Barcode Verification Using Substrate Edge Deviation Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for uniquely identifying items rely on deliberate overt or covert marks, which are not applicable to all substrates and require specialized systems, limiting their utility.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing natural variations in marked features as unique identifiers, eliminating the need for deliberate marks and integrating with existing reader systems like bar code readers or machine vision, by extracting and storing information associated with these variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deliberate overt or covert marks are applied to items for unique identification, then identification capability is improved, but the method is not applicable to all substrates and requires specialized systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes natural variations already present in the substrate material itself (fiber orientation in paper, inherent patterns in plastic films) as unique identifiers. The substrate serves itself by providing the identification feature without requiring external marks or specialized application systems, thereby improving adaptability across different substrate types while maintaining identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes existing reader systems (designed for reading printed marks) multi-functional by enabling them to also detect and analyze natural substrate variations. This allows the same system to perform both traditional mark reading and natural variation-based identification, improving versatility without requiring specialized equipment for each method
2Adaptability or versatility
If natural variations in substrate material are used as unique identifiers, then applicability to various substrates is improved, but specialized systems are required to perceive the variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing reader systems to perform dual functions: reading traditional printed marks and detecting natural substrate variations. By programming existing devices to analyze both mark presence and substrate pattern characteristics, the system achieves universality without requiring completely specialized equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the function of mark detection with substrate variation analysis into a single integrated system. The reader system simultaneously evaluates both the deliberate marks and the natural substrate patterns, combining multiple identification approaches into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If deliberate marks are added to items for identification, then unique identification is achieved, but the utility is reduced due to additional marks beyond those already present
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate material provides its own unique identification characteristics through natural variations in its structure (fiber orientation, inherent patterns). No additional marking process is required - the substrate serves itself as the identifier, eliminating the need for separate mark application steps and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining unique identification capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining whether a candidate barcode is genuine involves acquiring an image of an original barcode; determining, from the image of the original barcode, a deviation of a continuous edge of the original barcode from a nominal shape; encoding the deviation as signature data for the original barcode; storing the signature data for the original barcode on a storage device; acquiring an image of the candidate barcode; determining, from the image of the candidate barcode, a deviation of a continuous edge of the candidate barcode from the nominal shape; retrieving the signature data for the original barcode from the storage device; comparing the signature data for the original barcode with the signature data for the candidate barcode; and making a determination that the candidate barcode is genuine or not genuine based on a result of the comparison.