10 digit serial number that identifies a date

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a set of 10-digit serial numbers that are purported to identify dates in the format MM/YYYY, as well as potentially serving as references for product codes. Participants explore various interpretations of how these codes function and their possible applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • JCAMB presents a list of serial numbers and seeks clarification on their meaning and function.
  • Some participants suggest that the numbers may not directly convert to dates and could function similarly to barcodes, referencing product data rather than explicitly encoding date information.
  • There is speculation about the nature of the codes, with some considering them as hash-tags or barcodes, while others note that they may be generated using a hash function.
  • JCAMB describes the operational context, indicating that the codes are manually entered into a machine, which only operates if the codes are correct and the machine's date is earlier than the date represented by the code.
  • Participants express curiosity about the relationship between the serial numbers and the machines, with some suggesting the possibility of an algorithm that converts the serial number into a date based on the machine code.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact nature of the serial numbers or their relationship to dates and product codes. Multiple competing views remain regarding their function and interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions about how the serial numbers relate to the machines and the specific mechanisms by which they are processed. The discussion also highlights the potential complexity of the system without providing definitive answers.

JCAMB
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Hello,

I have a list of 10 digit serial number that identifies a date, but I cannot understand how?
Does any genius can help me to try to understand it?

The 10 digit codes I’ve are supposed to represent a date MM/YYYY, and should represent also a reference for a product code.
On the examples I present, the product code should be 270 (or maybe just 70!)

9997372732 – Date 11/2005
7279312779 – Date 11/2005
2330716732 – Date 09/2006
9471072297 – Date 06/2007
5373720247 – Date 06/2007
4473272702 – Date 06/2007
3027447441 – Date 08/2007

Thanks in advance,

JCAMB
 
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JCAMB said:
I have a list of 10 digit serial number that identifies a date, but I cannot understand how?
Does any genius can help me to try to understand it?

The 10 digit codes I’ve are supposed to represent a date MM/YYYY, and should represent also a reference for a product code.
On the examples I present, the product code should be 270 (or maybe just 70!)

9997372732 – Date 11/2005
7279312779 – Date 11/2005
2330716732 – Date 09/2006
9471072297 – Date 06/2007
5373720247 – Date 06/2007
4473272702 – Date 06/2007
3027447441 – Date 08/2007

Have you considered these numbers don't directly convert to the date?

These codes appear to be like barcodes. They represent a set of data - sepcifically, when checked against a list of codes they can refer product data back to you, such as product name, type, date etc.

Basically, take the number and look for it on a list to find the details related to it. a) saves you storing all the data on the label, b) numbers can be randomly generated.

Given you have multiple values that refer to the same date - but I assume different products, that would seem most likely.
 
Could be a really simple hash-tag...

edit: That's just a subset of what JnJ already talked about.
 
nismaratwork said:
Could be a really simple hash-tag...

edit: That's just a subset of what JnJ already talked about.

Ah so there's a name for it. I always call them barcodes / serials (not strictly correct).
 
jarednjames said:
Ah so there's a name for it. I always call them barcodes / serials (not strictly correct).

Well it's only a hashtag if it was generated using a hash function, but that's pretty common.
 
JCAMB, where are you getting this from?
 
Last edited:
Newai said:
Where are you getting this from?

Nismar and myself or the OP?
 
jarednjames said:
Nismar and myself or the OP?

The OP
 
jarednjames said:
Nismar and myself or the OP?

Heheheh, Newai put me on ignore a while back for what I consider pretty funny reasons, so he can't actually see anything I post. Somehow he seems to view this as a plus, rather than a hobble and blind-spot. Here, I'll show you:


Newai: http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/convert-10-digit-serial-number-date-mm-dd-yyyy-t4034155.html

Gives a bit of information, and let's you know that this is related to MS Excel.


@JnJ: Now, he didn't see a bit of that. :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
FtlIsAwesome blocked me not so long ago for that supersonic bird thing. Apparently cold aerospace engineering doesn't get on with him...

Who knows.

Hmm, seems like the OP is pooling is options.
 
  • #11
jarednjames said:
FtlIsAwesome blocked me not so long ago for that supersonic bird thing. Apparently cold aerospace engineering doesn't get on with him...

Who knows.

Hmm, seems like the OP is pooling is options.

Fit? Really?! Hmmm... I admit I like the guy... I'm surprised you two don't get along. Still, I tend to find disparate pals, so maybe it's not that surprising.

I would say that I can't see how ignoring something everyone else sees is helpful in any way, for Fit, or Newai.

@Fit: Hey man, give him a chance! :smile:

@Newai: You know I'm stilll madly in love with you right? :-p

I admit to being curious as to just what those serials and dates refer to, and why translation back and forth would be needed. I see basic curiosity as reson enough, so maybe I'm blinded to the real why?
 
  • #12
nismaratwork said:
I admit to being curious as to just what those serials and dates refer to, and why translation back and forth would be needed. I see basic curiosity as reson enough, so maybe I'm blinded to the real why?

Some form of barcode is my guess.

I'd think they actually have the strip with them, not just numbers.
 
  • #13
jarednjames said:
Some form of barcode is my guess.

I'd think they actually have the strip with them, not just numbers.

Hmmmm... I wonder if this is an inventory issue or something else...

edit: If this is the result of a secure hash-function, it's probably one-way without the key.
 
  • #14
Hi to everyone,

Thanks for your replays.

I think it’s better to explain what this numbers are and how they work to can have your best help.

I considered also that they could be related with barcodes and had also printed some with this numbers but I didn’t reach to any conclusion.

I’ve also looked to the preview forum but didn’t get to any conclusion!

So these codes are used to be placed manually (by Keyboard) in a machine.

After the machine will just run if the codes are correct! First the reference of the machine must be correct (I think should be 3 digit code), and also the date on the clock of the machine must be minor than the date identified by the code!

Like example I just place the number xxxxxxxxxx on the machine and it does the rest.
Also if I’ve to similar machines with same reference (should be the 3 digits) the 2 can accept the same code!
If for instance one machine doesn’t accept the code I can go to the main clock and place it on a date minor than the one on the code and it will accept it.
If the other machine uses a different product (the 3 digits) it will not accept the code.

Thanks again for your help.

JCAMB
 
  • #15
It still sounds like a barcode / serial number comparison.

Enter code, computer checks it against a list, computer says yay or nay.

The only difference is that it's now checking you're using the correct machine.

The only other thing it could be is some lovely algorithm which converts it to a date based on the machine code entered - which is certainly plausible - but I don't see why you'd need such a system as it just adds complications for both users and programmers alike.
 

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