EP0336778A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Polygonal information decoding process and apparatus
Assignee: United Parcel Service of America Inc
•
Filing: 1989-04-07
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-04-07
Abstract
Abstract An optically readable label (30) for storing encoded information comprises a data array of a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons (20) arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern, polygons (20) having at least two different optical properties. A process for encoding information in the optically-readable data array of information-encoded polygons (20) comprises assigning optical properties to individual polygons in a predetermined pattern, ordering the polygons (20) in a predetermined sequence, and printing the polygons (20) with at least two optical properties. A process for retrieving information by optically scanning the data array of information-encoded polygons (20), preferably hexagons, comprises creating an optical replica of the digital bit stream representative of the optical properties of the information-encoded polygons (20), decoding that optical replica and retrieving the decoded bit stream.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald Gordon Chandler
- 👤 Eric Paul Batterman
- 👤 Govind Shah
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:32
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/06009; G06K19/06037; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/1093; G06K7/14; G06K7/1404; G06K7/1408; G06K7/1417; G06K7/1439; G06K7/1443; G06K2019/06215; G06K2019/06262; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S283/00; Y10S283/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 119
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons having at least five sides, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
49 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons having at least five sides, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article as recited in claim 1, wherein said array is a hexagonal array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as recited in claim 2, wherein said hexagonal array has three axes spaced 60 degrees apart.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as recited in claim 1, wherein said polygons are substantially in the shape of regular hexagons.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as recited in claim 1, wherein said optical properties are the colors black, white and gray.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
An article as recited in claim 1, wherein said polygons are irregular polygons.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
An article as recited in claims 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings occupying an area on said article separate from the area occupied by said information-encoded polygons, each Concentric Ring having one of at least two different optical properties in alternating sequence.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article as recited in claim 7, wherein said Concentric Rings are centrally located on said article.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded triangles, said triangles arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent triangles lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said triangles having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded triangles, said triangles arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent triangles lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said triangles having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
An article as recited in claim 9, further comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings occupying an area on said article separate from the area occupied by said information-encoded triangles, each Concentric Ring having one of at least two different optical properties in alternating sequence.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article as recited in claim 10, wherein said Concentric Rings are centrally located.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a two-dimensional hexagonal array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a two-dimensional hexagonal array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as recited in claim 12, wherein said polygons are substantially in the shape of regular hexagons.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties and said array having at least three equally-spaced axes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
54 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties and said array having at least three equally-spaced axes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons partially contiguously arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons partially contiguously arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons noncontiguously arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons noncontiguously arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article as recited in claims 14, 15 or 16, wherein said polygons are regular polygons.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article as recited in claims 14, 15 or 16, wherein said polygons are irregular polygons.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
47 words
An article as recited in claims 14, 15 or 16, further comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings occupying an area on said article separate from the area occupied by said information-encoded polygons, each Concentric Ring having one of at least two different optical properties in alternating sequence.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article as recited in claim 19, wherein said Concentric Rings are centrally located on said article.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article as recited in claims 15 or 16, wherein said array is a hexagonal array.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as recited in claim 21, wherein said hexagonal array has three axes spaced 60 degrees apart.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
134 words
A process for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image corresponding to a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) utilizing said recovered clock signal of step (a) to locate the geometric centers of said polygons to identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
134 words
A process for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image corresponding to a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) utilizing said recovered clock signal of step (a) to locate the geometric centers of said polygons to identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
135 words
A process for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image corresponding to a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) utilizing said recovered clock signal of step (a) to locate the geometric centers of said polygons to identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
