Barcode Color Calibration Using Data-Preserving Colored Subunits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to perform color calibration on digital displays and image sensors using barcodes without altering the encoded information, especially when integrating color calibration patches into existing barcodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize colored subunits in barcodes to create a color calibration lookup table (LUT) for displays or image sensors, allowing color calibration without altering the encoded information by adding color points to barcode subunits without changing the initial data, and using metadata to ensure the encoded information remains intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If color calibration patches are added to barcodes, then color calibration capability is improved, but the encoded information may be altered or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode is divided into functional segments: data-encoding subunits and color calibration subunits. The color calibration patches are placed in specific regions that do not interfere with the data-bearing areas, allowing simultaneous color calibration and data decoding without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the barcode are assigned different functions: certain subunits maintain their original data-encoding properties while specific subunits are designated as color calibration patches with known reference colors. This local differentiation allows the barcode to serve dual purposes without compromising either function.
2Measurement precision
If colored subunits are added to barcodes for calibration, then color calibration accuracy is improved, but barcode decoding reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode structure is segmented into reliable data-encoding regions and calibration regions. The data regions use standardized patterns that maintain decoding reliability, while calibration regions contain colored subunits with known color values that do not interfere with data subunits.
Solution Approach 2:
The colored subunits act as intermediaries between the display/image sensor system and the calibration process. They provide known reference color points that enable calibration without being part of the data encoding, thus mediating between accurate color measurement and reliable data decoding.
3Measurement precision
If color calibration is performed separately from barcode decoding, then calibration accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color calibration function and barcode decoding function are merged into a single integrated process. The image sensor captures the barcode once, and the processing system simultaneously extracts both the data information and the color calibration information from the same image, eliminating the need for separate calibration and decoding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as a data carrier and as a color calibration target. The colored subunits enable the barcode to function as a calibration reference while maintaining its data encoding capability, allowing one object to perform multiple useful functions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for performing color calibration using barcodes with colored subunits. The barcode can be decoded in a conventional way and the colors of the subunits can be used for color calibration.