EXTENDING BARCODES WITH SECONDARY CODING FOR COUNTERFEITING PROTECTION

Abstract

Method for creating a secure barcode using a processor, comprising: Identifying a primary pattern for a two-dimensional barcode to be printed on a substrate, wherein the primary pattern comprises a set of dark cells and a set of light cells; Identifying a two-dimensional microform, wherein the microform has a size that is no larger than the size of each cell of the two-dimensional barcode; Creating a secondary pattern, comprising a plurality of microforms, by selecting an orientation of the microforms such that the microforms have different orientations when placed in the cells; Overlaying the secondary pattern with the primary pattern so that each microform is positioned within one of the cells of the primary pattern, and so that each cell of one of the sets contains one of the microforms, resulting in a two-dimensional barcode that is secure; and Saving a file containing instructions for outputting the secure barcode with the primary pattern and the superimposed secondary pattern.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Barcodes are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Virtually every mobile phone can read various types of barcodes. Examples of barcodes include DataMatrix codes, PDF417 codes, Quick Response (QR) codes, Aztec codes, Maxi codes, and similar formats. Barcodes can be used for a wide range of purposes, from product identification and authentication to coupon creation and online submission.

[0002] A barcode can be scanned and read by a wide variety of devices, including, but not limited to, mobile phones, digital cameras, smartphones, personal digital assistants, tablet devices, electronic readers, PCs, and portable satellite navigation devices. The creation of various barcodes may be governed by established international standards, such as ISO / IEC 18004:2006, which covers Quick Response (QR) codes, as well as any subsequent or replacement standards.

[0003] Barcodes have been used in various document security applications, such as creating and printing tickets for event entry or producing product packaging with barcodes used for supply chain tracking. However, current barcodes lack sufficient protection to prevent someone from creating a copy that appears indistinguishable from the original. Typically, protection consists simply of written anti-copying warnings, which offer no technical safeguards against copying. Others print additional security patterns near the barcode or apply holographic images to the barcode, each of which requires complex image capture and processing techniques.

[0004] This document describes an enhanced barcode and a method for its production, which supports protection against counterfeiting of documents containing this barcode. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0005] In various embodiments, a system comprising a processor (which may be a single processor or multiple processors), computer-readable memory, and programming instructions to create a secure barcode by (i) identifying a primary pattern for a secure barcode.The system creates a two-dimensional barcode to be printed on a substrate, wherein the primary pattern comprises a set of dark cells and a set of light cells; (ii) identifies a two-dimensional microform, wherein the microform has a size no larger than the size of any cell of the two-dimensional barcode; (iii) creates a secondary pattern comprising a plurality of the microforms; (iv) superimposes the secondary pattern on the primary pattern so that the two-dimensional barcode results in a secure barcode; and (v) stores a file containing instructions for outputting the secure barcode with the primary pattern and the superimposed secondary pattern.The data can be stored in long-term memory for later use or in short-term memory so that a printer can print the secure barcode with the primary pattern and the superimposed secondary pattern, and the printer can print the secure barcode onto a substrate.

[0006] Optionally, when the secondary pattern is superimposed on the primary pattern, the system can identify a set of cell blocks in the two-dimensional barcode and, for each cell of a specific density within a given cell block of the two-dimensional barcode that inserts a data element during printing, replace the cell with the microform. In one embodiment, superimposing the secondary pattern on the primary pattern for the two-dimensional barcode can include replacing each dark cell with one of the microforms, so that all dark cells of the barcode retain a substantially uniform density after the superimposition is complete. Alternatively, superimposing the secondary pattern on the primary pattern for the two-dimensional barcode can include replacing each light cell with one of the microforms, so that all light cells of the barcode retain a substantially uniform density after the superimposition is complete.

[0007] In one embodiment, creating the secondary pattern can involve randomly selecting the orientation of the microforms, so that the microforms have different orientations when placed in the cells. Alternatively or additionally, creating the secondary pattern can involve selecting a microform template from a library of microform templates and applying the selected microform template to the primary pattern.

[0008] Optionally, creating the secondary pattern, which includes the sequence of microforms, may include identifying a synchronization pattern for the two-dimensional barcode, identifying a cell block set in the synchronization pattern, and applying the microform to a plurality of cells in each of the cell blocks.