135 words
A process for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image corresponding to a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) utilizing said recovered clock signal of step (a) to locate the geometric centers of said polygons to identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process as recited in claims 23 or 24, wherein said two-dimensional array is a hexagonal array.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as recited in claims 23 or 24, wherein said polygons are regular polygons.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as recited in claims 23 or 24, wherein said polygons are irregular polygons.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process as recited in claims 23 or 24, wherein said polygons are substantially in the shape of regular hexagons.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
112 words
A process as recited in claim 23, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (i) performing a nonlinear mapping operation on said digital signals to identify transitions between adjacent polygons and between polygons and interstitial spaces having different optical properties; (ii) performing a Fourier transformation on the nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain a two-dimensional representation corresponding to the direction, spacing and intensity of optical property transitions of said polygons; (iii) filtering said transformed nonlinear mapped digital signals to eliminate incorrect direction and spacing of optical property transitions of said polygons; and (iv) performing an inverse Fourier transformation on said filtered transformed nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain said recovered clock signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process as recited in claim 23, further comprising the step, prior to step (a), of normalizing the sensed label image to predetermined levels for each respective optical property of the image.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as recited in claim 23, further comprising the step, prior to step (a) of rescaling the image to create an image with equal horizontal and vertical magnification.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
72 words
A process as recited in claim 29, wherein step (i) comprises creating a two-dimensional map of the transitions between adjacent polygons and between polygons and said interstitial spaces having different optical properties by computing the standard deviation of the optical properties of said image recorded by each pixel and pixels proximate each pixel of said electro-optical sensor, wherein larger standard deviation values correspond to transition areas at the interfaces of said polygons.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
A process as recited in claim 32, further comprising the step of thresholding said sensed label image at the center of each polygon located in step (b) to determine the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process as recited in claim 33, wherein the step of determining the thresholds of said sensed label image is performed by constructing histograms representing the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
96 words
A process as recited in claims 23, 29 or 34, wherein step (b) comprises: (i) performing an initialization step which searches the two-dimensional recovered clock signal obtained in step (a) within a predetermined area of said signal, to identify the position of greatest intensity; and (ii) performing a search continuation loop step which searches the two-dimensional recovered clock signal over the entire recovered clock signal starting from the position of greatest intensity in step (i) and looping to each adjacent position of next greatest intensity, wherein each identified position corresponds to the center of a polygon.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
59 words
A process as recited in claim 35, wherein said image sensed by said electro-optical sensor includes an acquisition target comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings of different, alternating optical properties and wherein the first step of the process is locating said acquisition target by filtering said digital signals and correlating said digital signals to a signal of predetermined frequency.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
114 words
A process as recited in claim 24, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (i) performing a nonlinear mapping oper: ation on said digital signals to identify transitions between adjacent polygons and between polygons and said interstitial spaces having different optical properties; (ii) performing a Fourier transformation on the nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain a two-dimensional representation corresponding to the direction, spacing and intensity of optical property transitions of said polygons; (iii) filtering said transformed nonlinear mapped digital signals to eliminate incorrect direction and spacing of optical property transitions of said polygons; and (iv) performing an inverse Fourier transformation on said filtered transformed nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain said recovered clock signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process as recited in claim 24, further comprising the step, prior to step (a), of normalizing the sensed label image to predetermined levels for each respective optical property of the image.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as recited in claim 24, further comprising the step, prior to step (a) of rescaling the image to create an image with equal horizontal and vertical magnification.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
72 words
A process as recited in claim 37, wherein step (i) comprises creating a two-dimensional map of the transitions be tween adjacent polygons and between polygons and said interstitial spaces having different optical properties by computing the standard deviation of the optical properties of said image recorded by each pixel and pixels proximate each pixel of said electro-optical sensor, wherein larger standard deviation values correspond to.transition areas at the interfaces of said polygons.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
A process as recited in claim 40, further comprising the step of thresholding said sensed label image at the center of each polygon located in step (b) to determine the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process as recited in claim 41, wherein the step of determining the thresholds of said sensed label image is performed by constructing histograms representing the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
96 words
