Polarisation-Encoded Label for High-Security Covert Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current label technologies lack durability and reliability in encoding both overt and covert information, particularly under varying conditions of mechanical wear and temperature changes, and struggle to efficiently encode high-security information that is difficult to forge or replicate.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for creating labels with light-modified regions of specific polarizations, using light of different states to encode information, allowing for both visible and covert data storage by altering the material's molecular alignment, enabling the creation of a visible layout under ambient light and revealing covert information with specific illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional labelling methods are used, then the label is visible and readable, but the label lacks covert information and security features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple layers of information within a single label structure. The label contains both overt visible information and covert hidden information nested within the same physical medium, allowing multiple information types to coexist without increasing the physical footprint of the label.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of information encoding by using polarisation states of light as an additional degree of freedom. Beyond the traditional spatial arrangement of visible features, the label encodes information in the polarisation domain, allowing covert data to be stored in the same spatial location as visible features but in a different optical dimension.
2Reliability
If standard visible labels are used, then the label is easily read, but the label can be easily copied or forged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polarisation-dependent optical properties to create regions that appear different under different polarisation states. The label contains regions with specific polarisation characteristics that are invisible or indistinguishable under ambient light but reveal covert information when viewed through polarising filters or under polarised illumination, providing a simple yet effective anti-counterfeiting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarising filters or polarised illumination as an intermediary tool to reveal covert information. The covert features are encoded in polarisation states that require this intermediary device to be visualized, creating a verification step that prevents casual copying or forgery while maintaining the simplicity of the label itself.
3Loss of information
If light-modified regions with different polarisation states are used, then covert information is encoded, but the reading apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic information encoding systems with an optical field-based approach. By using the polarisation states of light to encode information, the system leverages the inherent properties of electromagnetic fields rather than requiring complex mechanical structures or electronic components, simplifying both the labeling and reading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent encodes information by changing the polarisation parameter of light in specific regions of the label. Rather than requiring complex spatial arrangements or additional physical layers, the invention modulates the polarisation state (orientation, ellipticity, or handedness) of light-modified regions to store covert information, allowing high-density encoding with simple structural modifications.
4Reliability
If the label material is modified to store covert information, then security is improved, but the durability under mechanical wear and temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures that combine materials with complementary properties. The label uses a base material providing mechanical durability and environmental stability, combined with light-modifiable regions that can store polarisation-based covert information. This composite approach ensures that the covert information storage mechanism does not compromise the overall structural integrity and environmental resistance of the label.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the label into distinct functional regions: visible information areas and covert information areas. The light-modified regions storing covert information are segmented as separate entities within the label structure, allowing their optical properties to be optimized for information storage while the surrounding material maintains mechanical strength and environmental stability. This segmentation isolates the sensitive polarisation-encoded regions from direct mechanical stress.
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 solution enhances information storage density and security by allowing both overt and covert information to be encoded in a label, which appears uniform under ambient light but reveals hidden data with polarized illumination, providing increased durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
modifying regions of a material within the label using light, wherein the modifying comprises using light of a first polarisation state to provide photo-induced optically active regions of a first type having a first optical activity state which is characteristic of having been formed by light of the first polarisation state
Implementation Method 2
the light-modified regions of the first type will exhibit optical activity when exposed again to light of a first polarisation state—i.e. a polarisation state which is the same as that of the light which originally created the modified region
Implementation Method 3
During formation, molecules and/or crystallites of the material are aligned by the electromagnetic field of the modifying light into an arrangement characteristic of the electromagnetic field, i.e. characteristic of the light's polarisation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for writing a label (defined within a predetermined region of the sample 110), the label displaying a visible layout of light-modified regions in a predetermined spatial arrangement. The method comprises: modifying regions of a material within the label using light, wherein the modifying comprises using light of a first polarisation state to provide photo-induced optically active regions of a first type having a first optical activity state which is characteristic of having been formed by light of the first polarisation state, in order to encode covert information in the label using the locations of the first type of light-modified regions within the spatial arrangement of the label.