Device for reading encoded data interspersed in a printed image
View Patent ↗An apparatus for reading data encoded as an array of dots printed on a substrate together with an image. The dots of the array are substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye. The apparatus includes a light source for illuminating the substrate; a detector for receiving the illumination from the light source reflected off the substrate, the detector outputting a first signal representative of the array of dots, the detector extending a distance that is less than a width of the substrate; a decoder interconnected to said detector for receiving and decoding said first signal to obtain the data encoded by the array of dots; and a top substrate covering the detector and the light source. The top substrate has an emission portion and a reception portion. The emission portion is shaped with a semicircular cross section adapted to focus illumination from the light source onto the substrate. The reception portion is shaped to define a series of microlenses adapted to focus illumination reflected off the substrate into the detector.
1. An apparatus for reading data encoded as an array of dots printed on a substrate together with an image, the dots of the array being substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye, the apparatus comprising:
a light source for illuminating the substrate;
a detector for receiving the illumination from the light source reflected off the substrate, the detector outputting a first signal representative of the array of dots, the detector extending a distance that is less than a width of the substrate;
a decoder interconnected to said detector for receiving and decoding said first signal to obtain the data encoded by the array of dots; and
a top substrate covering the detector and the light source, the top substrate having an emission portion and a reception portion, the emission portion shaped with a semicircular cross section adapted to focus illumination from the light source onto the substrate, and the reception portion shaped to define a series of microlenses adapted to focus illumination reflected off the substrate into the detector.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light source emits infra-red light.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the detector is a linear CCD array.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reception portion spans a width of the substrate.