Cylindrical Container Electronic Watermark Printing for Alignment-Free Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for reading codes on containers require precise alignment of the container with the reading device, making it difficult to read bar codes or two-dimensional codes, especially when using portable terminals, and this complicates the design and clarity of the container's print.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical container manufacturing method that includes a print layer with an electronic watermark image and a blindfold layer on its outer surface, allowing the electronic watermark image to be printed in a way that it is difficult to visually recognize, enabling easy reading of the code without requiring alignment and maintaining designability and display clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a read code is printed on a specific site on the container outer surface, then the code can be read by a reading device, but it requires precise alignment between the container and reading device, complicating the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The container surface is divided into multiple printing areas, with read codes distributed across different locations. This segmentation allows the reading device to capture code information from various positions without requiring precise alignment, as multiple code segments are available throughout the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The read code is transformed from a traditional linear bar code into a two-dimensional code that can be read from multiple angles and positions. This dimensional change enables the code to be recognized without precise alignment, as the 2D structure contains redundant information that can be decoded from partial views.
2Ease of operation
If the read code printing area is enlarged to facilitate reading, then alignment is less critical, but it impairs the designability and clarity of display prints on the container
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the container surface are assigned different functions: specific areas contain read codes while other areas are dedicated to display prints and designs. This local differentiation allows code reading functionality to coexist with aesthetic design requirements, as each zone optimizes for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The container surface is segmented into functional zones where read codes are placed in less prominent areas while maintaining sufficient size for easy reading. This segmentation strategy preserves designability in major display areas while ensuring code readability in designated sections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple read codes are printed on the container to enable reading from any position, then alignment is not required, but it reduces the available area for design and display prints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of printing multiple full-sized read codes across the container, a single 2D code is printed with enhanced features that allow it to be read from multiple positions. This copying approach uses the same code information repeated in a structured format within the 2D matrix, providing reading flexibility without consuming additional container surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
Easy reading of a read code is enabled without matching a read range with a specific print section, and without impairing designability of a cylindrical container and clarity of a display print.A cylindrical container has, on the outer surface thereof, a print layer. The print layer has an electronic watermark layer including an electronic watermark image printed thereon, and a blindfold layer that renders the electronic watermark image difficult to be visually recognized. The print area of the blindfold layer matches a part or entirety of the print area of the electronic watermark layer.