DE3330261A1 - Method of coding and decoding information, device for applying the coded information to a printed form or for transferring the information from the printed form to another information carrier and the printed form itself - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of coding and decoding information (a device for applying the coded information to a printed form or for transferring the information from the printed form to another information carrier, as well as the printed form itself). The printed form may be a means of identification in the form of a plastic card. This is provided with the information in the form of a bar code. In order to be able to reproduce the information as a bar code, it is first of all converted, as need be, into a digital system. The digital system is then compressed into a numerical system of which the base number is greater than that of the decimal system. Subsequently, the number obtained in the new numerical system is converted in accordance with a predetermined code into a sequence of code symbols, which in turn represent the bar code. The bar code embossing of the plastic card is carried out by means of a suitable device. With the aid of the plastic card exhibiting the bar code, the bar code can be transferred in a simple way to other information carriers as well. This is performed in particular by printing. The system permits computer-aided and correspondingly simplified administration, for example in the insurer-patient-doctor system (Fig. 1). <IMAGE>

Description

Method for coding or decoding information

functions, device for applying the coded information a printing forme or for transferring the information from one printing forme to another Information carrier and the printing form itself The invention relates to a method for encoding or decoding basic information as a result of information characters (e.g. digits) are available, for recording media, in the form a serial arrangement of lines lying next to one another and intermediate rooms of different widths, with no clock markings, as well as with Test mark for checking the coded information content. The invention relates to furthermore a device for applying the coded information to a printing form, the printing form itself or the transfer of information from the printing form to another information carrier.

It is already known (DE-AS 22 59 386), information in the form of a To arrange bar codes serially on a recording medium. The strokes can thereby be colored stripes of different colors. Often there are dark lines with light spaces applied. Both the lines and the spaces can be used as information carriers. Lines and spaces are different Broad. A sealing packing of the barcode is used in which none Beat markings are present. So it doesn't matter that the lines can be examined on a field specified by the clock mark.

A method for evaluating information is also known (DE-AS 22 08 309), in which the information elements are combined in groups from monochrome from an information carrier in a serial arrangement parallel to each other bars printed with different widths according to a given coding exist.

The changing contrast between information carriers and lines in their distribution is used for character recognition.

In this case reading is made easier with the help of a clock mark.

Furthermore, it is state of the art, with the help of test characters, the coded Monitor information.

The object of the invention is, through the type of coding, a further Compression of the encoded information to achieve, while the tolerance limits to expand considerably, within which a recognition of the coded information content is ensured and finally the transmission of the information content of one disk to support another.

The solution to this problem is, according to the invention, that first In a first step, the basic information in numerical terms is converted into a number system is implemented that has a base number exceeding the decimal system (e.g. 20 or 40) and that then in a second step the sequence of digits thus obtained is converted into a sequence of code characters, with each Code character is made up of a predetermined fixed number of binary elements and each code character to enable it to be decoded from a selection of such There are groups of binary elements, each starting with a binary 1 and end with a binary "0" or vice versa.

One recognizes that here, first of all, through the transition to a number system a pre-compression of the basic information according to a significantly increased basic number their conversion into a digit information takes place. Basically everyone is there To further process types of information content, regardless of whether they are available from the beginning as digits or in a preparatory process in one of the Basic information corresponding sequence of numbers are implemented. The precompression in each case again results in a sequence of digits from the number system used raised base number.

Only then is the current sequence of digits encoded. The code selected for this is a 5 groove code. However, this must be in order for the processing to make it easier to meet various requirements. This is what makes coding possible and decoding, the formation of check digits, plausibility checks and the correction from Character information recognized as incorrect because of the permitted wide tolerance limits etc. The first requirement to be satisfied by the code is that each Code character is made up of a predetermined fixed number of binary elements. The number of groups that are possible according to this first specification are further determined by a second requirement only those selected for use, each start with a binary "1" and end with a binary "0" or vice versa. on this way it is ensured that in the simplest way possible for editing the necessary calculations can be carried out.

