Dual-Resolution Marking for Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current identification methods for articles and security devices, such as barcodes and data matrices, are not robust enough and can be easily decrypted or degraded, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting and information loss due to uneven substrates and printing defects.
Innovation Solution
A dual-pattern system is introduced, where two patterns with distinct resolutions and inks are applied to a surface, making one pattern readable under normal conditions and the other only under specific conditions, ensuring that a user without knowledge of both patterns will obtain incomplete information and increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional barcodes or data matrices are used for identification, then the marking is visible and easily readable by all users, but the identification is vulnerable to decryption and counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is divided into multiple independent patterns (first pattern and second pattern) with different reading conditions. Each pattern provides partial information, and only when combined do they form the complete identification, thereby increasing security without requiring a single complex cryptographic system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different parameters to different patterns: the first pattern uses visible light spectrum and standard resolution, while the second pattern uses infrared spectrum and different resolution. This parameter differentiation makes it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate both patterns simultaneously, enhancing security
2Reliability
If data matrix is used with error correction mechanisms, then some information loss can be tolerated, but the pattern remains vulnerable to degradation from substrate unevenness and printing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The identification information is segmented across multiple patterns with different spatial resolutions and spectral characteristics. The first pattern operates at one resolution level while the second operates at another, so that degradation affecting one resolution level does not necessarily affect the other, providing robustness against printing and substrate variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple types of markings (visible pattern and infrared pattern) into a composite identification system. This composite approach leverages the complementary strengths of different marking types to achieve overall robustness that exceeds what any single marking type could provide alone
3Reliability
If a single identification pattern is used, then the marking process is simple, but if one pattern is altered or destroyed, the identification information is completely lost
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system segments the complete information into multiple independent patterns. Each pattern can be manufactured separately using potentially different processes optimized for its specific characteristics, and the segmentation ensures that if one pattern is compromised, the others remain intact and can still provide partial or complete identification when combined
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily establishes multiple redundant identification patterns during the manufacturing process. By pre-applying both the first and second patterns with different reading conditions, the system ensures that identification capability is built-in from the start, and the preliminary establishment of multiple patterns provides fallback options if one is later altered or destroyed
4Ease of operation
If visible identification patterns are used, then users can easily read and verify the information, but the patterns must be placed in specific locations that may detract from the article's appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different qualities to different patterns: the first pattern uses visible light spectrum for user readability, while the second pattern uses infrared spectrum that is invisible to the naked eye. This local differentiation allows the invisible second pattern to be placed in locations that would be aesthetically problematic, while the visible first pattern can be strategically positioned to minimize visual impact
Data Source
AI summary
Marking comprising on a surface: a first pattern for coding a first numerical information item on said surface, the first pattern comprising a specific arrangement of a plurality of symbols belonging to a set of symbols, each symbol in the arrangement being intended for the coding of a portion of said numerical information item, each symbol including at least one differential pair of elements positioned in a specific way, each element having a parameter, the parameter of the first element of each differential pair having a first value and the parameter of the second element of each differential pair having a second value different from the first value, a second pattern for coding a second numerical information item on said surface, wherein the first and second pattern are adapted to be read under corresponding distinct first and second reading conditions.