CN1914621A - Method for identifying and authenticating goods using codes, barcodes and radio frequency identification - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for identifying and authenticating goods. A code or checksum based on information or an image associated with a good is derived and associated with a bar code for inclusion on a label. The tag is scanned by a recipient to authenticate the good. Scannable codes are provided based on an image by extracting an image into tonal components of the image and using a grid to create a pattern. The pattern can be read by a scanner to obtain a code directly, or by referencing a look-up table to obtain a code. The code, bar code, digital bar code or scannable code may be included on a label or tag, such as an RFID tag.

Description

Method for identifying and authenticating goods using codes, barcodes and radio frequency identification

Copyright and Legal Notices

Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain copyrighted material. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.

Related Application Cross Reference

This application is a continuation-in-part of Patent Application No. 10/497,636 and is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120 of Patent Application No. 10/497,636, filed December 2, 2002 Filing a national application of International Application No. PCT/US02/38558 and asserting rights under U.S.C. §365(a) International Application No. PCT/US02/38558, International Application No. PCT/US02/38558 Claims under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/334,570, filed November 30, 2001. The contents of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application also asserts rights under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/528,046, filed December 8, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety middle.

technical field

none

Background technique

Radio Frequency Data Communication ("RFDC") is a technology that enables wireless interactive real-time updates to inventory, shipping or manufacturing applications through local and wide area networking applications. Five oft-cited advantages of using RFDC are improved database accuracy throughout, reduced paperwork, real-time operations, increased productivity, and reduced order response time. RFDC is a communication technology for automatic identification and data collection, which is commonly used to track goods, such as for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and logistics management. RFDC is often used in conjunction with barcode scanning or radio frequency identification ("RFID") to control receiving, storage, retrieval, inventory, order picking, pick location make-up, shipping, track returns, tagging, and other applications. RFDCs are also used in factories for applications such as work-in-process tracking and marking and in hospitals for tracking pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. In retail, RF terminals are increasingly used for price checking, order entry at the point of sale and direct-to-store delivery.

The most common RF implementation uses a wireless terminal (handheld or vehicle mounted) that includes a radio transmitter/receiver, keypad, LCD display and often includes a barcode scanner. The terminal sets communicate with the main radio transceiver (also known as a base station or wireless gateway), which receives messages from each terminal set and forwards them to the RF network controller, and transmits information such as commands and abnormal events from the host system Wait for the message to be sent to the terminal.

Bar code technology has a history of more than thirty years and uses various symbology systems. The various symbologies include different standards and criteria for use that optimize various features of the different symbologies for use in different applications. Examples of barcodes include: postal barcodes with tall and low bars; interleaved 25 barcodes commonly used for printing on corrugated boxes; and Reduced Space Syntax ("RSS") barcodes, which are a form of two-dimensional barcodes.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides methods for identifying and authenticating goods. In one embodiment, a method for authenticating an item is provided that includes receiving a code based on information associated with the item. For example, the information is affixed to a label placed on the merchandise. The information may be related to the item, such as information commonly used in manufacturing, tracking, shipping, receiving or selling an item (such as product information or product photos) or other information. The code is received, obtained or generated, for example, using methods including checksum algorithms, sum of known points, or other authentication methods. The code is associated with a barcode, eg, the code is added to the barcode. A label including the information on the barcode and the associated code is associated with, eg, affixed to, the merchandise. A recipient receiving merchandise with the associated tag can read or scan the tag and verify the accuracy of the merchandise and the information on the tag relating to the merchandise by comparing the code . The recipient scans the associated information for the code, and compares the code with a code contained on the label to determine whether the code matches.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for generating a scannable code from an image. The method includes extracting the image based on its tonal components. Extracting the image, or converting or restoring the image by setting a high contrast on the image, so that the pixels of the image are restored to all black, all white, or all gray. A grid is superimposed on the resulting black-and-white image or black-and-white gray image, thereby providing a grid forming a pattern. Each possible pattern is associated with a character. Guard bars are placed at the start and end of the pattern to indicate to the scanner which segments of the pattern are to be read. The recipient can scan the image and obtain the data provided in the pattern.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for generating a scannable code from an image. As described herein, the method includes extracting an image based on the tonal components of the image, overlaying a grid on the extracted image to form a pattern, inserting guard bars to indicate starting and ending points on the pattern . Each pattern has a corresponding character obtained in a look-up table that can be used to generate a corresponding code. A scanner can read the code and refer to the look-up table to obtain the corresponding character.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for identifying merchandise that includes encoding barcode information in a digital format and storing the digital barcode in an RFID tag. The barcode information can be obtained using an RFID scanner or other reader to identify the item. Another embodiment of the present invention provides authentication of merchandise comprising obtaining a code (eg, checksum) based on information associated with the merchandise and storing the code on the RFID tag. The RFID scanner or other reader may identify the item and/or simultaneously authenticate the item by verifying that the code or checksum matches the information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating item authentication is provided. The method includes obtaining a code from an image, and associating the image and a machine-readable symbol including the code with one or more items to be authenticated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the machine-readable symbol is a barcode, such as a Reduced Space Syntax (RSS) barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the image is a photo and/or text information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes obtaining a first code from an image associated with one or more items. A second code is obtained from a machine-readable symbol also associated with the one or more items. determining the authenticity of the one or more items based on the first and second codes, wherein determining the authenticity of the one or more items comprises determining whether the first code matches the second code .

