Method for dynamically encoding information and method for decoding information, in particular using combination of unique characteristics and patterns on surface structure of material

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method of dynamically encoding information and a method of decoding information, in particular utilizing a combination of unique characteristics and patterns on a surface structure of a material. A method of encoding information and applying the code to a material, comprising: inputting the encoded information in the form of a character string into an encoding module which decomposes it into information, preferably in a hexadecimal format, and sets a rotation angle for each independently applied imprint (1) arranged side by side, preferably in columns and rows; and then each independent mark (2) is rotated according to the set respective angle, and the marks (2) are applied to the material to be marked. A method of decoding information using a digital camera comprises optically reading the material on which indicia (1) are applied, preferably in a column and row arrangement, and transmitting the optically read data to a decoding module, which reads the angle of each indicia and reads the encoded information using a code, preferably in a hexadecimal format.

Description

[0001] The present invention is directed to a method for dynamically encoding information, and a method for decoding information, in particular using a combination of unique properties and patterns on the surface structure of a material. Technical Field

[0002] Semacodes are a system that uses special codes to label real-world objects, including a URL that contains a description of the labeled object. Semacodes are two-dimensional barcodes based on Data Matrix codes, in which a URL containing a description of a given object (a place, building, monument, movie poster, etc.) is encoded. This creates an address that can be read by various mobile devices (such as mobile phones and PDAs). As a result, users of mobile devices equipped with a camera and appropriate software can instantly link to a page describing the relevant object.

[0003] The well-known QR code is an alphanumeric, two-dimensional, matrix-type, square-shaped graphical code. It is modular and fixed-size. It allows encoding of Kanji / Kana characters. Additionally, it allows encoding of characters from the Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, or Cyrillic alphabets, as well as other user-defined symbols. The code's design allows it to be placed and read on an object moving rapidly relative to a scanner (for example, on a conveyor). The symbology is also used in various applications unrelated to package transport. Similar to semantic codes, it can be used to write and place URLs in various locations, which can then be read by appropriately programmed mobile devices. The modules in the code are squares that can be either dark or light. A large number of modules form a so-called codeword, which stores information about each character. The module size is not strictly defined but depends on the capabilities of the reading and writing equipment. Therefore, the size of the entire codeword is also variable. It also depends on the selected code version, which in turn depends on the level of error correction used and the amount of stored data. The code uses a search pattern that allows the reader to find a specific location in the code to read the rest of the code. The search pattern consists of three positional patterns (each finder pattern is a dark square consisting of multiple modules surrounded by a light border, which in turn is surrounded by a dark border). The finder pattern is further separated from the data portion by a light border (so-called separator) with a width of one module. The finder pattern marks are located at the three corners of the code. In addition, the code contains a so-called synchronization pattern, which consists of two lines with a width of one module, one horizontal and the other vertical, located between the finder pattern. These lines contain alternating dark and light dots. This makes it possible to determine the version and density of the code, as well as the coordinates of the individual stored data. The second code model contains an additional axial pattern. A single axial pattern element consists of a black module surrounded by a white border. The number of pattern elements depends on the size of the code. In addition to the data itself, the data portion also contains information about the format and version of the code, as well as data required for the error correction mechanism. A margin of at least four modules wide is required around the code. Another feature of this code is the so-called masking mechanism, which ensures a more even distribution of light and dark modules, thereby increasing the speed of image processing by the scanner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is directed to methods for dynamically encoding information, as well as methods for decoding information, in particular using a combination of unique properties and patterns in the surface structure of a material.

[0005] The essence of the method for dynamically encoding information and the method for decoding information is that coded information in the form of a string of characters, graphic symbols, and / or alphanumeric marks is introduced into an encoding module, which divides the coded information into information, preferably hexadecimal information, and sets a respective rotation angle for each independently applied mark arranged side by side (preferably in the form of columns and rows). Each independent mark is then rotated according to the set angle and applied to the material to be marked. Optionally, geolocation, date, and time data from a satellite receiver are dynamically input into the encoding module and applied to the material after encoding. In addition, after encoding, the material with the applied mark is photographed, the photograph including the shape and position of the elements, in particular the combination of unique features and patterns on the surface structure of the material.

