Invisible Spectral Patterns for Robotic Object Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection and identification methods, such as QR codes, are often visually glaring and may expose security features, adding visual clutter and potentially compromising security, as they are detectable by both humans and robotic devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of patterns that are undetectable to the human eye but detectable by computerized imaging apparatus, such as those using absorbent or reflective materials outside the visible spectrum, or metameric coloration, allowing for subtle and aesthetically acceptable object identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visible patterns such as QR codes are used for object identification, then object detection and identification is achieved, but visual clutter is added and security features are exposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidvisual clutter and security exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from visible spectrum identification to invisible spectrum identification (infrared, ultraviolet, or other non-visible wavelengths). This dimensional shift allows objects to be identified by robotic devices without adding visual clutter or exposing security features to human observers, as the identification patterns operate in a spectral dimension invisible to humans but detectable by specialized imaging apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary imaging apparatus that can detect patterns in non-visible spectral ranges. This intermediary system enables object identification without requiring visible markers, as the imaging apparatus acts as a mediator between the object and the detection system, capturing patterns that are invisible to human eyes but detectable by the specialized device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If patterns are made undetectable to the human eye using invisible wavelengths, then visual clutter is reduced and security is maintained, but detection by conventional imaging apparatus becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual clutter reductionVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light wavelength to non-visible wavelength (infrared, ultraviolet, or other spectral ranges). By adjusting the spectral sensitivity parameter of the imaging apparatus, the system can detect patterns that are invisible to human eyes while maintaining the ability to accurately measure and identify objects through specialized sensors designed for non-visible spectral detection

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 aesthetically pleasing object detection and tracking by robotic devices without being noticeable to humans, maintaining security and reducing visual clutter.

Implementation Method 1

sensing a first medium that is absorbent at a given wavelength range outside a given human-visible spectral range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

sensing at least a portion of the pattern on the object... sensing a first medium that is absorbent at a given wavelength range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 3

sensing a spectrum of metameric coloration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetamerism:

Implementation Method 4

sensing a polarized composition of reflected light... identifying the changed composition of the polarized reflected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS20230119124A1Apparatus and methods for computerized object identification

Publication Date: 2023.04.20 GOPRO INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.