Dot-Matrix Encoding for Food Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dot-matrix product information on food packaging can become damaged or altered during the manufacturing and distribution process, making it difficult to track and trace food products effectively, which is crucial for food safety and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that encodes product information using dot-pattern variations within the dot-matrix grid, allowing for the encoding and decoding of multiple product attributes within the date portion of the dot-matrix printed information, ensuring that all tracking information remains readable even if parts of the code are destroyed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dot-matrix printing is used for product information, then the printing process is simple and cost-effective, but the information becomes damaged or unreadable during manufacturing and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple layers of encoded information within the dot-matrix grid structure. Each dot position can represent multiple bits of information through varying patterns, effectively nesting multiple data layers within the same physical printing space. This allows the same physical code to encode product attributes, batch numbers, and traceability data simultaneously, preventing information loss while maintaining printing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter representation by encoding information not through different characters or symbols, but through variations in dot patterns, spacing, and arrangement within the matrix grid. By transforming data into spatial patterns of dots rather than traditional alphanumeric characters, the system creates a more robust code that resists damage and alteration during handling while remaining readable through pattern recognition.
2Loss of information
If multiple product attributes are encoded in the date portion, then more information is preserved for traceability, but the decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dot-matrix grid into distinct zones or segments, where specific regions encode different product attributes such as manufacturing date, batch number, location, and other traceability data. This segmentation allows the system to organize multiple pieces of information in a structured manner, making the decoding process systematic rather than complex. Each segment can be read and interpreted independently using the same simple pattern recognition methodology.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dot patterns are made more complex to encode more information, then more product attributes can be represented, but the readability and recognition accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional one-dimensional linear coding to two-dimensional matrix-based encoding. By utilizing both horizontal and vertical dimensions within the grid, the system can represent significantly more information within the same physical space. This dimensional expansion allows complex information to be encoded through spatial arrangements of dots that maintain high recognizability through pattern matching algorithms, effectively increasing encoding capacity without sacrificing readability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for encoding dot-matrix product information method includes identifying, via a processor, a dot-matrix grid size. The method further includes evaluating, via the processor, one or more dot pattern variation levels. In some aspects, the method includes retrieving, via the processor, an encoding structure indicative of a plurality of product information attributes. The method also includes determining, via the processor, whether an alpha-numeric digit at a dot pattern variation level can include a plurality of product information. The method further includes outputting, via the processor, a dot pattern code map. In some aspects, the dot pattern code map is indicative of a relationship between each of the product information attributes and the plurality of values for each of the product information attributes.