Two-dimensional code with separation spaces for recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional codes are prone to recognition errors due to contamination, out-of-focus photography, and image blurriness, especially in mobile phone cameras, which are limited by cost and size constraints, making it difficult to improve their auto-focus function and shutter speed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional code design featuring a matrix pattern with position detection patterns and data blocks, including a format information block, arranged in a way that enhances light-dark determination accuracy and data capacity, allowing for improved recognition even under deteriorated imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional two-dimensional codes are designed with high data efficiency, then data storage capacity is improved, but the codes become more vulnerable to contamination, out-of-focus photographing, and image blurriness
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional code is divided into multiple data blocks (first data block, second data block, etc.) with separation spaces between them. Each data block contains a portion of the encoded data. This segmentation allows the code to be more resilient to local deterioration, as not all segments need to be perfectly readable for successful decoding.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the two-dimensional code have different functions: position detection patterns are placed in specific corners for orientation and positioning, while data blocks are distributed across the code area. The position detection patterns use specific light-dark arrangements optimized for detection, while data blocks use arrangements optimized for data storage, creating local quality variations that improve overall reliability.
2Measurement precision
If hardware improvements such as auto-focus function and shutter speed are made to reduce image blurriness, then image quality is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional code structure itself provides the means to overcome imaging limitations. By incorporating position detection patterns and separation spaces, the code enables the reading device to accurately locate and interpret data even with simple, low-cost mobile phone cameras that lack advanced auto-focus and high-speed shutter functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the two-dimensional code by introducing separation spaces between data blocks and positioning specific patterns in corners. These parameter changes make the code more tolerant of blur and focusing issues, allowing reliable reading with inexpensive camera hardware.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple two-dimensional codes are projected on a single screen for inventory purposes, then data capacity is improved, but it becomes difficult to bring all codes into focus, resulting in out-of-focus images
Solution Approach 1:
Each two-dimensional code is segmented into distinct data blocks separated by spaces, and when multiple codes are projected on a single screen, each code maintains its internal segmentation structure. This allows the reading system to identify and process individual codes even when they are at different focal planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The position detection patterns in the corners of each two-dimensional code provide sufficient information for the reading device to locate and interpret the code partially, even when the entire code is not perfectly in focus. This partial action approach allows successful reading without requiring all parts of multiple projected codes to be sharply focused.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a two-dimensional code which is not likely to be affected by contamination or out-of-focus photographing thereof and can thus be accurately recognized even when it is photographed under various photographing conditions. The disclosed two-dimensional code comprises: cells representing binary-coded data that are arranged as a pattern in the form of a two-dimensional matrix, the two-dimensional code comprising: a position detection pattern; plural data blocks created by dividing a region of the two-dimensional matrix that excludes the part of the position detection pattern; and a separation space arranged between the plural data blocks that are adjacent.