A process as recited in claims 24, 37 or 42, wherein step (b) comprises: (i) performing an initialization step which searches the two-dimensional recovered clock signal obtained in step (a) within a predetermined area of said signal, to identify the position of greatest intensity; and (ii) performing a search continuation loop step which searches the two-dimensional recovered clock signal over the entire recovered clock signal starting from the position of greatest intensity in step (i) and looping to each adjacent position of next greatest intensity, wherein each identified position corresponds to the center of a polygon.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
59 words
A process as recited in claim 43, wherein said image sensed by said electro-optical sensor includes an acquisition target comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings of different, alternating optical properties and wherein the first step of the process is locating said acquisition target by filtering said digital signals and correlating said digital signals to a signal of predetermined frequency.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
170 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons having at least five sides, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
170 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons having at least five sides, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 45, wherein said optically readable label further comprises a plurality of Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
166 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a two- dimensional hexagonal array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
166 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a two- dimensional hexagonal array, and said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein said optically readable label further comprises a plurality of Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 48, wherein said polygons are substantially in the shape of a regular hexagon.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
167 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded triangles, said triangles arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent triangles lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said triangles having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said triangles and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and ( f ) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
167 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded triangles, said triangles arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent triangles lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said triangles having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said triangles and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and ( f ) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 50, wherein said optically readable label further comprises a plurality of Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
164 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons noncontiguously-arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
164 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons noncontiguously-arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 52, wherein said optically readable label further comprises a plurality of Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
165 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons partially contiguously-arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
165 words
A combination optical mark sensing and decoding system, comprising: (a) an optically readable label for storing encoded information comprising a multiplicity of information-encoded polygons, said polygons partially contiguously-arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) means for illuminating a predetermined area; (c) means for optically imaging said predetermined illuminated area through which said label is arranged to pass and generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said polygons and striking each pixel of said imaging means; (d) means for converting said analog electrical signals into a sequenced digital bit stream corresponding to the intensities of light recorded by said pixels of said imaging means; (e) means for storing said digital bit stream for subsequent decoding of said label; and (f) means for decoding said digital bit stream, said decoding means producing an electrical output representative of the encoded information.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 54, wherein said optically readable label further comprises a plurality of Concen tric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of nonconti- guosly-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal of step (a), to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of nonconti- guosly-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal of step (a), to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a nonlinear mapping operation on said digital signals to identify transitions between adjacent polygons having different optical properties; (b) means for performing a Fourier transformation on the nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain a two-dimensional representation corresponding to the direction, spacing and intensity of optical property transitions of said polygons; (c) means for filtering said transformed non-linear mapped digital signals to eliminate incorrect direction and spacing of optical property transitions of said polygons; (d) means for performing an inverse Fourier transformation of said filtered transformed nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain said recovered clock signal; (e) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and to identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (f) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process for said polygons.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a nonlinear mapping operation on said digital signals to identify transitions between adjacent polygons having different optical properties; (b) means for performing a Fourier transformation on the nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain a two-dimensional representation corresponding to the direction, spacing and intensity of optical property transitions of said polygons; (c) means for filtering said transformed non-linear mapped digital signals to eliminate incorrect direction and spacing of optical property transitions of said polygons; (d) means for performing an inverse Fourier transformation of said filtered transformed nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain said recovered clock signal; (e) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and to identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (f) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process for said polygons.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
