2D Barcode Mosaic Encoding for Tolerance and Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D barcodes face issues with tolerance and dimension problems during reading, particularly when the periphery is degraded or when the reading window does not perfectly align with the barcode, leading to difficulties in decoding due to the need for larger optical sensors and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving duplicating and assembling 2D barcode copies in a mosaic pattern around a marker, using a graphic extraction window that covers the center and vertices, allowing for flexible positioning and resizing to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, and enabling decoding even with a window larger than the initial barcode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reading window is made significantly larger than the 2D barcode to ensure complete coverage, then the reading reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large reading window into multiple smaller reading windows arranged in a specific geometric pattern. Each small window can independently read a portion of the barcode, and their combined coverage ensures complete reading reliability without requiring one large window
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple small reading windows into a unified reading system that functions as a single effective window. The collective coverage area of these merged small windows achieves the same reading reliability as a large window while using less total space
2Measurement precision
If the 2D barcode is positioned precisely within the reading window to ensure complete coverage, then the reading accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reading window into multiple smaller windows distributed in a geometric pattern, the system becomes more tolerant to positioning variations. Even if the barcode shifts slightly, at least some of the segmented windows will still capture sufficient barcode features for accurate reading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the reading system by using multiple small windows instead of one large window. This parameter change transforms the system from being sensitive to precise positioning into being robust against positioning tolerances while maintaining reading accuracy
3Reliability
If the periphery of the 2D barcode is protected to prevent physical degradation, then the barcode reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the barcode information into multiple distributed regions that can be read by separate windows. This segmentation provides inherent redundancy and robustness against peripheral degradation without requiring additional protective structures
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric arrangement of multiple reading windows provides a buffer against peripheral degradation. Even if the barcode periphery is damaged, the distributed window configuration ensures that sufficient information remains accessible for successful reading
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~6D
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for encoding an initial 2D barcode. The invention is essentially characterized in that: the initial barcode is duplicated to create as many copies (C1, C2, C3, C4) as there are vertices in the initial 2D barcode; said copies are assembled into a mosaic around a first reference point (O1); a first graphic retrieval window (FEG1) is positioned such that the opening of said first window simultaneously covers at least the center of said first reference point and at least one vertex of each copy; and said first graphic retrieval window is sized such that the sum of the surface area of said copies covered by the opening of the first graphic window is no less than the surface area of the initial barcode.