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a symbol that facilitates identification of one or more items is provided. The symbol includes an image associated with the one or more items. A machine-readable symbol is associated with the one or more items, wherein the machine-readable symbol includes a code based on the image.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said image comprises a first and a second guard strip for reading a first code associated with said image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the image includes a photo, a portrait, and text information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the machine readable symbol comprises a Reduced Space Syntax (RSS) barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the machine readable symbol includes data associated with shipping information, inventory information, invoice information, product type information, purchase order information and/or signature information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, said symbol further comprises a label comprising said machine-readable symbol and image formed thereon for application to said one or more items.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of facilitating authentication of items, wherein the method includes associating a machine-readable symbol with one or more items to be authenticated. A memory and a transceiver are also associated with the one or more items, wherein the memory is coupled to the transceiver. The memory stores an image of the machine-readable symbol.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes obtaining a first code from a first machine-readable symbol associated with one or more items. An image of a second machine-readable symbol is processed and stored in a memory to obtain a second code. The memory is coupled to a transceiver and both are associated with the one or more items. Authenticity of the one or more items is determined based on the first and second codes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, determining said authenticity of said one or more items comprises determining whether said first code coincides with said second code.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating item authentication is provided. The method includes associating a machine-readable symbol and an image with one or more items to be authenticated. A memory and a transceiver are also associated with the one or more items, wherein the memory is coupled to the transceiver. The memory stores the machine-readable symbol and the image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, said machine readable symbol comprises machine readable data.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the machine-readable symbol comprises a machine-readable symbol image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver transmits the stored machine-readable symbols and images to a receiver for authentication.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes processing a machine-readable symbol stored in a memory coupled to a transceiver to obtain a first code. The memory and transceiver are associated with the one or more items. An image stored in the memory is processed to obtain a second code. determining the authenticity of the one or more items based on the first and second codes, wherein the authenticity of the one or more items depends on whether the first code matches the second code .