[0009] In another embodiment, a two-dimensional barcode comprises: (i) a primary pattern comprising a set of dark cells and a set of light cells representing encoded data; and (ii) a secondary pattern superimposed on the primary pattern. The secondary pattern comprises a set of microforms, and each microform has a size no larger than the size of any cell in the primary pattern. Optionally, the microforms in the barcode may have different orientations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 represents an example of a state-of-the-art two-dimensional barcode. Fig. Figure 2 shows different versions of a barcode with different pixel densities. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary cell block of a secondary pattern in which microforms have been superimposed onto a density region. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates two further example barcodes and their corresponding synchronization. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates one of the barcodes of Fig. 4, together with a synchronization pattern and an extended barcode onto which the synchronization pattern was applied. Fig. Figure 6 shows a first surface or front face of a mobile electronic device comprising hardware designed to capture and display an image according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 shows a second surface or back of the mobile electronic device. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is a block diagram that represents various hardware elements that can be used to create an extended barcode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] As used in this document, the singular forms "a", "an", "a", "a", "the", "a" also include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. As used in this document, the term "comprise" means "to include, but is not limited to, the following."

[0011] As used in this document, a "barcode" is a pattern or symbol displayed on a surface that contains encoded data. A barcode can be a visual, machine-readable representation of data. Barcodes can, without limitation, include one-dimensional, two-dimensional (2D), or three-dimensional symbol sets. Examples of two-dimensional barcodes include DataMatrix codes, Quick Response (QR) codes, Aztec codes, PDF417 codes, Maxi codes, and similar formats. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a 2D barcode of the type known as Quick Response (QR) Code 100. This QR Code 100 can include one or more position detection elements 102, 104, 106 and a data part 108, which consists of a set of information elements. Each element can be a cell or group of cells and can be displayed on the screen of an electronic device or printed on a substrate.

[0012] As used in this document, "microform" means a shape that is superimposed onto a cell of a barcode. Each microform has a size that does not extend beyond the cell boundaries and has an area equal to or smaller than that of the cell. When the microform is superimposed onto a cell, the resulting cell has areas of two different densities (e.g., light and dark areas) so that the shape is visible when the pixel is displayed at a visually perceptible size.

[0013] Barcodes are used in many document creation systems, such as ticketing systems that create and print tickets for admission to events like concerts, theater performances, conventions, theme parks, sporting events, and the like. Thieves can attempt to create counterfeit tickets by making copies of the ticket, including its barcode. Barcodes can also be used in supply chain management applications to track packages or individual products as they move from the manufacturer to the distributor to the retail store and finally to the shelf.

[0014] In the event of a commercial barcode theft during supply chain management operations, thieves need to obtain images of valid barcodes for the counterfeit to work. Each barcode can be unique, thus clearly identifying the product or package it affixes. Several methods exist for stealing groups of such barcodes. One method is "digital" theft, which can involve intercepting encrypted data or simply obtaining images of existing barcodes. This can occur in a manufacturing facility, a distribution center, at the point of sale, or elsewhere in the supply chain. In such cases, a photo or video of a large number of barcodes can be taken. Current methods for eliminating this attack include using a "scratch-off" area that covers the barcode.However, this renders the barcode useless for the supply chain until the barcode is removed, at which point it becomes vulnerable to theft.

[0015] To address these and other problems, this document describes a method and system that provides a secure barcode that is not easily copied but can be captured and decoded using a standard barcode scanning device, such as those found on smartphones or other electronic devices. This is achieved by overlaying a secondary pattern onto a standard barcode. The secondary pattern does not prevent the barcode from being decoded by a typical barcode scanning application, but it helps prevent large-scale copying of the barcode.

