Counterfeit-proof labels with optically concealed UPC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively prevent counterfeiting and allow consumers to verify the authenticity of product labels, as existing labels can be easily replicated and consumers lack a practical means to confirm their legitimacy.
Innovation Solution
A counterfeit-proof label utilizing high-resolution micro optic photo chromogenic material with optically concealed color universal product codes, visible only under close-up digital camera inspection, allowing verification via mobile phone and an Anti-counterfeiting Control Center for matching and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional labels are used for product identification, then consumers can easily view and identify the product code, but the labels can be easily counterfeited and consumers cannot verify authenticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the label have different optical properties. The product code is rendered invisible at normal viewing distances through optical concealment technology, while remaining visible when captured by a digital camera at close range. This creates localized visibility characteristics that prevent casual copying and enable verification through mobile device capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the product code from a two-dimensional visible pattern to a three-dimensional optical structure that requires specific viewing conditions. By embedding the code in micro-optic elements that control light refraction and reflection, the code exists in an additional optical dimension, making it invisible under normal conditions and only reconstructible through digital camera capture at specific angles and distances.
2Reliability
If an invisible code is used to prevent counterfeiting, then the label becomes difficult to counterfeit, but consumers cannot view and identify the code without special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service verification by allowing consumers to use their existing mobile devices with digital cameras to capture and verify the product code. The verification system automatically processes the captured image through the server, eliminating the need for consumers to carry special inspection equipment or visit authorized verification centers, thus making the verification process accessible and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server-based verification system as an intermediary between the product and the consumer. The server receives captured images of the product code, performs authentication verification, and returns verification results to the consumer's mobile device. This intermediary enables remote verification without requiring direct physical inspection of the product's optical features.
3Reliability
If high resolution micro optic material is used, then the code becomes optically concealed and difficult to counterfeit, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining traditional label substrates with high-resolution micro-optic photo chromogenic material. This composite structure integrates the optical concealment properties of the micro-optic layer with the mechanical properties of the base label material, achieving both counterfeit prevention and consumer-friendly verification while managing manufacturing complexity through material integration.
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 easy, positive, and speedy verification of product authenticity through mobile phone-based image capture and analysis, providing immediate identification and follow-up actions, while being difficult to counterfeit due to its optical properties.
Implementation Method 1
The color bars of the code are optically split into a great number of high resolution image elements and interlaced in groups at the focal plane of each micro lens
Implementation Method 2
the color code is not visible at a normal viewing distance but can be seen or photographed by a digital camera of a mobile phone at a close up distance
Data Source
AI summary
The prevention of counterfeiting labels for various products is addressed by introducing counterfeit-proof labels having an optically concealed, invisible universal product code.The label is printed on a high-resolution micro optic photo chromogenic material. The color bars of the code are optically split and compressed in high resolution image elements and arranged at the pre-calculated optical blind angles in relation to the optical center of the lenticule and the viewing distance of the label, and due to the optical effect of the micro lenticule, the complete color product code is not visible when viewing at a normal viewing distance.The camera of a mobile phone photographs the label at a close-up distance, with the lens of the camera regrouping the split image elements of all the color bars to reconstruct the product code that will be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone.