Fluorescing Inks for Digital Watermarking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode systems are limited by their placement on objects, which can slow down code reading, increase scanner costs, and pose safety risks due to the need for re-positioning objects for scanning.
Innovation Solution
The use of digital watermarking techniques, which allow for the encoding of information within the image content or object surface topology, enabling auto-identification and auxiliary data encoding across various media types, including physical and digital.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcodes are placed at dedicated locations on objects, then code reading reliability is improved, but reading speed decreases and scanner costs increase due to the need for multiple views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D barcodes placed on specific surfaces to digital watermarks embedded throughout the entire 3D object surface. This dimensional expansion allows the code to be read from any angle or position, eliminating the need for precise object positioning and multiple scanner views while maintaining reading reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital watermarking system enables the code to function across multiple surfaces and viewing angles simultaneously. The code can be read from any location on the object without requiring dedicated placement areas, making the scanning process more versatile and efficient while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If workers re-position objects to scan codes, then code reading accuracy is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding the code throughout the 3D object surface rather than on a single 2D plane, the system allows accurate reading from any viewing angle. Workers no longer need to re-position objects to achieve proper scanning angles, thereby maintaining reading accuracy while eliminating safety hazards associated with manual object handling.
3Illumination intensity
If digital watermarking is applied over existing image content, then aesthetic quality is improved, but data encoding capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the watermarking process into multiple layers or channels that can be independently optimized. This allows the visual content to maintain its aesthetic quality while the encoded data is distributed across multiple segments, preserving encoding capacity even when overlaid on existing imagery.
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
Digital watermarking provides a robust and flexible method for encoding data within images or object surfaces, minimizing visual impact while ensuring reliable data recovery, even in noisy environments and under geometric distortions.
Implementation Method 1
Encoding signals with fluorescing inks
Implementation Method 2
a substrate with one or more clear topcoats (e.g., a varnish)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to signal processing such as digital watermarking and other encoded signals. One claim recites a substrate comprising a plurality of first areas and a plurality of second areas, in which each of the plurality of first areas comprises a color ink printed therein with a UV topcoat layer printed over the color ink, in which the UV topcoat layer includes a material that absorbs at or around 350 nm and emits in the visible spectrum, and in which each of the plurality of second areas comprises the color ink printed therein, and in which the plurality of first areas is arranged on the substrate in a 2-dimensional pattern that is machine-readable from image data depicting the plurality of first areas, and in which the 2-dimensional pattern represents signal elements that cover only between 1-20% of an area on the substrate, and in which contrast in the image data between the plurality of first areas and the plurality second areas comprises a contrast difference in the range 75%>contrast difference>8%. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided in the specification with reference to specific implementations and related examples.