Information encoding on surfaces by varying spectral emissivity
First Claim
1. A method for encoding information on surfaces, comprising:
- providing a surface;
applying to the surface a first pattern using a first surface modification that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature; and
applying to the surface a second pattern using a second surface modification that emits energy based on a second intrinsic emissivity value that differs from the first intrinsic emissivity value at the given temperature;
the first and second patterns forming an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns that encodes a given set of information;
whereby an emissivity sensor that is sensitive to transitions in intrinsic emissivity, when scanned along the scan path over the patterns, will detect emissivity transitions that encode the given set of information regardless of whether any light is present.
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Abstract
A method for applying surface modifications in at least two patterns that differ in spectral emissivity by known amounts. The patterns form an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns, that encodes a set of information. This information is decoded by a scanner sensitive to emissivity in the given portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensitive to transitions in emissivity of the known amounts, when scanned along the scan path, combined with knowledge of the expected emissivity values of the patterns. This provides secure informational marking of articles and documents, including mail. The patterns may be visible, or hidden, but the emissivity values are not duplicated by standard office equipment, so authenticity of the patterns can be determined using the special emissivity scanner.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for encoding information on surfaces, comprising:
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providing a surface; applying to the surface a first pattern using a first surface modification that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature; and applying to the surface a second pattern using a second surface modification that emits energy based on a second intrinsic emissivity value that differs from the first intrinsic emissivity value at the given temperature; the first and second patterns forming an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns that encodes a given set of information; whereby an emissivity sensor that is sensitive to transitions in intrinsic emissivity, when scanned along the scan path over the patterns, will detect emissivity transitions that encode the given set of information regardless of whether any light is present. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for encoding information on surfaces, comprising:
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providing a surface; providing a first ink that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature; providing a second ink that emits energy based on a second intrinsic emissivity value that differs from the first intrinsic emissivity value at the given temperature; applying to the surface a first pattern using the first ink; and applying to the surface a second pattern using the second ink, the first and second patterns forming an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns, that encodes a given set of information; whereby an emissivity sensor that is sensitive to the given portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensitive to transitions in intrinsic emissivity, when scanned along the scan path over the patterns, will detect emissivity transitions that encode the given set of information regardless of whether any light is present. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for encoding information on surfaces, comprising:
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providing a surface that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature; applying a first texture to the surface in a first pattern that emits energy based on a second intrinsic emissivity value at the given temperature; and applying a second texture to the surface in a second pattern that emits energy based on a third intrinsic emissivity value that differs from both the first and second intrinsic emissivity values at the given temperature, the second and third patterns forming an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity along a scan path over the patterns that encodes a given set of information; whereby an emissivity sensor that is sensitive to the given portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and sensitive to transitions in intrinsic emissivity, when scanned along the scan path over the patterns, will detect emissivity transitions that encode the given set of information regardless of whether any light is present. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method for encoding information on surfaces, comprising:
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providing a surface that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature; applying to the surface a first surface modification that emits energy based on a second intrinsic emissivity value that differs from the first intrinsic emissivity value at the given temperature; and applying to the surface a second surface modification which emits energy based on a third intrinsic emissivity value that differs from at least one of the first and second intrinsic emissivity values at the given temperature; and arranging the first surface modification in at least one pattern that forms an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity, wherein the transitions of differential emissivity encode a first given set of information regardless of whether any light is present. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification