DE102012024771A1 - Method for identifying a subject matter by using code e.g. EAN code, involves forming UV-light responsive and fluorescent substance in form of one and/or two-dimensional codes, and applying code on subject matter - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves forming the UV-light responsive and fluorescent substance in the form of one and/or two-dimensional codes (2). The code is applied on a subject matter (1). The code is partially or completely available on other subject matter and is applied on the viewable subject matter text (3). The code is not viewable even with naked eye. The code is illuminated for visualization in a visible spectrum with UV light. The code is recorded by sensor during visualization in a visible spectrum, and processed such that subject matter is assigned with information to be determined. An independent claim is included for arrangement for reading a code.

Description

A variety of codes of products are known in the art. Particularly common are EAN codes for marking and automatic scanning at cash registers to obtain information on the product and price, etc. The EAN code is usually a one-dimensional code in which the width of the bars plays a major role.

Furthermore, now two-dimensional codes, such as QR codes, are becoming increasingly popular. Associated with you are u. a. Web links, telephone numbers, addresses or other information. However, the codes always require a certain area of the packaging. And in the event that one enlarges the codes to improve their reading ability, they need even more area. In contrast, the packaging industry strives to identify products as possible with free design without large area shares for EAN or other codes. In addition, work is underway to introduce fully automated POS systems. Lack of this is still the 100% fully automatic detection of goods based on the current EAN standard.

It is therefore an object of the invention to describe a method for marking an object, which makes it possible for the unaided eye normally to generate invisible codes and to read them technically in a development, so that even very large codes without affecting the design or the appearance of the article (in particular a package) can be used. Furthermore, the inventive method should make it possible to provide an object of several or even all sides with a normally invisible code, so that the object on a fully automatic cash register with the aid of the visibility of the code can be easily recognized, because he not only on one Page a code, eg. As an EAN code has.

Moreover, a corresponding arrangement for reading a normally invisible held code should be specified. The invention should be possible to implement as inexpensively.

The object of the invention is achieved by a method for marking an object by means of at least one code, wherein at least one reacting to UV light, fluorescent substance in the form of at least one one and / or two-dimensional code that forms the said at least one code on which said object is applied.

UV light is commonly referred to as black light in colloquial language. The inventively applied code is excited by the application of UV light of suitable wavelengths (n) to fluorescence and thus visible. However, since the code is invisible or simply transparent without the presence of UV light, the code can be made significantly larger than, say, conventional EAN codes because normally visible codes take up more area when magnified, which is not necessarily for the consumer looks aesthetically or the desire to buy does not increase.

The said article is preferably a packaging of a product or the product itself.

The application of the code can z. Example, in a known printing process, such as offset printing, screen printing or digital printing, wherein the color to be used is then known in the art black light color, z. B. "Steinigke black light color" by Steinigke Showtechnik GmbH (Germany), which is transparent without illumination with UV light and illuminated when illuminated by UV light in the color yellow. Other methods of applying the code using black light color are conceivable.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the said code is applied partially or completely over a visible image present on the article and / or over a text visible on the article, the code being transparent or invisible even with an unaided eye. This is a particular advantage of the invention: for example, when using the code as a product code (eg EAN code or QR code), there is no longer any restriction in the visible design due to the invention, and yet the product code can be virtually arbitrary large on the object, thus a packaging, be applied.

In particular, but not exclusively, the code may include an EAN code in the form of a one-dimensional bar code or a two-dimensional code, e.g. A point code and / or a QR code. Other embodiments are possible.

Further, the method may be usefully extended to include the step of illuminating the code for visualization in a visible spectrum with UV light. This can be a brief or periodic or unperiodic flash or else a longer illumination with UV light. The UV light can z. B. from a corresponding diode, incandescent or fluorescent lamp and essentially comprise one or more wavelengths.

Advantageously, it is additionally provided in the method according to the invention that the code is sensory recorded during the visualization in a visible spectrum and subsequently processed in such a way that information associated with the object is determined. The associated information may be z. For example, product name, size, weight, price, quantity, dimension, hazard class, lot number, serial number, age restrictions, web link (URL), warnings, addresses, manufacturer, or other information.