According to another embodiment of the invention, obtaining said first code comprises reading said machine-readable symbol.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating item authentication is provided. The method includes deriving a code from an image comprising a plurality of regions, wherein the code is associated with at least one of the plurality of regions. The image and a machine-readable symbol including the code are associated with one or more items to be authenticated.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said code comprises a checksum.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said coding comprises coding one or more pixels associated with said plurality of regions.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes obtaining a first code from an image associated with one or more items, wherein the image includes a plurality of regions and the first code is associated with at least one of the plurality of regions. A second code is obtained from a machine-readable symbol associated with the one or more items. Authenticity of the one or more items is determined based on the first and second codes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, determining said authenticity of said one or more items comprises determining whether said first code coincides with said second code.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of obtaining data from an image is provided. The method includes processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of a first image to obtain a second image. Interpreting the second image into a machine-readable symbol, thereby obtaining a code from the second image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, interpreting the second image into a machine-readable symbol includes interpreting the second image into a barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, interpreting the second image into a barcode includes interpreting the second image into a barcode according to a barcode format, the barcode format including a plurality of patterns and corresponding values, wherein the Each of the plurality of patterns in a barcode format has a corresponding value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, interpreting the second image into a barcode comprises interpreting the second image into at least a part of a two-dimensional barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating item authentication is provided. The method includes obtaining a machine-readable symbol from an image by processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of the image. The image and the machine-readable symbol are associated with one or more items to be authenticated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, deriving a machine-readable symbol from an image includes deriving a barcode from an image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, obtaining a barcode from an image includes obtaining at least a portion of a two-dimensional barcode from an image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises generating a second barcode encoding data associated with the two-dimensional barcode. Associating the image and the machine-readable symbol with one or more items to be authenticated includes associating the two-dimensional barcode and the second barcode with the one or more items such that the The two-dimensional barcode and the second barcode form a composite barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes obtaining a first machine-readable symbol based on an image associated with one or more items by processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of the image. Authenticity of the one or more items is determined based on the first machine-readable symbol and a second machine-readable symbol associated with the one or more items. Determining the authenticity of the one or more items includes obtaining a first code from the first machine-readable symbol, obtaining a second code from the second machine-readable symbol, and according to the first and second codes to determine the authenticity of the one or more items.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, obtaining the first machine-readable symbol from the image includes obtaining a first barcode from the image. The second machine-readable symbol includes a second barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, obtaining the first barcode from the image includes obtaining a two-dimensional barcode from the image, wherein the two-dimensional barcode and the second barcode form a composite barcode. Determining the authenticity of the one or more items includes determining whether the second barcode corresponds to the two-dimensional barcode.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating item authentication is provided. The method includes obtaining a machine-readable symbol from an image by processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of the image. A code is obtained from the machine-readable symbol, wherein the code is stored in a storage device coupled to a transceiver device. The image, the storage device, and the transceiving device are associated with one or more items to be authenticated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes obtaining a machine-readable symbol from an image associated with one or more items by processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of the image. A first code is obtained from the machine-readable symbol. A second code is obtained from a storage device associated with the one or more items, wherein the storage device is coupled to a transceiving device associated with the one or more items. Authenticity of the one or more items is determined based on the first and second codes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, determining said authenticity of said one or more items comprises determining whether said first code coincides with said second code.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating item authentication is provided. The method includes obtaining a machine-readable symbol from a first image by processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of the first image. An image of the machine-readable symbol is stored in a memory coupled to a transceiver device. The image of the machine-readable symbol, the storage device, and the transceiving device are associated with one or more items to be authenticated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating an item is provided. The method includes obtaining a first machine-readable symbol based on an image associated with one or more items by processing color characteristics of one or more pixels of the image. A second machine-readable symbol is obtained from a storage device associated with the one or more items, wherein the storage device is coupled to a transceiving device associated with the one or more items. Authenticity of the one or more items is determined based on the first and second machine-readable symbols.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, determining said authenticity of said one or more items comprises: obtaining a first code from said first machine-readable symbol; obtaining a second code; and determining authenticity of the one or more items based on the first and second codes.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating a scannable code from an image is provided. The method includes processing color characteristics of one or more pixels associated with the image. A first code for the one or more pixels is obtained, wherein the first code corresponds to a second code associated with a machine-readable symbol.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, said second code is generated by applying said first code to a look-up table associated with said machine-readable symbol.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes adding a first indicator to indicate a starting point for scanning the image, and adding a second indicator to indicate a starting point for scanning the image. end.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises applying the generated scannable code to the one or more items.

According to another embodiment of the invention, processing said color characteristics of said one or more pixels comprises changing said color values of said one or more pixels to convert tonal values comprising more than 50% gray-black into hue values representing black, and converting hue values comprising less than 50% off-white into hue values representing white.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, said one or more pixels converted into a hue value representing black are encoded into a first code value and said one or more pixels converted into a hue value representing white encoded into a second code value.

Description of drawings

The present invention is illustrated in the drawings of the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and like reference characters in the drawings are intended to refer to the same or corresponding parts, and in the drawings middle:

Figure 1 depicts a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 depicts a label according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 depicts a tag according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 depicts a flow chart according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 depicts a transformed image according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6A depicts a magnified view of a portion of the image shown in Figure 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6B depicts a magnified view of a portion of the image shown in Figure 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 depicts a transformed image and overlay grid according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 depicts a tag according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 depicts a tag according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10A depicts a tag according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10B depicts a tag according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 depicts a grid with pixel sprites according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 12 depicts a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed ways

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Generally, a shipment of goods is sent from the point of origin to the destination with accompanying paperwork and other information. Typically, a limited amount of information is incorporated into a barcode label placed on the merchandise and other information is included in an accompanying packing slip. Some types of information associated with merchandise include: product model number, origin and destination addresses, or other information such as identification numbers for invoices, purchase orders, shipment or lot numbers, dates, shipment storage, usage and tracking information.

