Method and system for hiding visible infrared markings
First Claim
1. A method for concealing a marking discernible by a sensor that is sensitive to light in a non-visible spectrum, comprising the steps of:
- (a) identifying at least a portion of an object bearing the marking;
(b) choosing at least one fluid coating having properties that include;
(i) at least a partial opacity to light in a visible spectrum; and
(ii) at least a partial transparency to light in the non-visible spectrum; and
(c) applying the at least one fluid coating over the marking such that the marking remains discernible in the non-visible spectrum while becoming at least partially invisible in the visible spectrum.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A marking carried by a physical object and discernible by an infrared (IR) sensor is at least partially concealed from the human eye. The marking is covered with a coating that is at least partially opaque in the visible spectrum and at least partially transparent in the IR spectrum (or other non-visible spectrum). The marking is thus not apparent to a human eye or to visible light sensors, while remaining discernible in the IR spectrum. Using the present invention to prevent a user from detecting the marking adds intrigue to the detection of the object, since the workings of the IR sensor that enable the sensor to identify the marking are not evident to a user. The present invention is also beneficially employed in games where it is desirable that an opponent be unable to see a marking that is detectable by the IR sensor.
82 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method for concealing a marking discernible by a sensor that is sensitive to light in a non-visible spectrum, comprising the steps of:
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(a) identifying at least a portion of an object bearing the marking;
(b) choosing at least one fluid coating having properties that include;
(i) at least a partial opacity to light in a visible spectrum; and
(ii) at least a partial transparency to light in the non-visible spectrum; and
(c) applying the at least one fluid coating over the marking such that the marking remains discernible in the non-visible spectrum while becoming at least partially invisible in the visible spectrum. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for encoding an object with a code detectable by an infrared sensor but not apparent to a human eye, comprising the steps of:
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(a) applying the code on the object, the code including;
(i) a pattern detectable by the infrared sensor; and
(ii) a material used in forming the pattern that is detectable in the infrared spectrum;
(b) choosing a colored paint having a composition such that the colored paint has;
(i) at least a partial opacity to light in the visible spectrum; and
(ii) at least a partial transparency to light in the infrared spectrum; and
(c) applying the colored paint to a portion of the object on which the code is applied such that the code remains detectable in the near infrared spectrum while becoming largely invisible in the visible spectrum, so that the code is not apparent to the human eye. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A system for providing input to a software application that is being executed, comprising:
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(a) a display surface adjacent to which an object having a marking thereon can be disposed, said display surface displaying images determined by the software application;
(b) a light sensor disposed to sense non-visible light reflected from the object, producing a corresponding signal;
(c) a processor in communication with the light sensor;
(d) a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing data and machine instructions that cause the processor to carry out a plurality of functions, including;
(i) executing the software application; and
(ii) detecting the marking on the object in response to the signal produced by the light sensor, when the object is disposed adjacent to the display surface, the signal produced by the light sensor comprises the input to the system; and
(e) wherein the object includes;
(i) a marking discernible by the light sensor in response to the non-visible light that is reflected from the marking; and
(ii) a coating applied over the marking and having properties that include;
(A) at least a partial opacity to light in the visible spectrum; and
(B) at least a partial transparency to light in the non-visible spectrum, so that the coating substantially prevents the marking on the object from being visually discernible to a human eye. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. An apparatus configured to be identifiable by a light sensor that is sensitive to light in a non-visible spectrum, comprising:
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(a) an object;
(b) a marking disposed on the object, the marking comprising a material that is selected to reflect light in the non-visible spectrum that is discernible by the light sensor; and
(c) coating applied over the marking that has;
(i) at least a partial opacity to light in the visible spectrum; and
(ii) at least a partial transparency to light in the non-visible spectrum. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification