2D Code Position Detection Pattern Displacement for Curved Surface Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Two-dimensional codes face recognition challenges in difficult conditions, such as curled surfaces or areas with excessive curvature, where position detection patterns become unrecognizable due to lighting or halation, leading to reduced readability.

Innovation Solution

The two-dimensional code design incorporates a high degree of freedom in arranging position detection patterns, allowing them to be positioned avoiding difficult-to-read regions, with features like a basic pattern section, position correction patterns, and a peripheral section for improved recognition accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If position detection patterns are arranged in fixed positions in conventional two-dimensional codes, then the code structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the recognition accuracy deteriorates in difficult reading conditions such as curled surfaces or areas with excessive curvature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidcode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the position detection patterns movable rather than fixed. The basic pattern section can be displaced to different positions within the two-dimensional code, allowing the system to adapt to difficult reading conditions. This dynamic arrangement enables the position detection patterns to be strategically placed in areas with less curvature or better lighting, thereby improving recognition accuracy without requiring a complete redesign of the code structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the position coordinates of the basic pattern section within the two-dimensional code. By changing the positional parameters of the position detection patterns, the system can optimize recognition accuracy for different reading conditions. The displacement amount information stored in the code allows the decoder to locate and adjust to the correct position of the basic pattern section, effectively handling variations in surface curvature and lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If position detection patterns are placed in standard locations, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the patterns become unrecognizable when printed on curled portions or surfaces with excessive curvature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern recognizabilityVSAvoidcode printing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing displacement amount information that indicates the position of the basic pattern section. This preliminary preparation allows the decoding system to anticipate and compensate for position variations before attempting to recognize the patterns. The displacement information is embedded in the code during manufacturing, enabling the system to automatically adjust to the correct position during decoding, thereby maintaining pattern recognizability without complicating the printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the basic pattern section is displaced to avoid difficult-to-read regions, then recognition accuracy improves, but additional information (displacement amount) must be stored in the code

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidinformation storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the displacement amount information as a separate metadata element from the main data payload. This extracted information is stored in a dedicated field within the code structure, allowing it to be processed independently from the primary data. By separating the positional information from the data content, the system can efficiently manage the information storage requirements while maintaining high recognition accuracy through strategic pattern placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3144857B1Two-dimensional code, two-dimensional-code analysis system, and two-dimensional-code generation system
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 KYODO PRINTING CO LTD
  • EP3144857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3144857B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3144857B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In this two-dimensional code, data expressed in binary code is divided into cells, and arranged as a two-dimensional matrix-like pattern. The two-dimensional code is characterized by being provided with a basic pattern section, and a peripheral section arranged outside the basic pattern section. The two-dimensional code is further characterized in that the basic pattern section includes: position detection patterns for specifying cell positions; and basic-pattern-section movement information indicating the position of the basic pattern section in the two-dimensional code area.