data to the points corresponding to the top surface of the label on a Cartesian coordinate system. S42. If a data point is different from the data of its four adjacent data points (up, down, left, and right), it is defined as noisy data; the adjacent data points are selected to replace the data of that point. S5. Define the points on the top surface of the labels corresponding to the two values ​​as two different colors on the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the identity code graphic. After optimizing the graphic, display it on the background software. S6. Recognize the identity code image obtained in S5 to obtain the tag's identity information.

[0032] In this embodiment, the vertical distance data from each point on the top surface of the label to the interface inside the label is rounded to the nearest integer to obtain the rounded distance data; then the rounded distance data is denoised to obtain distance data with only two values; by using a simple method to process the data, the efficiency of label recognition is improved.

[0033] Example 3 As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment discloses an identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging, comprising the following steps: S1. Use an ultrasonic wave generator and collector to scan the top surface of the label along a specific path. The specific path is obtained according to the shape of the label. When scanning to the first interface inside the label, Y-type acoustic wave data is obtained. When scanning to the second interface inside the label, X-type acoustic wave data is obtained. The X-type acoustic wave data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the second interface and its return. The Y-type acoustic wave data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the first interface and its return. S2. Based on the X-type and Y-type sound wave data in S1, and combined with the sound velocity, obtain the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one. S3. Round the integer part of the two distance data obtained in S2 to obtain the rounded distance data. S4. Denoise the rounded distance data to obtain distance data with only two values. This distance data with only two values ​​includes the processed distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the processed distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one; including: S41. Map the rounded distance data to the points corresponding to the top surface of the label on a Cartesian coordinate system. S42. If a point's data is different from the data of its four adjacent points (up, down, left, and right), it is defined as noisy data; the adjacent data are selected to replace the data of that point. S5. Define the points on the top surface of the label corresponding to the two values ​​as two different colors on the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the identity code graphic. After smoothing the graphic using an algorithm, it is displayed on the background software. The algorithm is an existing image processing and signal processing algorithm, such as a texture-based repair algorithm: using the texture information of the surrounding image area to complete the image, commonly found in the inpainting function in the OpenCV library; or a partial differential equation (PDE)-based repair algorithm: restoring the damaged part through a mathematical model to make it conform to the geometric characteristics of the QR code image, such as Gaussian filtering. S6. Recognize the identity code image obtained in S5 to obtain the tag's identity information.

[0034] This invention utilizes ultrasonic imaging technology to provide higher recognition accuracy and resolution, enabling the detection of smaller and finer features. This makes ultrasonic imaging tags superior in scenarios requiring precise identification. Furthermore, ultrasonic imaging tags do not require an external excitation source; identification can be achieved using only an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, making them more convenient and flexible. In contrast, some magnetic identification systems may require an external magnetic field excitation source, increasing system complexity and cost.

Claims

1. A method for preparing an identification tag using ultrasound imaging, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: a. Prepare sound-guiding materials as raw materials for 3D printing; b. Using 3D printing technology, the raw material obtained in step a is printed layer by layer to obtain a structural block with multiple grooves of the same depth on the surface; the multiple grooves together form an identification code. c. Continue to print layer by layer using 3D printing technology on the structural block in step b, and seal the top of the structural block. Multiple grooves are intermittently arranged in the structural block according to the shape of the required identification code. The top of the structural block with grooves forms the first interface for ultrasonic thickness measurement, and the bottom of the structural block without grooves forms the second interface for ultrasonic thickness measurement. The first interface is used to reflect Y-type sound wave data to the ultrasonic wave generating and collecting device, and the second interface is used to reflect X-type sound wave data to the ultrasonic wave generating and collecting device. d. Make a label shell that matches the size of the structural block obtained in step c, and put the structure obtained in step c into the label shell to make the label.

2. The method for preparing an identification tag using ultrasound imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound-conducting material includes metal, ceramic, or plastic.

3. The method for preparing an identification tag using ultrasound imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identity code graphic includes characters, QR codes, and barcodes.

4. A method for identifying identity tags using ultrasound imaging, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Use an ultrasonic generator and collector to scan the top surface of the label. When the first interface inside the label is scanned, Y-type acoustic data is obtained. When the second interface inside the label is scanned, X-type acoustic data is obtained. The X-type acoustic data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the second interface and its return. The Y-type acoustic data refers to the time difference between the ultrasonic wave emitted from the top surface of the label and the first interface and its return. S2. Based on the X-type and Y-type sound wave data in S1, and combined with the sound velocity, obtain the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one. S3. Round the two distance data obtained in S2 to obtain the rounded distance data. S4. Denoise the rounded distance data to obtain distance data with only two values. S5. Define the points on the top surface of the labels corresponding to the two values ​​as two different colors on the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the identity code graphic. After optimizing the graphic, display it on the background software. S6. Recognize the identity code image obtained in S5 to obtain the tag's identity information.

5. The identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S1, scanning the top surface of the label using an ultrasonic generator and collector includes scanning directly when the ultrasonic generator and collector can completely cover the top surface of the label, and scanning along a specific path on the top surface of the label when the ultrasonic generator and collector cannot cover the top surface of the label.

6. The identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: The specific path is obtained based on the shape of the label.

7. The identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: In S3, the rounding process refers to rounding the integer part of the vertical distance data from each point on the top surface of the label to the interface inside the label.

8. The identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S4, denoising the rounded distance data includes: S41. Map the rounded distance data to the points corresponding to the top surface of the label on a Cartesian coordinate system. S42. If a point's data is different from the data of its four adjacent points (up, down, left, and right), it is defined as noisy data; the adjacent data is selected to replace the data of that point.

9. The identification tag recognition method using ultrasound imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distance data with only two values ​​includes the processed distance data from the top surface of the label to interface two and the processed distance data from the top surface of the label to interface one.

10. The method for identifying identity tags using ultrasound imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S5, optimizing the graphic refers to smoothing the graphic using an algorithm.

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