Food Package Identification via 2D Code Image Deviations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food packaging traceability methods, such as using readable tags or digital printing of 2D codes, are costly and time-consuming, and can create bottlenecks in food production lines, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for uniquely identifying food packages.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a camera-equipped device to capture image data of a static 2D code, which includes a primary code linked to a web address and a secondary code derived from microscopic printing deviations, allowing for unique identification without the need for digital printing or additional software installations, enabling efficient traceability and recall of food products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a readable tag with processor and memory is provided on each food package, then the package can be reliably identified and traced, but the production cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an optical image of the 2D code on the package, creating a digital copy that can be processed and stored. This eliminates the need for physical readable tags with processors and memories, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining traceability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic system of readable tags with processors and memories with an optical system using 2D codes and camera-based reading. This substitution maintains the traceability function while eliminating the need for expensive electronic components on each package
2Reliability
If digital printing technology is used to print variable 2D codes on each food package, then unique identification is achieved, but the printing speed becomes a bottleneck in the processing line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses static 2D codes that are printed in advance using conventional high-speed printing methods, rather than printing variable codes at the point of use. The uniqueness is then derived through image processing of the static code, allowing the printing process to run at full speed without becoming a bottleneck
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the identification function into two parts: a static 2D code that can be printed at high speed using conventional methods, and a dynamic component (the captured image data) that provides unique identification. This segmentation allows the printing process to maintain high speed while still achieving unique package identification
3Measurement precision
If additional software applications are installed on camera-equipped devices to identify secondary codes, then precise package identification is achieved, but the device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera app universally capable of identifying both primary and secondary codes by integrating multiple identification functions into a single application. This eliminates the need for users to install and manage multiple specialized software applications, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise identification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple code identification software applications into a single integrated camera app. The app can identify both the primary 2D code and the secondary unique identifier derived from the captured image, merging multiple functions into one tool and simplifying the user experience
Data Source
AI summary
A method for uniquely identifying a food package provided with a two-dimensional, 2D, code. The method includes: capturing image data depicting the 2D code using a camera-equipped device; identifying a primary code based on the image data using a software application executed on a data processing device provided in the camera-equipped device, wherein the primary code is linked to a web address; downloading interstitial content from a remote server; launching the interstitial content linked to the primary code; and identifying a secondary code using the interstitial content, wherein the secondary code is related to individual deviations of the 2D code on the food package.