Barcode Template Segmentation for Dynamic Parameter Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating and managing barcodes in printing processes are inefficient, requiring significant effort to update parameters and content, especially when multiple barcodes need to be changed, disrupting the production process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the creation of an electronic template in a page description language (PDL) with separate sections for graphic representation and meta-information, allowing for easy identification, modification, and storage of barcode parameters and content, enabling dynamic updates and generation of barcodes on substrates without complete reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barcode parameters and content are updated by complete regeneration, then barcode information remains accurate, but time consumption and production disruption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode information accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption for barcode updates
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode generation process is segmented into separate components: template structure, parameters, and content data. This allows selective updating of individual elements without regenerating the entire barcode, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing update time and production disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If all barcode information is manually re-entered for updates, then data accuracy is maintained, but operational effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode data accuracyVSAvoidoperational effort for barcode changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode template and structure are prepared in advance with all necessary parameter definitions and formatting rules. When updates are needed, only the specific content data needs to be modified while the pre-established template ensures data accuracy without requiring complete re-entry of all information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple barcodes are updated simultaneously, then production efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple barcode parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of barcode parameter management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal barcode template structure is established that can accommodate multiple different barcode types and content formats. This standardized framework allows simultaneous management and updating of multiple barcodes through a single systematic approach, increasing productivity while controlling complexity through reuse of the same template structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2565816B1Method and apparatus for generating a barcode on a substrate
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
  • EP2565816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2565816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2565816B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To modify a barcode during a workflow, it must be regenerated each time. This requires gathering all the barcode information and regenerating the page. If not all the barcode information is known, problems can arise. Therefore, a first section is created within a file's initial area, describing the first barcode. This area is uniquely identifiable by PDL identification elements, and upon reopening the file, the first barcode is accessed via these identification elements. Changes to individual parameters and/or content of the first barcode can be made and regenerated in a modified initial area using these modified parameters and/or content.Subsequently, a substrate (205, 208) is imaged in an imaging device (206, 207, 209), whereby the barcode is generated taking into account the changes in the image area.