Concealed Pattern Detection Through Infrared-Transparent Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine-readable codes, such as barcodes and QR codes, detract from the visual appearance of products, limiting their applicability and usefulness by restricting where they can be disposed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting concealed patterns using infrared electromagnetic radiation, where a substrate is coated with a pattern and an opaque layer containing an infrared transparent pigment, allowing for reflectivity and absorbance differences at specific wavelengths to be detected by an infrared detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a machine-readable code is applied to a product, then the code can be detected and read, but the visual appearance of the product is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different color characteristics to different layers: the first pattern layer has a first color while the second pattern layer has a second color, creating visual differentiation that allows the concealed pattern to be detected through color analysis rather than traditional machine reading methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D machine-readable codes visible on the surface to a 3D multi-layer structure where the code is concealed within layers with different optical properties, allowing detection through infrared or other non-visible electromagnetic radiation
2Reliability
If a machine-readable code is applied to a product, then the code can be read, but the area available for aesthetic design is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the machine-readable code within a multi-layer structure where the code is concealed within inner layers while outer layers provide aesthetic appearance, allowing the code to be nested within the product structure rather than occupying surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The code is moved from the 2D surface plane to a 3D concealed position within multiple layers, allowing the surface area to be fully utilized for aesthetic design while the code remains accessible through non-visible detection methods
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
Enables the detection of concealed patterns without affecting the visual appearance of the product, allowing for machine-readable codes to be applied in a more versatile and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Implementation Method 1
detecting infrared electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by a component including a first pattern
Implementation Method 2
a first visibly opaque layer including an infrared transparent pigment
Implementation Method 3
comparing the reflectivity and/or absorbance of infrared electromagnetic radiation by the first pattern at one wavelength to the reflectivity and/or absorbance by the primer layer and/or the substrate at the same wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a component including a concealed pattern includes: detecting infrared electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by a component including a first pattern, the component including: a substrate; the first pattern disposed over at least a portion of the substrate; an optional primer layer disposed between at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the first pattern; and a first visibly opaque layer including an infrared transparent pigment, the first visibly opaque layer disposed over at least a portion of the first pattern; and comparing the reflectivity and/or absorbance of infrared electromagnetic radiation by the first pattern at one wavelength to the reflectivity and/or absorbance by the primer layer and/or the substrate at the same wavelength.