Quantum Dot Fluorescence Mapping for Non-Destructive Product Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for appraising genuine products are often damaging, inefficient, and economically unfeasible, relying on direct contact with the product surface and requiring expensive equipment, with ambiguity in expert opinions and difficulty in distinguishing genuine products from sophisticated counterfeits.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using quantum dots that involves applying a quantum dot solution to a target product, obtaining fluorescence image data with laser light, determining the relative height and distance of quantum dots, generating a quantum dot arrangement map, and comparing it with a reference map to determine the product's authenticity without damaging the product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct contact methods (carbon dating, Raman spectroscopy, handwriting analysis) are used to appraise genuine products, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the product surface may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappraisal accuracyVSAvoidproduct damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces quantum dots as an intermediary substance that is applied to the product surface. These quantum dots emit fluorescence when excited by laser light, allowing the appraisal system to obtain measurement data without direct contact with or damage to the product surface. The quantum dots serve as a mediator between the laser light and the product, enabling non-destructive measurement while maintaining high appraisal accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If entire object observation methods are used to determine authenticity, then measurement precision is improved, but appraisal time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappraisal accuracyVSAvoidappraisal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the product appraisal process into segments by applying quantum dots to specific regions rather than requiring observation of the entire object. The fluorescence emission from these segmented quantum dot regions provides sufficient information for authenticity determination, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining measurement precision through the unique fluorescence characteristics of the quantum dots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If expensive equipment (Raman spectroscopy, carbon dating) is used for product appraisal, then measurement precision is improved, but economic feasibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappraisal accuracyVSAvoideconomic feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs quantum dots as a disposable, low-cost alternative to expensive appraisal equipment. The quantum dots can be applied as a temporary coating that emits characteristic fluorescence signals, enabling accurate product authentication using relatively simple and inexpensive laser excitation and fluorescence detection equipment, thereby dramatically improving economic feasibility while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If expert opinion-based appraisal methods are used, then adaptability to various products is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to ambiguity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct type flexibilityVSAvoidappraisal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the subjective human expert opinion system with an objective optical measurement system based on quantum dot fluorescence. The quantum dots emit characteristic fluorescence signals when excited by laser light, providing quantifiable and unambiguous data that eliminates the ambiguity inherent in expert opinions. This substitution maintains adaptability to various product types while significantly improving measurement precision and reliability through objective physical measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach minimizes damage to the product, reduces appraisal time and costs, and enhances accuracy by allowing for the appraisal of partial areas coated with quantum dots, effectively distinguishing genuine from counterfeit products.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining, by the at least one processor, image data for fluorescence generated from a target product and a quantum dot layer located in one region of the target product by laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12276611B2Method and system for appraising genuine product using quantum dot

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 PUSAN NAT UNIV IND UNIV COOPERATION FOUND

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of appraising a genuine product using a quantum dot which includes obtaining image data for fluorescence generated from a target product and a quantum dot layer located in one region of the target product by laser light; determining a relative height and a relative distance between target quantum dots constituting the quantum dot layer by using the image data for the fluorescence, and generating a quantum dot arrangement map; and determining whether the target product is genuine by comparing the quantum dot arrangement map with a previously stored reference quantum dot arrangement map.