Multi-Spectral Machine-Readable Codes for Tamper Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems are vulnerable to tampering and degradation, particularly in environments where GPS or internet access is unavailable, leading to potential misinformation and loss of location precision.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple visual codes imprinted with materials responsive to different spectra of light, with a verification code hidden beneath the primary code, allowing detection and validation across various electromagnetic spectra to ensure authenticity and resistance to tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single visual code is used for navigation information, then the system is simple and easy to decode, but the code is vulnerable to tampering and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The visual code is divided into multiple stacked layers, each containing a code visible to a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The first layer contains a first code visible in a first spectrum portion, while the second layer contains a second code visible in a second spectrum portion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve tamper resistance by requiring multiple spectral views for complete decoding, while maintaining simplicity within each individual layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral dimension to the code structure by embedding codes that are visible to different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Instead of using only visible light, the system utilizes multiple spectral dimensions (e.g., visible, infrared, ultraviolet) to encode information. This dimensional expansion provides tamper resistance because an attacker would need to manipulate multiple spectral layers simultaneously, while each individual code remains simple for its intended spectral view.
2Reliability
If multiple spectral layers are implemented, then tamper resistance is improved, but the decoding process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The decoding process is segmented by spectral portion, with each layer containing codes optimized for a specific spectrum. The first layer codes are decoded using first spectral detection, and the second layer codes are decoded using second spectral detection. This segmentation allows the verification process to handle multiple spectral layers systematically, improving authenticity verification while managing decoding complexity through structured approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a verification mechanism where the second code in the second layer serves as a verification code for the first code in the first layer. The system compares the decoded first code with the decoded second code to verify authenticity. This feedback mechanism improves verification of authenticity by providing cross-validation between spectral layers, while the structured comparison process manages decoding complexity.
3Reliability
If codes are embedded in multiple materials, then resistance to tampering increases, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures where different layers are made from materials with distinct spectral properties. The first layer uses materials responsive to a first portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, while the second layer uses materials responsive to a second portion. This composite material approach increases resistance to degradation by distributing the code across materials with different physical and chemical properties, while the layered structure manages manufacturing complexity through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into separate layer integration steps, with each layer being manufactured and integrated independently before adding the next layer. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each spectral layer, improving resistance to degradation through material diversity while managing overall manufacturing complexity through modular assembly.
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
Enhances navigation reliability by providing high-reliability geolocation and data delivery in tamper-resistant formats, independent of external networks, using visible and infrared codes integrated into physical environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each material can reflect light from a different portion of an electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The first region and the second region having a first transmissivity property corresponding to a first portion of a spectrum of light and a second portion of the spectrum of light
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this technical solution can include a first layer having a first region and a second region, the first region and the second region having a first transmissivity property corresponding to a first portion of a spectrum of light and a second portion of the spectrum of light, having the first transmissivity property, and a second layer disposed over the first layer and having a third region and a fourth region, the third region and the fourth region having a second transmissivity property corresponding to the first portion of the spectrum of light and the second portion of the spectrum of light.