GB2077975A - Barcoded map reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

The position of a point on a map (or plan, diagram or photograph) carrying digital barcodes extending in two different directions is ascertained by moving a reader first along one set of the barcodes and then along the other set of the barcodes. Further barcodes on the map are then scanned by the reader to determine a parameter (e.g. temperature) to be associated with the point on the map. The value of the parameter is then entered by unspecified means, all the various data being stored in a computer memory. The parameter data can be accessed from the computer memory by moving the reader along the two sets of barcodes to the required point and then scanning the reader along the barcode for the required parameter. Polar map coordinates may alternatively be used. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Barcode map reader (printing of Barcodes on maps) I, George Albert Robinson of "Westbury" Cambridge Road, Owlsmoor, Camberley, Surrey GUl54SZof British Nationality do hereby declare this invention to be described in the following statement:- A system of using Barcodes printed or superimposed along the x andy axis (margins) of a map, plan, diagram or photograph, (hereafter referred to as a map) to designate or locate a map reference with the use of Barcodes on the map surface for map type information, parameters etc.

This x-y Barcode and map type Barcode is in tended to be used in conjunction with a micro processor and storage system for the fast and easy storage and retrieval of data from a map.

This specification covers a system for the storage and retrieval of information from a map, plan, diagram, or photograph (hereafter referred to as "a map") using a digital Barcode and a Barcode reader (high resolution optical reflective sensor).

The digital Barcode is to be printed along the margins of the map (x & y axis) for latitude and longitude diagram A. or in circular a Polar forum as in diagram B.

Map type and Parameter Barcodes are printed on a section of the map face and are used to indicate map location, dates, and parameters (height, depth, pressure, temperature, Geological structure etc).

This system of Barcode map location is intended to be used in conjunction with a digital microproces sor system for both storage and retrieval of informa tion from a map. diagram C. shows the basic layout in conjunction with a microprocessor and visual display unit with possible connections to external data links used in conjunction with a processor system it would be possible to feed a considerable amount of information into storage for any map reference required by means of Barcode excursions along type code, parameter code, x & y axis barcode and then feeding in relevant information into MPU store.

Once the map store had been filled with informa tion quick retrieval would be by stroking the Barcode reader pen along a typecode b parameter code x axis y axis to points representing the map locations required, readout of the information selected would then be available on a visual display unit.

This method enables a large amount of informa tion to be stored for any particular map without printing the actual information on the map face and therefore would be invaluable for security of infor mation with quick and easy retrieval.

Diagrams A.B.C & D show methods of printing or superimposing digital Barcodes on the front faces of maps for x y location of map references and the use of a smaller strip code for map type and various parameters to be used.

This invention covers a system of providing a barcode map* and its associated memory, to provide a quick and easy method of retrieval of the stored information, the map and memory are used together to enable considerably more information to be available than would be possible to print on a conventional map of simiiar dimensions.

The map and memory would be used in a Computer system with information available on a visual display unit and/or printout. Diag.C.

This system requires barcodes to be either printed on the map face during manufacture or superimposed afterwards, the barcodes to encompass the length and breadth of the working portion of the map and referred to as in (Diag. D) as x & y axes barcodes, these could be conveniently placed in the margins of maps. Short barcodes are shown in the top right hand corner of the map (Diag. D) and would provide the manual data entry to access memory for a particular parameter.

The memory device which seems best suited to compliment the barcode map is the floppy disc and would be used to store all the information required for a particular map (tape or drum store could be used).

The map and pre-edited floppy disc (or discs) would be produced together to form a complimentary package of high density information on a range of subjects.

X- YAxes Barcodes: To provide identification of positions on map by simultaneous excursions of Barcode pen reader over x & Y surfaces. (Manual data entry of map location).

Parameter Barcodes: To provide access to memory for selection of particular Parameters.

(Manual data for Manual access).

Circular and radial Barcodes to provide identification of position on circular maps.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (1)

1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

   SPECIFICATION Barcode map reader (printing of Barcodes on maps) I, George Albert Robinson of "Westbury" Cambridge Road, Owlsmoor, Camberley, Surrey GUl54SZof British Nationality do hereby declare this invention to be described in the following statement:- A system of using Barcodes printed or superimposed along the x andy axis (margins) of a map, plan, diagram or photograph, (hereafter referred to as a map) to designate or locate a map reference with the use of Barcodes on the map surface for map type information, parameters etc.

   This x-y Barcode and map type Barcode is in tended to be used in conjunction with a micro processor and storage system for the fast and easy storage and retrieval of data from a map.

   This specification covers a system for the storage and retrieval of information from a map, plan, diagram, or photograph (hereafter referred to as "a map") using a digital Barcode and a Barcode reader (high resolution optical reflective sensor).

   The digital Barcode is to be printed along the margins of the map (x & y axis) for latitude and longitude diagram A. or in circular a Polar forum as in diagram B.

   Map type and Parameter Barcodes are printed on a section of the map face and are used to indicate map location, dates, and parameters (height, depth, pressure, temperature, Geological structure etc).

   This system of Barcode map location is intended to be used in conjunction with a digital microproces sor system for both storage and retrieval of informa tion from a map. diagram C. shows the basic layout in conjunction with a microprocessor and visual display unit with possible connections to external data links used in conjunction with a processor system it would be possible to feed a considerable amount of information into storage for any map reference required by means of Barcode excursions along type code, parameter code, x & y axis barcode and then feeding in relevant information into MPU store.

   Once the map store had been filled with informa tion quick retrieval would be by stroking the Barcode reader pen along a typecode b parameter code x axis y axis to points representing the map locations required, readout of the information selected would then be available on a visual display unit.

   This method enables a large amount of informa tion to be stored for any particular map without printing the actual information on the map face and therefore would be invaluable for security of infor mation with quick and easy retrieval.

   Diagrams A.B.C & D show methods of printing or superimposing digital Barcodes on the front faces of maps for x y location of map references and the use of a smaller strip code for map type and various parameters to be used.

   This invention covers a system of providing a barcode map* and its associated memory, to provide a quick and easy method of retrieval of the stored information, the map and memory are used together to enable considerably more information to be available than would be possible to print on a conventional map of simiiar dimensions.

   The map and memory would be used in a Computer system with information available on a visual display unit and/or printout. Diag.C.

   This system requires barcodes to be either printed on the map face during manufacture or superimposed afterwards, the barcodes to encompass the length and breadth of the working portion of the map and referred to as in (Diag. D) as x & y axes barcodes, these could be conveniently placed in the margins of maps. Short barcodes are shown in the top right hand corner of the map (Diag. D) and would provide the manual data entry to access memory for a particular parameter.

   The memory device which seems best suited to compliment the barcode map is the floppy disc and would be used to store all the information required for a particular map (tape or drum store could be used).

   The map and pre-edited floppy disc (or discs) would be produced together to form a complimentary package of high density information on a range of subjects.

   X- YAxes Barcodes: To provide identification of positions on map by simultaneous excursions of Barcode pen reader over x & Y surfaces. (Manual data entry of map location).

   Parameter Barcodes: To provide access to memory for selection of particular Parameters.

   (Manual data for Manual access).

   Circular and radial Barcodes to provide identification of position on circular maps.