Method for customer selectable module size for an information based indicia

• US 5,871,288 A
• Filed: 12/24/1996
• Issued: 02/16/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Pitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
• Original Assignee: Pitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
• Inventors: Ryan, Frederick W. Jr., Sisson, Robert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hilten, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): KELLEY, STEVEN SHAUN
• Application Number:
  US08/771,992
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 400/74, 400/103, 400/104, 400/120.13, 400/88, 347/187, 347/193, 347/16
• US Class Current: 400/103
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 5/00 Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrier; Column detection devices

Abstract

A method is provided for improving print quality for a 2-D bar code. The method includes determining printer type, including print resolution, for printer that will print 2-D bar code and entering paper type for the envelope. A suggested 2-D bar code module size is calculated based on the paper and the printer type. A test sample 2-D bar code is printed at the suggested 2-D bar code module size. The printed test sample is scanned and then evaluated for print quality and readability. The method can also suggest a 2-D bar code module size to the user.

Claims

1. A method for improving print quality for a 2-D bar code, the method comprising the steps of

determining printer type and print resolution for a printer that prints 2-D bar codes;

entering paper type;

calculating suggested 2-D bar code module size based on the paper type the printer type and the print resolution;

printing test sample 2-D bar code at the suggested 2-D bar code module size;

scanning the printed test sample; and

evaluating the scanned test sample for print quality and readability.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising the further steps of:

recommending suggested 2-D bar code module size to user; and

selecting suggested 2-D bar code module size.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the scanning and evaluation is done at location remote from printing location.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the evaluation is based on amount of error correction needed in reading the bar code.

7. The method of claim 1, comprising the further steps of:

recalculating the suggested 2-D bar code module size based on results from the evaluating step when the print quality of the scanned print test sample does not meet threshold requirements; and

repeating the steps of printing, scanning and evaluating.

8. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of:

setting resolution of the 2-D bar code module size when print quality of the suggested size is acceptable.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising the further step of:

printing indicia with 2-D bar code module size at the set resolution.

13. The method of claim 1 whereby the 2-D bar code is part of a postal indicia.

5. A method for improving print quality for a 2-D bar code, the method comprising the steps of:

determining printer type and print resolution for a printer that prints 2-D bar codes;

printing an indicium including a 2-D bar code on an envelope;

scanning for the purpose of reading and verifying an indicium printed thereon;

determining when print quality of the indicium on the mailpiece drops below a threshold value;

and notifying vendor or user when print quality drops below a threshold value;

recommending a 2-D bar code module size based on at least the print resolution.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step determining when print quality drops below a threshold value includes measuring the amount of error correction used to read the bar code.

10. A method for improving print quality for a 2-D bar code, the method comprising the steps of

determining printer type and print resolution for a printer that prints 2-D bar codes;

identifying paper type on which a 2-D bar code is to be printed;

calculating a suggested 2-D bar code module size based on the paper and the printer and the print resolution;

printing a test sample 2-D bar code at the suggested 2-D bar code module size;

scanning the printed test sample; and

evaluating the scanned test sample for print quality and readability recalculating the suggested 2-D bar code module size based on results from the evaluating step when the print quality of the scanned print test sample does not meet threshold requirements; and

repeating the steps of printing a test sample, scanning the printed test sample and evaluating the printed test sample.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising the further steps of

setting resolution of the 2-D bar code module size when print quality of the suggested size is acceptable;

and

printing indicia with 2-D bar code module size at the set resolution.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising the further steps of:

recommending suggested 2-D bar code module size to user; and

selecting suggested 2-D bar code module size.