Sensing device for sensing coded tags

Abstract

A sensing device is provided having an image sensor for sensing and capturing images of tags on a surface, a processor and a transmitter. Each tag encodes data on an identity associated with the surface and a location and orientation of that tag on the surface. The processor identifies the tags from the captured images, determines an orientation, within the captured images, of the identified coded tags, decodes the data encoded by the tags at the determined orientation, and generates indicating data from the decoded data to include the identity and data regarding a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative to the surface. The transmitter transmits the indicating data to a computer system.

1 . A sensing device comprising:
 an image sensor for sensing and capturing images of tags on a surface, each tag encoding data on an identity associated with the surface and a location and orientation of that tag on the surface;   a processor for identifying the tags from the captured images, determining an orientation, within the captured images, of the identified coded tags, decoding the data encoded by the tags at the determined orientation, and generating indicating data from the decoded data to include the identity and data regarding a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative to the surface; and   a transmitter for transmitting the indicating data to a computer system.   
   
   
       2 . A sensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processor operates at processing speeds ranging from 1 instruction per second to 1×10 12  instructions per second. 
   
   
       3 . A sensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the tags are printed on the surface in ink comprising a dye which absorbs near infra-red radiation. 
   
   
       4 . A sensing device according to  claim 3 , wherein the image sensor emits near infra-red radiation. 
   
   
       5 . A sensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processor generates the indicating data to include data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the surface by periodically sensing and capturing images of the tags.