5D Barcode Encoding Depth and Color for Rapid Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-dimensional barcode technologies face challenges in accurately and rapidly decoding depth information, especially in commercial applications where objects are moving quickly, due to the difficulty in resolving small depths and the need for fast image capture.
Innovation Solution
A five-dimensional (5D) barcode system that utilizes the width, height, depth, color, and characteristics of a surrounding medium to encode information, allowing for accurate and rapid decoding using a portable or handheld image capture device with advanced imaging modules, such as liquid lenses or polarized imaging systems, to capture and process images of the barcode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multi-dimensional barcode with raised particles is used to encode depth information, then information density is increased, but measurement precision of depth is insufficient due to small depths being difficult to resolve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 1D and 2D barcodes to multi-dimensional barcodes incorporating depth (3D) and color (4D or 5D) dimensions. Raised particles with variable depths encode additional information layers, allowing significantly higher information density while maintaining machine-readable capability through optical imaging systems that capture elevation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates color as an additional dimension for encoding information. Particles can exhibit characteristic colors that contrast with the background, enabling color-coded data layers. This color dimension works synergistically with depth information to increase overall information capacity without compromising measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If stereoscopic imaging or multiple camera positions are used to capture depth information, then depth measurement capability is improved, but image capture speed decreases which is unacceptable for moving objects in commercial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into specialized optical components including illumination sources positioned at specific angles, polarizing filters for depth encoding, and structured light patterns. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple data dimensions (2D image, depth, color) in a single snapshot rather than requiring sequential multi-position imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed illumination patterns that encode depth information through temporal modulation. By using structured light sequences or pulsed illumination at different angles, the system captures depth data alongside standard imaging at high speed, enabling rapid decoding of multi-dimensional barcodes on moving objects.
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
The 5D barcode system significantly increases information density and enables rapid authentication and decoding of encoded information, even in high-speed commercial applications, by leveraging the unique combination of 3D elements and surrounding medium characteristics, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The readers may detect return laser light scanned across the barcode, or may capture return light from the barcode as an image.
Implementation Method 2
A portable or handheld image capture device with advanced imaging modules, such as liquid lenses or polarized imaging systems, to capture and process images of the barcode.
Implementation Method 3
A portable or handheld image capture device with advanced imaging modules, such as liquid lenses or polarized imaging systems, to capture and process images of the barcode.
Data Source
AI summary
Light-modifying elements of a multi-dimensional barcode are arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second quantities of information stored in the barcode. Some of the elements have different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third quantity of the information. Some of the elements are colored to store a fourth quantity of the information. A surrounding medium at least partially encases at least some of the elements. The surrounding medium has a characteristic that stores a fifth quantity of the information.