Patent US5479004A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5479004A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Dynamically variable machine readable binary code and method for reading and producing thereof
Assignee: Computer Identics Corp
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Filing: 1994-06-23
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Granted: 1995-12-26
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Expires: 2014-06-23
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis G. Priddy
- 👤 Robert S. Cymbalski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:25
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06V; G06V10/00; G06V10/40; G06V10/46; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/06009; G06K19/06037; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/14; G06K2019/06215; G06K2019/06262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
243 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
243 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensor scanning means further comprises means for optically scanning a visual field.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the optically scanning means further comprises a source of radiation directed to illuminate the visual field, wherein the optically scanning means detects radiation reflected from the visual field in response to the illuminating radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the optically scanning means further comprises a laser reader having a source of laser radiation and means for illuminating the visual field with the laser radiation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the optically scanning means further comprises a light sensitive electronic array.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the light sensitive electronic array further comprises a light sensitive area array and a lens to focus an image of the visual field onto the area array, wherein a two-dimensional image is captured by the area array.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the light sensitive area array and lens further comprise an optical CCD camera.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the light sensitive array further comprises a light sensitive linear array, wherein a two-dimensional image is captured in response to the linear array being moved across the visual field.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the optically scanning means further comprises a light sensitive electronic array.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the light sensitive electronic array further comprises a light sensitive area array and a lens to focus an image of the visual field onto the area array, wherein a two-dimensional image is captured by the area array.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the light sensitive area array and lens further comprise an optical CCD camera.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the light sensitive array further comprises a light sensitive linear array, wherein a two-dimensional image is captured in response to the linear array being moved across the visual field.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
235 words
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.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
235 words
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.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the scanning step further comprises providing a light sensitive device, detecting radiation reflected from a visual field containing the code, and forming a two-dimensional electronic representation of the visual field in response to the detected reflected radiation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the step of detecting radiation further comprises illuminating the visual field with radiation, wherein the detected reflected radiation is responsive to the illuminating radiation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the step of detecting radiation further comprises generating laser radiation, illuminating the visual field with said laser radiation, and detecting the radiation reflected in response to the laser radiation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the step of detecting radiation further comprises providing a light sensitive electronic array and capturing electronic data corresponding to a two-dimensional image of the visual field.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the step of providing a light sensitive array further comprises providing light sensitive area array and a lens, focussing an image of the visual field on the area array, and capturing a two-dimensional electronic representation of the scanned visual field.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 18 wherein providing a light sensitive area array and a lens further comprises providing an optical CCD camera.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the step of providing a light sensitive array further comprises providing a linear array, and moving the linear array across the visual field and capturing a two-dimensional electronic representation of the visual field in response to said movement.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of detecting radiation further comprises providing a light sensitive electronic array and capturing electronic data corresponding to a two-dimensional image of the visual field.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of providing a light sensitive array further comprises providing light sensitive area array and a lens, focussing an image of the visual field on the area array, and capturing a two-dimensional electronic representation of the scanned visual field.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 wherein providing a light sensitive area array and a lens further comprises providing an optical CCD camera.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of providing a light sensitive array further comprises providing a linear array, and moving the linear array across the visual field and capturing a two-dimensional electronic representation of the visual field in response to said movement.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-12-25 | 1999-06-26 | 1999-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-25 | 2003-06-26 | 2003-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-25 | 2007-06-26 | 2007-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |