Visually interactive encoding and decoding of dataforms
First Claim
1. A visually interactive method for encoding a machine readable dataform, comprising the steps of:
- (a) entering entry data;
(b) encoding said entry data to provide code signals representative of a machine readable dataform;
(c) viewing a dynamic display providing a temporary visual image of said dataform, based upon said step (b) code signals;
(d) implementing changes in said entry data including at least one of add/modify/delete entry data;
(e) encoding modifications to said code signals responsive to said changes in said entry data to provide code signals representative of an altered machine readable dataform;
(f) viewing said dynamic display to interactively observe alterations to said temporary visual image of said dataform responsive to said changes in said entry data; and
(g) providing said code signals as code output signals.
15 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Interactive encoding and decoding of machine readable dataforms provides more efficient encoding avoiding trial and error dataform production and more accurate decoding avoiding inaccurate reading of dataforms. While data is entered (12) and encoded (14) an image of the resulting dataform, such as a data code matrix or two-dimensional bar code, is displayed (16) and continuously updated as the dataform (20) fills with entered data. Using the display (16) and an input unit (12) such as a keyboard, digitizer or scanner, data can be edited to add, modify or delete data while observing the resulting dataform (20). On completion, the final dataform code signals are provided for further use (24) or a copy of the dataform (20) is provided by printing, for example. During decoding, an image of the dataform (20) as captured by a reader (32), such as a laser scanner, CCD matrix or CMOS camera, is displayed (34). Observing the display (34), the operator can determine if the image is too small, out of focus, partially out of view, etc., and take action (33) to improve the reader (32) performance. The dataform (20) is then decoded (36) with improved accuracy and data signals are displayed or printed out (40) or provided for further use (38). Automated image monitoring and reader adjustment is also described. Methods and systems for interactive encoding and decoding of dataforms are described.
235 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A visually interactive method for encoding a machine readable dataform, comprising the steps of:
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(a) entering entry data; (b) encoding said entry data to provide code signals representative of a machine readable dataform; (c) viewing a dynamic display providing a temporary visual image of said dataform, based upon said step (b) code signals; (d) implementing changes in said entry data including at least one of add/modify/delete entry data; (e) encoding modifications to said code signals responsive to said changes in said entry data to provide code signals representative of an altered machine readable dataform; (f) viewing said dynamic display to interactively observe alterations to said temporary visual image of said dataform responsive to said changes in said entry data; and (g) providing said code signals as code output signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An encoding system, enabling visually interactive encoding of machine readable dataforms, comprising:
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a data entry unit enabling entry data to be entered and edited by add/modify/delete action; an encoding unit arranged to encode said entry data into code signals representative of a machine readable dataform which is altered in response to any said add/modify/delete action; and a dynamic display unit arranged to display a visual image of said dataform in response to said code signals, and to interactively display alterations in said dataform in response to any said add/modify/delete action; and a code output device responsive to completion of any said add/modify/delete action and arranged to provide said code signals as output signals representative of said machine readable dataform. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A visually interactive method for encoding a machine readable dataform, comprising the steps of:
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(a) entering entry data; (b) encoding said entry data to provide code signals representative of a machine readable dataform; (c) viewing a dynamic display providing both a temporary visual image of said entry data and a temporary visual image of said dataform, based upon said step (b) code signals; (d) implementing changes in said entry data including at least one of add/modify/delete entry data; (e) encoding modifications to said code signals responsive to said changes in said entry data to provide code signals representative of an altered machine readable dataform; (f) viewing said dynamic display to interactively observe alterations to said temporary visual images of both said entry data and said dataform responsive to said changes in said entry data; and (g) providing said code signals as code output signals. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. An encoding system, enabling visually interactive encoding of machine readable dataforms, comprising:
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a data entry unit enabling entry data to be entered and edited by add/modify/delete action; an encoding unit arranged to encode said entry data into code signals representative of a machine readable dataform which is altered in response to any said add/modify/delete action; and a dynamic display unit arranged to display both a visual image of said entry data and a visual image of said dataform in response to said code signals, and to interactively display alterations in both said entry data and said dataform in response to any said add/modify/delete action; and a code output device responsive to completion of any said add/modify/delete action and arranged to provide said code signals as output signals representative of said machine readable dataform. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification