| 摘要 |
A product characterization code which is at the same time machine readable and easily readable by humans. The product characterization code describes the components which comprise a product and amounts thereof. An amount may be expressed as an absolute value or as a percentage of a standard. The code is comprised of one or more symbols each of which may in turn be comprised of one or more icons or subicons. The size and/or area of the symbols and icons is proportional to the amount or percentage of the associated component. Other visual aspects of the symbols or icons are indicative of the component's identity (e.g., color, shape, texture, etc.). Textual indicia may be optionally associated with the symbolic/iconic representations to enhance readability for color-blind individuals and to enhance machine readability. The combination of the visual attributes (size, shape, color, texture, etc.) and textual indicia provide an easily readable encoding of the components which comprise a product. The product characterization code is usable, for example, in representing nutritional components of a foodstuff as well as chemical components of a compound or pharmaceutical. The code may likewise be applicable to a wide variety of technologies and products where the components and relative amounts thereof need be readily interpreted by humans and by machines. The product characterization codes may be integrated with the products (e.g., formed on or in the product itself) or may be associated with the products (e.g., imprinted on or integrated with a label or container associated with the product). |
