Rotated Marker Codes for Material Authentication and Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for encoding information on materials lack effective mechanisms for dynamic encoding and decoding, particularly in ensuring authenticity and traceability, which are crucial for preventing counterfeiting and theft, and for tracking product provenance.
Innovation Solution
A method of dynamically encoding information using a two-dimensional grid code with rotated L-shaped markers, applied through embossing, stamping, or hot-stamping, and decoded using a mobile application, which includes a digital fingerprint verification based on material characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional static codes are used on materials, then the coding process is simple, but the ability to verify authenticity and track product provenance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static codes into dynamic codes that change over time. The code includes a time component that updates continuously, allowing verification of authenticity and product provenance. The dynamic nature of the code enables tracking of product journey and ensures it cannot be replicated or counterfeited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal dimension to traditional spatial codes. Instead of only encoding information in the physical arrangement of markers on a material surface, the system incorporates time-based encoding where markers are applied at specific times and their positions change over time. This dimensional addition enables authentication and tracking capabilities.
2Reliability
If dynamic encoding with rotated markers is used, then product traceability and anti-counterfeiting capability are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the code into discrete markers that can be independently applied to the material surface. Each marker is a separate element that can be stamped, embossed, or hot-stamped individually. This segmentation allows the complex dynamic code to be applied through simple repetitive operations using a stamping device, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the marker orientation (rotation angles) to encode information dynamically. By varying the rotation angle of markers over time, the system creates a dynamic code that is difficult to replicate. The manufacturing process remains simple as it only requires applying markers at different angles using a stamping mechanism, without complex processing steps.
3Loss of information
If multiple markers are applied to material surface, then information encoding capacity increases, but the decoding accuracy may be affected by marker orientation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the decoding process. The system continuously monitors the orientation of markers and adjusts the decoding algorithm accordingly. When markers are rotated to different angles, the feedback mechanism detects these variations and compensates for them during decoding, maintaining high accuracy despite the increased information capacity from multiple markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric marker designs with specific rotation angles that create unique patterns. The markers are designed with asymmetric features that maintain distinguishability even when rotated. This asymmetry ensures that decoding accuracy is maintained while the ability to encode multiple pieces of information through different marker orientations is enhanced.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for encoding/decoding information using a combination with unique characteristics and patterns on the surface structure of the material includes applying a code to a material consists of a string of characters that the encoding module divides into information, and sets an individual angle of rotation of the individual separate applied stamps (1) arranged side by side, preferably in columns and rows, after which the individual separate stamps (2) are rotated by the set individual angle and the stamp (2) is applied to the material to be marked. The method of decoding the information using a digital camera consists in taking a photo of the material on which the markers (1) are applied, preferably arranged in columns and rows, and transmitting this photo-optical read to the decoding module, where the angle of the individual markers is read out and the encoded information is read out using a code.