Dynamic Indicator in 2D Barcode Empty Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 2D barcode technologies face limitations in space efficiency and data recovery, particularly in applications where space is critical, and existing methods for incorporating dynamic environmental data into 2D barcodes often result in waste and reduced accuracy due to overprinting or underprinting with static ink, which renders part of the dynamic indicator unusable.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-augmented 2D barcode system that includes a dynamic region within an empty space of the barcode, where the dynamic indicator changes color in response to environmental conditions without being overprinted or underprinted by static ink, allowing for continuous color state changes and improved accuracy, and reducing the need for error correction codewords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dynamic indicator is overprinted or underprinted with static ink to incorporate environmental data into 2D barcode, then data capacity is increased, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision are reduced due to unusable dynamic indicator portions
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D barcode is segmented into distinct functional regions: a static barcode region for data encoding and a dynamic indicator region for environmental monitoring. This segmentation prevents the static ink from interfering with the dynamic indicator's color changes, maintaining both data capacity and color accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic indicator is extracted from the static barcode structure by allocating a specific empty region within the 2D barcode where only the dynamic indicator is placed. This extraction ensures that the dynamic indicator is not overprinted or underprinted by static ink, preserving its color accuracy while still incorporating environmental data into the barcode system.
2Reliability
If larger sized barcodes or multiple linked barcodes are used to increase data recovery capabilities, then reliability is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the static barcode and dynamic indicator into a single integrated 2D barcode structure. The dynamic indicator region is incorporated within the barcode's empty space, combining environmental monitoring capabilities with data encoding in one compact unit, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing the overall barcode area.
Solution Approach 2:
The 2D barcode is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: encoding static data through the barcode pattern and monitoring environmental conditions through the dynamic indicator. This multi-functionality allows the single barcode structure to provide both data recovery capabilities and environmental tracking without requiring additional space for separate components.
3Measurement precision
If dynamic indicator occupies entire empty region to maximize sensor information, then measurement precision is improved, but error correction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the dynamic indicator within a specific portion of the empty region rather than requiring it to occupy the entire area. This localized placement maintains sufficient sensor accuracy for environmental monitoring while preserving other empty region space that can be utilized for error correction codewords, thereby reducing the overall device complexity.
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 enhances space efficiency, reduces waste of dynamic indicators and static ink, improves color accuracy, and allows for more accurate data recovery with fewer error correction codewords, enabling smaller dynamic regions that maintain the same accuracy as previous implementations.
Implementation Method 1
The dynamic region includes a dynamic indicator having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change between an initial state and an end state, causing a change in the color state of the dynamic indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode includes a layer provided on a substrate comprising a two-dimensional error-correcting barcode symbol. The bar code symbol further includes a barcode region, an empty region, and a dynamic region. The barcode region includes a plurality of modules in a static color state and the empty region has an area. Additionally, the dynamic region is provided on the substrate and positioned within the area of the empty region. The dynamic region includes a dynamic indicator having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change between an initial state and an end state, causing a change in the color state of the dynamic indicator. Additionally, the color state indicates exposure to the environmental condition.