Systems and methods are provided for physically labeling structural features, such as weld joints in a pipeline, with pattern-based codes that uniquely identify respective features. The systems and methods are also provided for identifying the features based on imagery of the codes captured during subsequent inspection of the weld joints. In particular, the weld joints can be uniquely identified by encoding measured geographic coordinates within two distinguishable circular patterns that correspond to latitude and longitude, respectively. In addition, the pattern-based codes can be applied to respective weld joints using a contrast material such that the codes are revealed in the images of the weld joints captured during inspection. Furthermore, the systems and methods include analyzing the images captured during inspection to identify the inspected weld joints for the purpose of verifying that each weld joint was properly inspected in the field.

A container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion, the reference portion comprising an arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion comprising: a data unit arranged on an encoding line D which intersects the reference line r, the data unit arranged a distance d along the encoding line D from said intersection as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby the encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at the intersection point; and a plurality of discrete positions arranged in operative proximity to the reference line r and distal the encoding line D, whereby said discrete positions either comprise or do not comprise a data unit as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information.

A container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising reference units defining a reference line r; the data portion comprising a data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit is arranged a distance d from said intersection as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encoding line D is circular and is arranged with a tangent thereto orthogonal the reference line r at said intersection point, wherein the reference units are arranged with a configuration defining a reference point from which the reference line r extends.

A binary bit-string is encoded in a circular image. The circular image encodes substrings of the bit-string in sectors of the circular image and includes redundant bits, error correcting codes, and metadata pertaining to the encoding scheme. To encode the bit-strings, a circular image is generated that includes a center ring and a first ring. Outward from the first ring, additional rings represent bits in the bit-string according to the width of each ring. The exterior of the image includes an outer boundary ring. The width of the boundary rings is used to define the widths representing the value of each ring. To extract a bit-string from an image, the center of the circular image is identified and a direction is selected to evaluate the image outward, determining the boundaries of each ring. The boundaries are analyzed to determine the width of each ring and the encoded bit values.

A particular implementation selects two or more fiducial markers to be embedded into a video to convey information. Specifically, the translation, scaling and rotation between a reference marker and a secondary marker can be used to transmit information. When more information needs to be embedded, more secondary markers can be used. The transformation between the fiducial markers can also evolve over time as the information to be embedded evolves over time. At the receiving side, a reader device captures a video including multiple fiducial markers and determines the translation, scaling and rotation between the fiducial markers. Based on the transformation of the fiducial markers, the reader device can retrieve the information embedded in the captured video by the fiducial markers.

A particular implementation selects two or more fiducial markers to be embedded into a video to convey information. Specifically, the translation, scaling and rotation between a reference marker and a secondary marker can be used to transmit information. When more information needs to be embedded, more secondary markers can be used. The transformation between the fiducial markers can also evolve over time as the information to be embedded evolves over time. At the receiving side, a reader device captures a video including multiple fiducial markers and determines the translation, scaling and rotation between the fiducial markers. Based on the transformation of the fiducial markers, the reader device can retrieve the information embedded in the captured video by the fiducial markers.

The invention relates to a code support adapted to be associated with or part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises a code formed by at least a first sequence of symbols and a second sequence of symbols. The code is represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation (Z). The first sequence comprises at least one first preamble sequence of symbols, and at least one first data sequence of symbols. The second sequence comprises at least one second preamble sequence of symbols and at least one second data sequence of symbols. The first preamble sequence is distinct from the second preamble sequence.

A binary bit-string is encoded in a circular image. The circular image encodes substrings of the bit-string in sectors of the circular image and includes redundant bits, error correcting codes, and metadata pertaining to the encoding scheme. To encode the bit-strings, a circular image is generated that includes a center ring and a first ring. Outward from the first ring, additional rings represent bits in the bit-string according to the width of each ring. The exterior of the image includes an outer boundary ring. The width of the boundary rings is used to define the widths representing the value of each ring. To extract a bit-string from an image, the center of the circular image is identified and a direction is selected to evaluate the image outward, determining the boundaries of each ring. The boundaries are analyzed to determine the width of each ring and the encoded bit values.