Preferably, the code is visually recorded during visualization in a visible spectrum by a bar code reader, a scanner, a mobile device, a cash register system, a reader or other camera. Such readers may be mobile or permanently installed, for. On or in an electronic cash register, in or on a mobile phone and on any other reader or scanner (eg cash register scanner).

In a special application mode, the code according to the invention is shown inverse to conventional EAN or QR codes: the individual parts of the code (one or two-dimensional) shine brightly when illuminated with UV light, while places where no black light color is present, stay essentially dark. Thus, the visible and preferably machine-readable contrast is generated. This effect can z. B. in a scanner tunnel (ie an automated POS system) are amplified when the normal light is shielded in it. Then the unlit surface of the object remains largely dark, while the black light color when illuminated with UV light appears particularly bright against the background.

As already mentioned above, the code can be applied to one, several or all sides of the article. In particular, the variant with several or all sides offers advantages in an automated reading of the code.

As a backup or supplement z. B. for POS systems can be added to the code according to the invention on the object additionally at least one visible with unaided eye code, z. As a conventional EAN code exist. This would then respect the compatibility with conventional POS system, which can not read the code of the invention.

Finally, different codes may be present on the same item, and for particular embodiments, at least two of the codes will fluorescently respond to different wavelengths of UV light. This allows both codes to be addressed differently and processed as described above.

In special cases it may also be possible for one and the same code to contain partial surfaces or partial elements which in each case react fluorescently to different wavelengths of UV light.

• – eine UV-Lichtquelle, welche den Code zu dessen Sichtbarmachung in einem sichtbaren Spektrum mit UV-Licht beleuchtet,
• – einen Sensor zur optischen Aufnahme des in einem sichtbaren Spektrum sichtbar gemachten Codes,
• – Mittel zur Verarbeitung des von besagtem Sensor im sichtbaren Spektrum aufgezeichneten Codes, so dass dem Gegenstand zugeordnete Informationen ermittelt werden.

The object of the invention is also achieved by an arrangement for reading a code, wherein the code is applied to at least one reacting to UV light, fluorescent substance in the form of at least one one- and / or two-dimensional code on an article comprising

• A UV light source which illuminates the code for its visualization in a visible spectrum with UV light,
• A sensor for optically recording the code visualized in a visible spectrum,
• - means for processing the code recorded by said sensor in the visible spectrum so that information associated with the item is determined.

The associated information may be z. For example, product name, size, weight, price, quantity, dimension, hazard class, lot number, serial number, age restrictions, web link (URL), warnings, addresses, manufacturer, or other information.

The arrangement according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously in POS systems.

The arrangement can be configured and used entirely in the sense of the method according to the invention.

For information purposes only, it should be mentioned here that expert circles assume that a dot code usually requires only 15% contrast to fully recognize the code, whereas a common bar code (such as a FAN code) regularly requires at least 60% contrast. to be readable.

For particular design cases, it is also possible to use quasi "colorful" codes or even images in the inventive method or corresponding arrangements simply by simultaneously containing different UV-reactive substances emitting light of visible light of different wavelengths when UV radiation is present. Light hits her.

The applications of the invention are virtually unlimited. For example, one or more codes could be applied to products according to the invention, the special information and / or competitions. If then a corresponding UV light source z. For example, in a ubiquitous device, such as various types of mobile phones, the special information can be visualized directly with the UV light source of the mobile phone or indirectly via the reading and processing of the code with subsequent output of a linked result (eg Non-profit) are made perceptible.

Furthermore, the invention can also be used in connection with the so-called cases of "virtual reality" or "augmented reality" in connection with products: A corresponding application on a mobile device with UV light source is used with the codes according to the invention and thus allows navigation through the store, where z. B. special highlights, such as offers to be displayed on the assignment to the code read by the application for the user.

