EP0916123A2 - Procede et appareil pour symbologie multicolore - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour symbologie multicolore

Info

Publication number
EP0916123A2
EP0916123A2 EP98920255A EP98920255A EP0916123A2 EP 0916123 A2 EP0916123 A2 EP 0916123A2 EP 98920255 A EP98920255 A EP 98920255A EP 98920255 A EP98920255 A EP 98920255A EP 0916123 A2 EP0916123 A2 EP 0916123A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
encoded
colors
elements
encoded symbols
symbol
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98920255A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0916123A3 (fr
Inventor
James G. Ross
Christopher A. Wiklof
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intermec IP Corp
Original Assignee
Intermec IP Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intermec IP Corp filed Critical Intermec IP Corp
Publication of EP0916123A2 publication Critical patent/EP0916123A2/fr
Publication of EP0916123A3 publication Critical patent/EP0916123A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06046—Constructional details
    • G06K19/06056—Constructional details the marking comprising a further embedded marking, e.g. a 1D bar code with the black bars containing a smaller sized coding
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
    • G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
    • G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06018—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking one-dimensional coding
    • G06K19/06028—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking one-dimensional coding using bar codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06037—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking multi-dimensional coding
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/08—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
    • G06K19/10—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
    • G06K19/18—Constructional details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K2019/06215—Aspects not covered by other subgroups
    • G06K2019/06225—Aspects not covered by other subgroups using wavelength selection, e.g. colour code

