Reduced-ink Barcode Dot Matrix for Ink Splatter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode printing techniques, especially for datamatrix barcodes, suffer from ink splatter issues that degrade readability, particularly in smaller sizes, due to excessive ink usage and poor distinction between foreground and background elements.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-ink barcode system that employs a printer and controller to apply a matrix of printed dots with less-than-maximum dot density in foreground elements, maintaining the x-dimension while reducing ink usage and splatter, using configurations such as 5×5, 4×4, 3×3, or 2×2 dot matrices instead of the traditional 6×6, to enhance readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum printed dot density is used in conventional barcode printing, then the barcode elements are fully filled with ink, but ink splatter increases and readability degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by filling only a portion (less than maximum) of the ink-dot locations within each foreground element region. Instead of filling all 36 dot locations in a 6×6 matrix, the invention fills only enough dots to create a visible foreground element that maintains readability while reducing ink volume. This partial filling approach directly reduces ink splatter while preserving the barcode's detectable pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ink dot density from maximum to less-than-maximum. By adjusting the dot density parameter downward, the invention reduces ink usage and splatter while maintaining sufficient contrast between foreground and background elements. The specific parameter change involves selecting a dot density that provides adequate visual distinction without excessive ink application.
2Area of stationary object
If smaller barcode size is used, then space is reduced, but distinction between foreground and background elements is lost due to ink splatter
Solution Approach 1:
In smaller barcodes, the invention uses partial action by filling only a subset of available dot locations within each element region. This selective filling ensures that foreground elements remain distinct from background elements even when the overall barcode area is reduced. The partial filling prevents ink overflow that would otherwise blur element boundaries in compact formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the dot density parameter specifically for smaller barcode sizes to maintain element distinction. By optimizing the dot filling ratio and spacing parameters for reduced dimensions, the invention preserves sufficient contrast between foreground and background elements while accommodating smaller overall barcode areas.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional 6×6 dot matrix is used, then maximum ink coverage is achieved, but ink usage is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by filling only a portion of the 6×6 dot matrix locations rather than all 36 positions. This selective filling achieves sufficient ink coverage to create visible foreground elements while significantly reducing total ink consumption. The invention determines the minimum necessary dot density required for readable barcode elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dot matrix parameter from maximum density to an optimized less-than-maximum density. By adjusting the dot filling parameter downward from 100% coverage, the patent reduces ink usage while maintaining adequate visual presence of foreground elements. The specific parameter optimization involves selecting dot density values that balance visibility with ink conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced-ink barcode is disclosed in which the barcode has printed dot foreground and non-printed background element regions assembled into a detectable pattern on a document and is printed with each of the printed dot foreground element regions having less than a maximum printed dot density.