Multi-dimensional barcode and method of, and system for, electro-optically reading the barcode by image capture
AssigneeZortag, Inc.
InventorsSatya Prakash SHARMA, Joseph MARINO
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Light-modifying elements of a multi-dimensional barcode are arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second quantities of information stored in the barcode. Some of the elements have different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third quantity of the information. Some of the elements are colored to store a fourth quantity of the information. A surrounding medium at least partially encases at least some of the elements. The surrounding medium has a characteristic that stores a fifth quantity of the information.
Claims16
A multi-dimensional barcode for storing information to be electro-optically read by image capture, comprising:
- a plurality of light-modifying elements arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second portions of the information, at least some of the elements having different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third portion of the information, at least some of the elements being colored to store a fourth portion of the information;
- and
- a surrounding medium for at least partially encasing at least some of the elements, the surrounding medium having a characteristic that stores a fifth portion of the information.
A system for electro-optically reading by image capture information stored in a multi-dimensional barcode, comprising:
- an imaging sensor having an array of exposable photosensors for capturing return light from a plurality of light-modifying elements arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second portions of the information stored in the barcode, at least some of the elements having different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third portion of the information, at least some of the elements being colored to store a fourth portion of the information, and a surrounding medium for at least partially encasing at least some of the elements, the surrounding medium having a characteristic that stores a fifth portion of the information;
- an imaging assembly for collecting a plurality of images of the return light from the barcode over at least one exposure of the imaging sensor;
- and
- a controller for constructing at least one image of the barcode from the plurality of images collected by the imaging assembly, and for processing the at least one image to read all the portions of the information.
A method of electro-optically reading by image capture information stored in a multi-dimensional barcode, comprising:
- capturing return light from a plurality of light-modifying elements arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second portions of the information stored in the barcode, at least some of the elements having different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third portion of the information, at least some of the elements being colored to store a fourth portion of the information, and a surrounding medium for at least partially encasing at least some of the elements, the surrounding medium having a characteristic that stores a fifth portion of the information;
- collecting a plurality of images of the return light from the barcode;
- constructing at least one image of the barcode from the plurality of collected images;
- and
- processing the at least one image to read all the portions of the information.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.