Changeable Optical Code Label for Compact Condition Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart labels do not efficiently convey detailed information about specific conditions without occupying excessive space, and they often rely on optically coded labels which may not be suitable for all applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of an optically coded label with a changeable code that utilizes error correction capabilities to switch between an initial and a changed state, indicating the occurrence of a predetermined condition, by altering the optical characteristics of the image features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional smart labels use multiple separate indicators for different conditions, then detailed information about conditions can be conveyed, but the label occupies excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation detailVSAvoidlabel area
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple condition indicators into a single optically coded label by encoding different condition states (temperature, time, freshness) within the same code structure. The code contains both initial state information and changed state information, allowing multiple conditions to be indicated in one compact label rather than requiring separate indicators for each condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optically coded label serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barcode/QR code for identification, a temperature indicator, a time indicator, and a freshness indicator. The single label structure can convey information about initial conditions and changed conditions across different parameters, making it a universal indicator that replaces multiple specialized indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If optically coded labels are used for all applications, then compact information storage is achieved, but they may not be suitable for all application scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel areaVSAvoidapplication suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optically coded label dynamic by enabling it to change its encoded information based on detected conditions. The label transitions from showing only initial state information to showing both initial and changed state information when specific conditions are met (e.g., temperature thresholds, time periods). This dynamic adaptability allows the same label structure to serve diverse applications across different industries and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for compact and efficient communication of information about condition changes, ensuring accurate decoding and enabling the label to function as a versatile indicator across various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a subset of the first plurality of features of the first value region of the at least one optical characteristic is reactive and configured to change the values into the second value region in reaction to the occurrence of the certain condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor change: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4571573A1A smart indicator label, a method of fabrication thereof, and a memory medium or device with a code data record for the method
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 QR-MARKETING GMBH
  • EP4571573A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4571573A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4571573A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an indicator label with a changeable code. The changeable code is configured to be presented in an initial state by a first code and in a changed state indicating an occurrence of a certain condition by a second code. The first code includes a first plurality of image features encoding at least a first string, the first plurality being redundant with an error correction capability for decoding the first string with respect to a possible incorrect determination of a subset of the first plurality of the image features. The second code is different from the first code and includes a second plurality of image features encoding at least a second string different from the first string, the second plurality being redundant with an error correction capability for decoding the second string with respect to a possible incorrect determination of a subset of the second plurality of the image features. The first plurality of image features includes a first plurality of features of a first value region of an at least one optical characteristic and a first plurality of features of a second value region of the at least one optical characteristic, not intersecting with the first value region. The second plurality of image features includes a second plurality of features of the first value region of the at least one optical characteristic and a second plurality of features of the second value region of the at least one optical characteristic. A subset of the first plurality of features of the first value region of the at least one optical characteristic is reactive and configured to change the values into the second value region in reaction to the occurrence of the certain condition, and thereby to turn into a respective subset of the second plurality of features of the second value region of the at least one optical characteristic, wherein the first code is thereby configured to turn into the second code upon the occurrence of the condition.