Registers – Coded record sensors – Particular sensor structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-10
2001-11-13
Hajec, Donald (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Particular sensor structure
C235S462010, C235S462100, C235S462240, C235S470000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315200
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sensing data and decoding the data in a fault tolerant manner and in particular, discloses An Encoded Data Card Reading System.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recently, a form of information distribution of particular use in camera systems has been proposed by the present applicant. In particular, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 9/113,600 entitled “Digital Instant Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability” and filed simultaneously on Jul. 20, 1998 disclose a digital instant camera system with a complex image processing capability to which the preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed. The incorporation of the above mentioned specification is hereby specifically included by cross reference. The proposed camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” is able to accept cards hereinafter called “Artcards” having data encoded on one surface thereof and to manipulate an image for printing out of the image by an internal printer.
With any form of encoding system which is to be sensed in a fault tolerant manner, there is the significant question of how best to encode the data so that it can be effectively and efficiently decoded. It is therefore desirable to provide for an effective encoding system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide for an effective decoding system to allow for suitable decoding.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data structure encoded on the surface of an object comprising a series of block data regions with each of the block data regions including: an encoded data region containing data to be decoded in an encoded form; a series of clock marks structures located around a first peripheral portion of the encoded data region; and a series of easily identifiable target structures located around a second peripheral portion of the encoded data region.
The block data regions can further include an orientation data structure located round a third peripheral portion of the encoded data region. The orientation data structure can comprises a line of equal data points along an edge of the peripheral portion.
The clock marks structures can include a first line of equal data points in addition to a substantially adjacent second line of alternating data points located along an edge of the encoded data region. The clock mark structures can be located on mutually opposite sides of the encoded data region.
The target structures can comprise a series of spaced apart block sets of data points having a substantially constant value of a first magnitude except for a core portion of a substantially opposite magnitude to the first magnitude. The block sets can further includes a target number indicator structure comprising a contiguous group of the values of the substantially opposite magnitude.
The data structure is ideally utilized in a series of printed dots on a substrate surface.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of decoding a data structure encoded on the surface of an object, the data structure comprising a series of block data regions with each of the block data regions including: an encoded data region containing data to be decoded in an encoded form; a series of clock marks structures located around a first peripheral portion of the encoded data region; a series of easily identifiable target structures located around a second peripheral portion of the encoded data region; the method comprising the steps of: (a) scanning the data structure; (b) locating the start of the data structure; (c) locating the target structures including determining a current orientation of the target structures; (d) locating the clock mark structures from the position of the target structures: (e) utilizing the clock mark structures to determine an expected location of bit data of the encoded data region: and (f) determining an expected data value for each of the bit data.
The clock marks structures can include a first line of equal data points in addition to a substantially adjacent second line of alternating data points located along an edge of the encoded data region and the utilising step (e) can comprise running along the second line of alternating data points utilizing a pseudo phase locked loop type algorithm so as to maintain a current location within the clock mark structures.
Further, the determining step (f) can comprise dividing a sensed bit value into three contiguous regions comprising a middle region and a first lower and a second upper extreme regions, and with those values within a first lower region, determining the corresponding bit value to be a first lower value; with those values within a second upper region, determining the corresponding bit value to be a second upper value; and with those values in the middle regions, utilising the spatially surrounding values to determine whether the value is of a first lower value or a second upper value.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present intention, there is provided a method of determining an output data value of sensed data comprising: (a) dividing a sensed data value into three contiguous regions comprising a middle region and a first lower and a second upper extreme regions, and, with those values within a first lower region, determining the corresponding bit value to be a first lower value; with those values within a second upper region, determining the corresponding bit value to be a second upper value; and with those values in the middle regions, utilising the spatially surrounding values to determine whether the value is of a first lower value or a second upper value.
REFERENCES:
patent: 0354581-A2 (1990-02-01), None
Silverbrook Kia
Walmsley Simon Robert
Felton Daniel S
Hajec Donald
Silverbrook Research Pty. Ltd.
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