Article Marker and Decoding Method

摘要

A graphical symbol encoding a nu- merical value may be accurately read even when placed on a non-planar surface. The marker (120) is imaged with an inventive apparatus and analyzed using an inventive method which translates the graphical im- age into a unique number for article iden- tification purposes. The marker (120) in its preferred embodiment includes an outer ring (210) having a continuous perimeter in one or more concentric data tracks disposed within this outer ring (210). A timing track is used to determine angular relationships about the center of the marker. Distances (D1-D4) between points associated with the outer ring (210) in a particular data track are used in conjunction with these angular relationships to locate a digitally encoded visual pattern associated with a particular data track. This pattern is being used to store at least a portion of a numerical code used to identify each marker-bearing arti- cle.