Invisible Light Pattern Detection for Visually Identical Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current augmented and mixed reality systems struggle to uniquely identify objects that are visually indistinguishable using GPS technology, especially mobile or small objects not tracked in location databases, and visible identifiers are undesirable for maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

Employing invisible light sensing devices that detect unique identification patterns through invisible light emitted or reflected by objects, using electromagnetic radiation undetectable to the human eye, such as infrared or ultraviolet light, to identify objects based on sequenced pulsing or reflective coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS technology is used to identify objects, then location-based identification is achieved, but mobile objects and small objects not tracked in location databases cannot be uniquely identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to mobile and small objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces GPS satellite-based positioning with a camera-based optical recognition system. The camera captures images of objects, and image processing algorithms identify objects by analyzing their visual features, replacing the mechanical/GPS-based location tracking system with an optical recognition system that works for any object within camera view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies or representations of physical objects through camera imaging. By capturing visual information and creating image data copies, the system can identify and track objects without needing physical GPS tags or location databases, allowing identification of any object that can be photographed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If visible identifiers are used to distinguish objects, then object identification is achieved, but aesthetic appeal is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes color and visual pattern recognition through camera imaging to identify objects. By analyzing color spectra, patterns, and visual features captured by the camera, the system can distinguish objects without adding visible identification markers, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling identification through software-based visual analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts identification information from the visual appearance itself rather than adding separate identification markers. By analyzing existing visual features, colors, and patterns of objects through camera imaging, the system derives identification data without requiring additional visible elements that would compromise aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If multiple visually identical objects are used, then aesthetic consistency is maintained, but object differentiation becomes impossible with traditional methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic consistencyVSAvoidobject uniqueness information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent analyzes local visual qualities and subtle variations in each object's appearance through detailed image processing. By examining local color variations, pattern differences, and fine visual features in captured images, the system can differentiate between visually identical objects based on their unique local characteristics without altering their overall appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent detects and utilizes subtle parameter variations in object appearance such as color spectrum differences, reflectivity variations, and pattern frequency changes. By measuring these minute parameter differences through camera imaging and spectral analysis, the system can distinguish between identical-looking objects while maintaining their visual consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and unobtrusive identification of visually identical objects, enhancing user experiences in digital reality environments by providing unique identifiers without affecting aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

using electromagnetic radiation undetectable to the human eye, such as infrared or ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

using electromagnetic radiation undetectable to the human eye, such as infrared or ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation:

Implementation Method 3

invisible light emitted or reflected by objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3844663B1System and method for unique identifier detection based on invisible light
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 INTUIT INC
  • EP3844663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3844663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3844663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An invisible light sensing device senses invisible light from a plurality of invisible light emitting or reflecting objects in which each of the invisible light emitting or reflecting objects emits or reflects invisible light in an identification pattern that is distinct from other identification patterns. An identification pattern is based on a sequenced pulsing pattern of invisible light that is emitted by an invisible light emitting object to form the identification pattern. An identification pattern is also based on an invisible light reflective coating that is applied to an invisible light reflecting object.