Referring to FIG. 1 , it depicts a method for authenticating goods according to an embodiment of the present invention. A code is received (step 50). The code is derived from associated information that may be related to the item, as described herein, such as the item number 120 or associated image 125 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . 2 and 3 depict a label 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. Other associated information may be information related to shipments, tracking, inventory, orders, invoices, duties, photographs, fingerprints, product models, regulations, passports, legal documents, certificates of manufacture, barcodes or in text, image or other digital format additional information for .

It should be appreciated that the item number 120 or associated image 125 shown on the tag 100 can be an alphanumeric combination, image, or other identifier that can be read by a human, and/or an identifier that can be read by a scanner or reader. . In a preferred embodiment, the code is based on all or a portion of the information associated with the item printed on a label or otherwise accompanying the item. For example, any or all parts of a signature or image may be used when deriving a code from the signature or fingerprint. When deriving a code from an image such as a portrait, the entirety of the image may be used to derive the code, or a detailed part such as the eye may be used to derive the code. The code may be a checksum, sum of all known points, or other code representing information placed on a tag. The checksum or code may be obtained by methods known in the art, such as checksum algorithms, hash algorithms, multipliers, or other methods for obtaining codes representing information.

The code is associated with a barcode (step 60). The code is associated with a barcode, for example by converting the code into a barcode format as shown on the merchandise label 100 in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The barcode types depicted on FIGS. 2 and 3 include a two-dimensional composite code 130 and an RSS linear barcode 140 displayed in Micro PDF417 format. Additionally, the code may be associated with a barcode in a human readable form 150 that provides the data indicated in the barcode in a human readable format. A label is created (step 70) containing the code and associated barcode and the label is associated with the item, such as by affixing the label to the item. In preferred embodiments, the label includes the data depicted on the label 100 of Figures 2 and 3, including information relating to the merchandise and a code in barcode format associated with the information relating to the merchandise .

A recipient of an item bearing the tag 100 identifies the item by: scanning or reading the associated information on the label to obtain a code; scanning a barcode including the code; and comparing these codes to identify the item. A matching code indicates that the label has not changed. Inconsistent codes indicate that the label has changed. In preferred embodiments, the scanner or reader will provide a signal, such as an audible beep, in the event of a code discrepancy.

Referring to FIG. 4 - which depicts a method for generating a barcode according to an embodiment of the present invention, in step 200, an image is extracted according to the tonal components of the image by, for example, the following means: Once programmed to perform this extraction A scanner or a computer that receives the image (eg, from a scanner) and is programmed to perform this extraction. The extracted images may be retained in the scanner or computer memory for further processing, as described below.

For example, an image is converted by using a high contrast setting to obtain a black and white image or a black and white gray image according to the color or tone ratio contained in the image. More specifically, areas with a color or tone value greater than 50% off-white become black and areas with a color or tone value below 50% off-white become white. In another embodiment, areas with a color or tone value greater than 33.3% off-white become black, areas with a color or tone value below 33.3% off-white are white, and areas with a color or tone value below 33.3% off-white and high Areas of color or tone value at 33.3% off-white are gray. An example of a transformed image is depicted in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B. FIG. 5 is a transformed image of the associated image 125 shown in FIG. 3 such that the image in FIG. 5 contains only black and white pixels and does not contain the gray scale of the associated image 125 shown in FIG. 3 . A portion 250 of FIG. 5 is shown in an enlarged view in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In various preferred embodiments, portion 250 shown in FIG. 6B contains key predetermined pixels. Key predetermined pixels are elements in an image that are selected as representative elements in said image to be scanned. For example, areas rich in detail in an image (such as the eyes on a portrait) are preselected as areas that can be scanned by the scanner. While it is preferable to convert the entire image into a scannable image, the resulting data can overwhelm conventional scanners. In order to limit the amount of data associated with a scannable image, key predetermined pixels are provided. As shown in Figure 6B, there are three key predetermined pixels. It should be appreciated that there may be more than three key predetermined pixels. Information related to identifying key predetermined pixels may be communicated to a recipient or otherwise indicated on a label or other document.