[0016] In the context of barcode scanning, it is typically assumed that the barcode has a "black" part and a "white" part, corresponding to a "black" signal and a "white" signal that are recognized by the application. However, current barcode applications do not require strict black / white distinctions. Instead, a typical barcode reader may include an amplifier stage and simple visual inspection for two distinct density levels of the barcode pixels. This is illustrated in the example of Fig. Figure 2 illustrates three different embodiments of a hypothetical DataMatrix barcode, shown in numbers 201 to 203, each exhibiting different density levels in the contrast between dark and light cells. A current DataMatrix barcode symbol has 18 x 18 (or more) cells, but for the purposes of this example, we use a 5 x 5 structure for the sake of simplicity.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows that the "black" cells of the 2D barcode need not be pure black, as shown in embodiment 201, but can be a shade of gray, as shown in embodiments 202 or 203, or another color or pattern. The light cells of the barcode can also deviate from white, and this area is more accurately described as the two cell groups "dark" and "light".

[0018] For the sake of simplicity, this document describes only one scenario in which dark cells vary, although other scenarios are possible. In particular, the following discussion describes a scenario in which microforms are superimposed on dark cells of a barcode, but the disclosed embodiments include variations in which microforms are superimposed on light cells of a barcode.

[0019] In the present embodiments, the system creates one or more additional patterns in one of the two cell density groups—in this case, the “dark” cells—in selected areas of the barcode. These additional patterns—referred to in this document as “secondary” patterns to distinguish them from the primary barcode pattern—are superimposed as microforms onto cells in one density group within a specific area. This ensures that all cells in the density group retain substantially the same optical density after the secondary pattern is applied, while still remaining distinguishable from cells in the other density group. In this way, a homogeneous gain / offset setting is achieved in a barcode compatible with all readers.

[0020] A simple example of such a secondary pattern is in Fig. 3 showed the 5x5 example code from Fig. 2 takes and overlays a microshape (in this case, a triangle arranged in any of the various orientations, or a lighter border area defining such a triangle) onto each cell of the barcode area with darker density. It is understood that there are other forms of density-preserving applications, such as frequency modulation. For simplicity, the one used in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 uses angle encoding to create a 301 barcode with a consistent density in the darker area. The microform can be large enough to be recognized by a barcode scanning application, but small enough that it is unlikely to be copied by most copiers in standard scan mode (i.e., not at high resolution).

[0021] When creating the secondary pattern, the type and orientation of the microforms can be chosen randomly or according to any suitable rules. For example, the system can randomly select the orientation of each microform in each cell. The type, orientation, and position of the microforms can be stored in a data storage device in conjunction with the barcode data, so that when the barcode data is captured by a barcode scanner, a system can verify that the secondary pattern associated with the barcode data is also present on the document. If the secondary pattern is not recognized, the system can assume that the document is a forgery and not the copy with the original barcode.

[0022] When the system creates a secondary pattern, it can take into account any or all of the following conditions: (1) angular encoding may be required to obtain a consistent density for all cells of a given density set; (2) the microform used in the secondary pattern may preserve the outline of each cell to facilitate reading (shown in Fig. 3 as a black outline for each darker cell area 302); (3) the system can use a pattern that has a low probability of being preserved during a copy operation; and (4) the system can create an extended barcode with a synchronization capability that mirrors that of the original barcode. The microforms of the secondary pattern can all be oriented in a single direction. Or, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the orientation of the microforms can vary between the cells in which the microforms are applied.

[0023] The system can create a secondary pattern that satisfies the first three conditions via any number of suitable methods, such as (i) obtaining the library of suitable microform templates and selecting a microform template from the library when creating the secondary pattern; (ii) creating microforms in real time according to various rules relating to boundary preservation, density, and consistency; or (iii) other methods.

[0024] Regarding synchronization requirements, it is helpful to know that 2D barcodes have a synchronization pattern to facilitate recognition. In a DataMatrix barcode, for example, the synchronization pattern might be a solid line along the bottom and left edges of the barcode, and a broken or alternating line along the top and right edges. This is shown in Example 401 of Fig. Figure 4 shows the synchronization pattern for a QR code 411, which is a rectangular "bullseye" in three corners, with a smaller version for larger versions of the QR code.

[0025] The system can use the primary pattern of the standard barcode to identify the arrangement of the barcode, but it adds a secondary pattern that is applied to the barcode using a synchronization pattern that is independent of the primary pattern. Fig. Figure 4 shows two examples, one of which is a 20x20 unit synchronization pattern 402 for DataMatrix code 401, and the other is a 16x16 unit synchronization pattern 412 for QR code 411. As with the microforms, the synchronization patterns can be stored in a data store linked to an underlying barcode type, generated in real time based on various rules, or created or identified using other suitable techniques.

