Article marker and decoding method
US5554841A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K2019/06243
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A graphical symbol encoding a numerical value may be accurately read even when placed on a non-planar surface. The marker is imaged with an inventive apparatus and analyzed using an inventive method which translates the graphical image into a unique number for article identification purposes. The marker in its preferred embodiment includes an outer ring having a continuous perimeter in one or more concentric data tracks disposed within this outer ring. A timing track is used to determine angular relationships about the center of the marker. Distances between points associated with the outer ring in a particular data track are used in conjunction with these angular relationships to locate a digitally encoded visual pattern associated with a particular data track, this pattern being used to store at least a portion of a numerical code used to identify each marker-bearing article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.