Patent EA-003380-B1 (EA)
Title: Data strip and method for coding and recording printed data
Inventor: WIRNITZER BERNHARD
IPC: G06K19/06
Filed: 2000-06-07
Abstract: 1. Data strip for storing printed, coded data having a high data density, the printed area of the data strip being divided into cells and one of at least two different patterns having a characteristic, predefined shape being respectively printed in a two-dimensional cell having a predefined shape, characterized in that the patterns are of such dimensions that they cannot be resolved by the human eye and that the said data strip comprises search patterns at defined locations for comparison with the information-carrying patterns used. 2. Data strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the patterns differ from one another in that the printed area is exchanged for the unprinted area. 3. Data strip according to at least one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that within the cell the printed area equals substantially the unprinted area. 4. Data strip according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the patterns are characterized by geometrical configuration and/or distribution of brightness. 5. Data strip according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that more than two different patterns are used and that each pattern codes a sequence of information bits. 6. Data strip according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stored information is overlaid by information, preferably visual information, which can be perceived by man. 7. Data strip according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that for the overlay of the visual information the size of individual cells is varied accordingly. 8. Process for decoding data on printed supports, the coding being performed in the form of two-dimensional cells, the cells being positioned on the support at defined locations, the cells for storing data containing in each case at least two different patterns and some defined cells storing no data, but containing in a defined manner one each of the different patterns as a search pattern, characterized in that the two-dimensional search patterns are captured by a device and the recorded signals are used for the recognition of the information-carrying patterns. 9. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the position, rotation and appearance of the recognized, information-carrying patterns are compared to the defined position, rotation and form of appearance, in order to adjust position, rotation and form of appearance of the search patterns. 10. Process according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the patterns are inverted. 11. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that within the cells printed and unprinted areas of about the same size are used. 12. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the patterns are varied by geometrical configuration and/or distribution of brightness. 13. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that patterns having at least two different colors are brought about, being coded by exchanging the color. 14. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the stored information is overlaid by information, in particular visual information, which can be perceived by man. 15. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the size of the cells and/or the patterns is varied. 16. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that that the patterns used for coding are positioned on the support in predefined cells and/or predefined sequence. 17. Process according to at least one of claims 8 to 16 characterized in that by recording of parameters, predetermined sections of the support are not coded.