Scannable Heat Transfer Graphics for Interactive Sports Jerseys

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system that allows users to access real-time stats and personal information about athletes and sports teams, enabling strong interaction through social media and web tools, particularly for sports jerseys and apparel with embedded scannable marks.

Innovation Solution

A composite image heat transfer with a scannable mark, such as a QR code or digital watermark, embedded within the jersey number or club crest, which, when scanned, provides access to relevant information and allows users to follow teams and athletes on social media, using a database to store and retrieve information associated with the scannable mark.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a scannable mark is embedded within a heat transfer on sports apparel, then users can access real-time stats and personal information about athletes and teams, but the design and manufacturing complexity of the heat transfer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to athlete and team informationVSAvoidheat transfer design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the scannable mark (barcode, QR code, or digital watermark) with the existing heat transfer design elements (jersey numbers, club crests, player names) into a single integrated graphic. The scannable mark is embedded within or alongside these traditional sports apparel elements, allowing fans to access athlete and team information without requiring separate components or additional manufacturing steps beyond standard heat transfer application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat transfer serves multiple functions: it displays traditional sports apparel information (player numbers, team crests) while simultaneously incorporating a scannable mark that provides access to digital content. This multi-functionality allows a single heat transfer element to fulfill both traditional identification purposes and modern information access requirements, reducing the need for separate information delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If a scannable mark is embedded within the jersey number or club crest, then information access is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveathlete stats and personal information accessVSAvoidscannable mark positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scannable mark is strategically positioned within specific regions of the heat transfer design, such as within the boundaries of jersey numbers or club crests. This localized placement ensures that the scannable mark occupies a defined space with adequate resolution for scanning, while maintaining the overall aesthetic and functional integrity of the sports apparel design. The local quality of the scannable mark region is optimized for scanability without compromising the global design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If scannable marks are used on sports apparel, then fan interaction through social media is enabled, but the device complexity for information retrieval increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocial media interaction capabilityVSAvoidinformation retrieval system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scannable mark acts as an intermediary element that bridges the physical sports apparel and the digital information ecosystem. When fans scan the mark using their mobile devices, it triggers access to databases containing athlete stats, team information, and social media platforms. This intermediary function enables fan interaction without requiring complex integrated systems within the apparel itself, leveraging instead the computational capabilities of the fan's personal device and existing digital infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 users to link jersey numbers and club crests with corresponding athlete or team information, facilitating enhanced interaction and engagement through social media and web tools, while ensuring durability and authenticity of the scannable marks.

Implementation Method 1

composite image heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11298929B2Composite image heat transfer with scannable mark

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A composite image heat transfer is disclosed for use on specific merchandising articles, sports jerseys, or other apparel for a specific sport. A scannable mark would be embedded in a heat transfer positioned on a sports jersey, such as a jersey number or a club crest. The scannable mark would be scanned by a user to provide stats, personal information, or other information about the corresponding sports team/club and/or individual athlete. The user can also register the scannable mark and follow the sports team/club and/or athlete on social media. Thus, the composite image heat transfer with embedded scannable mark would link each jersey number with information related to the corresponding player/athlete, and each club crest would be linked to information related to the corresponding club/team. This would enable a strong interaction through social media and other web tools between athletes and/or clubs and fans.