Composite Information Bearing Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine coded image patterns for information bearing devices require high precision master patterns, making them costly and impractical for large-scale applications, especially when multiple unique identification codes are needed, as they rely on offset or rotary machine printing which is inefficient for producing labels or tags with intricate details at high density.
Innovation Solution
A composite information bearing device is proposed, combining a machine coded image pattern with human readable data, where the machine coded image represents a significant portion of the identification or verification code, allowing multiple devices to share a common pattern, reducing production costs and facilitating template matching for detection and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high precision master patterns are used for machine coded image patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification code is segmented into two parts: a common machine-coded image pattern that can be shared across multiple devices, and a unique variable portion (such as serial numbers or verification codes) that differs between devices. This segmentation allows the complex high-precision pattern to be reused, reducing overall production complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision for the unique portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a common master pattern that can be copied and reused across multiple information bearing devices. Instead of creating unique high-precision patterns for each device, a single verified pattern is replicated, significantly reducing device complexity and production costs while maintaining the precision benefits of the original pattern through template matching during verification.
2Reliability
If unique identification codes are produced for each device using traditional methods, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is divided into a common reusable pattern component and a unique variable component. The common pattern can be mass-produced through copying, while the unique portion (serial numbers, verification codes) is added through simpler, faster methods such as printing or data matrix encoding, thereby maintaining reliability through uniqueness while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common machine-coded image pattern serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized format for machine recognition, enables template matching for verification, and can be reused across numerous devices. This universal pattern reduces the need for complex unique patterns while maintaining reliable device identification through the combination of common and variable elements.
3Quantity of substance
If intricate details at high density are printed on labels or tags, then information bearing capacity is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a common master pattern that can be copied efficiently across multiple labels. This approach allows high information density to be achieved through the structured common pattern while avoiding the need to print intricate unique details on every label, significantly improving ease of manufacture through replication rather than individual customization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of printing unique intricate patterns on each label, the patent inverts the approach by using a common pattern that is identical across labels and placing the unique information in a simpler, more manufacturable format. This inversion maintains high information bearing capacity while dramatically improving ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite information bearing device comprising an image pattern and a human readable data device. The human readable data device includes a set of human readable data symbols representing a first set of data. The first set of data includes a first data portion and a second data portion. The image pattern represents a second set of data and comprises a third data portion. One of the first or said second data portions is to form an identification code upon combination or concatenation with said third data portion, and the other one of said first or said second data portions not forming part of said identification code is to form a verification code, the verification code being related to said identification code by a scheme of operation.