[0026] An example of a synchronization component could be a frame of polarity 1 around the data field, as in frame 515 along the top and left sides of synchronization component 512 in Fig. Figure 5 shows, as described in more detail below. One feature of the synchronization design is a component that can be represented on top of the underlying barcode, as exemplified by the synchronization frame. The synchronization area defines the polarity of the signal, enabling reading regardless of the overall image rotation. While the use of a synchronization pattern is not strictly necessary, as the underlying barcode generally possesses a synchronization component, it can assist with registration, polarity, and defining the actual capacity of the secondary layer.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when creating a secondary pattern, the system can group 512 individual cells of the synchronization pattern into "supercells" (i.e., blocks of NxN cells, as exemplified by cell blocks 516 and 518) and apply a single encoding protocol (i.e., microform and associated density area) per "supercell block." The number of supercells is determined by distributing the total boundary dimension of the primary barcode into a number of equally sized subcells. For example, a 20x20 barcode may contain 5x5 supercells, and a 16x16 barcode may contain 4x4 supercells. All pixels in the cell block contain the same microform to maintain density within a given area; however, different cell blocks in a secondary pattern may contain different microforms.This results in a modulated, tiled secondary pattern of microforms that are superimposed on the primary pattern of the original barcode when printed or displayed. A simple example is... Fig. 5 represents the bit sequence [1010010000110010], encoded as the primary pattern in a QR code 411, together with a secondary pattern layer 502. When the QR code 411 is combined with the secondary pattern layer 502 by superimposing one pattern on top of the other, an extended barcode 512 results.

[0028] To decode an extended barcode with a primary pattern and a superimposed secondary pattern of microforms, a barcode scanning device can receive an image of the barcode and process the image through an orientation filter whose output is high (i.e., close to 1) for input patterns of a single, fixed angular orientation and low (i.e., close to 0) for input patterns of all other orientations. In one embodiment, the binary bit sequence can be encoded by modulating the fine-line patterns to + / -45°, and if so, a Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) filter set to a 45° orientation can be used in the mobile device's decoder. The output of the HOG filter can be binaryized and processed by morphological operations (such as erosion followed by dilation) to remove noise and unwanted structure.The device can calculate weighted supercell means and perform further adaptive limit calculation to generate binary bit sequences that correspond to the bit sequence encoded in the barcode.

[0029] Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of an electronic mobile device 600 that can be used to decode a barcode. The electronic mobile device 600 can include a front panel 602 and a display 604. The device can also include a user interface, such as a keyboard, audio input, and / or touch-sensitive components of the display 604. The device contains a processor and non-volatile, computer-readable memory containing programming instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform various functions, such as scanning barcodes.

[0030] Fig. Figure 7 shows a rear surface of the electronic mobile device 600. The rear surface can include an image capture device 614. The image capture device 614 can be any suitable component capable of receiving an optical image and transmitting the information to other components for processing. The image capture device can serve as an optical sensor to capture an image used by a barcode scanning application.Although the image capture device 614 is shown on the rear surface of this example, the person skilled in the art understands that the image capture device 614 may be arranged at any location on any surface of the electronic mobile device 600, or that it may even be arranged externally to the mobile device 600 and connected by any means of electronic communication, including, but not limited to, physical communication by cable, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), wireless radio communication, wireless light communication or near field communication technology.

[0031] The configuration of the 600 mobile device, as described in Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 is only one example, and those skilled in the art understand that other configurations can achieve similar overall results. The image acquisition and display process described above can take the form of many other electronic devices with an image sensor and a display. The electronic device also includes internal hardware for implementing programming instructions, such as memory containing such instructions, together with one or more processors that execute the instructions. As used in this document, unless the context specifies otherwise, the word "processor" can refer to a single processor or to a number of processors that together implement a process.