In the same sense, there could also be applications for the medical compatibility of products: for example, a mobile phone with UV light source and corresponding application reads the code of a food arranged in front of the user and then displays medically and / or nutritionally relevant information, eg. B. Information on the content of lactose and / or fructose to show lactose and / or fruit sugar intelantants persons suitable foods.

In another special application, the invention can be used for theft protection: For this purpose, a serial number (alternatively, but a one-time and a unique code) would be attached to each product to be protected. In the case of payment, this one-time code will be unlocked as paid by the POS system. When leaving the store again all products are scanned for the unique code and checked for activation. If a one-time code has not been unlocked, the product has been stolen. It should be noted that, of course, only the outer products in a shopping cart can be automatically examined for the unique code. Therefore, this approach brings the most benefits to more valuable products and z. For clothing; in the case of clothing, the unique code should be as washable as possible.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

It shows

1a a sketch of the method according to the invention with existing UV light,

1b a sketch of the method according to the invention with no UV light,

2a and 2 B Sketches for overprinting text with a code according to the invention,

3 a sketch of the inventive method and arrangements according to the invention, wherein the visualized code is recorded and processed, and

4 a sketch in which an item has several codes on different pages,

5a and 5b a sketch of the inventive method in which an article has different codes that respond to different UV wavelengths of light.

All drawings are not to scale and only represent schematic representations.

It shows 1a a sketch of the process according to the invention with existing UV light. This is on an object 1 , For example, a cardboard packaging for a product, according to the invention a code 2 applied, z. B. imprinted by screen printing. This code consists of a reacting to UV light with fluorescence color, z. B. "Steinigke black light color" by Steinigke Showtechnik GmbH (Germany). The code 2 is here one-dimensional, z. B. a barcode. For the sake of simplicity, only 4 black bars for the barcode are shown here. The UV light is from a corresponding light emitting diode 4 generates and lights up the code; this will make the visualization of the code 2 guaranteed in a visible spectrum with UV light. In reverse to the real implementation, the 4 here black lines light up brightly when illuminated with UV light; The color black is chosen here only for better representability. This objection also applies to all subsequent drawings.

In contrast, shows 1b a sketch of the method according to the invention with non-existent UV light: then that is the light emitting diode 4 turned off and the code 2 on the object 1 is not visible to the unaided eye. That's why the code is 2 in 1b not shown.

Thought could be the subject 1 , ie z. As the cardboard packaging, all around or at least partially printed with pictures or text. Nevertheless, by means of the method according to the invention, a code 2 imprinted that does not bother the design: this is in 2a and 2 B with sketches for overprinting text 3 with a Code according to the invention 2 shown. In case of 2a is the UV light source 4 (eg a corresponding light-emitting diode) is switched on. Therefore, the code now visible in the visible spectrum superimposed 2 the text 3 and can z. B. scanned and electronically processed. If there is no UV light source or it is present but off, the text remains 3 unchanged visible, because the code 2 yes in this case is invisible. This case shows 2 B ,

Furthermore, there 3 a sketch of the inventive method and arrangements according to the invention again, wherein the means of UV light from a UV light source 4 code visualized in a visible spectrum 2 now by means of a sensor 5 for its optical recording (eg, the sensor 5 as a camera 5 or designed as a scanner) and recorded in means 6 for processing the said sensor 5 codes recorded in the visible spectrum 2 is processed, so that the object 1 associated information is determined. The associated information may be z. For example, product name, size, weight, price, quantity, dimension, hazard class, lot number, serial number, age restrictions, web link (URL), warnings, addresses, manufacturer, or other information.

The 4 shows a sketch in which an object 1 several codes 2 . 2a . 2 B on different sides. The UV light source has been omitted here for redundancy reasons.

This embodiment is particularly interesting for automatic POS systems, since - if the code is an EAN code - the system will read the EAN code from several or even each page of the item 1 , ie z. B. a product or its packaging, can read.

