WO2000052632A1

WO2000052632A1 - A high resolution graphical code imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2000052632A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/005680
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Boone Pickens, Iii
Original assignee: The Code Corporation
Priority date: 1999-03-04
Filing date: 2000-03-03
Publication date: 2000-09-08
Also published as: AU3723200A; WO2000052632A9

Abstract

A high resolution imaging system for scanning graphical codes on an object to obtain the encoded information in the graphical code. The graphical code is used to encode information. The information can include reserved symbols, where the reserve symbols are universal or specific manufacturing defined routines. The reserved symbols can be used to encode the format or standard for electronic data interchange. The graphical code can also be used on a credit card to allow a user to scan the graphical code to obtain the account number for the credit card. The graphical code can be limited in size in one dimension thereby allowing the graphical to the same size as the text on an object. The system requires a high resolution imaging system to scan the graphical code. After a graphical code is scanned, a processor is used to process and decipher the graphical code.

Description

Title A High Resolution Graphical Code Imaging System

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to scanning graphical codes. More particularly, the present

invention is a system for scaiming high resolution graphical codes for network access.

Background of the Invention

The different uses for graphical codes is expanding greatly. One of the first and most

prevalent uses of graphical codes is to identify a product, i.e., Universal Product Codes (UPC). Typically and most familiar to consumers, a UPC contains information that identifies a product in a store. A cash register worker, using a scanner, scans the UPC on an object and a processor determines the price of the item. As technology advances, so has the technology and different uses

of graphical codes advanced. Graphical codes are no longer limited to just identifying products in the grocery store, nor are they limited to the array of familiar vertical bars.

Graphical codes are now being used to store more and different information. For instance,

graphical codes on coupons not only contain information about the amount of a discount and the

expiration date of the coupon, but also the address of the consumer who received the coupon in the

mail. By including the address of the coupon user, the purchasing habits of the that coupon user.

Non-consumer uses have also been developed. For example, business cards now have

graphical codes that represent relevant information such as telephone numbers, fax numbers and addresses. The graphical codes can be scanned to provide data and information to the user or may

be used to produce a database. As the different uses of graphical codes expands, so does the demand on the amount of information that can be encoded in a limited area.

The demand for representing more information in graphical form has led to the use of various types of graphical codes. Traditionally, graphical codes included only bar codes. Now. graphical codes include not only the traditional bar codes but also other graphical representations of encoded information. For examples ofdifferent graphical codes, see U.S. PatentNo.: 5, 189,292 to Batterman et al., U.S. Patent No.: 4.896.029 to Chandler et al., and U.S. PatentNo.: 4,874,936 to Chandler et al. which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The graphical codes found in the examples are able to encode more information than the traditional bar code type of graphical codes.

These type of graphical codes are suitable for the present invention.

In order to encode more information, graphical codes have expanded in both the x and in the

y directions. As a result the overall size of graphical codes has increased. If, however, a graphical code becomes too large, then the graphical code might become truncated thus losing its ability to convey information. An additional drawback of increasing the size of graphical codes, is that there is less room for other information adjacent to the graphical code. The more space a graphical code

requires, the less space there is for other pertinent information on an object or media on which the graphical code is printed, such as advertising or other product identification. Consequently, manufacturers want to encode the largest amount of information in the smallest area to allow for more advertisement, additional information, more encoded information, or unused space (i.e., white space).

The size of graphical codes is also limited by the capability of the scanner to scan the codes.

Present day scanners, charged coupled devices (CCD) linear based, have limited resolution. When the resolution of a scanner improves, the size of a graphical code that can be scanned can be reduced as well. If the size of graphical codes is reduced then the amount of space required for a graphical code will also be reduced.

Therefore, a need exists for a high resolution system that is capable of scanning high resolution graphical codes that store a large amount of data in a limited area.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to use a high resolution imaging system for

scanning graphical codes.

A further object of the present invention is to store a large amount of data in a small sized

graphical code.

