Information encoding on surfaces by varying spectral emissivity
First Claim
1. A method for encoding information on surfaces, comprising:
- providing a surface that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature;
applying to the surface a 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
arranging the 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 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.
105 Citations
19 Claims
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1. 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 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 arranging the 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 given set of information regardless of whether any light is present. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system, comprising:
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a surface that emits energy based on a first intrinsic emissivity value at a given temperature; a surface modification that is applied to the surface, wherein the surface modification; emits energy based on a second intrinsic emissivity value that differs from the first intrinsic emissivity value at the given temperature; and is arranged in at least one pattern that forms an information-encoding sequence of transitions of differential emissivity, wherein the transitions of differential emissivity encode a given set of information regardless of whether any light is present. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification