NFC QR Code Label with Flashing Rectenna for Forgery Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

QR codes are vulnerable to forgery and falsification, and existing manufacturing methods are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An NFC QR code label that incorporates a rectenna to convert radio frequency signals into DC power, activating a ring oscillator to generate a flashing light-emitting QR code pattern through R2R or S2S gravure printing, using non-conductive inks and electrophoretic sheets for enhanced security and reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional QR code is used, then the manufacturing cost is low and the structure is simple, but the QR code is easy to copy or forge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforgery prevention capabilityVSAvoidQR code structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The QR code is made to flash dynamically at a preset frequency instead of being static. This dynamic behavior makes it difficult to copy or forge, as the flashing pattern can be verified by terminal devices. The rectenna and ring oscillator enable the QR code to activate and flash only when exposed to radio frequency signals, adding a temporal dimension to the code's identity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the QR code from static to dynamic by introducing light-emitting capabilities controlled by radio frequency signals. The QR code transitions between illuminated and non-illuminated states at a preset frequency, creating a verifiable temporal parameter that prevents forgery while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional manufacturing methods are used for NFC QR code labels, then the manufacturing cost is high, but the quality and functionality are ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidNFC functionality reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing processes with gravure printing technology. This substitution enables cost-effective mass production of NFC QR code labels while maintaining the required functionality. The gravure printing process allows for precise patterning of conductive and non-conductive materials, ensuring reliable NFC performance at lower manufacturing costs.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes manufacturing parameters by adopting gravure printing, which changes the production efficiency and cost structure. This manufacturing approach enables high-volume production with consistent quality, reducing per-unit costs while maintaining the reliability of NFC functionality through controlled material deposition parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a light-emitting QR code is implemented, then forgery prevention is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against forgeryVSAvoidlabel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the QR code pattern with light-emitting functionality into a single integrated structure. The gravure printing process combines conductive and non-conductive material deposition in one manufacturing step, creating a unified label that embeds both the QR code pattern and light-emitting capabilities without requiring separate assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting QR code operates autonomously when exposed to radio frequency signals. The rectenna automatically converts the RF signals into electrical energy to power the light-emitting elements, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control circuits. The system self-regulates the flashing behavior based on the incoming RF signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If gravure printing is used for manufacturing, then manufacturing cost and time are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidprinting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the label structure into distinct functional regions with specific material properties. The gravure printing process deposits conductive and non-conductive materials in separate, well-defined patterns corresponding to the QR code structure. This segmentation allows for high manufacturing efficiency while maintaining precision through controlled material placement in specific geometric regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The NFC QR code label improves reliability by flashing at a preset frequency, making it difficult to forge, while significantly reducing manufacturing time and costs through the use of gravure printing.

Implementation Method 1

a rectenna for receiving a radio frequency signal from a terminal device and converting the signal into DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a ring oscillator activated by receiving the DC power from the rectenna to generate an oscillation signal of a preset frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation generation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 3

a light-emitting QR code that flashes in response to the oscillation signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS11475265B2NFC QR code label for preventing forgery and falsification and method for producing NFC QR code label
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 RES & BUSINESS FOUND SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIV
  • US11475265B2 patent drawing
  • US11475265B2 patent drawing
  • US11475265B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An NFC QR code label according to the present invention comprises: a rectenna for receiving a radio frequency signal from a terminal device and converting the signal into DC power; a ring oscillator activated by receiving the DC power supplied from the rectenna, and producing an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency; and a light-emitting QR code flickering in response to the oscillation signal. The light-emitting QR code includes a QR code pattern formed by means of gravure printing using a nonconductor ink.