Optical Asset Verification Reader for Internal Laser-Etched Tags
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset verification systems, such as the Sarine TruMatch diamond verification system, are limited in their ability to scan laser-etched tags internally within gems and require additional scanning by the user, and they output QR/bar codes that need further processing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reader with a holder, light source, magnifying optics, reflective optics, and a multi-function hardware device, such as a smartphone or laptop, that includes a database for asset verification, allowing for direct reading and processing of laser-etched tags within assets using a distributed ledger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional asset verification system scans tags on the surface of gems, then the scanning process is simple, but it cannot read laser-etched tags within the body of the asset and requires additional user interaction for QR/bar code scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the verification system within a multi-function hardware device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop), nesting the optical reader, light source, and processing capabilities inside a familiar portable device. This allows the complex verification functionality to be accessed through a compact, user-friendly interface while maintaining advanced tag-reading capabilities within the asset body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: the multi-function hardware device serves as both the verification reader and the display/processing unit. The system can read various tag types (laser-etched, QR codes, bar codes) within different assets (gems, metals, plastics), providing universal verification capability across multiple asset types and tag formats through one device.
2Measurement precision
If magnifying optics with effective magnification greater than 10× are used to separate dots in a tag, then the tag can be sufficiently separated and viewed, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflective optics to create a folded optical path, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to fold the light path back and forth within the reader. This allows the optical system to achieve the necessary magnification and image formation without requiring a linearly proportional increase in the reader's physical length, effectively packing the optical path into a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components (magnifying optics, reflective optics, light source) are nested within the multi-function hardware device, with each component compactly arranged to minimize overall device volume while maintaining the required optical performance for high-magnification tag viewing.
3Volume of moving object
If reflective optics are used to convey the tag image through the reader, then the reader size is reduced, but the optical path becomes folded and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with fixed reflective optics and electronic image processing. The folded optical path uses stationary mirrors or reflective surfaces to redirect light, eliminating the need for moving parts or complex mechanical alignment systems, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining compact size.
4Manufacturing precision
If laser direct writing is used to create photonic devices internally in bulk transparent materials, then three-dimensional photonic devices can be fabricated, but the process requires precise control and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The tagging process is performed in advance during asset creation or certification. Laser-etched tags are embedded within the asset body (gems, metals, plastics) before the asset enters circulation, so that subsequent verification only requires reading the pre-created tag rather than creating it during verification. This separates the complex manufacturing process from the simple verification process.
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 direct reading and verification of laser-etched tags within assets without additional scanning, providing immediate and reliable information through a smartphone or laptop, enhancing security and efficiency in asset verification processes.
Implementation Method 1
lighting the asset to cause forward scatter of light through a tag disposed in the body of the asset
Implementation Method 2
magnifying optics configured with an effective magnification for both sufficiently separating dots in a tag in the body of the asset
Implementation Method 3
reflective optics for conveying an image of the tag through the reader, wherein the reflective optics cause the tag image to follow a folded optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An asset verification system, comprising: a reader comprising magnifying optics configured with an effective magnification for both sufficiently separating dots in a tag in the body of the asset and viewing the tag at an effective magnification greater than 10×, reflective optics for conveying an image of the tag through the reader; and, a multi-function hardware device comprising an optical sensor for reading the tag of the asset projected to the optical sensor by the reader, wherein the multi-function hardware device is at least one of a tablet, smartphone and a laptop computer.