Nanocode Laser Marking for Invisible Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode technologies are inadequate for creating and reading ultra-small scale codes that are necessary for advanced anti-counterfeiting and identification applications, as they are too small to be discerned by the naked eye or basic magnification, and lack a viable reader capable of accurately interpreting such small markings.
Innovation Solution
Development of a system using a laser to create nanometer-sized codes on various materials, which can only be read with a specialized Nanocode reader, allowing for the creation of machine-readable codes that are invisible to the human eye and can be used for authentication and tracking purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional barcode technologies are used, then codes can be read by standard systems, but codes cannot be made small enough to be invisible to the naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical barcode reading systems with a specialized laser-based reading system. The Nanocode reader uses a laser to illuminate and detect the ultra-small code markings, enabling reading of codes that are too small for standard optical systems. This substitution of the detection mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing code sizes below human visual detection thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scale parameter of the code markings from visible dimensions to nanometer-scale dimensions (100-1000 nanometers). By transforming the code size parameter to the nanoscale regime, the code becomes invisible to the naked eye while remaining detectable by the specialized laser reading system, thus resolving the contradiction between small size and detectability.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser marking is used to create ultra-small codes, then code size is reduced to nanometer scale, but specialized equipment is required for both creation and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the specialized laser system. The same laser technology serves both for creating the ultra-small code markings and for reading/detecting them through the Nanocode reader. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for marking and reading, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining nanometer-scale precision.
3Reliability
If code markings are made invisible to the naked eye, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but location and detection of the code becomes nearly impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (the Nanocode reader with laser illumination) that bridges the gap between invisible code markings and detectable signals. The laser illuminates the hidden code and the reader detects the reflected or transmitted light patterns, converting the invisible nanometer-scale markings into readable data. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by making invisible codes detectable without compromising their security.
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 secure and efficient identification and authentication of articles by creating and reading ultra-small codes that are virtually imperceptible, providing enhanced security against counterfeiting and improved tracking capabilities across diverse materials and products.
Implementation Method 1
a laser to mark the surface of an article... a laser to create nanometer-sized codes on various materials... The marks created by a laser are so small that a special reader is required to read the code
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning system with sufficient power to drill very small holes or marks in materials. The holes or marks are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. These holes and marks can be arranged in an ID matrix barcode or other barcode that can be detected with a specially designed barcode reader.