Segmented Circular Bar Code for High-Capacity Strain Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bar code configurations lack the geometric properties necessary for high-data capacity circular bar codes, particularly in non-linear strain measurement applications, and are unable to encode unique identification numbers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A segmented circular bar code design featuring concentric rings with locator and orientation cells, radially-extending gaps, and checkered rings, which allows for high-data capacity encoding by using binary storage locations and error-correction techniques, enabling the encoding of over 4 billion unique identification numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional bar code configurations are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the data capacity is limited and geometric properties are insufficient for high-data encoding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capacityVSAvoidgeometric structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circular bar code is divided into multiple concentric data rings, each containing multiple data cells. This segmentation allows the code to encode large amounts of data (over 4 billion unique identification numbers) by organizing information across multiple rings and cells, resolving the contradiction between data capacity and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional linear or rectangular bar code layouts to a circular geometry with concentric rings. This dimensional reorganization enables more efficient use of space and allows for higher data capacity while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for strain gage applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If locator rings and orientation cells are added to provide geometric properties, then orientation recognition and data recovery are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recovery capabilityVSAvoidbar code structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Locator rings and orientation cells are pre-positioned within the circular bar code structure to establish reference frames before data reading occurs. These features enable the imaging apparatus to automatically locate and orient the code, ensuring reliable data recovery even when the code is distorted by non-linear strain, thus improving reliability without requiring complex post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If multiple concentric data rings with data cells are implemented, then the encoding capacity for unique identification numbers increases to over 4 billion, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of unique identification numbersVSAvoidcircular geometry precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses variable parameters including the number of concentric rings, the number of data cells per ring, and the radial positioning of these elements to achieve over 4 billion unique identification numbers. By adjusting these parameters, the system can encode high-capacity data while accommodating variations in manufacturing precision through the flexible circular geometry design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If radially-extending gaps are introduced to divide the circular bar code into segments, then the bar code can accommodate non-linear strain measurement, but the structural integrity and continuity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain measurement capabilityVSAvoidcircular structure continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The circular bar code is divided into segments by radially-extending gaps, allowing each segment to independently accommodate non-linear strain deformation. This segmentation enables the code to remain readable even when the underlying structure undergoes significant deformation, as each segment can be independently located and decoded using the locator rings and orientation cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2344987B1Segmented circular bar code
Publication Date: 2013.11.06 DIRECT MEASUREMENTS INC
  • EP2344987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2344987B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2344987B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A segmented circular bar code is made-up of inner and outer locator rings, one or more data rings, two large orientation cells, an even number of radially-extending gaps dividing the bar code into a corresponding number of segments, and gap locator cells straddling each radially-extending gap. Each of the locator rings and the data rings is circular and has a finite width. All rings are concentric and there is no circumferential space between the rings.