Method and apparatus for identifying information contained in surface deviations
US5593017A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for identifying information contained in deviations in the surface of an article, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles, has a source for radiating the article to provide a reflection from the deviations. An observing device observes the deviations in the reflection characteristics. A computer algorithm identifies the deviations and determines whether they correlate to a known pattern of surface deviations. The deviations are in the form of a plurality of lines having a predetermined uniquely identifiable spacing, providing a pattern which may be easily detected by its reflection characteristics and compared to a known pattern of surface deviations. The plurality of lines may be arcs orientated relative to a point on the surface of the article to provide an origin for the arcs, thereby permitting the article to be rotated about its origin for easy location and measurement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.