According to an expedient development, each code character consists of a group of elongated surface elements arranged side by side Size, the number of which is the number of binary elements in the representing the code character Group of binary elements is equal. The lines and the spaces indicate a width of one to four surface elements and the sum of the number of alternating lines and spaces of different widths is one Fixed number and smaller than the number of surface elements. Preferably the Sum of the number of alternating lines and spaces at least four, the number of surface elements corresponding to a code symbol is at least seven. With this arrangement in the code, the sum of the surface elements (7) and the Required sum of the numbers of the lines on the one hand and the spaces in between on the other with at least four additional security for the plausibility check and the Recognition, if necessary also the correction guaranteed.

Special advantages arise when the basic information is from consists of at least two information groups. This is for numerous uses given.

For example, the name of a natural person with an identification number, the identification number of a natural person with their date of birth, etc. can be combined.

When implementing this basic information from two groups of information and more in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the overall result is one Barcode that is entered into the Original information can be converted back.

If information groups are present, the processing is thereby further assured that between the neighboring information groups corresponding Code character a check digit is inserted. The check digit is in the usual way is correlated with the neighboring information and is possible in the following way kept short: One multiplies the digits of the digit sequence, which by the implementation in the number system of higher basic number is received, each with a prime number a given sequence of prime numbers. The results are added up. Then becomes the largest possible integer multiple of the higher contained in the result Base number subtracted from the result. The resulting remainder is the check digit This is in turn encoded after the code in the manner explained between the code characters of the neighboring information groups inserted.

The same system is used for more than two information groups a check digit is inserted between every two adjacent information groups. Lie For example, if there are three information groups A, B and C in front of them, then between the information groups A and B insert a check digit, which is the prime number multiplication of the sequence of digits corresponds to the information groups A and B, while between the information groups B and C a check digit is inserted, which is the prime number multiplication of the information groups B and C corresponds. Information group B stands thus between two check digits, one of which is the one preceding it with the information group A, which you following has in common with information group C.

Printing forms, including identification cards in the form of plastic blanks are already known in a wide variety of embodiments. In particular there is even an identification card with a sequence of numbers in binary coded Form. This happens in that in one by the arrangement on the identification card predetermined matrix are shaped in approximately square surface elements, their information content but only through the special arrangement of each surface element on the map within the matrix can be obtained. There are hardly any test possibilities. moreover this version is only known for binary coded number sequences of the decimal system.

According to the invention, such a printing form with a binary encoded number sequence in the form of a raised embossed suitable for the imprint Provided with barcodes. Of course, this barcode can be decoded if necessary will. However, this is not the central problem. Often the identification card carries in addition to the barcode itself, the information encoded in the barcode is repeated once more in plain language. Rather, the decisive factor is the option of having a barcode provided To give identification card in the hand of a person who with the help of this identification card decentralized at all points where the identification card with the tools of the barcode processing equipment is to be processed, the necessary operations permitted. For example, an identification card can be obtained from the health insurance company are issued. The identification card can then be obtained from the doctor or in a Hospital for the creation of performance records and prescriptions, which are used by machine are legible and the further processing in the administration considerably simplify.

The barcode is expediently parallel to the longitudinal axis of the identification card arranged so that the lines are parallel to its narrow side. Since the identification card comes to lie between the two halves of the type head during embossing, which are in approximately have the shape of circular disks, is in this way the greatest length of the Bars of the barcode possible because in the radial direction of the type head half for there is enough space available for the line length even when the types are densely packed.

With this arrangement, bar codes of sufficient bar length can thus be used be shaped, which in turn, the identification when reading and in particular made easier with handheld readers.

For the embossing of such printing forms, in particular those described Identification cards in the form of plastic circuit boards are a suitable device in which the type head has at least four additional dies for embossing the bar codes whose line widths are like 1: 2: 3: 4. With these dies it is easily possible to emboss the line widths that result overall can if the bars and the spaces have a width of one up to four Have surface elements, as has been explained above.

It is also advantageous if the transport system used for the advance of the plastic blank in the embossing device a smallest advance step which is less than or at most equal to half the smallest line width is chosen. This ensures that even under unfavorable conditions the correct position of the plastic plate with regard to the space between adjacent embossings can be reached under the die in any case.

Printers for printing embossed plastic circuit boards are in the various construction methods known. However, the well-known printers are not all equally suitable for printing raised embossed barcodes.

So when using printer with pressure rollers occurs when pressure roller movement parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stitch code when rolling up on the first, when unrolling from the last barcode or in the case of larger gaps between neighboring ones Streaked a falsification of the bar print. A movement of the pressure roller transverse to the longitudinal direction of the barcode no longer requires a suitable printer for handheld printers increased pressure and can also blacken the areas to be left free to lead. In both cases, moreover, the uniformity of the color transfer is then no longer guaranteed if, in addition to the barcode, clear text information is also included in the Plastic circuit board are embossed. But since the basis of the entire system is the machine Legibility of the information carriers produced during printing (forms, receipts, Recipes), it is advisable to work with a cone pressure system.

Practical experience has shown that this system can also be used with handheld printers ensures that the quality of the imprint is well suited for machine readability.

Further details, features and advantages emerge from the following description of the figures, on the basis of the disclosure of all in the following details that are not explained in more detail are expressly referred to.

They show: Fig.l an identification card in the form of an inventive embossed plastic circuit board, Fig.2 the creation of a according to the code according to Fig.9 encrypted bar codes from the data according to Figure 1, Figure 3 one according to the explanation Additional compression of the barcode made in the text to that of plastic circuit boards available embossing width and thus the creation of the barcode According to FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, two examples of the formation of the information coding with inserted check digit, Fig. 6 an example of the coding of one of three Information groups existing information, Fig.7 and Fig.8 two examples of the Coding of the same information consisting of two information groups Application of different default values for the maximum value in each group, and FIG. 9 as an example of a bar code corresponding to the system according to the invention the coding rule after the basic information has been converted into a number system with the base number 20.

1 shows an identification card in the form of a plastic board. The ID card bears the name of the holder and a ten-digit number in plain text. The first four digits of this number are a sequential number given to the holder assigned. The following six digits give his date of birth on August 26th 1926 on. 9999 system slots are available for every possible birthday.

It goes without saying that it is for certain forms of application of the system possible to omit the plain text information. In the majority of use cases but it is beneficial if, in addition to the machine-readable code information, the for Clear text information that can be read by anyone is available on the ID card. Of course this can also be provided with additional information, for example with a photo of the owner.

On the same line as the holder's digit code is now on the ID card also has a barcode parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ID card, which corresponds to the ten-digit number. The creation and structure of the barcode will be explained in more detail below. However, you can see at first glance that it consists of dark bars alternating with light spaces. Both have the most varied of widths that are one to four times a given unit width can be. The unit width is because of the available for the barcode standing confined space (the following ten-digit number must still find space) 0.6 mm. The narrowest dark line and the narrowest space can thus o 6 mm. The wider lines and spaces are two-, three- or four times that.

However, it is the narrowest lines whose embossing the minimum distance determined because of the plastic material and the dimensions of the Embossing device must be taken into account accordingly.

The barcode is created as follows: First, the basic information, so the ten-digit number of Fig.1 divided into two information groups, namely the four-digit identification number of the holder and the six-digit date his date of birth.

Fig. 2 above shows this division. These two numbers then become precompressed into a sequence of digits, which can be used in a number system with considerably higher basic number than 1o, in the present case 20 results in: 3211: 20 = 160.55 (remainder o.55) 0.55x20 = 11 160: 20 = 8 (remainder O) Ox 20 = 0 160: 20 = 8 This gives the compression for 3211 the number sequence 0 8 0 11.

the following compression results for the date of birth August 26, 1926: 260826: 20 = 13041.3 (remainder 0.3) 0.3x20 = 6 13041: 20 = 652, o5 (remainder 0.05) 0.05x20 = 1 652: 20 = 32.6 (remainder 0.6) o.6x20 = 12 32:20 = 1.6 (remainder 0.6) 0.6x20 = 12 20:20 = 1 Compression of 260826 results in the number sequence 1 12 12 1 6.

In addition, the check digit has to be determined. This is obtained by one on the two numbers just determined follow a multiplication process applies: The numbers are sequentially depending on a prime number in the following order multiplied 19 17 13 11 7 5 3 1 19 ....

