Dot Code Design Using Local Quality Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dot codes with high bit dot density cause visual interference and recognition difficulties due to their high density, leading to increased printer resolution requirements and potential dot leakage during printing, making them hard to read and recognize effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to reduce bit dot density by dividing the dot code region into blocks with specific bit zones, where fewer dots are used to represent information, with label and data zones allowing for flexible dot placement to minimize visual interference and improve recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the density of bit dots is increased to carry more information, then the information capacity of the dot code is improved, but the visual interference increases and human eyes can easily perceive the dot code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different zones within the dot code structure: a first zone with higher dot density for information encoding and a second zone with lower dot density for visual comfort. This allows different parts of the same dot code to have different densities, maximizing information capacity in the first zone while minimizing visual interference in the second zone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the size of bit dot is decreased to reduce visual interference, then the visual effect is improved, but the resolution requirement of printer increases and dot leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different dot sizes to different zones: larger dots in the first zone for reliable printing and smaller dots in the second zone for visual comfort. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the first zone to meet manufacturing precision requirements while the second zone reduces visual interference.
3Loss of information
If the distance between two adjacent bit dots is decreased to increase information density, then the information capacity is improved, but the printing difficulty increases and read errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a first zone with smaller dot spacing for high information density and a second zone with larger dot spacing for easy printing and accurate reading. This spatial differentiation allows the system to achieve high information capacity without compromising printing ease or increasing read errors.
4Loss of information
If the bit dot density is increased to maximize information in limited region, then the information capacity is improved, but the dot code is easily confused with information material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designating a first zone for information encoding with higher dot density and a second zone for visual separation with lower dot density. The second zone acts as a visual buffer that distinguishes the dot code from surrounding information material, preventing confusion while maintaining high information capacity in the first zone.
Data Source
AI summary
An information input/output method using a dot code includes the steps as follow. First, at least one dot code corresponding to indicator information is formed on a surface of an object, wherein the dot code is composed of a plurality of blocks, and each block has one bit dot. Each block is divided into a plurality of bit zones arranged in an array. Some of the bit zones arranged in a crisscross form a label zone. Each bit dot forming data information of the dot code is set in the bit zones outside the label zone of the block. Each bit dot forming label information of the dot code is set in the bit zones within the label zone of the block. Then, the surface of the object is optically read to obtain the indicator information corresponding to the dot code.