Barcode Reader Anti-Counterfeiting Validation Diffractive Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting systems are not cost-effective across a wide range of product prices and production volumes, and lack the flexibility to evolve with new replication technologies, making them less secure over time.
Innovation Solution
A modular code reading system that includes a light source, image sensor, and processing unit to decode machine-readable indicia and validate anti-counterfeiting keys, using diffractive patterns and a coherent source with a diffusive sheet to read and verify anti-counterfeiting keys, allowing for flexibility in tooling and unit costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-counterfeiting systems use specific wavelength illumination and specialized inks, then anti-counterfeiting capability is improved, but cost increases and flexibility to evolve with new replication technologies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a barcode reader that can perform both standard barcode reading and anti-counterfeiting verification using the same device. The reader incorporates multiple light sources (white light LED and infrared LED) and can switch between different reading modes, allowing one device to serve multiple functions including reading visible barcodes and detecting invisible security features, thereby eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing different wavelength parameters of light illumination. The system switches between visible spectrum (white light) for standard barcode reading and infrared spectrum for anti-counterfeiting key detection. This parameter change allows the same hardware platform to adapt to different verification needs without requiring complete system redesign, thus maintaining evolutionary flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive anti-counterfeiting key manufacturing tooling is used for large-scale production, then manufacturing precision is improved, but initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using optical replication methods to create anti-counterfeiting keys. Instead of requiring expensive custom tooling for each key type, the system uses master templates that can be optically copied and replicated. The barcode reader validates these copied keys by comparing them against stored reference patterns, enabling high-volume production with moderate initial tooling investment while maintaining consistent quality through optical replication fidelity.
3Device complexity
If simple barcode reading is used, then device complexity is reduced, but anti-counterfeiting protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining standard barcode reading functionality with anti-counterfeiting verification into a single integrated system. The barcode reader incorporates both visible light and infrared light sources, and the processor is configured to handle both standard barcode decoding and security feature validation. This merging allows the system to maintain operational simplicity for users while providing enhanced counterfeit protection through multiple verification layers.
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 system provides a cost-effective and secure method to read and validate anti-counterfeiting keys across various product types, adapting to different production volumes and evolving technologies, enhancing protection against counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination source configured to illuminate the anti-counterfeiting key that, when illuminated by the illumination source, reflects the illumination from the illumination source to be incident on the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The anti-counterfeiting key may include one or more reflective diffractive gratings... that diffract the laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A code reader may include a light source configured to illuminate a machine-readable indicia representative of a standard code associated with an item. An image sensor may be configured to receive an image of the machine readable indicia. An illumination source may be configured to illuminate an anti-counterfeiting key that, when illuminated by the illumination source, reflects the illumination from the illumination source to be incident on the image sensor. A processing unit may be in electrical communication with the image sensor, and may be configured to decode the standard code of the machine-readable indicia and check validity of the reflected illumination from the anti-counterfeiting key.