Stereoscopic Information Code Reading with Alignment Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bar code reading devices require direct opposition to read bar codes, making the process time-consuming as they need to be aligned manually with the bar code on an object.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic information code and reading device featuring a plurality of aligned information codes on a 3D object with alignment marks, allowing the device to read codes from any direction by distinguishing marks and identifying the code area within them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional bar code reading device is used, then the bar code can be read, but the device must be manually aligned to directly oppose the bar code, which consumes time
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code is segmented into multiple identical code patterns arranged in a circular pattern around the object's circumference. This segmentation allows the reading device to capture multiple code segments in a single scan, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing the time required to read the bar code while maintaining reading accuracy through the use of alignment marks.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar code is transformed from a conventional linear two-dimensional pattern into a three-dimensional circular arrangement wrapped around the object. This dimensional change allows the reading device to read the bar code from multiple angles and positions simultaneously, eliminating the requirement for direct opposition and manual alignment while preserving reading accuracy through the alignment marks that identify valid code segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical information codes are arranged on a stereoscopic object, then reading from various directions becomes possible, but it becomes difficult to identify which code to read
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment marks are introduced as intermediary elements between the multiple identical information codes. These alignment marks serve as unique identifiers that allow the reading device to distinguish between different code segments and determine which code should be read. This intermediary element adds minimal complexity while enabling the system to handle multiple codes efficiently and maintain adaptability for reading from various directions.
3Ease of operation
If alignment marks are added to identify individual codes, then code identification becomes easier, but the overall structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment marks are placed only at specific local positions (opposite corners) of each information code rather than throughout the entire code structure. This localized approach provides sufficient identification capability for the reading device to locate and read the correct code while minimizing the addition of structural complexity. The alignment marks are simple geometric features that do not significantly increase the overall complexity of the bar code system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to easily read out an information code. A stereoscopic information code includes a plurality of same information codes arranged on the surface of a stereoscopic object at equal distances; and an alignment mark placed near each of the information codes. The stereoscopic information code reading device includes a scan unit that obtains a scanned image of the surface of stereoscopic object; an alignment mark distinguishing unit that distinguishes at least two alignment marks from the scanned image obtained by the scan unit; and an information code reading unit that reads an information code existing between two of the alignment marks distinguished by the alignment mark distinguishing unit.