Segmented 2D Bar Code Symbol for Partial Damage Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D bar code symbols are prone to failure if a significant portion is damaged, as conventional error correction methods may not suffice to reconstruct the symbol, leading to incomplete data retrieval, especially when scanned with limited field-of-view sensors.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves dividing data into segments, encoding them as arrays of cells, and arranging these in an abutting relationship to form a bitmap or printed symbol, allowing for partial reconstruction even if a portion is heavily damaged, using techniques like Gray Code patterns and segment identification fields to facilitate decoding with limited image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional error correction methods are applied across the entire symbol, then data can be reconstructed if some portions are missing, but the symbol fails completely if too much of the printed symbol is damaged even with localized damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bar code symbol into multiple independently encoded data segments, where each segment contains its own error correction capabilities. This segmentation allows the scanner to successfully read the symbol if at least one segment remains intact, rather than requiring the entire symbol to be readable. Each segment functions as an independent unit with redundant error correction data, enabling partial symbol recovery without needing complex symbol-wide error correction mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If 2D symbologies are used to increase data storage capacity, then more information can be stored without network access, but the symbol requires enhanced error detection and correction which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the data into multiple independent segments, where each segment is separately encoded with its own error correction capabilities. This approach maintains high data storage capacity while simplifying error correction by localizing it to individual segments rather than requiring complex symbol-wide correction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each data segment is independently encoded with localized error correction properties tailored to that specific segment. This local quality approach allows error correction to be applied independently to each segment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining robust data storage and retrieval capabilities even when parts of the symbol are damaged.
3Ease of operation
If a limited field-of-view sensor is used for scanning, then the device can be more compact and portable, but it may not detect a portion of a given symbol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the symbol into multiple segments that can be independently scanned and decoded. A limited field-of-view sensor can successfully read the symbol by capturing at least one complete segment, eliminating the need for the sensor to detect the entire symbol at once. This segmentation approach enables reliable scanning with compact, portable devices having restricted viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial symbol reading where successful decoding requires reading only a portion of the symbol (at least one complete segment) rather than the entire symbol. This partial action approach allows compact sensors with limited field-of-view to reliably scan and decode symbols without needing to capture or process the complete symbol, enhancing portability while maintaining detection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented 2D matrix symbol may be formed by dividing data into a plurality of segments, separately encoding the plurality of segments as corresponding arrays of cells, and arranging the arrays of cells in an abutting relationship. The segmented symbol may be reproduced, for example by receiving a bitmap corresponding to the formed symbol followed by printing; by copying a printed symbol; or by scanning a printed symbol and printing a copy. The reproduced symbol may be scanned, and data from only decoded segments, for example audio data, may be output.