68 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 57, wherein said nonlinear mapping means comprises means for creating a two-dimensional map of the transitions between adjacent polygons having different optical properties by computing the standard deviation of the optical properties of said image recorded by each pixel and pixels proximate each pixel of said electro-optical sensor, wherein larger standard deviation values correspond to transition areas at the interfaces of polygons.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 57, further comprising means for normalizing the sensed label image to predetermined optimums for each respective optical property of the image prior to performing the nonlinear mapping operation.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 57, further comprising means for rescaling the sensed label image to create an image with equal horizontal and vertical magnification prior to performing the nonlinear mapping operation.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 58, further comprising means for thresholding said sensed label image at the center of each polygon located by means (e) to determine the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 61, wherein the thresholding means further comprises means for constructing histograms representing the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
9 words
An apparatus as recited in claims 56, 57 or
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
81 words
wherein said searching means comprises: (i) initialization means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal within a predetermined area of said signal, to identify the position of greatest intensity: and (ii) a search continuation loop means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal over the entire recovered clock signal starting from the position of greatest intensity obtained by means (i) and looping to each adjacent position of next greatest intensity, wherein each identified position corresponds to the center of a polygon.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
81 words
wherein said searching means comprises: (i) initialization means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal within a predetermined area of said signal, to identify the position of greatest intensity: and (ii) a search continuation loop means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal over the entire recovered clock signal starting from the position of greatest intensity obtained by means (i) and looping to each adjacent position of next greatest intensity, wherein each identified position corresponds to the center of a polygon.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
53 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 63, wherein said image sensed by said electro-optical sensor includes an acquisition target comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings of different, alternating optical properties and means for locating said acquisition target by filtering said digital signals and correlating said digital signals to a signal of predetermined frequency.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a two-dimensional clock recovery on said sensed label image to obtain a recovered clock signal; (b) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (c) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a nonlinear mapping operation on said digital signals to identify transitions between adjacent polygons having different optical properties; (b) means for performing a Fourier transformation on the nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain a two-dimensional representation corresponding to the direction, spacing and intensity of optical property transitions of said polygons; (c) means for filtering said transformed non-linear mapped digital signals to eliminate incorrect direction and spacing of optical property transitions of said polygons; (d) means for performing an inverse Fourier transformation of said filtered transformed non-linear mapped digital signals to obtain said recovered clock signal; (e) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (f) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process for said polygons.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for decoding a stream of digital signals representing an electro-optically sensed label image of a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising: (a) means for performing a nonlinear mapping operation on said digital signals to identify transitions between adjacent polygons having different optical properties; (b) means for performing a Fourier transformation on the nonlinear mapped digital signals to obtain a two-dimensional representation corresponding to the direction, spacing and intensity of optical property transitions of said polygons; (c) means for filtering said transformed non-linear mapped digital signals to eliminate incorrect direction and spacing of optical property transitions of said polygons; (d) means for performing an inverse Fourier transformation of said filtered transformed non-linear mapped digital signals to obtain said recovered clock signal; (e) means for utilizing said recovered clock signal to locate the geometric centers of said polygons and identify the optical properties of said polygons; and (f) means for decoding said polygons by performing the inverse of said encoding process for said polygons.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
69 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 66, wherein said nonlinear mapping means comprises means for creating a two-dimensional map of the transitions between adjacent polygons hav ing different optical properties by computing the standard deviation of the optical properties of said image recorded by each pixel and pixels proximate each pixel of said electro-optical sensor, wherein larger standard deviation values correspond to transition areas at the interfaces of polygons.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 66, further comprising means for normalizing the sensed label image to predetermined optimums for each respective optical property of the image prior to said nonlinear mapping operation.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 66, further comprising means for rescaling the sensed label image to create an image with equal horizontal and vertical magnification prior to said nonlinear mapping operation.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 67, further comprising means for thresholding said sensed label image at the center of each polygon located by means (e) to determine the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 70, wherein the thresholding means further comprises means for constructing histograms representing the respective optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
9 words
An apparatus as recited in claims 65, 66 or
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
81 words
