Abstract:
A barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to barcodes and more particularly to one dimensional and two dimensional barcodes that implement color as an additional dimension.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Barcodes have become a widely accepted method for automatically identifying and tracking objects. A barcode symbol is typically an array of encoded elements that are printed directly on an object surface or on labels affixed to an object surface. Barcode symbols are typically read by optical techniques, such as by readers implementing scanning laser beams or handheld wands. Barcode symbols typically comprise bars and spaces with bars of varying widths representing strings of binary ones and spaces of varying widths representing binary zeros. The specific arrangement of bars or elements in a barcode symbol defines the character represented by the barcode symbol according to a set of rules and definitions specific to the code. This is referred to as the symbology of the code. The size of the bars and spaces is determined by the type of code used, as is the actual size of the bars and spaces. The number of characters per inch represented by the barcode symbol is referred to as the density of the symbol.  
         [0003]     A desired sequence of characters are encoded based on a specific symbology to form a complete symbol. Some symbologies include start characters, stop characters and error checking characters. A variety of different symbologies have been developed. For, example, one-dimensional codes include UPC/EAN, Code 39, Code 128, Codabar and Interleaved 2 of 5. In order to increase the amount of data that can be represented in a symbol, two dimensional symbologies have been developed. A two-dimensional code standard known as Code 49 provides a two-dimensional concept of stacking rows of characters vertically instead of extending symbols bars horizontally. Another two-dimensional code is known as VERICODE (a trademark of VIRITEC Corporation), which is a checkerboard-like pattern of black or white square units. Some two-dimensional barcode symbologies (e.g, code 93) are merely extensions of one-dimensional symbologies. Some two-dimensional symbologies implement character recognitions systems (e.g., TEMA code). Regardless of the symbology being employed, the ultimate goal is to provide a barcode symbol that can maximize the amount of information encoded in the barcode symbol. However, even with the use of two-dimensional barcodes and improved symbologies, conventional barcode symbols cannot retain a sufficient amount of information.  
         [0004]     Accordingly, there is a strong need in the art for a barcode symbol that can retain more information than conventional one-dimensional and two-dimensional symbologies.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information, which can include manufacturing information, customer information, delivery information, lot numbers, delivery dates in addition to providing specific information on the type of symbology being employed. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.  
         [0006]     Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a barcode structure is provided. The barcode structure comprises at least one pattern including data encoded according to a barcode symbology and at least one color including encoded data. The data encoded into the at least one color can be separate from the data encoded into the barcode symbology. The data encoded into the at least one color can be integrated into the barcode symbology and provide the barcode symbology with the ability to encode data additional to the data that the barcode symbology has the ability to encode alone. The at least one pattern can comprise a plurality of one-dimensional bars and spaces wherein either the spaces or the bars include the at least one color. The at least one pattern can comprise at least one two-dimensional pattern of boxes wherein the boxes include the at least one color. Alternatively, the at least one color can form a part of the background. The at least color preferably comprises a plurality of different colors. However, the at least one color can comprise various shades of gray.  
         [0007]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a barcode structure is provided. The method comprises the steps of encoding data into a barcode symbology and encoding additional data into at least one color. The method can also include the steps of printing the barcode structure onto an object. The barcode structure can include at least one pattern comprising a plurality of one-dimensional bars and spaces wherein either the spaces or the bars can include the at least one color. The barcode structure can include at least one two-dimensional pattern of boxes wherein the boxes include the at least one color. Alternatively, the at least one color can form a part of the background. The at least color preferably comprises a plurality of different colors. However, the at least one color can comprise various shades of gray.  
         [0008]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of adding a dimension to a barcode symbology is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a barcode symbology and providing color coding into the barcode symbology. The barcode symbology can be either a one-dimensional symbology or a two-dimensional symbology. The color coding can include at least two different colors or at least two different shades of gray. The method can further comprise the step of encoding data and printing the encoded data according to the barcode symbology and the color coding onto an object. The encoded data can include at least one pattern comprising a plurality of one-dimensional bars and spaces wherein either the spaces or the bars can include at least one color. The encoded data can comprise at least one two-dimensional pattern of boxes wherein the boxes include at least one color. The encoded data can comprise at least one two-dimensional pattern of boxes wherein at least one color forms a part of the background.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided of encoding a barcode structure having a barcode symbology and color coding. The method comprises the steps of reading the barcode, decoding the barcode data encoded into the barcode symbology and the color coding and processing the decoded data. The barcode symbology can be either a one-dimensional symbology or a two-dimensional symbology. The color coding can be separate from the barcode symbology or integrated into the barcode symbology. The method can further includes the steps of decoding the color data separate from decoding the barcode symbology and storing one of the decoded color data and decoded barcode symbology data prior to the step of processing.  