A further object of the present invention is to have a graphical code that is dimensionally limited yet capable of representing ever expanding amounts of data.

A further object of the present invention is to have a graphical code limited in height to the size of a line of type.

A further object of the present invention is to store the scanned images of a graphical code

in a storage means for later use.

A further object of the present invention is to encode graphical codes which, when deciphered, initiate macros.

A further object of the present invention is to encode graphical codes which, when

deciphered initiate access to an internet address.

A further object of the present invention is to encode graphical codes which are field identifiers.

deciphered provide the address of a file to be downloaded, i.e., provide the address of a website.

A further object o the present invention is to use graphical codes having colors, where colors act as the reserved words.

These and other objectives of the present invention will become apparent form the

description that follows.

The present invention is a system comprising high resolution imaging means combined with a high resolution graphical code for storing information. Since the graphical codes are scanned by a high resolution imaging system, the graphical code can be consequently smaller in size. The present invention allows a manufacturer to encode and decipher information in graphical codes that are limited in size.

The high resolution scanning system also allows for the scanning of graphical codes that are limited in either the x or the y dimension. The graphical codes can be limited in one dimension and expandable in the non limiting dimension. For instance, a graphical code can be limited in the y, or height dimension, and expand in the x dimension. By limiting a dimension of a graphical code, manufacturers can limit the size of the graphical code to a single line of type. By limiting the size

of a graphical code, the graphical code requires less space. The space can then be used for a variety ofdifferent uses, such as advertisement, product information, encoded information or other uses.

The use of a high resolution scanner allows the graphical codes to be limited to a single line of type. In the preferred embodiment, the scanner is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, although this is not meant as a limitation. In practice, any high resolution scanner can be employed.

In addition, the graphical codes can contain reserve symbols. A reserve symbol is either a character or a combination of characters, which initiates a macro when a processor deciphers the reserve symbols. The macros can be universal and/or limited to specific manufacturing defined routines. For instance, when a graphical code containing a specific reserve symbol for the ACME Company, the processor accesses the ACME Company website in response as a result of the ACME Company defined routine.

The graphical code of the present invention can also be used to encode the account number for a credit card. In short, the graphical code can be used in the same manner as the magnetic strip on present day credit cards. Using a scanner, the cardholder or a cashier can scan the graphical code

on the credit card. By incorporating a graphical code onto a credit card, a cardholder can purchase items over the internet by scanning the credit card using a scanner. In this manner, the consumer does not have to type in the number of the credit card. In fact, the credit card does not need to contain the credit card number.

The graphical code can also be used to encode protocols or formats. The graphical code can be used to encode the format standard for electronic data interchange (EDI). The graphical code can encode the format/standard into a parameter thereby ensuring that business and customer computers can process the data they send to each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a typical graphical code. Figure 2 shows a single line limited graphical code.

Figure 3 shows a general overview of a high resolution scanning system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to Figure 1. a typical graphical code is illustrated. Graphical code 100 is a realistic representation of a graphical code that is found on a label or magazine. As can be seen graphical

code 100 is larger than word 102. Word 102 is a single line of text in 12 point Times New Roman font.

Referring to Figure 2, a y or height dimension limited graphical code is illustrated.

Graphical code 200 is a representation of a graphical code that a high resolution scanner can scan.

As can be seen, graphical code 200 and word 102 are of equal height. Word 102 is a single line of

text in 12 point Times New Roman font.

The present invention allows graphical codes to be limited in either the x or the y dimension thereby allowing the graphical codes to expand in the other dimension. In Figure 2, graphical code 200 is limited in the height dimension and expands in the width dimension. As a result, since the height of the symbols are limited, the number of symbols can increase. The height of the symbols can be limited to the same height as a single line of text. The height of the symbols can be in the range of about six to twenty (6-20) point type which is equivalent to about 2.00 to 5.00 millimeters

or about 508 to 1270 mils. However, in practical terms, there is no limit to the height of the graphical codes so long as the graphical codes fit within the vertical dimension of a single line of type, whatever the type size may be.

Limiting the size of a graphical code offers many benefits. By limiting the size of the graphical code, the graphical code requires less space. The space can be used for a variety of different uses, such as advertisement, product information, more graphically encoded information or unused space (i.e.. white space). The limited size also offers flexibility in the placement of the graphical codes. Typically graphical codes are placed on the back of a product, however with a smaller graphical code a manufacturer can place the graphical code almost anywhere on an object

or media or can be placed in several locations to ensure that at least one location may be scanned for

information.

A graphical code can be located on almost any physical three dimensional object, images on video monitors, printed media, labels, printed materials, letters, documents, promotional materials, credit cards, business cards, magazine articles, advertisements, newspaper articles, newsletters, prescription bottles, medical alert jewelry, and catalogs. In addition, since the high resolution imaging system can scan smaller graphical codes, the graphical codes can be placed on smaller objects as well.

Limiting a dimension of a graphical code also offers many benefits. By limiting a dimension of a graphical code, the graphical code requires less space. Another benefit is that the encoded

information can also be repeated. By repeating the encoded information, various printing or

production problems associated with a poorly readable graphical code can be reduced or eliminated. For example, if a graphical code cannot be scanned because the graphical code is damaged in some manner, the worker can simply rotate the object to where the graphical code is not damaged and then scan the graphical code. If a traditional graphical code cannot be scanned, the worker has to either find an identical item having the same graphical code, manually type in the encoded information, or scan the proper graphical code from a sheet listing all of the graphical codes.

Another common problem occurs when a cashier cannot locate the graphical code on an item. A cashier is not productive if he or she is searching for a graphical code. However, if the encoded information is repeated in a graphical code that goes around a section of an item so that the graphical code can be read in any position, the worker will no longer have to know the location of the

graphical code.

Graphical codes of the present invention can be limited in size because the graphical codes are being scanned by a high resolution scanner. In the preferred embodiment, the high resolution scanner is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) based imaging system. A CMOS camera based system can scan and decipher smaller graphical codes compared to present day laser or charged coupled device (CCD) linear based systems. In other embodiments, any high resolution imaging based system can be employed. The following list is a list of high resolution imaging based system that can be used, however this list is not meant as a limitation: CMOS, charged injection device (CID), CCD, CCD linear, or CCD array base imaging systems.

Referring to Figure 3, a general overview of a high resolution imaging system is illustrated.

High resolution imaging system 300 includes high resolution scanner 310 and computer system 302.

Where computer system 302 includes monitor 304 processor 306 and keyboard 308.High resolution

scanner 310 is used to scan a graphical code. Processor 306 is used to decipher the encoded

information from the graphical code. In the preferred embodiment, processor 306 is located inside

computer 304. Computer 304 can be a personal computer. However, a processor can be located

within high resolution scanner 310. When a graphical code is scanned by high resolution scanner 310, an image of the graphical code is created and is sent to processor 306 for processing. Processor

306 can be a dedicated processor for graphical code deciphering or can be the processor in a central

processor unit (CPU). If processor 306 is in a CPU, then processor 306 contains software to

decipher graphical code images.

In the preferred embodiment, high resolution scanner 310 is a CMOS based camera. In

alternate embodiments, high resolution scanner 310 can be CID, CCD linear, or CCD array based

scanners, however this list is not meant as a limitation.

In another embodiment, high resolution scanner 310 can include a storage means for storing at least one image. The storage means can be a form of electronic media. The storage means can

be a diskette, a tape, or memory. A user, using the high resolution scanner, scans at least one graphical code, generates an image for each graphical code, stores the images in the storage means,

and downloads the stored images to a processor for processing at a later time.

In another embc -iment, the high resolution scanner can also be portable. Using the portable high resolution scanner, a user scans at least one graphical code, generates an image for each graphical code, stores the images in the storage means, and downloads the stored images to a

processor at a later time.

In another embodiment, an image can be downloaded from the high resolution scanner using a wireless infrared or radio frequency data link. The wireless infrared or radio frequency data link

allows the high resolution scanner to download an image without requiring a hardwired connection. The images can be transferred in a real time mode or the images can be stored in a storage means

and transferred at a later time. In another embodiment, the high resolution scanner can also include a processor for processing at least one image. After processing an image, the deciphered information can be transferred to a display means, stored in a storage means, or downloaded to a processor for additional

processing.

In another embodiment, the high resolution scanner can be used to scan a graphical code on a credit card. The graphical code can include encoded information such as the card holder's account number. The high resolution scanner can be used at a store to replace the magnetic strip scanners. Using a scanner, the cardholder or a cashier can scan the graphical code on the credit card. By incorporating a graphical code onto a credit card, a cardholder can purchase items over the internet

by scanning the credit card using a scanner. In this manner, the consumer does not have to type in the number of the credit card. In fact, the credit card does not need to contain the credit card number.

In another embodiment, the graphical code can encode reserved symbols which when the encoded information is deciphered, the reserve symbols can initiate a macro or several macros. For instance, the macro could initiate a web browser and provide automatic access to a manufacturer's website. The reserve symbols can include ASCII code. The reserved symbols can be universal and/or can be manufacturer specific.

In another embodiment, the graphical code can also be used to encode protocols or formats. The graphical code can be used to encode the format standard for electronic data interchange (EDI).

The graphical code can encode the format/standard into a parameter thereby making sure business and customer computers can understand the data they send to each other. In addition, the EDIs can be used in a similar manner as reserved symbols. In yet another embodiment, the high resolution scanner scans graphical codes having at least one color. The different colors serve in a similar form as the reserved symbols. Where depending on the color of a graphical code, the reserved symbols take on a different meaning.

Although the graphical code and system of the present invention have been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. The apparatus and process of the present invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A high resolution imaging system for scanning graphical codes on an object to obtain encoded information comprising: an object comprising at least one graphical code, where the at least one graphical code is limited in size in one dimension and further comprises encoded information; a scanner for scanning the at least one graphical code; and a processor connected via a connection to the scanner for processing the scanned graphical code and for deciphering the encoded information.

2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the object comprising at least one graphical code is selected from the group consisting of physical three dimensional objects, images on video monitors, printed media, printed materials, letters, documents, promotional materials, credit cards, business cards, magazine articles, advertisements, newspaper articles, newsletters, prescriptions bottles, medical alert jewelry, and catalogs.

3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the at least one graphical code is in the range of about the size of a single line of text on the object.

4. The imaging system of claim 3, wherein the at least one graphical code is in the range about 2.12 to 7.06 millimeters in size.

5. The imaging system of clam 1, wherein the encoded information further comprises the account number for a credit card.

6. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the encoded information further comprises the format for electronic data interchange.

7. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the encoded information further comprises reserved symbols where the reserved symbols further comprise macros.

8. The imaging system of claim 7, wherein the reserved symbols further comprises the format for

electronic data interchange.

9. The imaging system of claim 7, wherein the reserved symbols further comprise at least one color.

10. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the scanner is selected from the group consisting of: a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor camera, a charged coupled device camera, a charged coupled device array camera, a charge coupled device linear camera, and a charge injection device

camera.

11. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the scanner further comprises a storage means capable

of storing at least one scanned image.

12. The imaging system of claim 11, wherein the storage means is a form of electronic media.

13. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the scanner is detachably connected to the processor.

14. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the connection for connecting the scanner to the processor comprises a wireless infrared data link.

15. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the connection for connecting the scanner to the processor comprises a wireless radio frequency data link

1 . The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processor is located in a personal computer.

17. The imagining system of claim 1, wherein the processor is located in the scanner.