Method and system for hiding visible infrared markings

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:

• (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.

A system for providing input to a software application that is being executed, comprising:

• (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.

An apparatus configured to be identifiable by a light sensor that is sensitive to light in a non-visible spectrum, comprising:

• (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.