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to encoded symbols, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus using multiple colors for increasing the information density of encoded symbols.
  • symbology refers to a set of rules that define the manner in which information is encoded into an encoded symbol. More specifically, a symbology typically defines a set of "code words" each of which represents one piece of information in the information set to be encoded, and each code word is defined as a particular arrangement of pattern elements. Typically, the information to be encoded consists of alpha-numeric characters, and each code word represents one alphanumeric character. The information to be encoded may, however, comprise other types of symbols such as graphical symbols.
  • each code word consists of a one-dimensional arrangement of pattern elements
  • an encoded symbol consists of a one- dimensional arrangement of code words.
  • a bar code is a well known example of a one-dimensional symbology.
  • Each code word in a bar code symbology consists of a one- dimensional arrangement of parallel bars and spaces.
  • a trend in the automatic data collection industry has been to encode increasingly larger amounts of information into an encoded symbol.
  • the number of encoded symbols being attached to a single object has been increasing, where each encoded symbol encodes different types of information about the object.
  • two encoded symbols might be attached to a package, such as one encoded symbol encoding shipping information about the package, and the other encoded symbol encoding receiving information about the package.
  • a drawback of increasing the amount of information encoded into an encoded symbol is that the physical size of the encoded symbol also increases.
  • attaching multiple encoded symbols onto a single object increases the overall size of the area of the object covered by encoded symbols. Therefore, as the amount of information being encoded into encoded symbols has increased, a need to increase the information density of encoded symbols has become increasingly acute.
  • an encoded symbol may consist of a two-dimensional arrangement of code words, and each code word may be defined by a two-dimensional arrangement of pattern elements.
  • Two-dimensional symbologies permit a greater amount of information to be encoded in the same amount of space previously occupied by a one-dimensional symbology.
  • multiple colors are used in connection with one or more encoded symbols to increase the information density of the encoded symbols.
  • the multiple colors can be used to form linearly independent encoded symbols that are overlayed on top of each other to form a composite encoded symbol.
  • the multiple colors can be used to form a single linearly dependent encoded symbol in which the selected combination of colors defines data states of corresponding elements of a one or two-dimensional matrix.
  • the colors can be distinguished using electro-optical imaging techniques. More particularly, in an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of linearly independent encoded symbols are combined into an aggregate encoded symbol in which different colors are used to denote different types of data.
  • a plurality of distinct encoded symbols are generated wherein each of the encoded symbols comprises individual elements arranged in a pattern indicative of data encoded therein.
  • Each of the plurality of encoded symbols are assigned a unique color corresponding to a unique type of data.
  • An aggregate encoded symbol is formed by printing each of the encoded symbols on top of each other in the corresponding unique colors.
  • a plurality of linearly independent encoded symbols are combined into an aggregate encoded symbol having multiple levels of data encoding.
  • a plurality of distinct encoded symbols are generated wherein each of the encoded symbols comprises individual elements arranged in a pattern indicative of data encoded therein.
  • Each of the plurality of encoded symbols are assigned a unique color, wherein one of the colors is readable only by a first type of imaging device, and the other colors are readable by both the first and a second type of imaging device.
  • An aggregate encoded symbol is formed by printing each of the encoded symbols on top of each other in the corresponding unique colors.
  • a subordinate level user using the first type of imaging device can only read the encoded symbol in the first color, while a supervisory level user using the second type of imaging device can read each of the encoded symbols.
  • data is encoded into a matrix of elements utilizing a combination of zero or more colors in individual ones of the elements.
  • the combination of colors defines the data encoded therein, wherein each one of the elements can encode a plurality of unique data states depending on the assigned combination of colors.
  • a composite encoded symbol comprising the matrix of elements is printed in accordance with the assigned combinations of colors.
  • the matrix may comprise either a one-dimensional matrix in which the elements further comprise bars, or a two- dimensional matrix in which the elements further comprise cells. Unlike the previous two embodiments, the elements of the matrix are linearly dependent such that the relative position of the colored cells defines the data state encoded in the cells.
  • Registration elements are printed in each respective one of the colors with the registration elements being positionally dependent upon ones of the elements having corresponding colors.
  • the registration elements permit calibration of an imaging device to the colors and positions of matrix elements.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for reading superimposed encoded symbols
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a system for reading superimposed encoded symbols
  • Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a multi-colored two- dimensional encoded symbol.
  • the present invention uses colors to increase the information density of encoded symbols.
  • multiple encoded symbols are printed in an overlapping manner, and each encoded symbol is printed in a distinct color.
  • multiple colors are used to encode elements that compose an encoded symbol.
  • a first encoded symbol 102 (see Fig. la) is printed on a label (not shown) in a first color.
  • the first encoded symbol 102 has a plurality of bar elements 102a-102c printed with the first color (illustrated as cross-hatching) against an unprinted background.
  • a second encoded symbol 104 (see Fig. lb) is printed on the label (not shown) such that it is at least partially superimposed on the first encoded symbol 102.
  • the second encoded symbol 104 has a plurality of bar elements 104a- 104d printed in a second color (illustrated as stippling) that is distinct from the first color.
  • a composite encoded symbol 106 is thus formed from the combination of the first and second encoded symbols 102, 104.
  • the composite encoded symbol 106 thus has regions in which the bar elements from each of the first and second encoded symbols 102, 104 overlap, as well as other regions in which the bar elements are individually visible, and yet other regions in which no bar elements are present.
  • the printed label may then be attached to an object (not shown) .
  • the color of each encoded symbol is selected from a predefined group consisting of the three additive primary colors (red, blue and yellow) or a predefined group consisting of the three subtractive primary colors (cyan, magenta and yellow) .
  • the additive primary colors combine to produce different colored regions when the respective bar elements are overlapping, such that overlapping red and blue bars would produce a violet region, overlapping blue and yellow bars would produce a green region, and overlapping red and yellow bars would produce an orange region.
  • the subtractive primary colors also combine to produce different colored regions when the respective bar elements are overlapping, such that overlapping cyan and magenta bars would produce a blue region, overlapping magenta and yellow bars would produce a red region, and overlapping yellow and cyan bars would produce a green region.
  • the selected colors are not limited to the primary additive and subtractive groups, but may be selected from any predefined group having any number of colors as long as each color in the group has a sufficiently well defined and narrow absorption profile so that the color can be separated from the other colors in the group by using optical filtering techniques.
  • the above described printing process is most advantageously used when multiple encoded symbols are printed on or attached to a single object.
  • four encoded symbols might be attached to a manufactured product, each encoding one of the following types of information: a) the serial number of the product; b) the date on which the product was manufactured; c) the part number of the product; and d) the manufacturing batch number of the product.
  • all four encoded symbols could be printed in an overlapping manner and each in a different color in accordance with the above described printing process.
  • encoded symbol includes encoded symbols produced using any type of one- dimensional or two-dimensional symbology.
  • FIG. 2 a block diagram of an electro-optical imaging system for reading superimposed encoded symbols is illustrated.
  • a light source (not shown) illuminates the exemplary encoded symbols 102, 104.
  • Light reflects off of the encoded symbols 102, 104 and onto an optical device 202, which focuses the reflected light onto a filter 204 and an optical imager 206.
  • the filter 204 comprises at least one filtering element for each color in which one of the superimposed encoded symbols is printed.
  • the filtering element 204 comprises two filtering elements 204a, 204b.
  • One of those filtering elements 204a corresponds to a color of one of the superimposed encoded symbols 102
  • the other filtering element 204b corresponds to a color of the other superimposed encoded symbol 104.
  • a filtering element "corresponds" to the color of an encoded symbol if the filtering element allows light having the color of the encoded symbol to pass while blocking light having the colors of the other encoded symbols.
  • the filtering element 204a allows light having the color of the encoded symbol 102 to pass, but blocks light having the color of the encoded symbol 104.
  • the filtering element 204b allows light having the color of the encoded symbol 104 to pass, but blocks light having the color of the encoded symbol 102.
  • the filter 204 is movable such that one of the filtering elements can be selectively placed between the optical device 202 and the optical imager 206.
  • the filter 204 when the filter 204 is moved such that the filtering element 204b corresponding to the color of the encoded symbol 104 is placed between the optical device 202 and the optical imager 206, light having the color of the encoded symbol 104 passes through the filter 204 and onto the optical imager 206.
  • Light having the color of the encoded symbol 102 is blocked by the filter 204 and consequently does not reach the optical imager 206.
  • the optical imager 206 converts the received light into a plurality of electrical signals that correspond to the intensity of the received light. The plurality of electrical signals are then digitized.
  • An optical imager suitable for use in the present invention may comprise a charge-coupled device (CCD) .
  • a CCD comprises a one-dimensional or two- dimensional array of adjacent photodiodes with each one of the photodiodes defining a distinct picture element (or pixel) of the array.
  • the array of the CCD imaging element is not limited to any particular pattern.
  • the array can be arranged in the usual order of linear rows and columns; or, the array can be arranged in a diamond pattern in which the rows are linear and the columns are offset in a regular fashion; or, the array can be arranged in any other pattern in which the photodiodes are ordered relative to each other.
  • Each photodiode of the CCD array generates a voltage that represents the intensity of the light reflected onto that particular photodiode.
  • the CCD array is scanned electronically by activating the individual photodiodes in a sequential manner in order to produce an output signal containing the voltage levels from each photodiode.
  • the detected voltage levels are then converted to binary data values.
  • the image memory 208 typically comprises a semiconductor-based random access memory (RAM) , and can be provided by conventional dynamic RAM (DRAM) devices.
  • the image memory 208 permits an image from the optical imager 206 to be captured.
  • the binary data values produced by the CCD array are transferred into the image memory 208 and each particular data value is stored in a corresponding memory cell of the image memory.
  • the exemplary imaging system illustrated in Fig. 2 further comprises a microprocessor 210 and a program memory 212.
  • the microprocessor 210 controls one or more operations of the imaging system.
  • the program memory 212 is coupled to the microprocessor 210 and contains an instruction set, e.g., software or firmware, that is executed in a sequential manner by the microprocessor.
  • the software defines one or more operations of the imaging system. For example, the software may control operation of the illumination device (not shown) , decode the data stored in the image memory 208, and/or display the decoded data.
  • the program memory 28 is provided by conventional semiconductor based read only memory (ROM) devices. Such ROM devices are non-volatile, and permit the stored instructions to remain in storage within the devices even after electrical power is removed.
  • the functions performed by the stored program may also be accomplished by traditional hard-wired logic circuits, although software systems are generally preferred due to their relative simplicity, adaptability to change, and low cost. It should also be apparent that the ROM devices may further be erasable or programmable, so that modifications or revisions to the software can be implemented as desired. Moreover, other permanent storage media can be utilized as the program memory 212, such as magnetic or optical disks.
  • the entire imaging system including the optical device 202, the filter 204, the optical imager 206, the image memory 208, the microprocessor 210 and the program memory 212 may be contained within a single unit.
  • the elements may be distributed, such as with the optical device 202, filter 204 and optical imager 206 disposed in a remote device, and the other elements disposed in a central unit. This way, an operator can utilize a simple, lightweight unit such as a hand-held device, that transmits image data to the central unit for decoding.
  • the decoded data may then be transmitted to an attached computer, stored locally for later transfer, or forwarded to an application program resident within the imaging system itself.
  • FIG. 3 a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an electro-optical imaging system for reading multiple overlapping encoded symbols is illustrated.
  • This alternative embodiment includes an optical device 202, a microprocessor 210 and a program memory 212 that are similar to like elements described above with respect to Fig. 2.
  • the optical device focuses light reflected off of the encoded symbols 102, 104 onto a beam splitter 302, which splits the light received from the optical device into a plurality of light beams.
