TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to object identification using a marker. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for creation of an optimal geometric-shaped marker pattern for 5 embedding/encoding of data and subsequent detection/decoding of the data from the marker pattern.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the current era, identification tags and markers are essentially required for 10 identification and tracking of an object during a transit, wherein enormous number of objects are to be identified and tracked. However, identification and detection of objects using identification tags are expensive, which has led to the popularity of markers that are 2D barcodes, e.g. the QR code or the Data Matrix code. The practice of using markers for identification of an object is more 15 economic and accurate than that of using identification tags, such as RFID technology.
The most commonly available markers for the purpose of identification and tracking are 1D barcode markers, such as linear barcode markers (LBM) and 2D 20 barcode markers, such as matrix type barcode markers (MBM). These barcodes are printed on the outer surface of the object for the purpose of detection. The data points in the barcode marker symbology are usually black and white, creating bright and dark regions which correspond to 0 (zero) and 1 (one) respectively in the binary gauge. Further, among the diverse markers available, 25 two dimensional (2D) markers such as the QR code, have clear advantages of versatility, processing speed, and data capacity over the 1D barcode markers.
However, the QR codes are designed for effective detection of the symbol/marker only after manual calibration of the marker reading apparatus or 30
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the barcode reader. Further, the QR codes are susceptible to overprinting defects due to the overcrowded pattern structure and points for encoding a data, which in turn results in ineffectual encoding and decoding of the data to fetch information. 5
Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide a mechanism for creation and detection of effective marker patterns which can be suitably printed on any object for subsequent detection and decoding of the marker patterns without monotonous manual calibration of the reader device. 10
Further, the marker patterns that may be existent in the art have shapes such as circular, rectangular, etc. which are not superlative for the purpose of image processing and the problem proliferates with the need to accommodate more data/information in the marker pattern. 15
Therefore, there exists a need in the art to provide a marker pattern having an optimal shape for enriched identification, deciphering and prime accommodation of data/information.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a system for embedding at least one information in a Kite Code Ring (KCR), wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data zone, the system comprising: an input means configured to input at least one parameter, 25 wherein the at least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information to be embedded and aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring; a convertor module configured to convert the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information into a boolean array and the boolean array into at least one active data points; an encoder configured to 30
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encode the at least one active data points; a processor configured to create a primary structure of the Kite Code Ring based on at least one parameter corresponding to one of the at least one information, a secondary structure for the Kite Code Ring based on the encoded at least one active data point on the 5 active data zones for accommodating at least one data points, and a resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring based on the primary structure and the secondary structure; and a printing module configured to print the resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring in at least one of an intangible and a tangible form. 10
Further, embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of embedding at least one information in the Kite Code Ring, wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data zone, the method comprising steps of: inputting at least one parameter, wherein the at 15 least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information to be embedded and aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring; creating a primary structure of the Kite Code Ring based on the at least one parameter corresponding to the aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring; converting the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information into a boolean array; encoding and 20 converting the boolean array into at least one active data point; creating a secondary structure of the Kite Code Ring based on the at least one active data point on the at least one active data zone; creating a resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring by merging the primary structure and the secondary structure; generating and assigning a key corresponding to the Kite Code Ring; linking the 25 key with a server address of a database, wherein the server address is indicative of the location of the database in which the at least one information is stored; and printing the resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring in at least one of an intangible form and a tangible form.
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Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of detection and decoding of information from a Kite Code Ring, wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data zone and at least one finder pattern, the method comprising steps of: capturing 5 an image of the Kite Code Ring by a user; processing the captured image for enhancing the image quality; detecting and correcting the Kite Code Ring, wherein the detection is carried out using one of a silent zone(s) and the at least one finder pattern; decoding the at least one active data point of the Kite Code Ring, wherein the decoded at least one active data point represents a key; 10 fetching the information based on the key decoded from the at least one activation point, wherein the information is fetched from a database; performing a data correction over the fetched information; and exhibiting the information to the user.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates construction of the present Kite Code Ring.
FIG.2 illustrates a simplified block diagram representing the system of marker pattern generation and encoding of information. 20
FIG.3 illustrates a simplified flow diagram representing the method steps of marker pattern generation and encoding of information.
FIG.4 illustrates a simplified block diagram representing the system of processing 25 of marker pattern for detection and decoding of information.
FIG.5 illustrates flow diagram representing the method steps of detection of marker pattern and decoding of information.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that 5 embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might 10 not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.
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Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for embedding and encoding of marker patterns and subsequent detection and decoding of information from the marker pattern. The present system for embedding and encoding involves input means for entering the parameter and information to be embedded and subsequently converting and encoding the 20 information in a printable format for one of direct printing or saving. The printable format is a resultant structure of the marker pattern which contains a key encoded into binary using one of the existing number systems like BCD, Hexadecimal, Octal, etc.; which is linked to a database wherein the information is stored. Upon detection of the marker pattern, the key is used to locate the data 25 for retrieval from the database.
The present system for detection and decoding of an optimal geometric shaped marker pattern is hereafter referred as Kite Code Ring for enhanced detection and decoding of information. The system comprises a terminal for capturing the 30
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Kite Code Ring and a database for fetching the information based on the data decoded from Kite Code Ring. The terminal comprises an image acquisition module for capturing the image of the Kite Code Ring, wherein said image acquisition module may be an image sensor such as a camera; a processing unit 5 for processing the captured image and a control unit for fetching the information based on processing of the image.
As illustrated in FIG.1, the Kite Code Ring [100] of the present invention comprises a silent zone [110], activation (data) area/zone [120] (TL, TR, BL, BR), 10 activation (data) points [140], logo space [150] and finder pattern [160]. The silent zone [110] is border of fixed thickness around the kite shaped Kite Code Ring [100] and is also used to insulate the Kite Code Ring [100] from the background image [170]. Further, the silent zone [110] is used to distinguish and detect the Kite Code Ring [100] from the background provided, the marker color 15 of the silent zone is significantly detectable over the background color.
The activation zone [120] are in total of four zones namely, top left [120TL], top right [120TR], bottom left [120BL] and bottom right [120BR]. The activation zone [120] forms a part of the Kite Code Ring and continues along the perimeter of the 20 kite shape of the Kite Code Ring [100]. Further, the data in the activation zone [120] is encoded with activation points [140], either visible (1’s) or invisible (0’s), depending on the binary scheme.
The activation points [140] are rendered in accordance with the representing 25 binary data, such as activation point [140] representing 0 is invisible (OFF) and activation point [140] representing 1 is visible (ON). Thus, equal physical space is provided to both visible and invisible data points. Further, the scope of the activation point [140] is not limited to shape such as star, triangle, pentagonal, coke-bottle shaped, etc. There are a total of [110] activation points that can be 30
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used in combination in a Kite Code Ring [100] where the activation data area space is optimally used for encoding the maximum amount of data possible. The activation points [140] are divided in the aforesaid activation zones [120] (TL, TR, BL, BR) which are in total, 24 each for top left and top right zone and 31 each for 5 bottom left and bottom right zones.
The finder pattern (FP) [160] has identical shape as that of the Kite shape (KS) of the Kite Code Ring [100] contributed by the silent zone [110]. However, the shape of the finder pattern [160] is 6 times less than the kite shape of the Kite 10 Code Ring [100] i.e. a ratio of 1: 6 (FP: KS) is maintained. The finder pattern [160] is placed at the bottom of the vertical center axis of the Kite Code Ring [100]. Further, the color of the finder pattern [160] is always generated in a solid color with high contrast compared to the color of the activation zone [120] for ease of detection of the Kite Code Ring [100]. 15
The finder pattern [160] is meant for locating the Kite Code Ring [100]; correcting orientation, distortion, and tilt of the Kite Code Ring [100]; calculating the size of the Kite Code Ring [100]; and enhancing the speed of scanning.
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However, the present invention encompasses use of the silent zone [110] for the purpose of finder pattern [160] in a scenario, wherein the actual kite shaped finder pattern [160] at the bottom of the Kite Code Ring [100] is corrupted, not visible, damaged, etc. In such scenario, a polygon search approach is applied to find the solid color boundary of the Kite Code Ring [100]. 25
The logo space [150] is meant for printing and/or displaying one of assorted text, company logo, graphics etc. Further, there is space between activation zone [120] and logo space which uses flat/solid color.
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The present invention encompasses that the geometric structure of the present Kite Code Ring [100] is scalable by maintaining a predefined ratio of H (Height): W (Width). Further, the system has [110] activation points including 72 bits of key length and 38 bits of parity. The parity bits are error control measures that 5 utilize standard error correction method, such as the Reed-Solomon algorithm. Hence, the system is capable of accommodating 72/8=9 characters or 72/4=18 HEX digits. Accordingly, the system as disclosed in the present invention has data capacity of accommodating decimal numbers ranging from 0 to 272.
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As illustrated in FIG.2, the present invention encompasses a simplified block diagram representing the system [180] of marker pattern generation and encoding of information. Embodiments of the present system [180] comprise an input means [182] configured to input at least one parameter; a convertor module [184] configured to convert the at least one parameter; an encoder [186] 15 configured to encode at least one active data point; a processor [188] configured to create a resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring [100]; and a printing module [190] configured to print the resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring [100].
The input means [182], configured to input the at least one parameter comprises 20 at least a capacitive touch display and a PC-keyboard to feed the at least one parameters, wherein the at least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information to be embedded and aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring [100]. The at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information comprises, but is not limited to, an image, a text, a string and a numeric; and the 25 least one parameter corresponding to the aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring [100], wherein the Kite Code Ring [100] comprises, but is not limited to, color of a background, geometric information, predefined symbol size, scale, and logo image. Further, the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information is a hexadecimal string. 30
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The convertor module [184] is configured to convert the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information into a Boolean array and subsequently converting the Boolean array into the at least one active data point. 5
The encoder [186] is configured to encode the at least one active data point for subsequent printing on the active data zones for accommodating at least activation point, respectively. The at least one active data points may be of any geometric shape such as triangle, rectangle, star, rhombus etc. 10
The processor [188] is configured to create a primary structure of the Kite Code Ring [100] based on at least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information, a secondary structure for the Kite Code Ring [100] based on the encoded at least one active data points on the active data zones for 15 accommodating at least one activation point, and a resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring [100] based on the primary structure and the secondary structure. The primary structure of the Kite Code Ring [100] comprises a background, space for logo printing, finder pattern [160] and the at least one active data point that resembles the at least one information. Further, the processor [188] herein 20 described may be a general purpose or dedicated processor chosen from a wide range of microprocessors and microcontrollers. The finder pattern [160] may be further used for cross validating the orientation/detection of the Kite Code Ring along with the silent zone.
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The printing module [190] is configured to print the resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring [100] in at least one of an intangible and a tangible form, wherein the intangible form of printing is an exhibition of Kite Code Ring [100] in a digital display unit including, but not limited to, a CRT, a TFT, and a LCD and the tangible form of printing is a physical printing of Kite Code Ring on a surface of an object 30
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[194]. The printer [190] used herein may be a general purpose and regular printer capable for printing the Kite Code Ring [100] on any surface depending on the requirements. Further, a database [192] may be configured to store at least one information corresponding to a key from the Kite Code Ring, wherein the key 5 may be encoded in the Kite Code Ring.
As illustrated in FIG.3, the flow diagram represents the method steps involved in marker pattern generation and encoding of information. The method [200] initiates at step [210]. 10
At step [220], parameters for creating custom Kite Code Ring are entered. The parameters include key as a string of HEX digits; color of background, border lines, data point, and finder pattern; scale; logo image; and predefined symbol size ratios and geometric information. The predefined symbol size ratios and 15 geometric information include height, weight, radius, angle between edges and lines.
At step [230], sub-shapes for central circle of logo, four lines of border, finder pattern, and background are created. 20
At step [240], sub-shapes for binary active data points along with two rows of top and bottom for left and right side of the active zones are created respectively. Further, the active data points signify the binary 1.
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At step [250], a primary shape of the Kite Code Ring is drawn based on the parameter defined at the step [220], wherein the primary shape of the Kite Code Ring is kite shaped structure.
