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Although barcodes are currently utilized mainly to keep track of merchandise, they may soon also be used to detect counterfeit goods. We're not talking about ordinary barcode labels, however. Instead, British scientists at Sofmat Ltd and the University of Bradford have devised a new 3D barcode that's actually molded into plastic or composite items.
The system utilizes tiny pins that are integrated into the mold from which the product is made. Each pin can be set to different heights via micro actuators, with each 0.4-micron increment in height corresponding to a specific letter or numeral (0 - 9). The current prototype consists of a four-pin array, allowing for over 1.7 million unique configurations.
The resulting indentations in the finished item are difficult to see and impossible to feel, yet can be read using a white light interferometer or a laser-scanning confocal microscope – a compact laser scanner is in the works, which could wirelessly transmit readings to a smartphone or tablet.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by ethanol on Wednesday September 16 2015, @01:56AM
Whilst some of the stickers are for identifying the product at the checkout, a lot of the ones I see are just "branding".
I used to work in marketing, and I can imagine the pitch to the producer along the lines of you want the consumer to associate your GREAT product with your name. They will seek out YOUR apples next time they buy. Become a brand, not just another apple ... blah blah blah. In reality it is just ego stroking to get the contract, a bit like a picture of the owner of the building on the label or in the ads.
(Score: 3, Informative) by joshuajon on Wednesday September 16 2015, @03:48PM