Method of forming a fabric containing a functional code pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barcodes on textile products are small, hidden, and lack aesthetic value, failing to integrate functionality with fashion, and existing methods struggle to produce scalable, decorative, and functional code patterns that can be read by electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing textile products with embedded or printed functional code patterns that adhere to standard barcode formatting rules, using mathematical ratios and programming textile machines to control bar width, spacing, and color, allowing for mass production of decorative and readable patterns that can span visible areas and incorporate varying yarn diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional barcodes are attached to textile products, then product identification functionality is achieved, but aesthetic value and visibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barcode functionality with the textile manufacturing process itself. The code pattern is incorporated directly into the fabric structure during weaving or knitting, eliminating the need for separate barcode attachment. This integration allows the barcode to become an inherent part of the textile product, maintaining both identification functionality and aesthetic value as the code can be designed to match the fabric pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The textile fabric serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary textile function (clothing, upholstery, etc.), maintains aesthetic appearance through visible patterns, and embeds identification functionality through the integrated code pattern. The fabric structure itself becomes a multi-functional element that combines decorative and identificational roles.
2Ease of manufacture
If barcodes are made visible and decorative, then aesthetic value improves, but standard barcode formatting and readability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the code pattern. While the overall pattern may be decorative and visible, specific local regions maintain the precise formatting requirements for barcode readability. The code incorporates standard barcode elements (such as quiet zones, start/stop patterns, and bar spacing) in their required precision while allowing decorative variation in less critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts physical parameters of the code pattern to accommodate both aesthetic and functional requirements. This includes modifying bar width, spacing, and color while maintaining the mathematical relationships required for barcode interpretation. The system allows parameter variation within constraints that preserve readability, enabling decorative customization without sacrificing identification functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If code patterns are enlarged for visibility, then aesthetic value and visibility improve, but manufacturing precision and scalability become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the textile manufacturing process to maintain precision in enlarged code patterns. The weaving or knitting machine parameters are dynamically adjusted during production to ensure consistent bar width and spacing even at larger scales. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to variations in yarn diameter and tension while maintaining the geometric integrity of the enlarged code pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional structure of textile fabrication to encode information. By incorporating the code pattern during the weaving or knitting process, the system adds a dimensional aspect to barcode creation that differs from traditional two-dimensional printing. This dimensional approach allows for better control of pattern geometry and scaling while maintaining manufacturing precision through the inherent structure of the fabric weave or knit.
4Productivity
If multiple code patterns are produced simultaneously for mass production, then productivity increases, but complexity of controlling consistent quality across patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the code pattern production into manageable segments that can be controlled independently during mass production. The textile manufacturing process is programmed to produce repeated units of the code pattern along the length or width of the fabric, with each segment maintaining consistent quality through modular control. This segmentation allows for easier quality control and programming while maintaining high productivity through continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying mechanisms to reproduce the code pattern consistently across multiple fabric pieces or sections. The programming system stores the code pattern as a reusable template that can be replicated automatically during mass production. This copying approach ensures consistent quality across all produced patterns while simplifying the programming complexity, as the same template is reused rather than creating unique patterns for each production run.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a textile product wherein a functional code pattern is structurally embedded within a textile product as the textile yarns are interlaced to become a textile product is provided. The functional code pattern is embedded within the textile product by programming a textile process machine with conversion factors and mathematical ratios, producing an enlarged code pattern that adheres to the customary rules of public or proprietary barcode formatting. Alternatively, the functional code pattern can be digitally printed onto the textile. The resulting textile product includes a functional and decorative code pattern that is readable by a standard electronic code reading device. Depending upon the type of textile yarn materials used, the code pattern created in or printed on the textile fabric may or may not be visible to the human eye.