Spiral Data Code Symbology for Rotation Invariant Machine Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical machine-readable data codes require human assistance for reading, as they are sensitive to rotation and scaling distortions, making them difficult to read accurately, especially in dynamic environments where images of moving objects are observed by fixed or moving cameras.
Innovation Solution
The development of a novel optical machine-readable data code symbology that uses symmetrical spiral lines or gray scale features, where the symbol angle, defined by the angle at which spiral lines or features intersect concentric circles, remains invariant to rotation and scaling, allowing for machine-based detection and decoding without explicit reference curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional bar code symbologies are used, then they can be printed and displayed, but they require human assistance for reading and are sensitive to rotation and scaling distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using spiral patterns with specific directional characteristics that are inherently asymmetric in their construction but achieve rotational invariance through mathematical properties. The spiral curves are defined by parametric equations that maintain consistent angular relationships regardless of rotation, allowing machines to identify symbols automatically without human intervention while maintaining reliability under distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using polar coordinate systems and parametric equations to define spiral patterns. The symbols are characterized by parameters such as spiral tightness, number of turns, and angular spacing, which remain invariant under rotation and scaling transformations. This parameter-based approach enables machine reading while maintaining reliability across different viewing conditions.
2Extent of automation
If data codes are designed to be readable by machines without human assistance, then automation is improved, but the codes become more sensitive to rotation and scaling effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotentiality by designing symbols that exist in a mathematical space where rotation and scaling operations do not change their fundamental characteristics. The spiral patterns are defined in polar coordinates where radial and angular components can be transformed without affecting the symbol's identity, making the codes equally readable under all rotational and scaling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved spiral patterns instead of straight lines or angular shapes. The continuous curvature of the spiral curves allows for smooth transformation under rotation and scaling, maintaining the symbol's recognizability. The spiral geometry provides inherent resistance to distortion effects that would affect linear or angular features.
3Measurement precision
If explicit reference curves are added to help with reading, then reading accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the code structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing symbols that contain all necessary reference information within their own structure. The spiral patterns inherently provide angular and radial reference frames through their geometric construction, eliminating the need for separate explicit reference curves. The symbols self-determine their orientation and scale through their intrinsic mathematical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the spiral patterns multi-functional by having them simultaneously serve as both the data-carrying element and the reference frame. The same curved lines that encode information also provide the geometric structure for machine identification, eliminating the need for separate reference curves and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for data encoding and optical recognition of encoded data includes generating symbols that represent data using angles (rather than linear dimensions as used for conventional bar codes). One embodiment uses spirals isocurves. Another uses parabolas isocurves. Methods for visually depicting such symbols, including symbols having gray values are disclosed. Methods for machine-based detection and decoding of such symbols regardless of their orientation relative to the machine is also disclosed.