[0006] The essence of the method for encoding information and applying a code to a material is that an encoding module inputs the coded information in the form of a string of characters, graphic symbols, and / or alphanumeric marks. The encoding module divides the coded information into information, preferably in hexadecimal format, and sets a rotation angle for each applied mark arranged side by side (preferably in columns and rows). The marks, rotated according to the respective angles, are then applied to the material to be marked using an application element. Optionally, geolocation, date, and time data from a satellite receiver are input to the encoding module, which is dynamically encoded and applied to the material. In addition, after encoding, the material with the applied mark is photographed, the photograph including the shape and position of the unique physical characteristics of the material's structural characteristics.

[0007] The essence of the method for decoding information using a digital camera is to optically read a material marked with markings (preferably arranged in columns and rows). This optical reading is transmitted to a decoding module, which reads the angle of each marking and uses a code (preferably hexadecimal) to read the coded information. Furthermore, a computer program extracts the shape and position of material-specific elements, unique physical properties, patterns, and structures from the marked image.

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The technical problem to be solved is to dynamically encode the information applied to the material to be verified.

[0010] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0011] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0012] Anti-counterfeiting protection

[0013] To achieve comprehensive product anti-counterfeiting protection, this technology creates dynamically coded information consisting of a number of characters, graphic symbols, and / or alphanumeric marks. The applied dynamic coded information is supported by a "digital fingerprint" created by analysis and image recognition processing software. This digital fingerprint defines an unchanging authentication certificate, providing a clear reference certificate for product origin confirmation, product authentication, auditing, and evidence confirmation. Therefore, even in the event of an attempt to forge the coded mark, counterfeit products can be easily detected and the source can be proved with a near 100% evidentiary match.

[0014] Theft and resale protection

[0015] In order to detect stolen products, product authentication processes are accurately performed to define the exact origin and ownership of the product. Therefore, the information data can be used as evidence in this case.

[0016] Establish a product labeling database to track and monitor CO2 footprint.

[0017] Each product has a single record in the database, which serves as big data for further processing, auditing, analysis, and reporting based on source product data. In particular, the method allows determining CO2 levels for natural products and indicating their origin based on geolocation and timestamps within the supply chain.

[0018] Product Features

[0019] The variable code mark applied to the surface of the product material is converted into a digital image and processed using specialized software. The image capture covers the entire product surface or a selected area within the overall surface dimensions, surrounding the applied code mark. Advanced multi-dimensional image recognition processing algorithms create a product's "digital fingerprint," factoring in the surface's unique physical characteristics, such as selected dots, patterns, markings, colors, shapes, dimensions, and additional references. A first digital source image is created when the unique code is applied. When product authentication is required, a digital image is created at any location and at any time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The manufacturing examples of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are shown as follows:

[0021] [Figure 11] - First example of marker arrangement,

[0022] [Figure 12] - Second example of marker arrangement,

[0023] [Figure 13] - Third example of marker arrangement,

[0024] [Figure 21] - Example of the first shape of the stamp in front view, where the hexadecimal coded information is indicated by the corresponding rotation angle of the stamp,

[0025] [Figure 22] - Example of the second shape of the stamp in front view, where the hexadecimal coded information is indicated by the respective rotation angles of the stamp,

[0026] [Figure 23] - Example of the third shape of the stamp in front view, where the hexadecimal coded information is indicated by the respective rotation angles of the stamp,

[0027] [Figure 24] - Example of the fourth shape of the stamp in front view, where the hexadecimal coded information is indicated by the respective rotation angles of the stamp,

[0028] [Figure 25] - Example of the fifth shape of the stamp in front view, where the hexadecimal coded information is indicated by the respective rotation angles of the stamp,

[0029] [Figure 26] - Example of the sixth shape of the stamp in front view, where the hexadecimal coded information is indicated by the respective rotation angles of the stamp,

[0030] [Figure 31] – First example of a hexadecimal character encoding sequence in a 3×3 table.

[0031] [Figure 32] – Second example of hexadecimal character encoding sequence in 5×5 table,

[0032] [Figure 33] – Third example of a hexadecimal character encoding sequence in a 1×9 table.

[0033] [Figure 34] – Third example of hexadecimal character encoding sequence in 9×1 table.

[0034] [Figure 35] - Example of extending the code layout by adding rows or columns,

[0035] [Figure 41] - First example of a frame form,

[0036] [Figure 42] - Second example of frame form,

[0037] [Figure 43] - A third example of a frame form,

[0038] [Figure 44] - Fourth example of frame form,

[0039] [Figure 45] - Fifth example of frame form,

[0040] [Figure 46] - Sixth example of frame form,

[0041] [Figure 47] - Seventh example of frame form,

[0042] [Figure 48] - Eighth example of frame form,

[0043] [Figure 49] - Ninth example of frame form,

[0044] [Fig. 410]—Tenth example of frame form,

[0045] [ Figure 411 ] - Eleventh example in frame form,

[0046] [Figure 51] - A first example of applying a code to a material with unique physical characteristics.

