Registers – Records – Particular code pattern
Reexamination Certificate
2002-12-09
2004-12-14
Fureman, Jared J. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Records
Particular code pattern
C235S462010, C235S462090, C235S462490, C235S472010, C235S380000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06830197
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to the field of optically encoding information. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a two-dimensional matrix code, a method for using the code, and a device for reading the code.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Machine readable codes, generically known as “bar codes,” have been developed to allow coded objects to be tracked, controlled or manipulated. Commonly used codes store information according to variations of optical properties, and are “read” using optical devices that either scan or image the code. Increased computing and automation capacity has made it possible to incorporate bar code technology into a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Early applications included the automating of retail sales and inventory control, the tracking individual items through mail systems, and automating of manufacturing activities. Recent changes in business practices have combined the integration of warehouse management, order filling, shipping and delivery, along with computer-based ordering, to provide for rapid turn around of consumer orders of everything from books to groceries. Thus bar code technologies which at first aided standard services are now enabling new and faster methods of providing services, which in turn spurs the development of new technologies to fulfill even more requirements of object identification.
Optical bar codes store information according to spatial variations of surface optical properties, including but not limited to reflectivity, color, and absorption. Bar codes are usually imparted onto surfaces through a printing process which results in a pattern having the required spatial optical property variation. The information density is ultimately limited by the resolution of the printing process, which may include such factors as how the minimum line width or dot resolution depend on how the ink is transferred and dries on the surface, and the ability to correct for errors due to surface or ink inconsistencies. Aspects of bar codes technology which need be considered include the physical layout of information within the code, optical and software demands for reading the code and printing requirements that will aid in producing a readable bar code. Due to the wide variety of applications, bar codes have been developed to contain varying amounts of information and to be compatible with differing printing and reading requirements. Many codes have been developed to be used under varying conditions, and thus are optimized to produce reliable, nearly error-free machine reading under limited conditions.
Most bar codes can be categorized as being either one-dimensional, stacked, or matrix codes according to how the information is stored, although some codes combine elements from more than one of these categories, while others use half-tones, colors or other techniques to increase the information density and improve reliability. One-dimensional codes usually store information according to variations in the width of printed bars, which can be arranged in many configurations. One-dimensional codes lend themselves to reading by scanning, in which the code and an optical reader are moved relative to one another in a preferred direction. During scanning, temporal variations of reflected light is detected which is then used to determine variations of code bar widths. Linear one-dimensional bar codes consist of bars of varying width and spacing arranged in a rectangular space. Other one-dimensional codes have been developed which encode data in concentric circular rings and as radial spokes in a circular pattern. While one-dimensional codes can be robust, allowing for printing and reading on a wide variety of materials, the information density is usually low and there is a limited range of scanning directions and speeds that allow for accurate reading of the code. To account for scan speed, these codes usually incorporate clocking signals within the bar code to determining scan speed as well as code content.
Stacked or multi-row codes are essentially multiple, one-dimensional codes arranged adjacent to each other. These codes have increased information density at the expense of greater scanning complexity. Stacked codes are usually rectangular and have the appearance of having a preferred scanning direction, as with a one-dimensional code, but also have information encoded in a direction perpendicular to the preferred direction. They can be read either by scanning systems that sweep perpendicular to the scanning direction or with imaging systems. While stacked codes have greater information density than one-dimensional codes, scanned codes have the same user problems with regards to scanning as one-dimensional codes, and may also incorporate clocking signals within. While imaging has the advantages inherent in acquiring the entire code at once and thus may be independent of the code position, interpreting the code content of the image depends on the orientation of the code relative to the imaging optics, uniformity of lighting, and other properties which must be determined or accounted for. In addition, imaging such code can be problem, as the codes are frequently affixed to goods that are moving, and thus the imaging system must accommodate variations in position, orientation and speed while providing the resolution required to read the code.
Matrix codes arrange information over a two-dimensional area, usually over a regular square or hexagonal grid. Common features of matrix codes are data cells arranged in a predetermined grid or array and targets for code recognition and orientation. Reading of matrix codes is accomplished with imaging optics which take in the entire code at once. Many applications involve reading of moving codes had thus have many of the problems discussed in the previous paragraph. Determining the location, orientation and optical properties of each data cell can be achieved with these codes under limited, often controlled setting. In addition, several codes require the use of special labels to achieve a required level of robustness.
SUMMARY
Although bar code technology has been developed to meet a variety of needs, prior art bar codes are still difficult to read, requiring expensive and sometimes hard-to-use equipment. Scanning requires the user to maintain an orientation and speed which can be difficult for even trained personnel, while imaging require expensive optics for code reading. The widespread acceptance and availability of computers and computer networks provides an opportunity for consumers to use bar codes as a computer interface, if a reliable, easy to use bar code system were available. Thus there is a need for code that is optimized to store information for computers at high densities on common materials, and is easily recognizable by a consumer. Specifically what is needed is an optically readable, two-dimensional matrix optical matrix code that can be printed using standard printing technologies, in any orientation to other adjacent printed matter, and which can be acquired easily, robustly and positively in one action by a user. Also, the code should not have a perceived rotational orientation and is should be capable of being read without regard to rotational orientation, resulting in a code with which users do not waste time trying to determine the proper way to acquire the code. Additionally, reading of prior art codes is problematic, requiring either expensive imaging hardware or touchy hand held scanners. A device and method of reading a code is also needed that is both easy to use and inexpensive hand-held imaging device for reading matrix codes.
One aspect of the present invention is to provide matrix code and method of using the code that is both compact and is easily distinguishable among print media. One embodiment stores data in a hexagonal grid having a target structure embedded within. A portion of the target structure has predominant radial features extending from the code periphery towards the center and surrounded by white sp
Blei Keith
Haggis John R.
Rubin Kim T.
Fureman Jared J.
Intellidot Corporation
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Trail Allyson N
LandOfFree
Compact matrix code and one-touch device and method for code... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Compact matrix code and one-touch device and method for code..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compact matrix code and one-touch device and method for code... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3290615