Incremental Information Object Barcode for Customer Loyalty Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode systems fail to efficiently monitor the status of a product throughout its workflow, as they require multiple barcodes which consume significant space and do not allow for incremental information updates, limiting their ability to track customer loyalty or progressive information.
Innovation Solution
The development of an incremental information object (IIO) that can be progressively updated with additional information throughout the workflow, using advanced optical readers and a centralized identifying object registry to increase information density by modifying grayscale or color levels, allowing for the tracking of customer loyalty and other dynamic data without altering the initial barcode's readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple bar codes are added to track product status through workflow stages, then the ability to monitor workflow status is improved, but the space required on the product is substantially increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple bar code functions into a single progressive bar code that can store multiple workflow stage identifiers. Instead of adding separate bar codes at each stage, the system combines all tracking information into one evolving bar code structure that accumulates data about the product's journey through the workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static bar code to a progressive bar code that evolves through multiple states. Each workflow stage adds a new dimension of information to the bar code, allowing it to store temporal and sequential data about the product's progression through different stages without requiring additional physical space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard bar codes are used for product identification, then compatibility with existing optical readers is maintained, but the ability to store incremental information such as customer loyalty data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bar code dynamic by allowing it to change and evolve through multiple stages. The progressive bar code can be updated incrementally to store additional information such as customer loyalty data, while maintaining its fundamental structure. This dynamic nature allows the bar code to adapt its information capacity without losing its core identity or compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the bar code system by introducing progressive states and multiple information layers. The bar code transitions from a static identifier to a dynamic data structure that can store incremental information while preserving the original identification functionality through parameter expansion rather than structural replacement.
3Area of stationary object
If a single bar code is used for product identification, then space is conserved, but the ability to track progressive information such as customer loyalty status is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information storage capability into multiple incremental layers within a single bar code structure. Instead of requiring one bar code per information type, the system divides the information hierarchy so that identification data, workflow status, and customer loyalty information are stored in segmented layers within the same progressive bar code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple levels of information are embedded within the single bar code. The bar code contains nested data layers similar to nested dolls, with the core identification information at the center and additional progressive information such as workflow status and loyalty data embedded in concentric layers around it.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking customer loyalty information using an incremental information object (IIO) includes capturing an information object (IO), wherein the IO include a number of tiles, and wherein the number of tiles include a standard code. The method also includes analyzing the IO to identify the standard code and analyzing the IO to determine if the IO is an IIO containing a progressive code, wherein the progressive code does not interfere with the reading of the standard. The method further include confirming the progressive code and, if the progressive code is successfully confirmed, obtaining customer loyalty data from the progressive code within the IIO.