Dot Pattern Data Storage Using Angular Symmetry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for storing and reading data in the form of dot patterns on printable media using digital printing processes face challenges in ensuring reliable and error-free scanning and decoding, especially under non-optimal conditions such as variations in dot size, spacing, and alignment.
Innovation Solution
The method involves printing dot patterns with multiple base dot patterns that are point symmetrical and differ in angle or spacing, using a digital printing process like ink-jet or laser printing, and employing a dot-pattern reader with an infrared light source and camera to accurately determine the dot positions and angles, allowing for increased tolerance to errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If digital printing processes are used to print dot patterns, then ease of manufacture and individualization are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability of scanning/decoding deteriorate due to variations in dot size, spacing, and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by encoding information through variations in dot pattern parameters (position, size, spacing, shape) rather than relying on absolute precision. The reading device detects these parameter variations to decode information, allowing digital printing's inherent imprecision to be compensated for through relative measurement and pattern recognition algorithms.
2Shape
If dot size and spacing are made very small to minimize appearance and reduce reader size, then aesthetic appearance and device portability are improved, but measurement precision and reliability of scanning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying on absolute dimensional precision to utilizing angular and relative positional relationships between dots. By detecting the angles formed by dot triplets and their spatial relationships, the system achieves reliable measurement even when absolute dot dimensions are small, effectively adding an angular dimension to the measurement problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dot patterns are printed on curved surfaces or under non-optimal conditions, then adaptability to different media and conditions is improved, but measurement precision and decoding accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect distortion and misalignment in real-time. By analyzing the actual geometric relationships between dots and comparing them against expected patterns, the system automatically compensates for curvature and positioning errors through iterative correction algorithms, maintaining measurement precision across varied conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables reliable and error-free scanning and decoding of dot patterns, even under unfavorable conditions, while allowing for individualized data storage and intuitive control of playback systems, such as video or audio, using microdot systems.
Implementation Method 1
a dot-pattern reader with an infrared light source and camera to accurately determine the dot positions and angles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for storing data is described, wherein the data to be stored is printed in the form of a dot pattern comprising a plurality of dots onto the surface of an imprintable medium using a printing device, wherein the dot pattern comprises at least one dot pattern block covering a defined area on the imprintable medium, and wherein the area, which is covered by the at least one dot pattern block on the medium to be imprinted, comprises a plurality of partial surfaces of equal size disposed next to and/or on top of each other, a dot pattern each representing a portion of the data to be stored being printed in said partial area. The method described is characterized in that each partial area comprises one of several different base dot patterns, or a reference dot pattern, that each of the several base dot patterns includes of two dots, which with respect to a virtual reference point are disposed in a point-symmetrical manner inside the respective partial area, and that the base dot patterns differ with respect to the angle of the virtual connecting line between the two dots of the respective base dot pattern with respect to a virtual reference line. The invention further relates to a method for reading the data stored in this manner.