[0047] [Figure 52] - Second example of applying a code to a material with unique characteristics.

[0048] [Figure 53] – A third example of applying a code to a material with unique characteristics.

[0049] [Figure 54] - A third example of applying a code to a material with unique characteristics

[0050] [ Figure 541 ] - Texture, a unique surface physical feature of the material from [Figure 54]

[0051] [ Figure 542 ] - Unique surface physical characteristics of materials from [Figure 54] - cracks, discoloration, damage

[0052] [ Figure 543 ] - Unique surface features of materials from [Figure 54] - discoloration, damage

[0053] [ Figure 544 ]-Code applied to the surface of the material [Figure 54] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In an implementation example, the method for encoding information using a mark applied to a material is based on the fact that the coded information regarding the geolocation and time stamp from a satellite receiver is input into the encoding module in the form of a string of characters. The encoding module divides this into hexadecimal information and sets a respective rotation angle of 0°, 22.5°, or a multiple of 22.5° for each L-shaped mark 1 arranged side by side in three columns and three rows (see [Figure 4]). Subsequently, each mark is rotated according to the preset respective angles, and the mark 2 is applied to the material to be marked. The mark 2 can be a blade that cuts into the material without damaging it when used on materials such as wood; or it can contain ink for applying the code in cases where a blade could damage the material.

[0055] A method for encoding information using an embossed / stamped / hot stamped / printed code mark, wherein an identifier is applied to a material. This method involves inputting geolocation and time-stamped information from a satellite receiver into an encoding module in the form of a character string. The encoding module then divides the information into the information and sets a rotation angle of 0°, 22.5°, or a multiple of 22.5° for each L-shaped mark 1 arranged side by side in three columns and three rows (see [Figure 31]). The marks, rotated to the respective angles, are then applied to the material to be marked using a marking device such as a hammer, laser, liquid nozzle, or flame spray gun.

[0056] The method for decoding information encoded using the method described in the exemplary implementation using a dedicated mobile application or a digital camera on a mobile device involves optically photographing and reading a material to which markings 1 have been applied. The markings are preferably arranged in columns and rows, and the image is then sent to a decoding module, where the angles of the individual markings are read. Subsequently, the encoded information is read using a hexadecimal code. Furthermore, to verify the authenticity of the code applied to the material, computer software is used to extract the shape and position of elements, the pattern, and structural characteristics of the material from a photograph of the markings, and then compare this image with a photograph taken immediately after encoding. By comparing these two images, authenticity can be verified with near 100% accuracy.

[0057] The example code used in this patent is a two-dimensional grid code consisting of a series of marks 1 rotated at appropriate angles in rows and columns, arranged in a rectangular grid. The code consists of dark marks 1 arranged in a grid of rows and columns on a light background, or its inverse: light marks 1 on a dark background. In all versions, maintaining a high contrast between the marks 1 and the background is important.

[0058] The 1.1 dot mark is a static mark that is placed at a specific location for reference purposes. The 1.1 dot mark is used to replace one of the fields in the mark 1 so that the code can be read correctly. The position of the 1.1 dot mark enables the order of the other marks 1 to be arranged so that the information can be read correctly. Special software converts the rotated marks 1 in the code into hexadecimal numbers. The amount of information encoded in the code depends on the number of rows and columns of the encoding characters used, preferably hexadecimal characters, see Figures 3.1 to 3.5 .

[0059] Example of code information capacity:

[0060] - 3x3 matrix code (1 dot + 8 hexadecimal marks)

[0061] 16^8 = 4,294,967,296 combinations

[0062] - Matrix code 3x4 (1 dot + 11 hexadecimal marks)

[0063] 16^11 = 17592186044416 combinations

[0064] - 4x4 matrix code (1 dot + 15 hexadecimal marks)

[0065] 16^15=1.152921504607e+18 combinations

[0066] - 5x5 matrix code (1 dot + 24 hexadecimal marks)

[0067] 16^24=7.922816251426e+28 combinations

[0068] Layout changes

[0069] The 1 tags in the code can be arranged in a variety of vertical and horizontal row and column combinations. The number of rows and columns in the code can be freely modified to determine the amount of information required to be encoded. The code does not restrict the type of information that can be stored; it only defines the type and arrangement of information that can be stored in a single 1, i.e., a hexadecimal digit.