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At step [260], the HEX strings entered at step [220] are converted into an array of Boolean vector comprising 1’s and 0’s.
At step [270], the array created at step [260] is padded with zeroes. 5
At step [280], the padded array created at step [270] is encoded.
At step [290], the array created at step [270] is converted into active data points, wherein the active data points are 1’s. Further, the active data points are 10 represented as binary 1 in the HEX string, which characterizes the encoded key.
At step [300], a secondary shape of the Kite Code Ring is drawn for all active data points in active zones of the primary shape drawn at step [250] using the predefined information. The secondary shape of the Kite Code Ring is circular dots having pixels X*X, wherein ‘X’ can be an integer greater than 3. Further, the 15 combination of the circular dots (active data points) and invisible circular dots in the active zones aligned in two rows visually represent encoded key of the HEX string entered at step [220].
At step [310], one of assorted text, company logo, graphics etc. is printed on the 20 central circle of logo created at step [230].
At step [320], the composed Kite Code Ring and the encoded information are stored in databases for the purpose of printing and display. The process terminates at step [330]. 25
As illustrated in FIG.4, the block diagram represents the system of marker pattern detection and decoding of information. The system [400] comprises a terminal [410] for capturing the Kite Code Ring [420] and a remote database [430] for fetching the information based on decoded Kite Code Ring. The 30
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terminal comprises of an image acquisition module [412] for capturing the image of the Kite Code Ring [420], a processing unit [414] for processing the captured image, a control unit [416] for decoding and fetching the information based on processing of the image and a display unit [418] for exhibiting the decoded 5 information.
The generated Kite Code Ring [420] is exhibited either on a paper or on a digital screen as an object. The terminal of the present invention for capturing the image of the Kite Code Ring is any form of portable digital assistance (PDA’s), 10 smartphones etc. The system [400] comprising the control unit is connected to a user interface for exhibiting the decoded information fetched from the remote database [430].
As illustrated in FIG.5, the flow diagram represents the method steps involved in 15 detection of marker pattern and decoding of information. The method [500] initiates at step [510].
At step [520], an image of the Kite Code Ring is captured.
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At step [530], the image captured at step [520] is enhanced from artefacts due to various effects resulting from camera destabilization, poor illumination, etc.
At step [540], the Kite Code Ring is located and detected. The Kite Code Ring is localized for the purpose of detection and the correction is applied based on 25 detected components.
At step [550], the Kite Code Ring is corrected by using perspective projectile transformation, distortion and rotation correction.
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At step [560], data is extracted from the Kite Code Ring. The data extraction involves perspective projectile transformation to find the location of activation points in the image and reading if the activation points are ON/OFF by comparing the local contrasts. 5
At step [570], errors are corrected from the data extracted from the Kite Code Ring. The activation points are rearranged to the original coherent order. Further, the decoding of the binary data to HEX strings is done by using predefined algorithms. 10
At step [580], the binary information converted to HEX strings is exhibited. The process terminates at step [590].
Embodiments of the present invention may encompass decoding the Kite Code 15 Ring even in absence of data connection by manually reading the data points of the Kite Code Ring and retrieving the information based on the manual reading of the data points of the Kite Code Ring. Further, the user may read the location of the data points spread across the Kite Code Ring and inform the same to an operator. The operator may generate the Kite Code Ring and subsequently 20 identify the link/key for retrieving information from the database. For a blind user, embodiments may further encompass elevated, embossed or engraved data points for reading the Kite Code Ring for subsequent decoding with the help of the operator.
