Dynamically variable machine readable binary code and method for reading and producing thereof
AssigneeInternational Data Matrix, Inc.
InventorsDennis G. Priddy, Robert S. Cymbalski
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Abstract
A machine readable binary code which is dynamically variable in size, format and density of information is provided. The binary code is formed as a matrix having a perimeter and data contained therein. The perimeter is provided with density indicia for indicating the density of data contained within the matrix. The perimeter is also provided with size indicia for indicating the size of the matrix. By utilizing the density indicia and size indicia, a scanning device is able to calculate the size and information density of the binary code.
Claims24
Apparatus for reading a machine readable code having a perimeter and containing a plurality of data elements in a two-dimensional spatial array representing coded information, comprising:
- means for sensor scanning a visual field to capture a two-dimensional image of the visual field;
- means for converting a scanned visual field image into a bit map representing the scanned visual field;
- first processing means for processing the bit map to locate and determine a size indicia in the bit map, the size indicia indicating the size of the code and comprising a first solid line and a second solid line, the first and second solid lines intersecting at a first corner and forming a portion of the code perimeter;
- second processing means for processing the bit map, in response to locating the size indicia, to locate and determine a density indicia in the bitmap, the density indicia comprising a first pattern of alternating light areas and dark areas and a second pattern of alternating light areas and dark areas, the first and second patterns intersecting at a second corner and forming another portion of the code perimeter, the product of the numbers of alternating light areas and dark areas in the first and second patterns indicating the number of data elements in the code representing coded information;
- and
- third processing means responsive to the determined size indicia and density indicia, for processing the bitmap and determining the coded information in the plurality of data elements.
A method for scanning a machine readable code having a perimeter and containing a plurality of data elements in a two-dimensional spatial array representing coded information comprising:
- scanning a visual field and capturing a two-dimensional image of the visual field;
- converting a captured visual field image into a bit map representing the scanned visual field;
- processing the bit map to locate and determine a size indicia in the bit map, the size indicia indicating the size of the code and comprising a first solid line and a second solid line, the first and second solid lines intersecting at a first corner and forming a portion of a perimeter of the code the size indicia;
- further processing the bit map, in response to locating the size indicia, to locate and determine a density indicia in the bitmap, the density indicia comprising a first pattern of alternating light areas and dark areas and a second pattern of alternating light areas and dark areas, the first and second patterns intersecting at a second corner and forming another portion of the perimeter of the code, the product of the numbers of alternating light areas and dark areas in the first and second patterns indicating the number of data elements in the code representing coded information;
- and
- determining the coded information in the plurality of data elements in response to the determined size indicia and density indicia and the bitmap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.