[0032] Fig.Figure 8 shows a block diagram of hardware and / or electronics comprising a system that creates an extended barcode, develops instructions for its printing, and prints the combined mark. One or more communication lines 1300, such as a bus (for a single device) or a network (for multiple devices), can connect the components shown and enable the flow of data and / or signals between the components. CPU 1301 represents one or more processors that perform calculations and logical operations necessary to execute a program. Any number of processors may be available, and they may be part of a single electronic device or distributed across any number of networked electronic devices. When this document and its claims use the term "processor," unless otherwise specified, it shall refer to all such embodiments (i.e.,single processor or multiple processors). The processor(s) can access a computer-readable storage device 1303 containing programming instructions, together with a data storage device 1305, such as a database, that stores packet generation templates and / or rule sets.

[0033] A user interface 1307 is a device or system that provides output to a user and receives input from that user. The user interface may provide a display, an audio output, a printer, or another element that provides information to a user. The user interface 1307 may include a touch-sensitive component, a microphone, an audio interface, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, or another input mechanism capable of receiving user input. The system may also include one or more printing devices 1311, which contain hardware that enables markings to be printed onto a substrate.

Claims

[1] Method for creating a secure barcode using a processor, comprising: Identifying a primary pattern for a two-dimensional barcode to be printed on a substrate, wherein the primary pattern comprises a set of dark cells and a set of light cells; Identifying a two-dimensional microform, wherein the microform has a size that is no larger than the size of each cell of the two-dimensional barcode; Creating a secondary pattern, comprising a plurality of microforms, by selecting an orientation of the microforms such that the microforms have different orientations when placed in the cells; Superimposing the secondary pattern with the primary pattern so that each microform is positioned within one of the cells of the primary pattern and so that each cell of one of the sets contains one of the microforms, resulting in a two-dimensional barcode that is secure; and Saving a file containing instructions for outputting the secure barcode with the primary pattern and the superimposed secondary pattern. [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising: by means of a processor transmitting a command to a printer to print the secure barcode with the primary pattern and the superimposed secondary pattern; and Using the printer, print the secure barcode onto a substrate. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein superimposing the secondary pattern with the primary pattern of the two-dimensional barcode comprises: Identifying a plurality of cell blocks in a two-dimensional barcode; and, for each cell of a given density grade in a given cell block of the two-dimensional barcode that, when printed, comprises a data element, replacing the cell with the microform. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the creation of the secondary pattern comprises replacing each dark cell with one of the microforms, such that all dark cells of the barcode maintain a substantially uniform density after completion of the superposition. [5] Barcode creation system, including: a processor; and a non-volatile, computer-readable medium containing programming instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to: a primary pattern for a two-dimensional barcode to be printed on a substrate has been identified, wherein the primary pattern comprises a set of dark cells and a set of light cells; Identifying a two-dimensional microform, wherein the microform has a size smaller than any cell of the primary pattern; Creating a secondary pattern that includes a plurality of microforms by choosing an orientation of the microforms such that the microforms have different orientations when placed in the cells; Superimposing the secondary pattern with the primary pattern so that each microform is positioned within one of the cells of the primary pattern and so that each cell of one of the sets contains one of the microforms, resulting in a two-dimensional barcode that is secure; and Saving a file containing instructions for outputting the secure barcode with the primary pattern and the superimposed secondary pattern. [6] System according to claim 5, further comprising: a printer; and Additional programming instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to send a command to the printer to print the secure barcode onto a substrate. [7] System according to claim 5, wherein the instructions to overlay the secondary pattern with the pattern for the two-dimensional barcode comprise instructions to to identify a plurality of cell blocks in the two-dimensional barcode; and For each cell of a specific density level in a specific cell block of the two-dimensional barcode that includes a data element when printed, replace the cell with the microform. [8] System according to claim 5, wherein the instructions for superimposing the secondary pattern onto the primary pattern for the two-dimensional barcode further comprise instructions to superimpose one of the microforms with each of the dark cells of the barcode, such that all dark cells of the barcode maintain a substantially uniform density after superimposition has been completed. [9] Two-dimensional barcode, comprising: a primary pattern comprising a set of dark cells and a set of light cells representing coded data; and a secondary pattern superimposed on the primary pattern, wherein the secondary pattern comprises a plurality of microforms that superimpose on each cell within a set of cells, and each microform has a size that is not larger than the size of each cell of the primary pattern. where the microforms have different orientations in the barcode, and where all cells in the set of cells contain the same microform, so that they have the same optical density.

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