Retroreflective Multiscale Codes for High-Density Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode technologies, such as QR codes, face limitations in encoding capacity and readability due to the need for standardized layouts and error correction, which can result in reduced storage capacity and increased complexity, especially when used on varying distances and light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A machine-readable code system utilizing a hierarchy of optical element sets with parent and child optical elements, each with distinct retroreflective properties, allowing for increased encoding density and readability at different distances and light intensities, enabling more information to be stored on a finite surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standardized layout schemes and error correction are used in barcodes, then reliability of decoding is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The code is divided into multiple hierarchical levels with parent optical element sets and child optical element sets. Each level can be decoded independently, allowing the system to segment the information storage and retrieval process. This segmentation enables different portions of the code to serve different functions, improving overall reliability while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D barcode layouts to a multi-level hierarchical structure that adds a dimensional aspect to code organization. By arranging optical elements in parent-child relationships across multiple levels, the system increases storage capacity without compromising decoding reliability through standardized layout requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If larger QR code size is used to encode more information, then storage capacity is improved, but the code becomes less readable from distance and occupies more surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where child optical element sets are contained within or associated with parent optical element sets. This nesting allows multiple levels of information to be encoded in a compact form, increasing information capacity without proportionally increasing the surface area occupied by the code.
Solution Approach 2:
By organizing optical elements in a multi-level hierarchy rather than a flat 2D grid, the patent effectively adds a organizational dimension to the code structure. This enables more information to be packed into the same physical space by utilizing hierarchical relationships between optical elements.
3Reliability
If higher error correction level is used, then decoding reliability is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical structure segments the code into parent and child optical element sets that can be decoded at different levels. This segmentation allows error correction to be applied selectively at different hierarchical levels, maintaining reliability while preserving more data capacity compared to uniform error correction across the entire code.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional 2D barcode layout is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but encoding density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical organizational dimension to the optical element arrangement, moving beyond traditional flat 2D layouts. This hierarchical structure maintains manufacturing simplicity by using systematic patterns while dramatically increasing encoding density through the parent-child optical element relationship structure.
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 allows for enhanced encoding efficiency and flexibility, enabling different information to be read at varying distances and light conditions, reducing the need for additional boundary elements and improving data payload without increasing false positives.
Implementation Method 1
a parent optical element set comprising one or more parent optical elements disposed on the surface of the substrate, a child optical element set comprising one or more child optical elements disposed on the surface of the substrate... wherein each of the parent optical elements has a first retroreflective property, wherein each of the child optical elements has a second retroreflective property different from the first retroreflective property
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an article includes a substrate having a surface; a parent optical element set comprising one or more parent optical elements disposed on the surface of the substrate, a child optical element set comprising one or more child optical elements disposed on the surface of the substrate. Each of the parent optical elements has a first retroreflective property and each of the child optical elements has a second retroreflective property different from the first retroreflective property.