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The color used for marking various parts of the Kite Code Ring in the present invention such as a data point, a silent zone, a logo, etc. and supports detection under low lighting conditions and shadows. In yet another embodiment, the W3C standards of color contrast (WCAG) may be implemented over the present invention. 30
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Since the present Kite Code Ring is asymmetrical, the transformation step may be optional and the reason why the Kite Code Ring may be directly detected and validated even if the Kite Code Ring is rotated or skewed in any direction. 5
The space between the logo and the active zones (no man’s land zone) may be utilized to include symbols/combinations to secure/encrypt the existing encoded data with a key which enhances the security by encryption. Therefore, the security feature may be used in the payments industry or use cases wherein data 10 security is crucial.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments without departing from the 15 principles and scope of the present invention. These and other changes in the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

We claim:
1. A method of embedding at least one information in a Kite Code Ring, wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data zone, the method comprising steps of: 5
- inputting at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information to be embedded and aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring;
- creating a primary structure of the Kite Code Ring based on the at least one parameter corresponding to the aesthetic look of the Kite 10 Code Ring;
- converting the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information into a Boolean array;
- encoding and converting the Boolean array into at least one active data point; 15
- creating a secondary structure of the Kite Code Ring based on the at least one active data point on the at least one active data zone;
- creating a resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring by merging the primary structure and the secondary structure;
- generating and assigning a key corresponding to the Kite Code Ring; 20
linking the key with a server address of a database, wherein the server address is indicative of the location of the database in which the at least one information is stored; and
- printing the resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring in at least one of an intangible form and a tangible form. 25
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information comprises but not limited to an image, a text, a string and a numeric.
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3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information is a hexadecimal string.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further the at least one parameter 5 corresponding to the aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring comprises but not limited to colour of a background, geometric information, predefined symbol size, scale, and logo image.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary structure of the 10 Kite Code Ring comprises background, space for logo printing, and finder pattern.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one active data points resembles the at least one information. 15
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key is generated randomly by the database.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intangible form of printing 20 is an exhibition of Kite Code Ring in a digital display.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tangible form of printing is a physical printing of Kite Code Ring on a surface of an object.
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10. A system for embedding at least one information in a Kite Code Ring, wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data zone, the system comprising:
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- an input means for inputting at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information to be embedded and aesthetic look of the Kite Code Ring;
- a convertor configured to convert, 5
the at least one parameter corresponding to the at least one information into a Boolean array; and
the Boolean array into at least one active data point;
- an encoder configured to encode the at least one active data point;
- a processor configured to create, 10
a primary structure of the Kite Code Ring based on at least one parameter corresponds to one of the at least one information,
a secondary structure for the Kite Code Ring based on the encoded at least one active data point on the active data zones for accommodating at least one data point, and 15
a resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring based on the primary structure and the secondary structure; and
- a printing module configured to print the resultant structure of the Kite Code Ring in at least one of an intangible and a tangible form.
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11. A method of detection and decoding of information from a Kite Code Ring, wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data zone and at least one finder pattern, the method comprising steps of:
- capturing an image of the Kite Code Ring by a user; 25
- processing the captured image for enhancing the image quality;
- detecting and correcting the Kite Code Ring, wherein the detection is carried out using one of a silent zone and the at least one finder pattern;
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- decoding the at least one active data point of the Kite Code Ring, wherein the decoded at least one active data point represents a key;
- fetching the information based on the key decoded from the at least one activation point, wherein the information is fetched from a 5 database;
- performing a data correction over the fetched information; and
- exhibiting the information to the user.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processing on the 10 captured image enhances the captured image from distortion due to factors such as poor focus, blur, and poor illumination.
13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the decoding of the at least one active data point provides at least one binary data representing the 15 information.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the key to fetch the information is a hexadecimal string.
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15. A system for detection and decoding of information from a Kite Code Ring, wherein the Kite Code Ring has an asymmetrical geometry and comprises at least one active data point and at least one finder pattern, the system comprising:
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- an image acquisition module configured to capture an image of the Kite Code Ring;
- a processing unit configured to process the captured image for enhancing the image quality, wherein the processing unit
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detects and corrects the Kite Code Ring using one of a silent zone and at least one finder pattern, and
decodes the at least one active data point of the Kite Code Ring;
- a control unit configured to fetch the information from a database 5 based on the decoding of the at least one activation point;
- the processing unit further configured to perform a data correction over the information fetched; and
- a user interface configured to exhibit the information.
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16. The system as claimed in claim 15, the image acquisition module is an image sensor such as a camera.
17. The system as claimed in claim 15, the user interface is a display unit such