[0070] Very important in any combination is the correct placement of the anchor points in order to correctly read the encoded information.

[0071] The anchor point must be placed:

[0072] 1. For rectangular codes, place in the upper left corner

[0073] 2. For horizontal codes, place it on the far left

[0074] 3. For vertical codes, place it on the top.

[0075] The information in the code is decoded from left to right, line by line, and top to bottom.

[0076] Label variations

[0077] The markings 1 used to encode the hexadecimal value may have different appearances depending on the needs, requirements and type of surface on which the code is to be placed. Examples of the forms of markings that may be used in the code are Figures 2.1 to 2.6 shown.

[0078] Marker Type

[0079] The code structure uses a selected tag type 1, which stipulates that all tags 1 in the code must be of the same type. Different tags 1 cannot be mixed in the code at the same time.

[0080] The position of Mark 1 in the code determines the rotation and hexadecimal encoding method (direction). The corresponding element of Mark 1 indicates the correct direction for encoding 5 and reading the mark. Example symbols with the mark rotation angle are shown in the figure. Figures 2.1 to 2.6 The example of the encoding method is shown in FIG. Figures 3.1 to 3.5 Shown in.

[0081] Framework changes, many examples

[0082] The frame surrounding the code can take many forms depending on the needs, requirements, and type of surface on which the code is to be placed. Where possible, no frame is used. Examples of frames are shown in the accompanying drawings. Figures 4.1 to 4.11 Shown in.

[0083] First coding example

[0084] Example encoding of the corresponding hexadecimal value ( Figure 3.1 ):

[0085] >Coding information: 2A5F648D

[0086] >Encoding symbol used: L

[0087] Versions with and without frameworks

[0088] Rectangular, vertical, and horizontal layouts

[0089] Second encoding example

[0090] Example encoding of the corresponding hexadecimal value ( Figure 3.2 ):

[0091] >Coding information: 140FC25AD37B68E904576DAC

[0092] >Encoding symbol used: L

[0093] Versions with and without frameworks

[0094] Rectangular, vertical, and horizontal layouts

[0095] Dynamic encoding of hexadecimal information

[0096] This code allows the information in each character to be encoded as a hexadecimal digit (allowed characters: 0123456789ABCDEF) using the appropriate rotation (rotation angle) of marker 1. Each hexadecimal symbol is represented by a precise rotation of marker 1 around its axis.

Claims

1. A method for dynamically encoding information and applying the code to a material, characterized in that The coding module inputs the coded information in the form of a character sequence, which is divided into information, preferably in hexadecimal form, and sets respective rotation angles for the respective applied marks (1) arranged side by side, preferably arranged in columns and rows, after which the respective applied marks (2) are rotated according to the set respective angles and the marks (2) are applied to the material to be marked.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Geolocation, date and time data from a satellite receiver is input into the encoding module and this data is encoded and applied to the material.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After encoding and applying the code to the material, the material on which the applied mark (1) is located is optically photographed and read, the optical photographic reading including the shape and position of elements, pattern and physical and structural properties of the material.

4. A method for dynamically encoding information and applying the code to a material, characterized in that The coded information in the form of a character string is input into a coding module, which divides it into information, preferably in hexadecimal form, and sets respective rotation angles for the individual marks (1) arranged side by side, preferably arranged in columns and rows, after which the marks rotated according to the respective angles are applied to the material to be marked by an applying element.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Geolocation, date and time data from a satellite receiver is input into an encoding module where it is encoded and applied to the material.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that After encoding and applying the code to the material, an optical photographic reading of the material on which the tag (1) is applied is performed, the optical photographic reading containing the shape and position of elements, patterns, unique physical properties and structural properties of the material.

7. A method for decoding information using a digital camera, characterized in that: An optical photographic reading is performed on the material to which the markings (1) are applied, said markings (1) being preferably arranged in columns and rows, and said optical photographic reading is transmitted to a decoding module which reads the angle of each marking and subsequently reads the coded information using a code, said code being preferably in hexadecimal.

8. The method for decoding information according to claim 3, wherein: The shape and position of the elements, the pattern and the physical and structural properties of the material on which the marking (1) is applied are extracted from the optical photographic readings by a computer program.

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