71, wherein said searching means comprises: (i) initialization means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal within a predetermined area of said signal to identify the position of greatest intensity; and (ii) a search continuation loop means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal over the entire recovered clock signal from the position of greatest intensity obtained by means (i) and looping to each adjacent position of next greatest intensity, wherein each identified position corresponds to the center of a polygon.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
81 words
71, wherein said searching means comprises: (i) initialization means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal within a predetermined area of said signal to identify the position of greatest intensity; and (ii) a search continuation loop means to search said two-dimensional recovered clock signal over the entire recovered clock signal from the position of greatest intensity obtained by means (i) and looping to each adjacent position of next greatest intensity, wherein each identified position corresponds to the center of a polygon.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
53 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein said image sensed by said electro-optical sensor includes an acquisition target comprising a plurality of Concentric Rings of different, alternating optical properties and means for locating said acquisition target by filtering said digital signals and correlating said digital signals to a signal of predetermined frequency.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
110 words
A process for encoding information in an optically readable label comprising a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning one of at least two optical properties to each polygon to create a plurality of partially contiguously-arranged polygons having different optical properties; (b) encoding the information by ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence;and (c) printing each polygon in its assigned optical property.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
110 words
A process for encoding information in an optically readable label comprising a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning one of at least two optical properties to each polygon to create a plurality of partially contiguously-arranged polygons having different optical properties; (b) encoding the information by ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence;and (c) printing each polygon in its assigned optical property.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 74, further comprising the steps of: (d) assigning a plurality of dots in a dot matrix to define the optical property of each polygon; and (e) printing said plurality of dots.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
94 words
A process for encoding information in an optically readable label comprising a multiplicity of contiguously-arranged polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning one of at least two optical properties to each polygon to create a plurality of contiguously-arranged polygons having different optical properties; (b) encoding the information by ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence;and (c) printing each polygon in its assigned optical property.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
94 words
A process for encoding information in an optically readable label comprising a multiplicity of contiguously-arranged polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, said polygons having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning one of at least two optical properties to each polygon to create a plurality of contiguously-arranged polygons having different optical properties; (b) encoding the information by ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence;and (c) printing each polygon in its assigned optical property.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 76, further comprising the steps of: (d) assigning a plurality of dots in a dot matrix to define the optical property of each polygon; and (e) printing said plurality of dots.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
108 words
A process for encoding information in an optically readable label comprising a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning one of at least two optical properties to each polygon to create a plurality of noncontiguously-arranged polygons having different optical properties; (b) encoding the information by ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence;and (c) printing each polygon in its assigned optical property.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
108 words
A process for encoding information in an optically readable label comprising a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, comprising the steps of: (a) assigning one of at least two optical properties to each polygon to create a plurality of noncontiguously-arranged polygons having different optical properties; (b) encoding the information by ordering the polygons in a predetermined sequence;and (c) printing each polygon in its assigned optical property.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 78, further comprising the steps of: (d) assigning a plurality of dots in a dot matrix to define the optical property of each polygon; and (e) printing said plurality of dots.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process as recited in claims 74, 76 or 78, wherein step (b) includes the step of mapping groups of two or more polygons in predetermined geographical areas on said article.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
40 words
A process as recited in claim 80, further comprising the steps of dividing the information being encoded into at least two categories of higher and lower priorities, and encoding said higher and lower priority information in separate, predetermined geographical areas.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as recited in claim 81, further comprising the step of separately applying error detection information to said higher and lower priority information.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process as recited in claims 74, 76 or 78, further comprising the step of encoding a plurality of selected polygons with error detection information and interposing said error-detection-encoded polygons among said polygons.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process as recited in claim 82, further comprising the step of utilizing said error detection information to correct errors in the information retrieved from said article.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process as recited in claim 83, wherein said error detection information may be utilized to correct errors in the information retrieved from said article.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as recited in claims 74, 76 or 78, further comprising the step of structuring said encoding step to optimize the number of polygons having different optical properties.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
195 words