A grid may be overlaid on the converted image shown in FIG. 5 (step 210). In each preferred embodiment, the grid is at least 32×32 as shown in FIG. 7 . It will be appreciated that the grid may be in the range of 6x6 to 1000x1000 to provide pattern variations sufficient to distinguish between different images. In the example shown in Figure 7, an image using a 32x32 grid may be depicted as a string of 0's and 1's or other alphanumeric characters representing the image. Each square in the grid will represent a value based on the associated image (eg black equals 1, white equals 0). A selected number of points on the grid will be scanned and their values used to construct a derived message that can be embedded in a barcode. For example, the first row has a pattern consisting of a certain number of black squares, followed by some white squares, followed by other black squares. This could be represented, for example, as "11111000000000000111". Each pattern variation refers to a character.

Guard bars or other start and end point indicators may be inserted (step 220) to offset the alphanumeric characters to enable a barcode reader or scanner to identify the start and end points. A guard strip 300 is shown at each side of the barcode shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10A. The resulting converted image, overlay grid and guard strip can be printed on a label so that it can be read on the label by a scanner or reader. Also, as noted above, the above-described processing may be implemented in a scanner or computer memory such that the resulting converted image residing in the scanner or computer memory may be converted, for example, by software that interprets the image of the pattern into a barcode. Interpreted into a barcode.

An example of an image and guard bar is shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10A. Referring to Figure 8, the guard bar is hidden in the digital image, while in Figure 10A, the RSS guard bar is included in a stacked framed image. The converted image and protective strip can be included in a label that is associated with the item, such as by being affixed to the item.

See Figure 10A - which depicts an RSS stacked framed portrait guard strip, converting an image into its black and white components, overlaying a grid and reading it as a barcode pattern in a 2D composite part of the barcode. As noted above, this conversion and interpretation of an image into a barcode can be performed by a scanner or computer programmed to perform such an operation while the image resides in the memory of the scanner or computer, respectively. It should be appreciated that the resulting barcode pattern can be any conventional barcode or the barcode shown in FIG. 10B - which includes a linear barcode including color variations based on the base image 370 and the RSS barcode 380. Linear barcode 370 can be read by conventional barcode scanners due to the contrast between the light and dark bars. Additionally, a scanner specially programmed to read the shades of color within a bar code line can read additional information contained within the bar code line. The image is provided in a machine-readable format to enable the scanner to automate the authentication process.

The recipient who receives the merchandise scans the label—more specifically, the patterns between the protective strips on the label—and obtains the characters corresponding to each pattern.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a black and white or black and gray pattern, it will be appreciated that the same method can be applied to color images, which will result in a greater number of patterns and therefore, a greater number of features can be assigned to each pattern.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the scannable image generated from the image according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is used together with the identification method of FIG. 1 to provide information related to a commodity from which a code is derived, such as Checksums or other data validation items. The checksum may be derived from data contained in the entire image, or may be derived from key predetermined pixels as described herein.

Referring back to FIG. 9 , a scanner reads the image between the guard strips 300 . As described herein, guard strip 300 provides a starting and ending point for a scanner or reader. Within image 310 is an RSS barcode 320 . RSS is a complex barcode consisting of narrow and wide bars and narrow and wide spaces. There are many combinations of patterns in RSS, more than the number of characters normally intended to be represented by an RSS code. At the other end of the capacity spectrum representing the characters in the code is code 39, which represents the characters 0 to 9, A to Z, and several symbols.

It should be noted that Figures 9 and 10A may depict different stages of processing. Figure 10A can depict an image surrounded by a guard strip and a stacked linear barcode that can be printed on a label. FIG. 9 may depict a barcode 320 residing in the memory of a scanner or computer processing the image shown in FIG. 1OA. For example, the image shown in FIG. 10A is scanned and while the scanned image is resident in the scanner or computer memory, it can be processed as described above to convert it to a barcode 320 .