         [0010]     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed and the present invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The file of the patent contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a front view of a label having a one-dimensional barcode with color in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates a front view of the label of  FIG. 1   a  with color illustrated with patterned symbols and a legend in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates a front view of a label having a two-dimensional barcode with colored boxes in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates a front view of the label of  FIG. 2   a  with color illustrated with patterned symbols and a legend in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3   a  illustrates a front view of a label having a barcode with a plurality of patterned columns with colored backgrounds in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3   b  illustrates a front view of the label of  FIG. 3   a  with color illustrated with patterned symbols and a legend in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates a front view of a label having a barcode with a plurality of two-dimensional patterns with colored backgrounds in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a front view of the label of  FIG. 4   a  with color illustrated with patterned symbols and a legend in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates a front view of a label having a one-dimensional barcode with different shades of gray in the spaces in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5   b  illustrates a front view of a label having a two-dimensional barcode with boxes having different shades of gray in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a flow diagram for one specific methodology for encoding data into a barcode having color in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram for one specific methodology for decoding data from a barcode having color in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram for one specific methodology for adding a dimension to a barcode symbology by utilizing color in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. The present invention will be described with reference to one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes provided with colors or shades of gray as a third dimension. The color or shades of gray can be implemented onto a given barcode symbology or integrated into a barcode symbology. The barcode can be encoded with data and decoded by a reader that recognizes color. It should be understood that the description of these embodiments are merely illustrative and that they should not be taken in a limiting sense.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 1   a - 1   b  illustrate a front view of a label  10  including a one-dimensional barcode  12  printed thereon.  FIG. 1   a  illustrates the actual colors included in the barcode  12 , while  FIG. 1   b  illustrates the colors by patterned symbols defined by a legend  18 . The barcode  12  includes a number of black bars  16  and spaces  14  of varying widths patterned according to a symbology. The pattern  12  is provided as an example of a symbology and is not meant to be patterned to follow any particular symbology. It is to be appreciated that any one-dimensional symbology, such as UPC, code 39, Code 128 or Codabar may be employed to carry out the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   b , the spaces have a pattern of colors in addition to the patterned black bars  16 . Barcode  12  includes a pattern of spaces having the colors blue, red, red, green, white and green. These colors can represent data such as a manufacturers code, delivery dates, expirations dates, vendor identification, lot numbers or any number of data not included in the black bar pattern of the barcode. The present example includes four colors within six spaces providing the barcode with 4096 ( i.e., 4 6 ) possible patterns. These 4096 possible patterns can represent different data encoded into the barcode. Alternatively, these different patterns can be integrated into any given one-dimensional symbology. For example, if a symbology includes 5000 different combinations by implementing a single color with white within six spaces increases the possible combinations to 64 ( i.e., 2 6 )*5000 or 320,000. Adding or Integrating color into a given symbology, not only substantially increases the amount of data that can be encoded into a barcode, but also provides for a substantial decrease in the size of any given barcode.  
         [0027]     It is to be appreciated that the present example can include any number of colors implemented into the spaces only limited by the ability of the reader to differentiate between colors. Additionally, several rows of colors can be disposed within a single space forming a variety of patterns within the space only limited by the resolution of the reader.  
         [0028]      FIGS. 2   a  - 2   b  illustrate a front view of a label  20  including a two-dimensional barcode  22  printed thereon.  FIG. 2   a  illustrates the actual colors included in the barcode  22 , while  FIG. 2   b  illustrates the colors by patterned symbols defined by a legend  40 . The barcode  22  includes a number of boxes forming a first pattern  24 , a second pattern  26  and a third pattern  28 . The first pattern  24  includes a number of green boxes  30  and a number of red boxes  32 . The second pattern  30  includes green boxes  30 , a number of blue boxes  34  and a black box  36 . The third pattern includes black boxes  36  and a number of gold boxes  38 . The patterns  24 ,  26  and  28  are provided as an example of a symbology and are not meant to be patterned to follow any particular symbology. It is to be appreciated that any two-dimensional symbology, such as VERICODE (a trademark of VIRITEC Corporation ), code 93 or TEMA code may be employed to carry out the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 2   a  - 2   b , the boxes form patterns of a two dimensional symbology. The patterns include the colors green, red, blue black and brown. These colors can represent additional data such as a manufacturers code, delivery dates, expirations dates, vendor identification, lot numbers or any number of data types not included in the symbology pattern. The present example includes five colors of boxes and a large number of additional pattern types. The colors can add data separate from the symbology or can be integrated into the symbology to enhance the amount of data that can be encoded into the two-dimensional symbology. Any number of colors can be implemented into the two-dimensional pattern only limited by the ability of the reader being utilized to read the barcode  22 .  
