Surface Feature Code Reading for Covert Origin Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification technologies are not covert and lack efficiency in rapidly distinguishing objects of different commercial origins at point-of-sale, particularly in retail settings, where counterfeit objects can be difficult to identify.
Innovation Solution
A reader apparatus and method utilizing surface feature portions of different types, where the distance of the second type from a reference plane is calibrated using the first type, enabling the reading of identification codes through a line scan and interferometer device, allowing for covert and rapid verification of object origin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional identification devices (barcodes, RFID tags) are used, then identification functionality is achieved, but the devices are visually apparent and not covert
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar codes (barcodes) to three-dimensional surface features with varying depths. The identification code is encoded in the depth dimension of surface features, allowing covert identification as the features blend with the natural surface topology rather than appearing as distinct visual markers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the surface features have different depths relative to the reference plane, creating local variations in the third dimension. These local depth differences encode identification information while maintaining an overall uniform appearance that is not visually apparent to users.
2Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used to identify object origin, then verification is possible, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient at point-of-sale
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical measurement system using a confocal microscope. The system uses light focusing and detection to automatically measure the three-dimensional surface feature depths and decode the identification code, enabling rapid verification without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification code is pre-encoded into the surface features during manufacturing. The confocal microscope system then simply needs to read the pre-encoded information by measuring surface depths, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis or manual comparison during verification.
3Ease of manufacture
If three-dimensional surface features are used for identification, then covert identification is achieved, but the reading process becomes more complex compared to traditional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The confocal microscope system uses its own focused light to illuminate the surface features and detects the reflected light to measure depths. The system is self-contained, using internal reference planes and automatic focusing mechanisms to eliminate the need for external calibration equipment or complex multi-device setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The confocal microscope employs feedback through its focusing mechanism, automatically adjusting the focal plane to match the depth of each surface feature. The system uses the detected light intensity feedback to determine when optimal focus is achieved, enabling automatic depth measurement without manual intervention.
4Productivity
If surface features are used for identification, then rapid automated reading is possible, but precise distance measurement from reference plane is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical depth measurement methods with optical focusing measurement. The confocal microscope uses light focusing principles to measure surface feature depths non-contactingly and precisely, achieving both high speed and high accuracy simultaneously through optical rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures depth by changing the focal parameter of the optical system. By varying the focal plane position and detecting light intensity changes, the system converts depth measurement into an optical parameter measurement, enabling precise and rapid depth determination.
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 covert and efficient identification of object origin by calibrating the distance of surface feature portions, facilitating rapid verification and reducing the risk of counterfeit detection at point-of-sale.
Implementation Method 1
detecting by means of the detector light scattered by the surface feature device
Implementation Method 2
apparatus for reading the identification code in the form of a surface feature device... interferometer device
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided reader apparatus for reading an identification code carried by a surface feature device, the surface feature device having a plurality of respective surface feature portions each provided at respective lateral locations over a lateral surface at one of a plurality of predetermined distances from a lateral reference plane, the apparatus comprising a light source and a light detector, the apparatus being configured to direct light from the light source onto the respective surface feature portions of the surface feature device and to detect by means of the detector light scattered by the respective surface feature portions, the detector being configured to output a detector signal indicative of the intensity of light incident thereon, the apparatus being configured to generate a reader signal responsive to the distance of each of the respective surface feature portions of the surface feature device from the reference plane in dependence on the detector signal.