Optical Code Structure With Scattering Reflection for Glossy Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bar codes and two-dimensional codes are easily counterfeited and difficult to read from glossy surfaces due to their limited layer structure and reliance on white-and-black print, which compromises readability and appearance.
Innovation Solution
An optical structure with a reflecting layer having regular reflectivity and a print layer with scattering reflectivity, including pale-color and non-pale-color level areas, optionally with a spacer and protection layer, and an emboss layer with a recess-and-projection structure, to enhance readability and authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional white-and-black print bar code is used, then the code can be easily printed by anyone with a printer, but the code can be easily counterfeited and is difficult to read from glossy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The code structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a base layer with ground color, a print layer with pale-color ink forming code elements, and a top layer with scattering particles. This segmentation creates a complex multi-layer structure that is difficult to counterfeit while maintaining readability through the scattering reflectivity of the top layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials combining a ground color layer, pale-color print ink, and scattering particles (such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide) in a multi-layer configuration. This composite structure provides both the aesthetic appearance and the anti-counterfeiting properties through the interaction of light with different material layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional white-and-black print bar code is used, then the code can be printed on various surfaces, but the code cannot be read from glossy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes color contrast between the ground color layer and the pale-color print ink, combined with the scattering properties of the top layer. The scattering particles cause light to reflect diffusely, creating visible contrast between code elements and background that enhances readability on glossy surfaces while maintaining versatility across different substrate types.
3Device complexity
If a simple print layer structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the external appearance is poor and the code cannot be read from glossy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the code structure by creating a multi-layer configuration with ground color, print layer, and scattering particle layer stacked in sequence. This dimensional approach allows light to interact with multiple interfaces, enhancing both appearance quality and readability through controlled light scattering and reflection.
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 optical structure provides high readability from glossy surfaces and is difficult to counterfeit, combining both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting layer having regular reflectivity
Implementation Method 2
a print layer stacked on at least a part of the reflecting layer, the print layer functioning as a scattering reflector having scattering reflectivity
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical structure that can form a code that is difficult to counterfeit and compatibly has both a high readability and a fine appearance. The optical structure of the present invention includes a reflecting layer having regular reflectivity, and a print layer stacked on at least a part of the reflecting layer, the print layer functioning as a scattering reflector having scattering reflectivity, wherein an image part, which is recognizable when viewed from a stack direction, is formed on the print layer, and the image part includes a pale-color level area that is printed, and a non-pale-color level area interposed between the pale-color level areas.