Finally show 5a and 5b in each case a sketch of the method according to the invention, in which an article has different codes which react to different UV light wavelengths. In 5a illuminates the UV light source 4 while the UV light source 4a not lit. As a result, only the code 2 on the object 1 visualized in the visible spectrum, while the code 2c is not visible. In contrast, in 5b the trap shown in which the UV light source 4a lights while the UV light source 4 is off. As a result, only the code 2c on the object 1 visualized in the visible spectrum, while the code 2 is not visible. This embodiment is particularly useful if the codes are intended for different public: So the code could 2 an EAN code that is used for the checkout and that is normally made visible only by a corresponding UV light source in a cash register system during which the code 2c is a QR code that is intended for end users and that contains as associated information consumer information, the z. B. via a mobile phone or a tablet PC, each with a corresponding UV light source 4 (Eg LED) are equipped, and a corresponding application for the user to be played.

Pure printing technology can also different codes 2 and 2c overlap.

Thus, what was desired is possible, namely to describe a method for marking an object, which makes it possible to generate invisible codes for the unaided eye normally, to read them technically in a further development, so that even very large-area codes without influence on the design or appearance of the article (in particular packaging) can be used. Furthermore, the inventive method allows to provide an object of several or even all sides with a normally invisible code, so that the object on a fully automatic cash register with the aid of the visibility of the code can be easily recognized because he not only on one side Code, eg. As an EAN code has, but in appropriate embodiments on several or all sides, but without disturbing the visible design.

The arrangement according to the invention allows the reading of a normally invisible held code. Moreover, the invention is inexpensive to implement and versatile.

The invention offers immense advantages, especially when used in POS systems:
If, for example, bottles, beverage containers and outer packaging as well as bottle crates are printed with the corresponding code, which acts here as an EAN code or other product code for the cash register, then the purchaser no longer has to take all of the heavy drinks out of the trolley. In addition, much larger codes are possible without destroying the visible design; This gives a much better recognition security of the codes. Finally, the design with multiple (same) codes on multiple sides of the package will help in case of contamination and / or destruction of a code, which is unlikely to cause all (same) codes to be contaminated and / or destroyed.

Claims (10)

Method for marking an article ( 1 ) by means of at least one code ( 2 ), in which at least one fluorescent substance reacting to UV light in the form of at least one one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional code having the said at least one code ( 2 ) on the said object ( 1 ) is applied. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said code ( 2 ) partially or completely over one on the object ( 1 ) visible visible and / or over a text visible on the item ( 3 ), the code ( 2 ) is only transparent or invisible even with unarmed eyes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code ( 2 ) an EAN code in the form of a one-dimensional code, z. As a barcode, or in the form of a two-dimensional code, z. As a point codes and / or a QR code is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code ( 2 ) is illuminated with UV light for visualization in a visible spectrum. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the code ( 2 ) is visually recorded during visualization in a visible spectrum and subsequently processed in such a way that the object ( 1 ) associated information is determined. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the code ( 2 ) is sensory recorded during visualization in a visible spectrum by a bar code reader, scanner, mobile device, cash register, reader or other camera. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code ( 2 ) on one, on several or on all sides of the object ( 1 ) is applied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code according to the invention ( 2 ) is displayed inverse to conventional EAN or QR codes by illuminating the individual parts of the code brightly when illuminated with UV light, while places where no black light color is present remain substantially dark, making one more visible and preferable Machine-readable contrast is generated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different codes ( 2 . 2c ) on the same object ( 1 ), at least two of the codes ( 2 . 2c ) react to different wavelengths of UV light. Arrangement for reading a code ( 2 ), where the code ( 2 ) as at least one UV-reactive fluorescent substance in the form of at least one one- and / or two-dimensional code on an article ( 1 ), comprising - a UV light source ( 4 ), which contains the code ( 2 ) illuminated with UV light in a visible spectrum for its visualization, - a sensor ( 5 ) for optically recording the code visualized in a visible spectrum ( 2 ), - Medium ( 6 ) for processing the said sensor ( 5 ) codes recorded in the visible spectrum ( 2 ), so that the subject ( 1 ) associated information is determined.

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