The results are summed up and divided by the base number of the compression of the number system described above, i.e. by 20 divided. The resulting remainder is used as a check digit between the two digit sequences set that resulted from the compression. The check digit is im present case 1. Of course, it is possible to use a different law to apply the check digit formation. Changing the order of the Prime number multiplication another check digit can be formed for protection.

Then, according to the coding rule of FIG Digit sequence (Fig.2 second block read from limks to the right) coded. Further an initial character (eight digits) 10101010 and an end character (nine Digits) 100010101 added. The resulting binary code of the compressed basic information is printed out in Fig. 2 as the third block. Below is the corresponding barcode printed out. The module width is the width of a surface element, i.e. of the narrowest line or

of the narrowest gap, and then put the technical conditions when embossing plastic blanks, the result is a module width of 0.6 mm (see above).

The space required for the barcode (compare the printed total width of 52.20mm) is shown on the ID card according to Figure 1 the plain text digit is not available. Is only available for the barcode an embossing width of 44.4 mm. Further compression is therefore necessary.

Fig. 3 shows how, starting from the same ten-digit number, im but otherwise such a further compression when applying the principles explained above can be achieved in such a way that the barcode is finally available in the standing space of 44.4 mm fits into it.

There are two ways of doing this: 1. Is the first Four-digit number corresponding to the information group is larger or at least the same 8000, then 8000 is deducted from this first number and only this result of the Subjected to precompression in the number system with the base number 20. To compensate the number 51200 is added to the second, six-digit number and only after that the precompression performed.

2. Cannot proceed according to number 1 because, as in this one For example, if the four-digit number is less than 8000, the second, i.e. the six-digit number compressed according to the following calculation rule: (dayx16 + month) x100 + Year number = X The number X is then used as the second number after the coding process subject to the rule of Fig. 9. This is how the compressed barcode results of Fig. 3, which is housed in the area of the available embossing field of 44.4 mm can be.

Fig.4 shows how the check digit between two information groups is inserted. The check digit is due to the application of the above calculation rules on the information group A and the information group B. It therefore serves each of the review of the composition characteristic of the invention Information from at least two different information groups. This indicates the bracket in Fig. 4. The arrow indicates that the check digit is between the two Information groups is used for the verification of which it is used.

Fig. 5 shows how the principle just explained is consequently also then can continue to be used if the basic information is more than two groups of information Here information group B is logically separated from its two neighboring information groups A and C checked for accuracy and plausibility.

Regardless of the reading direction of the resulting barcode the correct evaluation direction of the direction according to the invention by means of start and end characters Codes can be reliably established. Start and end characters are used as character combinations for this selected which do not appear in the code according to Fig. 9.

It is also important that for the representation of a character or a Digit as a barcode always has the same number of surface elements or modules is available. The maximum number of contrast changes (light-dark, high-low, conductive non-conductive, reflecting-absorbing, sound-reflecting-sound-absorbing, cold-warm, odorless non-smelling). So can preferably at least almost exactly half of the barcodes and spaces such as surface elements or modules are available be. If, for example, seven surface elements are provided for the representation of a number, so the number of barcodes and spaces allowed can be four. Since according to the rules explained above, the code, for example, each with a dark bar must begin and end with a space (light), then there are two Beams and two spaces allowed. Of course, depending on Use case even more favorable conditions result if these four barcodes and gaps can be assigned about eight surface elements or modules.

Each barcode can have the meaning 1, 11 , 111, 1111, every space take on the meaning O, 00, 000, 0000 if a maximum of four surface elements are permitted for barcodes and spaces.

Ultimately, the principle is that there are no more surface elements or modules may be present as prescribed in each case.

All of these rules make it easy to review and exit or correcting information recognized as inadmissible.

With 7 adjacent surface elements as the maximum permitted content and allowed two bars or spaces, 20 characters can be coded, as the coding rule of Fig.9 shows. But if for example 8 surface elements (= Modules) allowed, 40 characters can be coded.

Fig.7 and Fig.8 show two further application examples. These were carried out according to the coding rules explained above. There is the first Part of the information chain again composed of two information groups from the number 7999, the second part from the number 111111. Depending on the specification of the This results in maximum values permitted for the first and second part a different space requirement for the barcodes.

