Background

In most products sold today, a physical barcode contains a product sku, serial number or similar identifier which is utilized to identify lot or production numbers, to designate a specific device for warranty verification, to determine point of origin, or to provide security and tracking of the device. The value of the object often determines the density of the information, and for high value objects may even provide safeguards against tampering or counterfeiting. Even for low‑value products, machine‑readable barcodes facilitate workflows and increase efficiency when tracking, sorting, or selling items.

Barcodes are read using optical scanners, either as 1-dimensional traditional line barcodes or as 2‑dimensional (“QR”) barcodes with more detailed information. In most cases these barcodes are printed as adhesive labels or direct‑printed onto the object. To read these barcodes, a scanning device is used which detects the barcode pattern through reflected light from the barcode on the surface. For these systems to function properly the barcode must be visible on the surface of the object.

Technology Overview

This innovation uses small surface modulations to create a 3‑dimensional barcode to be read with a terahertz laser scanning device. The barcode can be introduced to the product via the mold design, incorporated into a 3D printing instruction, or by a surface etching step (i.e. laser etch) during production.

Scanning algorithms have been developed which allows for identification by scanning with a terahertz laser reader. Scans for each product can be stored for later retrieval/verification. For low‑value items, common barcodes can be uses (such as an in‑mold design) where multiple objects would have the same barcode designating a PLU/SKU for quick processing. For higher‑value items, detailed barcodes unique to each can be utilized.

Because terahertz lasers are able to read barcodes below the surface, this technology can enable the use of “hidden” barcodes beneath an opaque surface. This has been accomplished for both metal and plastic; the university anticipate it could be easily introduced into wood and paper products as well.

Benefits

This technology would allow removal of barcodes from labels/surfaces of objects and give users the opportunity to create “hidden barcodes” that are not able to be seen; this can provide a significant aesthetic benefit, and in cases where tracking or verification of an object’s identity or point of origin are important, can also provide a hidden system available to the manufacturer or other points of the supply/service ecosystem to prevent loss or fraud.

Applications

Depending on the application, this technology can provide unique value propositions in various markets.

Low‑value items (i.e. foodstuffs, low‑cost consumer goods): for consumer items where manufacturers try to maximize the use of available label space, reducing optical barcodes to a physical barcode can increase the surface area available for marketing and make products more attractive by removing the barcode image. Aluminum and tin cans, plastic containers, and semi‑durable paper products can incorporate hidden barcodes into their surfaces.

Mid‑value items (mobile devices, electronics): there are several points where hidden barcodes can provide value. For the overall devices, a hidden barcode creates an immediate verification of authenticity without requiring access to the operating system, which can be especially helpful when the device is damaged and cannot be turned on. For the highest value components in the device (i.e. chips, battery, screen) determining rapidly whether the components are first‑party can reduce loss/fraud in warranty repair and expedite services.

High‑value items (automobiles, fine art, high fashion goods): For very high value items, a unique and hidden barcode creates an opportunity to verify the object in addition to traditional means. A physical barcode can be permanently etched, molded or imprinted into a car engine, into a piece of art, or into a hidden permanent marker inside of a designer fashion item. In each of these cases, the terahertz scanning system would be able to identify each item uniquely against all others manufactured of similar type and against counterfeits as each item would produce a unique, known signature.

Controlled/Secure items (firearms, identification cards): Firearms must have serial numbers for sale and ownership tracking. When used for illegal purposes, firearms often have had the serial numbers removed. Placing hidden barcodes under the surface in several locations unknown to the owner can make removing all of the hidden barcodes near impossible without damaging the firearm beyond use. Identification cards (i.e. photo with RFID or magnetic stripe) contain several layers of metal and/or plastic ‑ by incorporating a physical barcode into one of these layers, an additional security measure can be utilized without changing the size/shape of the card and in many cases without the user even knowing the hidden barcode is in the card.

Medical Devices (dental and orthopedic implants, pharmaceutical tracking): For medical device companies, counterfeit activity and quality control are important concerns. Post‑surgery complications are difficult to track when a patient changes doctors or has poor records regarding impacted devices (such as dental implants). A terahertz scanner can reach several millimeters below the surface of the skin. Utilizing physical barcodes incorporated into the device, a scanner could determine manufacture, model, lot number, etc… to inform medically appropriate procedures or to contact the manufacturer of origin for reporting.

Opportunity

Portland State University are looking for partners to develop specific applications and/or licensees to help develop systems that would take advantage of this hidden barcode technology.

Embedding Information on Objects by Modifying their Surface

Patents

IP Status

Seeking