Information Code Reading Using Wavelength-Dependent Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information code reading systems face challenges in ensuring secure and reliable reading of information codes, particularly when they are compact in size, as operators struggle to visually confirm key information under specific lighting conditions, leading to unreliable decoding and increased reliance on operator experience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reader and a medium with light and dark modules that utilize different reflection characteristics when exposed to first and second wavelength bands, allowing the reader to distinguish and decode the information code effectively, while preventing general readers from accessing the code data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key information is overlapped and printed on main data by using printing liquid visible only under ultraviolet rays, then security of the code data is improved, but operator's ability to visually view the key information reliably deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using printing liquid that changes its visibility properties based on wavelength. The printing liquid is invisible under visible light but becomes visible under ultraviolet rays, allowing the key information to maintain security while enabling operator verification when the appropriate wavelength is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength to control the visibility of the printing liquid. By switching between visible light and ultraviolet light wavelengths, the system toggles between security mode (invisible key information) and verification mode (visible key information), resolving the contradiction between security and operator viewing capability.
2Productivity
If the information code is made compact in size, then productivity is improved, but operator's ability to visually view the key information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength-dependent visibility of the printing liquid to overcome the limitation of compact code size. Even when the code is too small for operators to read under visible light, the ultraviolet illumination makes the key information visible, enabling verification in compact formats without sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultraviolet light as an intermediary to enable operator viewing of compact code information. The ultraviolet light acts as a mediator that reveals the key information printed with special liquid, allowing operators to verify compact codes that would otherwise be impossible to read visually.
3Reliability
If key information is converted to numerical data and added, then security is improved, but reading speed and reliability deteriorate due to dependence on operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection process with an optical verification system. Instead of relying on operators to manually read and interpret numerical data, the system uses ultraviolet illumination to visually reveal the key information, substituting automated optical verification for manual operator analysis and improving both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides visual feedback to operators through ultraviolet illumination, allowing them to immediately verify the key information without relying on experience-based interpretation of numerical data. This feedback mechanism enables quick visual confirmation of code validity, improving reading speed and reliability.
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
The system enhances the security and reliability of information code reading by allowing only authorized readers to decode the information, preventing unauthorized copying, and ensuring accurate extraction of code data even in compact formats.
Implementation Method 1
the inversion areas i) presenting reflection characteristics on one of a dark color and a light color when light of a first wavelength band including at least a visible light band is emitted to the medium and ii) presenting reflection characteristics on the other of the dark color and the light color when light of a second wavelength band different in wavelengths from the first wavelength band is emitted to the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A system reads an information code formed on a medium. The code has light modules and dark modules. The areas of the light modules are produced as inversion areas inverted light reflection characteristics. The areas of the dark module areas are produced as non-inversion areas non-inverting light reflection characteristics. A reader emits illumination light of wavelengths including infrared light wavelengths to the code, and images the code under the illumining light emission. The inversion areas, that is, the light module areas, can be dark under the visible light, but can be a light color due to its inverted light reflection characteristics. The light modules can thus be imaged by the reader under the illumining light emission, providing distinguishable detection of the inversion and non-inversion areas, allowing the light and dark modules to be extracted for decoding.