3D Coded Plastic Rings for Wear-Resistant Machine Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification systems for machines and measuring points, such as barcode systems and RFID transponders, are prone to wear and maintenance issues and fail in electromagnetically loaded environments or when damaged.
Innovation Solution
A method using a coding body with a three-dimensional shape, where a two-dimensional image is generated and processed to derive assigned information, eliminating the need for error-prone mechanical scanning and specialized handheld probes, and allowing the use of robust coded plastic rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scanning of coded plastic rings is used, then coded information can be obtained, but the system is susceptible to wear and requires increased maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with optical imaging systems. Instead of using physical contact sensors to read coded plastic rings, the invention uses cameras or image capture devices to photograph the coding body, and image processing algorithms to extract the coded information from the captured images. This eliminates mechanical wear and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the coding body instead of physically interacting with it. By capturing an image of the coded plastic ring and processing this digital copy to extract information, the system avoids mechanical contact and wear. The coded information is obtained from the image data rather than through mechanical scanning, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If barcode systems are used for identification, then machines and measuring points can be identified, but detection fails when barcodes are soiled or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional barcode patterns to three-dimensional coding bodies with spatially arranged code elements. The coding body uses the spatial position, height, or depth of code elements as additional dimensions for encoding information. This three-dimensional approach makes the code more resilient to soiling or damage, as the spatial arrangement provides redundancy and alternative reading paths that are not available in flat barcodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the coding body with inherent robustness against degradation. The three-dimensional structure and spatial arrangement of code elements provide built-in redundancy that cushions against the effects of soiling, damage, or wear. Even if some code elements are obscured or damaged, the spatial configuration allows for error tolerance and continued reliable detection.
3Ease of operation
If RFID transponders are used for identification, then wireless data interchange is enabled, but communication problems arise in electromagnetically loaded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic communication systems (RFID) with optical imaging systems for identification. Instead of using radio frequency signals that are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, the invention uses cameras to capture images of the coding body and processes these images to obtain identification information. This optical approach eliminates communication problems in electromagnetically loaded environments while maintaining wireless or contactless operation.
4Reliability
If special handheld probes with coding sensors are used, then coded plastic rings can be read, but additional costs and device complexity are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capture device universal by enabling it to perform both visual inspection functions and coded information retrieval functions. The same camera system used for general imaging or inspection purposes is also capable of capturing and processing images of coding bodies. This eliminates the need for separate specialized handheld probes with coding sensors, reducing device complexity and costs while maintaining reliable information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of image capture and coded information processing into a single integrated system. Instead of having separate devices for visual inspection and code reading, the invention combines these functions so that the image capture device serves dual purposes. This consolidation reduces the number of components, simplifies the system, and lowers costs while maintaining the reliability of coded information retrieval.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and simple coded information retrieval, reducing maintenance and costs by integrating image capture and processing in existing apparatuses, such as data collectors or data glasses, for identifying machines and measuring points.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional image is generated of at least the section of the coding body or of the entire coding body
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional image is generated of at least the section of the coding body or of the entire coding body
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for obtaining information from a coding body (1, 15), information is assigned to a three-dimensional form of at least one portion of the coding body (1, 15), at least one two-dimensional image of at least the portion of the coding body (1, 15) is generated, the form of the portion is identified on the basis of the image and the information that has been assigned to the identified form is accessed. A corresponding system comprises: at least one coding body (1, 15) having at least one portion with a three-dimensional form that has information assigned; at least one image-capture means (8, 19, 24) for generating two-dimensional images; and at least one processor (9, 21, 25) configured to identify the form of the portion on the basis of at least one two-dimensional image of at least the portion of the coding body (1, 15) and to access the information assigned to the identified form.