Another embodiment of the invention includes generating barcodes according to a look-up table from a pattern associated with an image as described herein. Each possible pattern variation formed by converting an image into its black and white or black and white gray components and overlaying a grid on said image can be associated with a character. In a preferred embodiment, the number of possible patterns is reduced, for example, by referencing a specified number of squares to obtain a single pattern corresponding to a character. The converted image is read by the scanner, or a converted image resident in the scanner or computer memory is analyzed, and a lookup can be performed to find the associated code in a table based on the patterns contained in the image. The present invention provides a barcode that provides a reasonable number of characters in an alphanumeric set or an abbreviated set of characters based on associated patterns obtained by converting an image into codes in a look-up table. A preferred number of characters is ²⁵ or 32, which represent A to Z and 0 to 5. The images are reduced to a short string of alphanumeric characters to facilitate comparison of the two scans of the two digital images.

For example, when using ²⁵ or 32 characters to form a barcode, the image should include a number of characters each having the same number of possible code variations as the corresponding barcode characters associated with the barcode (i.e. 32) coding region. Thus, for each code associated with an encoded region of the image, there is a corresponding barcode character (ie 0-5 and AZ) according to the look-up table. For example, a truncated RSS-14 barcode may be associated with an image that has been divided into a grid (ie, 7x2) having no more than 14 coded regions. The encoded regions are applied to a look-up table, which then generates corresponding barcode characters. In addition, each coded region represents a character of the barcode. If, for example, 32 characters are used when generating the barcode, each coded region must have a 5-bit code word (ie "11110") to represent the 32 entries in the look-up table. For example, a code bit of "1" may be assigned to each pixel having black color. Likewise, each pixel having white color can be assigned a code bit of "0". Thus, in the given example, each set of five pixels can represent a character of the barcode.

Referring to Figure 6B, the image can be converted into a barcode by using it with an overlay grid of predetermined number of squares. Each cell of the grid represents a value based on the associated image (eg, black equals 1, white equals 0). In some embodiments, all elements in the image are used when converting to a barcode. It is better to convert the entire image into a machine-readable alphanumeric string, but the resulting data can overwhelm traditional scanners. In order to limit the amount of data associated with an image, in other embodiments, a selected number of points or predetermined pixels on the grid are scanned, such as three key predetermined pixels 350, and their values are used according to a look-up table to construct a code. It should be appreciated that there may be more than three key predetermined pixels. Key predetermined pixels may be obtained through communication between the sender and receiver or otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the image shown in FIGS. 5 , 6A and 6B is divided into a 6×6 grid and each three-pixel sprite is assigned a value from 0 to 7. Referring to FIG. The barcode scanner is programmed to read a two-dimensional barcode in which each row is equal to the height of a single sprite. Figure 11 includes six columns of barcode information. The image on the label will have an additional guard bar image that helps the scanner define the various columns, start and end points, such as the guard bars on both sides of the grid shown in FIG. 8 .

A recipient receiving merchandise with an associated tag can read or scan the code and refer to a look-up table for the characters mentioned in the code.

When the two technologies of RFID and bar codes are combined and applied to track, protect and identify goods, they can have a mutually reinforcing effect. RFID technology includes the use of RFID tags and readers. RFID tags typically include data storage (eg, a chip). Some RFID tags additionally include a transceiver to transmit data stored on the tag. The data stored in the RFID tag typically contains information related to the item on which the RFID tag is placed. Communication between the RFID tag and the reader or scanner is usually via wireless communication.

See Figure 12 - which depicts a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention to encode barcode information into a digital format (step 400). The barcode information may be information in a conventional barcode format or barcode information generated from an image as described herein. The barcode information can be obtained, for example, from a label of the commodity or from a database such as a commodity inventory. Encoding barcode information into a numerical format—for example, by reducing the barcode to a series of 0s and 1s, or other numerical formats. Store digital barcode information on an RFID tag (step 410). The digital barcode information can then be read by an RFID scanner. The RFID scanner reproduces the digital barcode information into a barcode or transmits the data to a barcode based network or system. The product and information related to the product can be identified and obtained from the label.

In preferred embodiments, a code derived as described herein from information associated with an item, for example, as a checksum or other verifier is received or otherwise obtained (step 420). This code is roughly the same as that described with reference to Figure 1 . The code is stored to the RFID tag (step 430). The resulting tag contains RFID data, digital barcode data and an authentication code, such as a checksum. When the tag is read, the numeric barcode is compared to the authentication code to verify that the tag is authentic and that no information has been altered.

Although the present invention has been described and shown in conjunction with preferred embodiments, many changes and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the methods described above or exact details of construction, as such variations and modifications are also intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (54)

1, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

Obtain a code according to an image; And

The machine-readable character that described image and is comprised described code is associated with one or more article that will differentiate.