In the example of Fig. 7, a maximum value of 9999 was used for part 1, for part 2 one of 999999 is permitted. With the check digit results in the pre-compression ten digits, the coding requires 87 binary elements with beginning and end digits.

Fig. 8 shows the same example, but with a maximum value for part 1 from 7999, for part 2 one from 3199999 was approved. This reduces the required digits to 9 and those of the necessary binary elements to 80. With Further compression can be achieved with an even more favorable selection of the limits.

Finally, FIG. 9 shows an example of a coding rule.

From the above explanation it has become clear that here with considerable extended tolerance a bar code system is provided that is within the technical possibilities of identity cards designed as plastic blanks an optimal use with information chains composed of several pieces of information enables.

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Claims (16)

Claims: method for coding or decoding of Basic information, which is a sequence of information characters (e.g. digits) are available, for recording media, in the form of a serial arrangement next to one another horizontal lines and spaces of different widths, with no clock markings are available, as well as with test marks to control the coded information content, characterized in that initially in a first step the numerical present Basic information is converted into a number system, which is one of the decimal system excess base number (z. B. 20 or 40), and that afterwards in a second Step the sequence of digits obtained in this way is converted into a sequence of code characters, according to the selected code, each code character from a predetermined fixed number is made up of binary elements, and each code character to enable its decoding consists of a selection of such groups of binary elements, each with a begin with a binary "1" and end with a binary "0" or vice versa. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that each code character from a group of elongated surface elements arranged side by side Size consists, the number of which is the number of binary elements-in which the code character representing group of binary elements is equal to that of the bars and the spaces have a width of one to four surface elements, and that the sum the number of alternating lines and spaces of different widths is a fixed number and smaller than the number of surface elements. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the sum the number of alternating bars and spaces is at least four. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the number the surface elements corresponding to a code symbol is at least 7. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the following code is selected for converting the sequence of digits formed in the number system of higher basic numbers into the sequence of code characters. C 0 DE Sequence of digits ~ related <Grundzi1 20) ezeiien I. 0 10 1llX 1 100l, 000 2 / os o 3 Jl »l / o 4! 0ooo1o / 101100 6 i000110- ? lltçly o B lOIOdb0 1 a / 00/1 00 10 1100 (00 tr t01100o 12 1101000 t3 1100010 14 lOtIlO 15 1111010 (6 110/110 17 1600166 1110010 b 17 OId0 6. The method according to any one of claims l to 5, characterized in that that the basic information consists of at least two information groups. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that a code character is inserted between the code strings according to a check digit that correspond to neighboring information groups. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that to obtain the check digit is the digits of the sequence of digits that are converted into the number system higher base number is formed, each with a prime number from a given Sequence of prime numbers are multiplied and the results added up, with the after subtracting the largest possible integer multiple of the higher basic number The remainder of the result is the check digit. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that in the case of more than two information groups, between two adjacent information groups a check digit is used. 10. Printing form, in particular identification card in the form of a Plastic circuit board, with embossed plain text and code information that is binary coded Number sequence according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the Printing form the binary coded sequence of numbers in the form of one suitable for the imprint has raised embossed barcodes. 11. Printing forme according to claim 10, characterized in that on the In addition to the barcode, its information content is also embossed in plain text on the printing plate is present. 12. Printing forme according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the barcode parallel to the longitudinal axis of the identification card, the Stricbealso are arranged parallel to its narrow side. 13. Device for embossing a printing form according to claims 10 to 12, with a bar code according to claims 1 to 9, with one of the embossing types having type head, as well as the associated type head control, and with a Transport system for the plastic circuit board that has one or more feed steps defined whose (possibly different) feed stroke on the to be embossed Character is matched, characterized in that the type head at least additionally has four stamps for embossing the bar codes, the bar widths of which behave like 1: 2: 3: 4. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the Transport system for the plastic blank has a smallest feed step, which is less than or equal to the half of the smallest line width. 15. Printer to transfer the information from the printing form to another information carrier, characterized in that the printer is a platen printing system is. 16. Printer according to claim 15, characterized in that the individual Elements are arranged in the following order in an impulse printing unit: plastic board, Information carrier to be printed (form), ink ribbon, pressure pad and drive system.