Determining an action associated with an apparatus using a combined bar code image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart control systems for apparatuses with disposable components struggle to accurately monitor and provide information on the lifetime and end-of-life status when third-party components are used, due to varying quality and performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a camera and processor to compare visual codes and symbols, matching them with reference codes and symbols to determine appropriate actions, including controlling the apparatus and providing services, ensuring compatibility and maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart control system uses a single visual code for component identification, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability of component authentication is insufficient when third-party components are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two authentication elements: a visual code (barcode/QR code) containing component identification information and a visual symbol (trademark/logo) indicating manufacturer identity. This dual-element combination merges data authentication with brand authentication, ensuring that third-party components cannot easily fake both elements simultaneously, thus improving authentication reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference database as an intermediary that stores authentic visual codes and visual symbols for approved components. The smart control system queries this database to verify component authenticity, creating a trusted mediation layer between the component and the control system. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable authentication of third-party components without requiring complex direct verification protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system accepts components from any manufacturer, then the adaptability is high, but the measurement precision of component status monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two independent verification steps: first verifying the visual code matches an approved component type in the reference database, then verifying the visual symbol matches the manufacturer's authentic trademark. This segmentation allows the system to accept components from multiple manufacturers (high adaptability) while maintaining strict verification standards for each component type (high measurement precision)
3Reliability
If the system performs detailed component verification, then the reliability of operation control is improved, but the time required for component installation and system setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authentication by capturing and verifying both the visual code and visual symbol immediately when a component is installed, before the apparatus begins operation. The smart control system uses the camera to capture images, decodes the visual information, and verifies authenticity against the reference database in advance. This preliminary verification ensures operational reliability while minimizing delays, as the authentication is completed during the installation phase rather than during operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a method of determining an action associated with an apparatus. The method comprises obtaining (100) data representing a visual code and a visual symbol; comparing (120) the visual code with a reference code, and comparing (130) the visual symbol with a reference symbol, to obtain comparison results; and determining (140) the action in response to the comparison results.