Multidimensional Code for Container Inspection Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transponders and reflective foils used in container inspection units are bulky, expensive, have limited storage capacity, and are prone to false-positive results due to changes from soiling, damage, or manipulation, which hinders reliable inspection.
Innovation Solution
A device using a multidimensional code, such as a two- or three-dimensional code, is applied to the test container, allowing for increased storage capacity and reliability, with the code being easily readable and integrated into the container's design without obstructing inspection processes, and featuring self-adhesive film for cost-effective production and easy updating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transponders are used for test container identification, then the test containers can be identified and tracked, but the transponders are bulky, expensive, have limited storage capacity, and interfere with container handling and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical transponder with a two-dimensional code printed on the test container. This code is an optical copy that contains all necessary identification and characterization information, eliminating the need for bulky electronic transponders while maintaining reliable identification and tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electronic transponder system with an optical coding system. Instead of using electronic components that require physical reading devices, the solution uses optically readable two-dimensional codes that can be scanned and decoded using light-based reading devices, simplifying the overall system
2Reliability
If conventional reflective foils are used for test container marking, then the test containers can be marked for detection, but the storage capacity is only one bit which is insufficient for complex inspection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional barcodes or simple reflective foils to two-dimensional codes. This dimensional expansion allows significantly increased information storage capacity while maintaining optically readable properties. The two-dimensional code can encode multiple test feature characteristics, container identification data, and inspection parameters in a compact format
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the information encoding parameters by using a two-dimensional code structure with multiple distinguishable elements arranged in two dimensions. This allows encoding of numerous data points including test feature positions, sizes, shapes, and other characterization data, far exceeding the one-bit capacity of conventional reflective foils
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test features are present on a single test container, then comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, but false-positive results increase due to alterations from soiling, damage, or manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional code on the test container provides feedback information about the container's identification and test feature characteristics. By reading and verifying this code before inspection, the system can confirm that the test container is authentic and has not been tampered with, reducing false-positive results while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary verification by reading and validating the two-dimensional code on the test container before the actual inspection process. This preliminary action confirms the container's authenticity and integrity, preventing false-positive results from soiled, damaged, or manipulated containers while allowing comprehensive multi-feature inspection to proceed
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
The multidimensional code enhances the storage capacity and reliability of test container identification, reducing the likelihood of false positives and enabling precise characterization of test features, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of container inspection units.
Implementation Method 1
The multidimensional code is preferably an optically readable two-dimensional code
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a test container (1) at which test features (3-6) and a data carrier (7) with information are provided for identification of the test container and/or characterization of the test features. A reader unit is provided for reading the data carrier. The information is stored in form of a multidimensional code (8) i.e. two-dimensional code, on the data carrier. The data carrier has a self-adhesive carrier film (9) printed with the code. The code is formed dark contrasting in relation to a reflective layer. The multidimensional code is a standardized optical selectable code e.g. matrix code, dot code or stacked code. An independent claim is also included for a method for checking operability of a container inspection unit.