  • the exemplary beam splitter 302 illustrated in Fig. 3 splits the light received from the optical device 202 into two light beams.
  • the first beam is directed through a first filter 304 and onto a first optical imager 306, and the second beam is directed through a second filter 308 and onto a second optical imager 310.
  • the filters 304, 308 function in a manner similar to the filters 204a, 204b described above with respect to Fig. 2.
  • both optical imagers 306, 310 function in a manner similar to the optical imager 206 described above with respect to Fig. 2.
  • Binary data generated by the first optical imager 306 is stored in a first image memory 314, and binary data generated by the second optical imager 310 is stored in a second image memory 312. Both image memories 312, 314 are similar to the image memory 208 described above in connection with Fig. 2.
  • the encoded symbols 102, 104 of Figs, la-lc each comprise distinct symbols that are decoded separately.
  • the linear position of each one of the encoded symbols 102, 104 is entirely independent from the other, and the symbols are printed in the overlapping manner simply to conserve space and imaging resources.
  • the symbols could alternatively be printed such that they do not overlap at all.
  • Such a printing arrangement would still reduce the overall size of each encoded symbol because there would be no need to encode information identifying the type of information represented by the symbol, but instead, the color of the symbol can be used to denote a certain type of information.
  • a red symbol might encode receiving information of a package
  • a yellow symbol might encode shipping information of the package. No portion of the red symbol would need to include an identification of the type of encoded information as being receiving information.
  • no portion of the yellow symbol would need to include an identification of the type of encoded information as being shipping information.
  • the symbols can be used to convey two different levels of information.
  • a subordinate level of information could be encoded into the first symbol 102 using a color that is visible to the color-readable electro-optical imaging systems as described above with respect to Figs. 2 and 3, as well as by a conventional electro-optical imaging system used to scan black-and-white encoded symbols.
  • Such a conventional electro-optical imaging systems may utilize one or two-dimensional CCD arrays as a sensor, or may comprise a scanning laser device having red-colored laser light provided by a laser diode.
  • Cyan is an example of a color that would be visible to both types of imaging systems using CCD arrays, and would also be readable by the red-colored laser light of a laser diode.
  • a supervisory level of information could be encoded into the second symbol 104 using a color that is visible to the color-readable electro-optical imaging systems, but not visible to the conventional electro-optical imaging systems. Yellow is an example of a color that would only be visible to the color-readable electro-optical imaging systems.
  • subordinate level users would be provided with conventional electro- optical imaging systems, and supervisory level users would be provided with the color-readable electro-optical imaging systems. Thus, only the supervisory level users would be able to read the second symbol 104, which could contain information to which restricted access is required.
  • exemplary encoded symbols illustrated in Figs, la-lc are one-dimensional bar codes, it is anticipated that the encoded symbols could also be two- dimensional encoded symbols.
  • the encoded symbols could also be two- dimensional encoded symbols.
  • three or more encoded symbols could be similarly printed in an overlapping manner, as long as each is printed in a distinct color.
  • FIG. 4a An exemplary two-dimensional encoded symbol is illustrated generally at 400 in Fig. 4a, and comprises an array of individual cells 404 bounded by a rectangular boundary region 402.
  • a combination of zero or more colors selected from the predefined group of colors can be printed in each cell 404.
  • the predefined group of colors comprises three colors 404a (illustrated as ascending cross-hatching) , 404b (illustrated as descending cross-hatching) , 404c (illustrated as stippling) .
  • each cell 404 in the exemplary encoded symbol 400 has eight possible states, wherein the presence of a color in the cell is construed as a binary one and the absence of the color in the cell is construed as a binary zero, as shown graphically in Fig. 4b.
  • the plurality of cells 404 are encoded with the three colors 404a-404c in an exemplary manner, such that some of the cells have no encoding, some are encoded by one of the colors, some are encoded by two of the colors, and some are encoded with all three colors.
  • the predefined group of colors used to encode an encoded symbol such as the exemplary symbol illustrated in Fig.
  • the predefined group of colors may be comprised of any number of colors as long as each color has a sufficiently well defined and narrow absorption profile so as to be separable from the other colors in the group using optical filtering techniques.
  • a multicolored encoded symbol such as that illustrated in Fig. 4a can be read utilizing an electro- optical imaging system similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • the beam splitter 302 would split the light received from the optical device 202 into as many beams as there are colors in the predefined group of colors used to encode the symbol.
  • a filter, optical imager and image memory would be provided for each beam created by the beam splitter 302.
  • the information encoded into each cell 404 can be recovered by detecting the colors 404a- 404c in relation to the cell location.
  • the colors used in the cells 404 of the two-dimensional encoded symbol 400 are linearly dependent. Particularly, the precise location of each colored cell in relation to the other colored cells is used to convey the information contained in the encoded symbol. Accordingly, it is necessary that proper registration of the colored cells be achieved during printing.
  • the two-dimensional encoded symbol 400 is provided with registration marks 405, 406, 407 disposed within the boundary region 402.
  • the registration marks 405, 406, 407 are printed with each of the respective cell colors 404a, 404b, 404c.
  • the registration marks 405-407 should be perfectly aligned together.
  • the registration marks 405-407 also serve to calibrate the electro-optical imaging system to the colors which may have changed over time due to environmental factors. Specifically, the electro-optical imaging system can self calibrate to the wavelength of light reflected by the registration marks, and use those calibrated values in decoding the colored cells of the encoded symbol 400. Another advantage of the registration marks 405-407, is that it permits a variable number of colors to be used with a single encoded symbol format. The electro-optical imaging system would be able to identify the number of colors used in an encoded symbol by interpreting the registration marks disposed with the encoded symbol 400. For example, an encoded symbol using two separate colors would be provided with two corresponding registration marks.
  • the exemplary encoded symbol 400 illustrated in Fig. 4a is a two-dimensional symbol
  • the illustrated technique could also be used with a one- dimensional symbol, such as a bar code.
  • the bars in a bar code could comprise one or more colors selected from a predefined group of colors.
  • the linearly dependent one-dimensional symbol may include a start code disposed at the beginning of the symbol that could be adapted to include registration bar elements, to provide the same function as the registration marks described above.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

