QR Code Mask Member for Anti-Piracy Label Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preventing illegal reading of QR codes on commercial products before purchase require complex layered labels and additional design considerations, limiting product design and increasing production efforts.

Innovation Solution

An optically readable information carrier with a mask member that abuts on the QR code, keeping it unreadable while maintaining the symbol's external visibility, allowing customers to identify and read the code only after purchase by removing the mask.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a layered label with a second label element is laminated to cover the QR code, then illegal reading is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of illegal readingVSAvoidcomplexity of layered label structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into a first label element (substrate) and a second label element (transparent overlay with frame), where each segment serves a specific function. The QR code is printed on the first label element, while the second label element provides the protective frame structure that prevents illegal reading when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second label element is laminated over the first label element, creating a nested structure where the QR code-containing first label is embedded within the protective second label. This nesting provides both protection and structural integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a layered label structure is used to cover the QR code, then illegal reading is prevented, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of illegal readingVSAvoidease of label production and assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The QR code is printed on the first label element before the second label element is attached. The frame is pre-formed on the transparent second label element with adhesive applied, allowing for efficient assembly by simply placing the second label over the first label with the QR code already in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If wide space is allocated on the product surface for attaching layered labels, then the QR code can be properly displayed and protected, but the product design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQR code visibility and protectionVSAvoidproduct design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective frame is positioned specifically around the QR code area on the first label element, providing localized protection where needed. This allows the rest of the product surface to maintain design flexibility while the QR code region receives enhanced protection and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7802730B2Information carrier integrated with an optically readable information symbol

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 DENSO WAVE INC

AI summary

In an optically readable information carrier, an information symbol has a predetermined area and includes an optically readable mark. The optically readable mark indicates at least part of the predetermined area. The information symbol is optically readable by an information reader after the predetermined area has been identified thereby. A mask member is arranged to abut on the information symbol. The mask member is also arranged to mask at least part of the optically readable mark while keeping presence of the information symbol externally visible to change the predetermined area of the information symbol to be unidentifiable.