Decorative Panel Marker Embedding Through Imperceptible Color Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a standard method to identify the origin, composition, or manufacturer of polymer-based decorative panels, which affects traceability, maintenance, and disposal, and existing steganography techniques fail to provide practical solutions for embedding data without impacting aesthetics or production processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for embedding markers in decorative panels by manipulating colour channels of a colour model using an embedding key to create imperceptible markers that can be detected by specialized software, enabling traceability, compliance, and efficient recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If steganography techniques are used to embed hidden information in decorative panels, then traceability and identification are improved, but visual quality and aesthetic appearance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by manipulating color channels (CMYK) to embed markers. Specific color values are adjusted in the decorative pattern to encode traceability information while maintaining overall visual appearance. The marker is created by modifying color parameters in specific pixel combinations rather than adding visible structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying digital image parameters (color values, pixel intensity) to embed markers. The embedding process alters numerical parameters of the decorative pattern's color model to encode information, allowing data storage through subtle parameter adjustments that remain imperceptible to human vision.
2Reliability
If markers are embedded in decorative panels using conventional methods, then identification capability is improved, but the decorative function and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification function with the decorative pattern itself. The marker is not a separate element but is integrated into the decorative design through color manipulations. This combination allows the panel to serve both aesthetic and identification purposes simultaneously without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital representation of the decorative pattern and embedding markers in the digital domain before final production. The marker is copied into the color channel data of the decorative design, allowing verification through digital analysis without physical alteration of the final product's appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional identification methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but traceability and recycling efficiency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding traceability markers during the digital design and printing preparation stage, before actual panel production. The marker is incorporated into the decorative pattern's color data beforehand, so no additional manufacturing steps are required. The traceability information is prepared in advance along with the design files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the printing system itself to embed the marker through standard color management processes. The existing printing infrastructure and color models (CMYK) are utilized to automatically incorporate traceability data without requiring separate equipment or complex additional manufacturing steps.
4Reliability
If color channels are manipulated to embed markers, then data embedding security is improved, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or physical marker embedding methods with digital image processing techniques. Instead of physically altering the panel surface or adding visible markers, the system uses software-based manipulation of color channel data to embed information, which can be detected through digital image analysis rather than physical inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color channel data as an intermediary to transfer and store information. The marker is encoded within the color values that serve as a medium between the decorative design and the traceability information. This intermediary approach allows secure embedding while enabling detection through specialized software that analyzes color parameter variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for embedding at least one marker in a decorative design of a panel, said method comprising the steps of manipulating at least one combination of pixels in at least one colour channel of at least one colour model of a decorative pattern according to at least one embedding key to form a manipulated decorative pattern; printing at least part of the manipulated decorative pattern upon at least part of an upper surface of a panel such that at least one marker is embedded within the at least one printed decorative pattern by means of at least one embedding key.