Smartphone UV Fluorescent Indicia Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for authenticating objects with UV fluorescent indicia are limited by the need for close proximity to the item, reliance on unconventional devices, and inability to automate or transmit results, especially when dealing with multiple items and machine-readable codes.
Innovation Solution
A system using a smartphone with a camera flash, a visible-to-UV light conversion device, and a sensor to capture and analyze images of UV-fluorescent indicia, allowing for remote authentication and data transmission, and incorporating a microprocessor for image comparison and decoding of machine-readable codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a UV flashlight is used to reveal covert indicia, then the invisible indicia can be revealed, but the authentication process requires close proximity and conspicuous devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the covert indicia after UV illumination. The camera flash serves as the UV light source, and the sensor captures the fluorescent emission, allowing authentication from a distance without requiring investigators to be in close proximity to the item being authenticated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of direct UV flashlight viewing with an electronic imaging system. Instead of requiring direct visual observation through a UV flashlight, the system uses a camera sensor to detect and record the fluorescent emission, which can then be analyzed digitally, eliminating the need for close proximity and conspicuous UV devices.
2Extent of automation
If a UV flashlight is used for authentication, then covert indicia can be revealed, but automation and result transmission are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the covert indicia by capturing an image with the camera sensor. This digital copy can then be automatically analyzed, stored, and transmitted electronically, enabling automation of the authentication process and result transmission without manual intervention for each item authenticated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual visual verification process with an electronic imaging and data processing system. The camera captures the indicia, the microprocessor analyzes the image data, and results are transmitted electronically, enabling automation and eliminating the need for manual handling and verification of each item.
3Measurement precision
If visible light is used to illuminate indicia, then the camera sensor can detect them, but UV-fluorescent indicia remain invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the illumination light from visible light to UV light. The camera flash emits UV light which excites the fluorescent materials in the covert indicia, causing them to emit visible light that the camera sensor can detect. This parameter change enables detection of UV-fluorescent indicia that would be invisible under normal visible lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the fluorescent property of the indicia materials which absorb UV light and emit visible light at different wavelengths (color changes). The camera flash provides UV illumination, and the sensor detects the emitted visible light from the fluorescent materials, enabling visualization and detection of the covert indicia through this wavelength transformation.
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 authentication from a distance, automates the recording and transmission of results, and supports the decoding of machine-readable codes, providing immediate responses and efficient workflow for item-level tracking and verification.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion device mounted over the camera flash that converts the emitted visible light to UV light
Implementation Method 2
detecting covert invisible indicia... ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent inks... revealed when a UV light source is used
Implementation Method 3
a sensor that captures a visible- light image of the indicia after the indicia is exposed to the UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detecting UV-light-fluorescent indicia (14) with a camera (18) includes a camera flash (20) that emits visible light, a conversion device (24) mounted over the camera flash that converts the emitted visible light (17) to UV light (16), and a sensor that captures a visible-light image of the indicia after the indicia is exposed to the UV light.