Glockenspiel Technologies (NASDAQ: GsymblT) [we're told the NASDAQ symbol makes sense in French - Ed.] announced significant advances in the development of true three-dimensional (3D) symbologies.

3D symbols are produced by holographically layering conventional 2D symbols with additional layer indicators and checkwords. Given suitable lighting conditions, each layer of the symbol resolves at a different focal distance from the reader. Because of this "layering," the symbol tends to look like a Scottish Tartan, hence its code-name Kilt Code.

According to Tillie Woofington, an unidentified spokesperson for Glockenspiel, producing the symbols hasn't been a significant problem. [Keeping them, however, is a problem...employees reportedly wander off with them muttering "oh, wow! the colors...." -Ed.] Woofington points out that the problem has been reading technology.

Since 3D symbols do not reflect light as conventional 2D or linear symbols do, reading devices based on reflectance are ineffective. [I'll bet it would be lots of fun to read these puppies with a wand -Ed.]

Previous attempts to read Kilt Code involved mating LADs (Laser Aiming Devices) and LASSs (Light Accuated Selective Sensors). Unfortunately, this only produced small Scotsmen.

A significant advance in reading technology, however, has just been announced. Light Sucking Diode (LSD) technology has been perfected that aggressively absorbs light from a 3D image, making it readable. "LSDs suck up each layer of the symbol, decode it, then move on to the next layer," Woofington explained.

Development of the technology has been slowed somewhat by an administrative error. A grant application for "further development of LSD as a commercially viable product" was initially submitted to NSF. Unfortunately, it was the National Sanitation Foundation. Once the error was recognized, it was submitted to the other NSF (National Science Foundation).

Since then, however, problems have cropped up. "I've told these people over and over to define their acronyms," Woofington said, "but do they listen? NOYL." [Woofington did not elaborate on what NOYL means -Ed.]

According to Woofington, work will get back on track "once we get all these DEA people out of here."

Comment: apparently, the National Sanitation Foundation has no sense of humor. -Ed.

Want to learn more about ADC and (seriously) how it can benefit your company?
E-mail us at: bmoore@idat.com | 72620.1677@compuserve.com | idatconslt@aol.com
Tel: 412-344-9020 - or - Fax: 412-344-9030.

Copyright © 1996 Bert Moore -- Web site design by IDAT Consulting