DE102013001142B4 - Internet connection code (Net Access Code) - Google Patents

Abstract

Two-dimensional code (code-symbol unit) for use as a “Net Access Code” by means of optical detection via smart phone etc. or optionally by manual input by the user, or also by acoustic transmission in an internet-enabled device using specially developed software. The unique selling point is the personal readability and simultaneous machine readability of the code. The structure (country code, domain + company abbreviation or logo + number combination) underlines the visual function and the associated order for a high level of recognizability and symbolism. The code-symbol unit is scalable and can be applied up to a minimum size of 3 × 6 mm in the laser engraving process or other relevant manufacturing process on different materials and / or surfaces. a. particularly suitable for use in connection with product labeling.

Description

The aim of the invention is, in response to the function of the QR code, to offer a solution specific to the product identification which makes it possible to guide the manufacturer's dialogue with the customer via the Internet. The functional capability of a small size up to a minimum of 3 × 6 mm offers significant advantages, for example, when used as part of the product labeling of type labels. [The under US 2004/0054754 A1 known solution does not provide all the specific features - such as scalability, small footprint, directly readable by people - that are particularly suitable or required for product labeling].

The problem of increasing information content with regard to product labeling, often with the least space available, can be solved by "outsourcing" to the Internet. The present invention includes a two-dimensional code, hereinafter referred to as a "Net Access Code", which offers new applications and thus incorporates the extended application of the known method.

The technical solution of linking to the Internet by means of a code is basically determined by the application of the QR code (see http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR-Code).

However, because the conventional QR code was not developed primarily for use in product tagging (readability at high reduction), performance is limited depending on the conditions. To compensate for this limitation, the QR code was later supplemented by the MicroQR code.

The currently known QR code solutions are only limited scalable and only by means of smart phone or corresponding reader. "readable". Therefore, the code is not manually or by voice recognition in a computer entered.

Depending on the size, the QR code can not be easily produced in all important manufacturing processes (eg laser engraving).

Workaround for traditional applications; State of the art are data matrix code, div. Barcodes. The usual specific use requires special readers, barcodes require comparatively much space and are mainly used for labeling of packaging. The focus of Datamatrix and barcodes is the data reading related to manufacturing processes and cash register systems. No QR code solution is expected behind these codes.

The present invention has for its object to develop a readable (personal and machine-readable) code, which allows a visual identification and re-recognizability because of the compact form and the logical structure. The code is applied as a symbol unit on the product. There, he creates the connection to the Internet using a specially developed software. As a reading device is usually a photo-enabled mobile phone (smartphone). In addition, the option of personalized reading and manual input, as well as the voice input of the code, are important features.

Prerequisite for the use of the "Net Access Code" within product labeling, for example on type plates, is scalability and functional reliability even with very small dimensions.

Realizability in all relevant manufacturing processes. Laser code generation even with small sizes or application on different materials and / or surfaces.

The invention will be explained below with reference to execution details.

• a) verwendeter Schriftfont: Univers 57, oder andere geeignete, schmal geschnittene Schrift.
• b) rechteckiger, aus einer Linie bestehender Rahmen, der in der linken oberen Ecke durch einen Spalt geöffnet ist (siehe Layout). Der Rahmen dient der Basis-Identifizierung des Codes (6 Merkmale – nur relevant bei optischer oder maschineller Ablesung) und bildet gleichzeitig einen begrenzten, abgeschirmten Innenraum für die variablen Code-Inhalte. Die Rahmenbreite ist je nach Platzbedarf der verwendeten Domain variabel, abhängig von der Lauflänge der Buchstaben.
• c) Bestandteil „de”(variabel): Länderkennung entsprechend ISO 3166, Top-Level-Domains/Internet. Grafische Hervorhebung, um Ursprungsangabe starker zu gewichten. Dient als Element für die Ursprungsangabe.
• d) Bestandteil beispielsweise „SE”: Stufe unterhalb der Länderkennung; Firmenkürzel aus zwei oder bis zu 4 Großbuchstaben in der oberen Zeile der variablen Elemente für die Codierung, optional auch Nutzung von Stellen der zweiten Zeile, oder auch Verwendung einer Marke an diesem Platz. Grundsätzlich Bedarf für 2, 3 oder 4 Buchstaben hierarchisch gegliedert in Bezug auf Unternehmensgröße und Unterscheidungsmerkmale. Je kleiner das Unternehmen, umso mehr Buchstabenverwendung (siehe Layout-Beispiele).
• e) Bestandteil 4 bis 6 Ziffern variabel, für Codierung in Verbindung mit Firmenkürzel. Anordnung in einer bzw. zwei Zeilen. Buchstaben- und Ziffernfolge steht hauptsächlich für die Zuordnung von Webseiten bzw. Webinhalten eines Unternehmens. 4 Ziffern entsprechen 9999 möglichen Variationen.
• f) Je nach verwendeter Codegröße und Platzbedarf ist der Begriff „Net Access Code”, oder optional die Kurzform „NAC”, dreizeilig vertikal angeordnet, dem Code vorangestellt. Wirkung gesamt als Code-Symbol Einheit. Der Code-Symbol-Einheit können als Claim optional auch Namen und Marken zugeordnet werden.