A process of storing and retrieving data, comprising the steps of: (a) printing on a label a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) illuminating said label; (c) optically sensing light reflected from said polygons with an electro-optical sensor; (d) generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said optical properties as sensed by individual pixels of said sensor; (e) converting said analog electrical signals into sequenced digital signals; (f) storing said digital signals in a storage medium connected to a computer to form a replica of said digital signals in said storage medium; (g) decoding said replica of said digital signals to retrieve the characteristics of the intensities, locations and orientations of the individual optical properties of said polygons; and (h) generating a digital bit stream output from the computer representing the decoded information represented by the polygons.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
195 words
A process of storing and retrieving data, comprising the steps of: (a) printing on a label a multiplicity of partially contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) illuminating said label; (c) optically sensing light reflected from said polygons with an electro-optical sensor; (d) generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said optical properties as sensed by individual pixels of said sensor; (e) converting said analog electrical signals into sequenced digital signals; (f) storing said digital signals in a storage medium connected to a computer to form a replica of said digital signals in said storage medium; (g) decoding said replica of said digital signals to retrieve the characteristics of the intensities, locations and orientations of the individual optical properties of said polygons; and (h) generating a digital bit stream output from the computer representing the decoded information represented by the polygons.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 87, wherein said label further comprises a plurality of centrally-located Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
194 words
A process of storing and retrieving data, comprising the steps of: (a) printing on a label a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) illuminating said label; (c) optically sensing light reflected from said polygons with an electro-optical sensor; (d) generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said optical properties as sensed by individual pixels of said sensor; (e) converting said analog electrical signals into sequenced digital signals; (f) storing said digital signals in a storage medium connected to a computer to form a replica of said digital signals in said storage medium; (g) decoding said replica of said digital signals to retrieve the characteristics of the intensities, locations and orientations of the individual optical properties of said polygons; and (h) generating a digital bit stream output from the computer representing the decoded information represented by the polygons.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
194 words
A process of storing and retrieving data, comprising the steps of: (a) printing on a label a multiplicity of noncontiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons defining a multiplicity of interstitial spaces among said polygons, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties; (b) illuminating said label; (c) optically sensing light reflected from said polygons with an electro-optical sensor; (d) generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said optical properties as sensed by individual pixels of said sensor; (e) converting said analog electrical signals into sequenced digital signals; (f) storing said digital signals in a storage medium connected to a computer to form a replica of said digital signals in said storage medium; (g) decoding said replica of said digital signals to retrieve the characteristics of the intensities, locations and orientations of the individual optical properties of said polygons; and (h) generating a digital bit stream output from the computer representing the decoded information represented by the polygons.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 89, wherein said label further comprises a plurality of centrally-located Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
183 words
A process of storing and retrieving data, comprising the steps of: (a) printing on a label a multiplicity of contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, (b) illuminating said label; (c) optically sensing light reflected from said polygons with an electro-optical sensor; (d) generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said optical properties as sensed by individual pixels of said sensor; (e) converting said analog electrical signals into sequenced digital signals; (f) storing said digital signals in a storage medium connected to a computer to form a replica of said digital signals in said storage medium; (g) decoding said replica of said digital signals to retrieve the characteristics of the intensities, locations and orientations of the individual optical properties of said polygons; and (h) generating a digital bit stream output from the computer representing the decoded information represented by the polygons.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
183 words
A process of storing and retrieving data, comprising the steps of: (a) printing on a label a multiplicity of contiguously-arranged polygons encoded in accordance with an encoding process, said polygons arranged with the geometric centers of adjacent polygons lying at the vertices of a predetermined two-dimensional array, and said polygons and said interstitial spaces having one of at least two different optical properties, (b) illuminating said label; (c) optically sensing light reflected from said polygons with an electro-optical sensor; (d) generating analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensities of light reflected from said optical properties as sensed by individual pixels of said sensor; (e) converting said analog electrical signals into sequenced digital signals; (f) storing said digital signals in a storage medium connected to a computer to form a replica of said digital signals in said storage medium; (g) decoding said replica of said digital signals to retrieve the characteristics of the intensities, locations and orientations of the individual optical properties of said polygons; and (h) generating a digital bit stream output from the computer representing the decoded information represented by the polygons.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 91, wherein said label further comprises a plurality of centrally-located Concentric Rings, said Concentric Rings having alternating optical properties corresponding to at least two of the optical properties of said polygons.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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