Microwave readable dielectric barcode
First Claim
1. A barcode detectable by remote interrogation comprising:
- a plurality of dielectric bars arranged on or within a substrate, wherein the dielectric bars are arranged in a spatial manner to encode information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Presented is a system and method for reading a microwave readable barcode formed from a pattern of dielectric material. The dielectric pattern creates a strong microwave contrast with the surrounding media selectively resonating with or scattering an interrogating microwave signal. Dielectric bars can be fabricated by inkjet printing, injection, spraying, drawing or any other technique. Barcode information is encoded using different lengths, angles, or positions of dielectric bars. A microwave readable dielectric barcode system includes a barcode fabricated from a dielectric material, a transmitter with an antenna, and a sensor that senses the effect produced by the dielectric barcode on the microwave signal. The dielectric barcode system can use multiple microwave signals that differ in one or more respects, such as polarization or frequency.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A barcode detectable by remote interrogation comprising:
a plurality of dielectric bars arranged on or within a substrate, wherein the dielectric bars are arranged in a spatial manner to encode information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A barcode interrogation system comprising:
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a dielectric barcode formed from a plurality of dielectric bars arranged on or within a substrate, wherein the dielectric bars are arranged in a spatial manner to encode information;
a signal transmitter connected to a first antenna so as to radiate an interrogation signal on the dielectric barcode;
a signal receiver connected to an antenna so as to receive a return signal from the dielectric barcode; and
a processor connected to the receive signal and operable to extract the encoded information. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of interrogating a barcode comprising the steps of:
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providing a dielectric barcode formed from a plurality of dielectric bars arranged in a spatial manner so as to encode information;
providing a signal generation and reception system capable of transmitting an interrogation signal and receiving a return signal;
transmitting an interrogation signal;
receiving a return signal from the dielectric barcode; and
processing the return signal to extract the encoded information. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification