Packaging Film Identifier Marking with Dual-Layer Optical Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing optically machine-readable identifiers on packaging films are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to manipulation, making it difficult to verify product authenticity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a focused light beam to create a color change in a first layer and a thermal reaction in a second layer, forming an optically machine-readable identifier with a detectable image in the second layer, allowing quick and easy production and reliable authenticity verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanically emboss or die-cut packaging films to create identifiers, then the identifier is securely integrated into the packaging, but the process requires time-consuming mechanical device readjustment for each new identifier batch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier securityVSAvoiddevice readjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical embossing or die-cutting systems with a laser-based marking system. The laser directly marks identifiers on packaging films without requiring mechanical device reconfiguration, thereby maintaining secure identifier integration while eliminating time-consuming readjustment processes for different identifier batches

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses laser parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration) to directly modify the packaging film material properties at targeted locations, creating permanent identifiers through controlled thermal or chemical changes in the film structure, thus avoiding mechanical contact and readjustment entirely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If use visually identifiable features such as QR codes or dot codes on packaging, then the identifier is easy to read and process, but the code can be easily copied and manipulated on packaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier readabilityVSAvoidanti-counterfeiting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite security features by combining machine-readable visual patterns with optically variable materials that exhibit color-shifting or iridescent properties. This composite structure maintains the readability of the underlying code while adding layers of optical complexity that are difficult to replicate with simple printing or sticking methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates materials that display color changes or optical variable effects in response to viewing角度, lighting conditions, or physical manipulation. These color-changing properties are integrated with the machine-readable identifier, allowing easy reading while providing built-in anti-counterfeiting characteristics that cannot be easily copied

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 rapid and efficient generation of optically machine-readable identifiers with additional security features, ensuring reliable product verification by comparing the identifier across layers.

Implementation Method 1

the focused beam of light is at least partially absorbed by the first layer (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the focused beam of light is locally at least partially converted into thermal energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion:

Implementation Method 3

through the thermal energy, a local heat transfer to the second layer (5) takes place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4468199B1Method for generating an optical machine-readable identifier on a packaging film
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ADAPA DIGITAL GMBH
  • EP4468199B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

In a method for generating an optically machine-readable identifier (1) on a packaging film (2), it is proposed that the packaging film (2) comprises at least a first layer (3) comprising photosensitive materials (4) and at least one second layer (5) arranged at least indirectly on the first layer (3), wherein, for generating the optically machine-readable identifier (1), a focused beam of light is directed predictably onto the first layer (3), wherein the focused beam of light is at least partially absorbed by the first layer (3), wherein the focused beam of light causes a color change (6) in the first layer (3) to generate the optically machine-readable identifier (1) and is locally at least partially converted into thermal energy, wherein the thermal energy causes a local heat transfer to the second layer (5) and induces a thermal reaction in the second layer (5).whereby an additional image (7) of the optically machine-readable identifier (1) is formed in the second layer (5), which is at least optically detectable.