Photonic Markers for Low Frame Rate Camera Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Evaluating the photoluminescence lifetime of commercially available photonic markers is costly and requires complicated handling due to the need for high-speed cameras, making it impractical for applications like security marking, product identification, and material sorting.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a photonic marker with a host material of CaS or Ba y Sr 1-y S doped with Eu 2+, where the dopant concentration is adjusted to achieve a tailored photoluminescence lifetime, allowing for low-cost, easy-to-handle excitation and detection using a pulsed light source and standard video camera, enabling time-resolved photoluminescence intensity detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-speed cameras are used to detect photoluminescence intensity in a time-resolved manner, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotoluminescence lifetime evaluationVSAvoiddetection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of photoluminescence lifetime to be in the range of 10 ms to 1 s, which is sufficiently long to be detected by standard video cameras operating at 20-2000 fps. This parameter change allows the use of simple, low-cost video cameras instead of complex high-speed cameras, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs standard video cameras, which are inexpensive and widely available devices, replacing expensive specialized high-speed cameras. The short-lived photoluminescence signal (10 ms to 1 s) is captured effectively by these standard devices, achieving cost-effective detection without sacrificing essential measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If high-speed cameras are used for photoluminescence detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotoluminescence lifetime evaluationVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By extending the photoluminescence lifetime to 10 ms-1 s range, the patent makes the signal detectable by standard video cameras that are easy to operate. This eliminates the need for specialized high-speed camera equipment that requires complex handling, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through the extended lifetime parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If standard video camera is used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection systemVSAvoidphotoluminescence lifetime evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the photoluminescence lifetime parameter to 10 ms-1 s, which bridges the gap between simple video camera capabilities and precise measurement requirements. This parameter optimization enables standard video cameras to achieve sufficient measurement precision without requiring complex specialized detection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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

The system enables cost-effective and simple evaluation of photonic markers' photoluminescence lifetime, suitable for security marking, product identification, and material sorting, without the need for specialized detectors, and allows for visual detection of photoluminescence intensity.

Implementation Method 1

evaluating the photoluminescence of a photonic marker... excite the at least one photonic marker so that the at least one photonic marker emits photoluminescence, the intensity of which decays over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4108736A1Photonic markers enabling security marking, product identification, and material sorting using low frame rate cameras
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 KARLSRUHER INST FUR TECH
  • EP4108736A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108736A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4108736A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system, method and computer-program for evaluating the photoluminescence of a photonic marker as well as to a photonic marker for security marking and to the use of the photonic marker for security marking. The photonic marker according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a host material selected from the group consisting of CaS and BaySr1-yS where 0 ≤ y ≤ 1, wherein the host material is doped with Eu2+.