2, the method for claim 1, wherein said machine-readable character are a bar code.

3, the method for claim 1, wherein said image are a photo.

4, the method for claim 1, wherein said image comprises text message.

5, the method for claim 1, wherein said machine-readable character comprise reduction space symbology (RSS) bar code.

6, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

Obtain a first code according to an image that is associated with one or more article;

Obtain a second code according to a machine-readable character that is associated with described one or more article; And

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

7, method as claimed in claim 6 determines that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises whether definite described first code is consistent with described second code.

8, a kind of symbol that helps the discriminating of one or more article, described symbol comprises:

One image that is associated with described one or more article; And

One machine-readable character that is associated with described one or more article, wherein said machine-readable character comprises a code according to described image.

9, symbol as claimed in claim 8, wherein said image comprise one first and one second ceiling that is used to read the described first code that is associated with described image.

10, symbol as claimed in claim 8, wherein said image comprises a photo.

11, symbol as claimed in claim 8, wherein said image comprises a portrait.

12, symbol as claimed in claim 8, wherein said image comprises text message.

13, symbol as claimed in claim 8, wherein said machine-readable character comprise reduction space symbology (RSS) bar code.

14, symbol as claimed in claim 8, wherein said machine-readable character comprise with the group that forms by following message at least one data that are associated: shipment information, inventory information, invoice information, product type information, purchase order information, and signing messages.

15, symbol as claimed in claim 6 further comprises a label, and described label comprises and is formed at described machine-readable character and the image that top being used to is applied to described one or more article.

16, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

One machine-readable character is associated with one or more article that will differentiate; And

One storer and a transceiver are associated with described one or more article, wherein described storer are coupled to described transceiver, and an image of the described machine-readable character of wherein said memory stores.

17, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

Obtain a first code according to first machine-readable character that is associated with one or more article;

Processing is stored in an image of one second machine-readable character in the storer to obtain a second code, wherein described storer is coupled to a transceiver and the two is associated with described one or more article; And

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

18, method as claimed in claim 17 determines that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises whether definite described first code is consistent with described second code.

19, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

One machine-readable character and an image are associated with one or more article that will differentiate; And

One storer and a transceiver are associated with described one or more article, wherein described storer are coupled to described transceiver, and described machine-readable character of wherein said memory stores and described image.

20, method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said machine-readable character comprises machine-readable data.

21, method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said machine-readable character comprises a machine-readable symbol image.

22, method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said transceiver is sent to a receiver for discriminating with the machine-readable character and the image of described storage.

23, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

Handle one and be stored in machine-readable character in the storer, wherein described storer is coupled to a transceiver and the two is associated with described one or more article to obtain a first code;

Handle one and be stored in image in the described storer to obtain a second code; And

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

24, method as claimed in claim 23 determines that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises whether definite described first code is consistent with described second code.

25, method as claimed in claim 23 wherein obtains described first code and comprises and read described machine-readable character.

26, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

Comprise that according to one the image of plurality of regions obtains a code, wherein said code is relevant with in the described plurality of regions at least one; And

The machine-readable character that described image and is comprised described code is associated with one or more article that will differentiate.

27, method as claimed in claim 26, wherein said code comprise a verification and.

28, method as claimed in claim 26, wherein said code comprise encodes to one or more pixels that are associated with described plurality of regions.

29, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

Obtain a first code according to an image that is associated with one or more article, wherein said image comprises that plurality of regions and described first code are relevant with in the described plurality of regions at least one;

Obtain a second code according to a machine-readable character that is associated with described one or more article; And

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

30, method as claimed in claim 29 determines that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises whether definite described first code is consistent with described second code.

31, a kind of method that obtains data from an image comprises:

The chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of handling one first image is to obtain one second image; And

Become a machine-readable character from described second image, to obtain a code whereby described second image interpretation.

32, method as claimed in claim 31 wherein becomes a machine-readable character to comprise described second image interpretation described second image interpretation is become a bar code.

33, method as claimed in claim 32, wherein become a bar code to comprise described second image interpretation described second image interpretation is become a bar code according to a barcode format, described barcode format comprises plurality of patterns and respective value, and each in the described plurality of patterns of wherein said barcode format all has a respective value.

34, method as claimed in claim 32 wherein becomes a bar code to comprise at least a portion that described second image interpretation is become a two-dimensional bar described second image interpretation.

35, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

By being handled, the chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of described image obtains a machine-readable character according to an image; And

Described image and described machine-readable character are associated with one or more article that will differentiate.

36, method as claimed in claim 35 wherein obtains a machine-readable character according to an image and comprises according to an image and obtain a bar code.

37, method as claimed in claim 36 wherein obtains a bar code according to an image and comprises at least a portion that obtains a two-dimensional bar from an image.

38, method as claimed in claim 37, it further comprises the second font code that the relevant data of a pair of and described two-dimensional bar of generation are encoded, and

Wherein described image and described machine-readable character being associated with one or more article that will differentiate comprises described two-dimensional bar and described second font code is associated with described one or more article, so that described two-dimensional bar and described second font code form a composite bar code.

39, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

By being handled, the chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of described image obtains one first machine-readable character according to an image that is associated with one or more article; And

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first machine-readable character and second machine-readable character that is associated with described one or more article.

40, method as claimed in claim 39, determine that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises:

From described first machine-readable character, obtain a first code;

From described second machine-readable character, obtain a second code; And

Determine the described authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

41, method as claimed in claim 39 wherein obtains described first machine-readable character according to described image and comprises according to described image and obtain article one font code, and

Wherein said second machine-readable character comprises a second font code.

42, method as claimed in claim 41 wherein obtains described article one font code according to described image and comprises from described image and obtain a two-dimensional bar, and wherein said two-dimensional bar and described second font code form a composite bar code, and

The described authenticity of wherein determining described one or more article comprises that whether definite described second font code is corresponding to described two-dimensional bar.

43, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

By being handled, the chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of described image obtains a machine-readable character according to an image;

Obtain a code according to described machine-readable character;

Described code storage is coupled in the memory storage of a R-T unit in one; And

With described image, described memory storage, and described R-T unit be associated with one or more article that will differentiate.

43, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

By being handled, the chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of described image obtains a machine-readable character according to an image that is associated with one or more article;

Obtain a first code according to described machine-readable character;

Obtain a second code from a memory storage that is associated with described one or more article, wherein described memory storage is coupled to a R-T unit that is associated with described one or more article; And

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

44, method as claimed in claim 43 determines that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises whether definite described first code is consistent with described second code.

45, a kind of method that helps the article discriminating comprises:

By being handled, the chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of described first image obtains a machine-readable character according to one first image;

One image of described machine-readable character is stored in one to be coupled in the memory storage of a R-T unit; And

With the described image of described machine-readable character, described memory storage, and described R-T unit be associated with one or more article that will differentiate.

46, a kind of method of differentiating article comprises:

By being handled, the chromatic characteristic of one or more pixels of described image obtains one first machine-readable character according to an image that is associated with one or more article;

Obtain one second machine-readable character from a memory storage that is associated with described one or more article, wherein described memory storage is coupled to a R-T unit that is associated with described one or more article;

Determine the authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second machine-readable character.

47, method as claimed in claim 46, determine that wherein the described authenticity of described one or more article comprises:

Obtain a first code from described first machine-readable character;

Obtain a second code from described second machine-readable character; And

Determine the described authenticity of described one or more article according to described first and second code.

But 48, a kind of method according to image generation scan code, described method comprises:

Chromatic characteristic to one or more pixels of being associated with described image is handled; And

Obtain a first code of described one or more pixels, wherein said first code is corresponding to a second code that is associated with a machine-readable character.

49, method as claimed in claim 48, wherein by described first code is applied to one be associated with described machine-readable character look into table and produce described second code.

50, method as claimed in claim 48, it further comprises and adds one first designated symbol indicating one to be used to scan the starting point of described image, and adds one second designated symbol to indicate a terminal point that is used to scan described image.

51, method as claimed in claim 48, but it further comprises the described scan code that produces is applied to described one or more article.

52, method as claimed in claim 48, the described chromatic characteristic of wherein handling described one or more pixels comprises the tone value that changes described one or more pixels, convert the tone value of representing black to so that will comprise tone value greater than 50% grey black, and will comprise less than 50% linen tone value convert to represent white tone value.

53, method as claimed in claim 52, described one or more pixel coders that wherein will be converted into the tone value of representing black become a first generation code value and will be converted into to represent described one or more pixel coders of white tone value to become a second generation code value.

Images