The alpha-numeric code consists of the following parts:

• a) Fonts used: Univers 57, or other appropriate, narrow-cut font.
• b) rectangular frame consisting of a line, which is opened in the upper left corner by a gap (see layout). The frame is used for the basic identification of the code (6 features - only relevant for optical or machine reading) and at the same time forms a limited, shielded interior for the variable code contents. The frame width is variable depending on the space requirement of the domain used, depending on the run length of the letters.
• c) Component "de" (variable): Country code according to ISO 3166, top-level domains / Internet. Graphical highlighting to give a stronger indication of origin. Serves as an element for the indication of origin.
• d) Component eg "SE": Level below the country code; Company abbreviation of two or up to four capital letters in the upper row of the variable elements for the coding, optionally also use of digits of the second line, or also use of a mark in this place. Basically, need for 2, 3 or 4 letters hierarchically structured in terms of company size and distinguishing features. The smaller the company, the more letter usage (see layout examples).
• e) Component 4 to 6 digits variable, for coding in connection with company code. Arrangement in one or two lines. The letter and number sequence mainly stands for the assignment of web pages or web contents of a company. 4 digits correspond to 9999 possible variations.
• f) Depending on the code size and space used, the term "Net Access Code", or optionally the short form "NAC", arranged vertically in three lines, precedes the code. Total effect as a code symbol unit. The code-symbol unit can optionally also be assigned names and brands as claim.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments (drawings, figures):

1 : Layout NAC Code Symbol Unit - two-dimensional code with introduced term "Net Access Code". Application example: Siemens AG, Business Unit Energy

2 : Layout NAC Code Symbol unit - two-dimensional code with introduced term in the short form "NAC". Example of use: Fa. Gerbrocht GmbH

3 and 4 : Barrel length with Domaine de, as well as Domaine mm
Recommended minimum size when using the code symbol unit with the term "Net Access Code" or in the abbreviation "NAC": 3 × 6 mm (rectangular frame with 3 )
Enlarged picture!

5 : Application example NAC for a standard size 52 × 74 mm nameplate.

Claims (4)

Two-dimensional code (code symbol unit) for use as a "Net Access Code" by manual input, or by acoustic transmission to an Internet-enabled device, using a specially developed software, characterized in that the code of alpha-numeric Elements or other graphic elements that can be read directly by people - and reproduced in the form of language - that the code from alpha-numeric elements machine-readable is that a country code according to ISO 3166, top-level domain as an element of the code prominently is pictured. "Net access code according to claim 1, characterized in that the outline structure of the code elements shows a defined in all cases, hierarchical order. characterized in that the arrangement of the code contents is carried out by following the prefixed country code (claim 1), connect two lines of 4 digits (capital letters or numbers), which together correspond to the cap height of the country code, that the elements indicated in claim 2 by a These elements encircling, interrupted in the upper left corner by a gap broken line, framed are that depending on the code size and space used the term "Net Access Code", three-line, or optionally the short form "NAC", arranged vertically in three lines, the Code is prefixed. "Net Access Code" according to claim 1, characterized in that the scalability is given and the full functionality even with small dimensions of the code to a minimum of 3 × 6 mm can be realized. "Net access code" according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphical "robustness" allows an application even with small sizes in the laser engraving process or other relevant manufacturing processes, on different materials or surfaces.

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