3D Readable Codes with Cavities for Optical Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically readable codes struggle to provide sufficient contrast with their background, making them difficult to scan effectively, especially when the codes and background share similar colors or are on thin surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional optically readable coded devices with cavities beneath surface patterns, which create a black body effect by increasing light absorption and reflection, enhancing contrast and readability through additive manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional flat optically readable codes are used on uniformly colored surfaces, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easy, but the contrast between the code and background is insufficient, making scanning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat codes to three-dimensional codes with varying depths. The code features extend vertically from the surface, creating height differences that enhance optical contrast. This dimensional addition allows the code to be read optically while maintaining structural integrity and solving the contrast problem on uniformly colored surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different depths and optical properties to specific regions of the code. Certain areas have deeper cavities or different surface treatments to create localized variations in light reflection and absorption. This local differentiation enhances contrast between code elements and background without requiring the entire device structure to be complex.
2Illumination intensity
If the code and background have similar colors, then material usage is optimized and aesthetic appearance is maintained, but optical reading becomes difficult due to insufficient contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes variations in optical properties rather than color changes. Through controlled depth variations, the code features create differences in light reflection, refraction, and absorption. This allows uniformly colored materials to produce optically distinct code regions without requiring multiple materials or dyes, maintaining both aesthetic appearance and scanability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using color differentiation, the patent employs vertical depth variations to create optical contrast. The three-dimensional structure causes different parts of the code to interact with light differently, producing readable contrast while using a single uniform material color. This eliminates the need for material diversity while achieving the desired optical effect.
3Illumination intensity
If deeper cavities are created to enhance the black body effect and improve contrast, then optical readability increases, but manufacturing precision requirements and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes cavity depth parameters within specific ranges rather than requiring precise control at extreme values. By identifying effective depth ranges that produce sufficient contrast, the design achieves high optical readability while remaining manufacturable with standard precision capabilities. This parameter optimization balances contrast enhancement with manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates cavities that extend deeper than the minimum required for basic contrast, over-engineering the depth to ensure sufficient optical effect. This excessive action provides a margin of safety against manufacturing variations, ensuring that even with normal tolerances, the code maintains adequate contrast for reliable scanning without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly improves the scannability of codes by increasing light absorption and reducing reflections, allowing for easier reading of QR codes and other digitally readable information on uniformly colored surfaces without compromising the structural integrity of the device.
Implementation Method 1
create a black body effect by increasing light absorption and reflection
Implementation Method 2
create a black body effect by increasing light absorption and reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include an optically readable coded device. The device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, wherein the second surface defines a cavity. The cavity has a cavity interior surface spaced apart from the second surface. The first surface defines one or more code openings extending from the first surface to the cavity interior surface and in fluid communication with the cavity. The cavity has a cavity cross-sectional area in a plane parallel to the first surface, and the code openings have a code opening total cross-sectional area at the intersection of each code opening and the cavity interior surface. The cavity cross-sectional area is larger than the code opening total cross-sectional area. The code openings define an optically readable code on the first surface.