Multiplexed Luminescent QR Codes for Physical Parameter Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing QR codes have limitations in storage capacity and functionality, particularly in measuring physical parameters like temperature and UV exposure, requiring specific sensors that are complex and not intuitive for users, and lack the ability to provide dynamic information or traceability without additional devices.
Innovation Solution
Multiplexed luminescent QR codes that use luminescent materials sensitive to temperature and UV exposure, allowing measurement through a common camera device without additional components, enabling real-time temperature and UV exposure monitoring and providing traceability and authentication by changing color or intensity in response to physical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional QR codes are used for information storage, then storage capacity is limited, but adding sensors to measure physical parameters increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple luminescent materials with different emission characteristics into a single QR code structure. Each material responds to different physical parameters (temperature, UV exposure), allowing the QR code to function as both information storage and multiple sensors simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sensor components
Solution Approach 2:
The luminescent QR code serves multiple functions: it stores information through its visual pattern, acts as a temperature sensor through luminescence intensity/peak shifts, functions as a UV sensor through similar luminescence changes, and provides authentication through unique material signatures. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices
2Measurement precision
If luminescent materials are integrated into QR codes for sensing, then measurement capability is improved, but reading and detection requires specific equipment rather than common devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized detection equipment with a common smartphone camera. By encoding measurement data into visual parameters (color changes, intensity variations) that the camera can capture, and using image processing algorithms to extract quantitative information, the system eliminates the need for specialized optical detectors while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The luminescent materials exhibit distinct color and intensity changes in response to different physical parameters. These visual changes are directly readable by standard camera sensors, which capture RGB values that can be processed to determine temperature, UV exposure, and other parameters. This approach makes the sensing capability accessible through common devices without requiring specialized equipment
3Measurement precision
If multiple luminescent materials are used for multiplexed sensing, then measurement precision and parameter detection are improved, but manufacturing and material integration become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the QR code into distinct regions or uses different luminescent materials for different modules within the QR code structure. Each material is deposited or applied in a controlled manner to specific areas, allowing for systematic manufacturing. The segmentation approach enables quality control and simplifies the integration process by breaking down the complex multi-material application into manageable steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite luminescent material systems where different luminescent compounds are integrated within a common matrix or substrate. This composite approach allows the materials to be applied together in a single manufacturing process while maintaining their individual sensing properties. The composite structure simplifies manufacturing compared to applying multiple separate layers, as it enables simultaneous deposition and ensures uniform distribution of sensing materials throughout the QR code
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 real-time measurement of temperature and UV exposure with high sensitivity and resolution using a smartphone camera, overcoming the limitations of traditional QR codes by integrating sensing capabilities and providing secure, accessible information storage and authentication.
Implementation Method 1
luminescent materials sensitive to temperature and UV exposure, allowing measurement through a common camera device
Implementation Method 2
luminescent materials sensitive to temperature and UV exposure, allowing measurement through a common camera device
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology discloses smart labels to monitor physical parameters, and for traceability and authentication of objects, documents or people. This active and multifunctional label is based on spectrally and spatially multiplexed Quick Response (QR) codes (A). Spectrally selectivity is achieved using luminescent materials and spatially multiplexing is achieved using different patterns (B) combining both to design improved QR codes able to store information at different layers of accessibility. This brings advantages over the actual scenario of QR codes wherein the amount of storage information increases up to three times, adding the capability to sense physical parameters and allow to control the provided information, creating public and restricted access. To access and read the content of each layer, different illumination is used (C) to (E) and is processed using a device or via dedicated applications.