Synthetic Barcode Module Emulating Reflected Light for Secure Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed barcodes are static, insecure, easily compromised, and vulnerable to fraud, making them unsuitable for applications requiring secure and dynamic information transmission, and they are not adaptable for use with conventional laser barcode scanners.
Innovation Solution
A compact, reliable, and adaptable synthetic barcode module that detects the presence of a conventional laser barcode scanner and emits light pulses emulating reflected light from a barcode, using a light emitter assembly, sensor assembly, and controller to generate signals readable by the scanner, allowing for secure and dynamic information communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional printed barcodes are used for item identification, then the system is simple and inexpensive to implement, but the barcodes are static, easily compromised, and vulnerable to fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static printed barcodes into dynamic synthetic barcodes that can change information content over time. The synthetic barcode system uses a controller to generate variable light pulse patterns emulating reflected light from barcode stripes, enabling the same physical marker to convey different information at different times, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies of barcode reflection patterns through light pulse generation. Instead of relying on physical printed barcodes that can be replicated and altered, the system generates synthetic optical signals that mimic the reflection pattern of a barcode, making fraud detection possible while maintaining compatibility with standard barcode readers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printed barcodes are used, then they provide basic identification functionality, but they cannot convey variable information and are not adaptable for secure communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the synthetic barcode system compatible with existing laser barcode scanners, allowing a single system to serve both traditional barcode reading functions and secure variable information communication. The light pulse generator emulates patterns recognizable by standard readers, enabling multi-functionality without requiring entirely new scanning infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light pulse generator as an intermediary device that translates internal information states into optical patterns compatible with external barcode readers. This mediator enables secure communication by converting variable data into the standardized light reflection patterns that conventional scanners expect, bridging the gap between security requirements and existing infrastructure.
3Loss of information
If printed barcodes are applied to items, then item identification is achieved, but the barcodes are readily visible, decipherable and reproducible making them unsuitable for confidential applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variations in light pulse timing, duration, and intensity patterns to encode information, analogous to color changes in visual systems. The synthetic barcode emits light pulses with specific temporal characteristics that convey information to scanners while remaining invisible to human observation, thus achieving confidentiality without sacrificing machine readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic light pulse patterns with specific frequencies and duty cycles to encode barcode information. The rhythmic emission of light pulses creates recognizable patterns for scanners while the temporal nature of the signals prevents human deciphering, maintaining ease of machine operation while enhancing information security.
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 secure, wireless communication of variable information readable by conventional laser barcode scanners, providing a fraud-proof and cost-effective alternative to traditional barcodes, suitable for various applications including security badges and item identifiers.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor assembly is adapted to detect the presence of a barcode scanner by sensing the scanning laser beam and generate a signal
Implementation Method 2
A light emitter assembly is configured to emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode
Data Source
AI summary
A synthetic barcode module detects the presence of a barcode reader and emits light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode. Decoded output from a conventional barcode optical scanner that receives the light pulses will be the same as the decoded output generated by scanning the emulated barcode. One or more light pipes may be utilized to facilitate receipt and transmission of an incident scanning beam to an optical sensor/emitter. A sensor/emitter, which may be an LED, may sense input light and emit light pulses to emulate a scanned barcode. A microcontroller governs sensing and emitting. The module may be programmable to emulate various barcodes.