         [0029]      FIGS. 3   a  - 3   b  illustrate a front view of a label  50  including a two-dimensional barcode  52  printed thereon.  FIG. 3   a  illustrates the actual colors included in the barcode  52 , while  FIG. 3   b  illustrates the colors by patterned symbols defined by a legend  80 . The barcode  52  includes a number of boxes  54  forming a plurality of columns. Each column includes a colored background. In particular, columns  56 ,  60  and  68  include a green background, columns  60 ,  62  and  64  include a blue background, columns  66  and  72  include a red background and column  70  includes a white background. The columns of boxes  54  can form two-dimensional patterns of a two-dimensional symbology or the individual boxes and grouping of boxes can form a two-dimensional symbology. The colors can serve as a barcode background pattern that includes additional encoded data therein separate from the two-dimensional symbology. Additionally, the barcode background pattern can give the individual columns an ability to provide additional combinations of columns or different patterns for a given box pattern (e.g., three columns making up a pattern) adding to the current two-dimensional symbology.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 4   a - 4 B illustrate a front view of a label  90  including a two-dimensional barcode  92  printed thereon.  FIG. 4   a  illustrates the actual colors included in the barcode  92 , while  FIG. 4B  illustrates the colors by patterned symbols defined by a legend  102 . The barcode  92  includes a number of boxes  94  forming a plurality of patterns. Each pattern includes a colored background. In particular, a first pattern  96  includes a green background, a second pattern  98  include a blue background and a third color  100  includes a red background. The patterns  96 ,  98  and  100  of boxes  94  can be any two-dimensional symbology. The colors can serve as a barcode background pattern that includes additional encoded data therein separate from the two-dimensional symbology. Additionally, the barcode background pattern can give the individual patterns an ability to provide additional data to the current two-dimensional symbology.  
         [0031]     It is to be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to color, but different shades of gray may be employed to add the ability to encode additional data to a barcode or increase the ability of a current symbology to encode additional data.  FIG. 5   a  illustrates a front view of a label  110  including a one-dimensional barcode  112  printed thereon. The barcode  112  includes a number of bars  116  and spaces  114  of varying widths patterned according to a symbology. The barcode pattern  112  is provided as an example of a symbology and is not meant to be patterned to follow any particular symbology. It is to be appreciated that any one-dimensional symbology, such as UPC, code 39, Code 128 or Codabar may be employed to carry out the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5   a , the bars  116  have a pattern of black and different shades of gray. The black and different shades of gray can represent additional data such as a manufacturers code, delivery dates, expirations dates, vendor identification, lot numbers or any number of data types not included in the symbology pattern.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5   b  illustrates a front view of a label  120  including a two-dimensional barcode  122  printed thereon. The barcode  122  includes a number of boxes forming a first pattern  124 , a second pattern  126  and a third pattern  128 . The first pattern  124  includes a number of boxes of a first shade of gray  130  and a number of boxes of a second shade of gray  132 . The second pattern  130  includes a number of boxes of the first shade of gray  130  and a black box  136 . The third pattern  128  includes black boxes  136  and a number of boxes of a third shade of gray  134 . The patterns  124 ,  126  and  128  are provided as an example of a symbology and are not meant to be patterned to follow any particular symbology. It is to be appreciated that any two-dimensional symbology, such as VERICODE (a trademark of VIRITEC Corporation ), code 93 or TEMA code may be employed to carry out the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5   b , the boxes form patterns of a two dimensional symbology. The patterns include black and three different shades of gray that can represent additional data such as a manufacturers code, delivery dates, expirations dates, vendor identification, lot numbers or any number of data not included in the symbology pattern. The shades of gray can add data separate from the symbology or can be integrated into the symbology to enhance the amount of data that can be encoded into the two-dimensional symbology. Any number of shades of gray can be implemented into the two-dimensional pattern only limited by the ability of the reader to distinguish between the shades of gray.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a methodology for adding data encoded into colors to a barcode. Beginning in step  120 , data is provided to be encoded into a barcode symbology. The symbology can be either one-dimensional or two-dimensional. In step  160 , the data is encoded into the barcode symbology. In step  170 , additional data is provided to be encoded. The additional data is then encoded into colors or shades of gray in step  180 . The colors or shades of gray can be encoded into the black bars, white spaces, black boxes or background of the barcode. After all of the data is encoded into the barcode, the barcode is printed onto an object in step  190 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a methodology for reading the barcode encoded in  FIG. 6 . Beginning in step  250 , the barcode is read by a barcode reader that can understand the barcode symbology and differentiate between colors or shades of gray. In step  260 , the barcode reader decodes the color or shades of gray from the encoded data. In step  270 , the data encoded that was in the color or shades of gray is stored for later processing. In step  280 , the data encoded in the barcode symbology is decoded. In step  290 , that data decoded from the data encoded in the barcode symbology is stored for later processing. The data decoded from the color and the barcode symbology is then processed in step  300 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  illustrates a methodology for adding color to a barcode symbology for increasing the amount of data that can be encoded into the barcode symbology. Beginning in step  350 , a barcode symbology is provided. The symbology can be either one-dimensional or two-dimensional. In step  360 , color or shades of gray are provided for encoding into the barcode symbology. In step  370 , data is provided to be encoded. The data is then encoded into the barcode symbology including the colors or shades of gray in step  380 . After all of the data is encoded into the barcode, the barcode is printed onto an object in step  390 .  
         [0035]     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications alterations, and equivalents thereof.