Infrared Concealed Pattern Detection Through Opaque 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 due to aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting a concealed pattern using a substrate with a first pattern, an optional primer layer, and a visibly opaque layer containing an infrared transparent pigment, where the reflectivity and/or absorbance of infrared electromagnetic radiation differs at specific wavelengths, enabling detection by an infrared detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If machine-readable codes are disposed over the product, then information transfer capability is improved, but visual appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by detecting patterns in the infrared spectrum rather than the visible spectrum. The machine-readable code is made invisible to human eyes through a translucent opaque layer that blocks visible light, while infrared detectors capture the pattern through differential infrared reflectivity of the code elements versus the background, effectively moving the detection dimension from visible to infrared spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a translucent opaque layer as a mediator between the machine-readable code and the external environment. This layer allows infrared radiation to pass through while blocking visible light, enabling the code to remain invisible to humans but detectable by infrared systems, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of visibility and information transfer
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If machine-readable codes are made visible, then detection capability is improved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical properties at different locations. The translucent opaque layer has specific local properties where it is transparent to infrared radiation but opaque to visible light. The machine-readable code elements have different infrared reflectivity characteristics compared to the background, creating local variations in infrared reflectivity that enable detection while maintaining uniform visual appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes by exploiting differential reflectivity in the infrared spectrum. The translucent opaque layer and the machine-readable code elements are designed to have different infrared reflectivity characteristics, causing them to appear different to infrared detectors while appearing the same (visually opaque) to human eyes, effectively using infrared 'color' differentiation for detection
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, allowing for the use of machine-readable codes in a more aesthetically pleasing manner.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared detector that detects infrared electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted from the first component
Implementation Method 2
detecting infrared electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by a component
Implementation Method 3
a first visibly opaque layer including an infrared transparent pigment
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.