Radar-Based 3D Code Interpretation for Secure Data Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick response codes are limited in information capacity and are constrained by imaging and environmental factors, making them unsuitable for practical applications, especially in mobile use and security contexts.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional (3D) codes that utilize radar signals to encode and decode information, where the depth of cells on a surface encodes multiple bits of data, allowing for secure and durable encoding of information, even under suboptimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional 2D QR codes are used, then the code can be easily captured by camera, but the information capacity is limited and environmental conditions constrain usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D visual codes to 3D tactile codes with depth variation. Each cell in the code grid can have different heights or depths, allowing multiple bits of information to be encoded in each cell position. This dimensional addition enables significantly higher information capacity while the tactile nature makes the code readable under various environmental conditions including poor lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical camera-based reading system with a radar-based detection system. Instead of using light and cameras to capture and process visual images, the system uses radar signals to detect the depth and shape of the 3D code cells, enabling reading without visual constraints and improving environmental adaptability.
2Loss of information
If 3D codes with depth variation are used, then information capacity increases, but the code becomes invisible to human eye and requires radar for reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radar as an intermediary device to read the 3D code. The radar system emits signals that interact with the depth variations in the code cells and receives reflected signals to decode the information. This intermediary enables the system to access the high-capacity 3D encoding without requiring direct human visual interpretation of the invisible depth variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the code from visual (2D flat patterns visible to human eye) to tactile (3D depth variations detectable by radar). By encoding information in depth parameter rather than visual pattern, the system achieves higher information capacity while requiring a different detection modality (radar instead of human vision).
3Device complexity
If camera-based 2D codes are used, then the system is simple to implement, but imaging capacity and environmental conditions place substantial constraints on practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the camera-based optical system with a radar-based electromagnetic wave system. This substitution eliminates the constraints of visual imaging (lighting conditions, focus, angle) while maintaining a relatively simple implementation. The radar system detects depth variations through electromagnetic wave reflection, providing more reliable reading under diverse environmental conditions.
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
Enables the encoding of more information than traditional 2D codes, provides security through durability and invisibility, and maintains readability under poor conditions, such as poor lighting and vibrations, making it suitable for applications like product serial numbers and vehicle identification.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna structure and a radar transceiver coupled to the antenna structure, the radar transceiver to transmit an outbound radar signal and receive a reflected radar signal via the antenna structure
Implementation Method 2
the time of travel for radar signals impacting and reflecting off of the 3D code enables the depth of the surface to be determined at each cell
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may provide for transmitting an outbound radar signal via an antenna structure and receiving a reflected radar signal via the antenna structure. Additionally, a three dimensional (3D) code may be interpreted based on the outbound radar signal and the reflected radar signal. In one example, interpreting the 3D code includes determining depth data for each of a plurality of cells in the 3D code.