2D Code Rectangular Region Specific Pattern Cell Position

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-dimensional codes face challenges in reliably distinguishing the code area from the background while minimizing the number of cells assigned to information other than data and error correction, leading to reduced data capacity.

Innovation Solution

A two-dimensional code design featuring a rectangular region with a single border of border lines, comprising data code blocks and error-correction code blocks, and a specific rectangular pattern that occupies part of the border lines, allowing for efficient border detection and orientation determination, thereby reducing the need for additional cells for border specification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If L-shaped specific patterns and alternating dark-bright cell patterns are used to delineate all four sides of the code area, then the code area can be distinguished from the background, but a large number of cells are consumed for patterns rather than data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode area distinction from backgroundVSAvoidnumber of cells for data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the border specification function from dedicated pattern cells and transfers it to error-correction code blocks. By placing error-correction code blocks along three sides of the code area (utilizing their inherent contrast with background), the patent eliminates the need for separate L-shaped patterns and alternating patterns, thereby reducing cell consumption for non-data purposes while maintaining reliable border distinction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The error-correction code blocks serve dual functions: they provide error correction capability and simultaneously delineate the code area borders. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same cells serve both data protection and border specification purposes, reducing the total cell count needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mask patterns are superposed to change cell characteristics and create arrangement patterns with least continuity, then the code area is distinguished from background, but mask pattern information must be provided reducing cells for data and error correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode area distinction from backgroundVSAvoidnumber of cells for data and error correction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the mask pattern information requirement by directly arranging error-correction code blocks along the borders without needing to encode which mask pattern was applied. This extraction of the mask specification requirement eliminates the need for additional cells to carry mask pattern information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The error-correction code blocks automatically provide border distinction through their inherent placement and contrast characteristics, without requiring additional mask pattern information or processing. The system serves itself by using the same structural elements for multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If more cells are assigned to border patterns and mask information, then the code area can be reliably distinguished from background, but the data capacity of the code is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode area detection reliabilityVSAvoiddata capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By making error-correction code blocks serve dual purposes (error correction and border delineation), the patent prevents information loss by maximizing the utility of each cell. No additional cells are needed for border patterns, preserving data capacity while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the border specification function with the error-correction function into a single structural arrangement. This combination eliminates redundant cell usage and prevents loss of data capacity that would occur with separate border patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2653999B1Two-dimensional code having rectangular region provided with specific patterns for specification of cell positions and distinction from background
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 DENSO WAVE INC
  • EP2653999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2653999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2653999B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A two-dimensional code having a rectangular region is provided. In the rectangular region, there are a plurality of code blocks, a first specific pattern, and error-correction code blocks. Each code block is composed of a plurality of cells aggregated together and formed to have both a specified corner in the rectangular region and the plurality of code blocks arranged in the rectangular region. The specific pattern is used to specify the positions of the cells. The error-correction code blocks are contained in the code blocks and formed to correct an error. The error -correction code blocks are arranged contiguously to part of the borders of the rectangular region. The part of the borders is displaced from the first specific pattern. Compressed data code blocks are also arranged in the same way as the error-correction code blocks.