Abstract

De multiple couleurs sont utilisées en liaison avec un ou plusieurs symboles codés en vue d'accroître la densité informative des symboles codés. Ces couleurs multiples peuvent s'utiliser pour former des symboles codés à indépendance linéaire, qui sont superposés pour former un symbole codé composite. Ces symboles codés à indépendance linéaire peuvent s'utiliser pour désigner différents types d'informations, ou bien peuvent désigner des niveaux séparés d'informations dans lesquels certains niveaux peuvent faire l'objet d'un accès restreint. En variante, les couleurs multiples peuvent s'utiliser pour former un unique symbole codé à dépendance linéaire, dans lequel l'association choisie des couleurs définit des états de données d'éléments correspondants d'une matrice uni- ou bidimensionnelle. Des repères d'alignement sont utilisés pour assurer un alignement d'impression correct des éléments colorés différemment, et ce, en vue de permettre la dépendance linéaire. Dans chaque mode de réalisation, les couleurs peuvent être distinguées à l'aide de techniques d'imagerie électro-optiques.
EP98920255A 1997-05-05 1998-05-04 Procede et appareil pour symbologie multicolore Withdrawn EP0916123A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US85097397A 1997-05-05 1997-05-05
US850973 1997-05-05
PCT/US1998/009161 WO1998050882A2 (fr) 1997-05-05 1998-05-04 Procede et appareil pour symbologie multicolore

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0916123A2 true EP0916123A2 (fr) 1999-05-19
EP0916123A3 EP0916123A3 (fr) 2002-08-28

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EP98920255A Withdrawn EP0916123A3 (fr) 1997-05-05 1998-05-04 Procede et appareil pour symbologie multicolore

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EP (1) EP0916123A3 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001516480A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998050882A2 (fr)

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JP2001516480A (ja) 2001-09-25
EP0916123A3 (fr) 2002-08-28

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