Methods and Apparatus for Encoded Textures

摘要

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a manufactured physical object includes surface features that encode information according to a code. Each respective surface feature consists of a bump on, or recess in, a surface of the object. Each respective surface feature by itself, regardless of any state of any other surface feature, encodes a sequence of multiple bits. The sequence is determined, at least in part, by a discrete elevation of the respective surface feature. At least three different discrete elevations of surface features are significant in the code. Also, one or more other parameters of the surface features may be significant in the code, such as discrete rotational orientation, discrete overall shape, discrete color, or presence or absence of the feature.

主权项

1. An article of manufacture that includes surface features that encode information according to a code, wherein:
(a) each respective surface feature consists of a bump on, or recess in, a surface of the article of manufacture; (b) each respective surface feature by itself, regardless of any state of any other surface feature, encodes a sequence of multiple bits, which sequence is determined, at least in part, by a discrete elevation of the respective surface feature; and (c) at least three different discrete elevations of surface features are significant in the code, each of the three discrete elevations, respectively, occurring in one or more of the surface features on the surface.