COMPUTER-AND HUMAN-READABLE PART MARKINGS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SAME

A part marking technique based on a string of alphanumeric human-readable characters which are “printed” using a “texture” which is “cut-out” from a two-dimensional redundant bit pattern, e.g., a two-dimensional matrix of data cells selectively occupied or not occupied by dots or other suitable geometric shapes. The bit pattern is readable by a system comprising an imager and a computer for processing the data contained in the acquired image. In the case of a bit pattern formed by visible dots, the system comprises an optical detector, e.g., a television camera or other imager. The part marking is simultaneously readable by a human and a computer system.