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US 8,757,490 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for encoding and reading optical machine-readable data codes
AssigneeJosef Bigun
InventorsDereje Teferi Lemma, Josef Bigun
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.
Claims38
A method for conveying data in a machine-readable encoded form, the method comprising:
- inputting said data;
- using a symbol mapping that maps predetermined alphanumeric data to individual symbols belonging to an alphabet of machine-readable symbols to encode said data into a set of the machine-readable symbols of the alphabet, wherein each machine-readable symbol of the alphabet is represented by a plurality of isocurves, and wherein differentiation amongst at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet is dictated by at least one characteristic defined by bending of the isocurves of the at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet;
- and
- generating a visual depiction of the set of machine readable symbols.
1 more element
A method for reading data in a machine-readable encoded form, the method comprising:
- capturing an image of a set of machine-readable symbols belonging to an alphabet of machine-readable symbols, wherein each machine-readable symbol of the alphabet is represented by a plurality of isocurves, wherein differentiation amongst at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet is dictated by at least one characteristic defined by bending of the isocurves of the at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet;
- processing the image to extract characteristics for the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet as well as confidences associated therewith, and pixel coordinates for the origins of the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet, wherein the characteristics for the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet include at least one characteristic defined by bending of the isocurves for the at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet;
- grouping the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet into words;
- establishing symbol positions and a reading direction for each word;
- and
- using a symbol mapping that maps predetermined alphanumeric data to individual symbols belonging to the alphabet of machine-readable symbols to output data representing a sequence of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet for each word.
3 more elements
A system for reading data in a machine-readable encoded form, the method comprising:
- a camera for capturing an image of a set of machine-readable symbols belonging to an alphabet of machine-readable symbols, wherein each machine-readable symbol of the alphabet is represented by a plurality of isocurves, wherein differentiation amongst at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet is dictated by at least one characteristic defined by bending of the isocurves of the at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet;
- and
- an image processor for processing the image, the processing adapted to perform a sequence of operations including
- i) extracting characteristics for the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet as well as confidences associated therewith, and pixel coordinates for the origins of the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet, wherein the characteristics for the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet include at least one characteristic defined by bending of the isocurves for the at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet;
- ii) grouping the set of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet into words;
- iii) establishing symbol positions and a reading direction for each word;
- and
- iv) using a symbol mapping that maps predetermined alphanumeric data to individual symbols belonging to the alphabet of machine-readable symbols to output data representing a sequence of machine-readable symbols of the alphabet for each word.
5 more elements
A method for conveying data in a machine-readable encoded form, the method comprising:
- inputting said data;
- using a symbol mapping that maps predetermined alphanumeric data to individual symbols belonging to an alphabet of machine-readable symbols to encode said data into a set of the machine-readable symbols of the alphabet, wherein each machine-readable symbol of the alphabet is represented by a plurality of isocurves, and wherein differentiation amongst at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet is dictated by at least one characteristic defined by bending of the isocurves of the at least two machine-readable symbols of the alphabet;
- and
- generating a depiction of the set of machine readable symbols.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.