Two-Dimensional Barcode Embedding Grayscale Image Watermarking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-dimensional barcodes lack visual appeal for humans and often suffer from reduced decoding accuracy due to embedded images, as existing methods either degrade the image quality or introduce significant distortion, limiting the size and effectiveness of the embedded logo.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for embedding a gray scale image within a two-dimensional barcode using a watermarking technique employing two tiling patterns, along with a finder pattern and quiet zone, to maintain robust decoding capabilities while enhancing visual appeal and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an image is embedded in a two-dimensional barcode using existing methods, then visual appeal and image visibility are improved, but decoding accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to significant distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the barcode into multiple non-overlapping zones (first zone and second zone) with distinct functions. The first zone contains the embedded image and operates at a lower error correction level, while the second zone contains only decodeable data and operates at a higher error correction level. This segmentation allows the image to be embedded without compromising the overall decoding reliability of the barcode.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the barcode are assigned different error correction levels tailored to their specific requirements. The first zone (with embedded image) uses a lower error correction level appropriate for visual display, while the second zone (data-only) uses a higher error correction level optimized for reliable decoding. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between image quality and decoding accuracy.
2Area of moving object
If a larger image is embedded in the barcode, then visual appeal and marketing effectiveness are improved, but decoding reliability deteriorates due to increased distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode is segmented into zones with different error correction levels, allowing a larger image to be embedded in the first zone without compromising the decoding reliability of the second zone. This enables marketing effectiveness to be improved through larger images while maintaining robust decoding capabilities in the data-only zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the error correction level parameter across different zones of the barcode. By assigning different error correction levels to different zones, the system can accommodate larger images in the first zone while maintaining high decoding reliability in the second zone, thus resolving the contradiction between image size and decoding accuracy.
3Reliability
If error correction is increased to maintain decoding accuracy, then decoding reliability is improved, but image quality and visual appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different error correction levels to different zones based on their specific requirements. The first zone containing the embedded image uses a lower error correction level that preserves image quality, while the second zone contains only data and uses a higher error correction level that ensures decoding reliability. This local differentiation eliminates the need to compromise image quality for overall decoding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the barcode into zones with different error correction levels, the patent allows the image zone to operate at lower error correction that maintains visual appeal, while the data zone operates at higher error correction that ensures decoding reliability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between image quality and decoding accuracy.
4Reliability
If a single error correction level is used throughout the barcode, then decoding reliability is improved, but image visibility and visual appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different error correction levels in different zones of the barcode. The first zone with the embedded image uses a lower error correction level that maintains image visibility and visual appeal, while the second zone uses a higher error correction level that ensures decoding accuracy. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between decoding reliability and image visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode is segmented into zones with different error correction characteristics. This segmentation allows the image-containing zone to prioritize visual appeal with lower error correction, while the data-only zone prioritizes decoding reliability with higher error correction, thus resolving the contradiction between the two requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A two dimensional barcode containing encoded information can be embedded with an image with a high visual quality. The encoded information within the barcode is meaningful to machines, while the image is meaningful to humans. The two dimensional barcode embedded with the image is designed such that machines can decode the information encoded within the two dimensional barcode even with the distortion from the image. The subject application describes various systems, methods and devices that can facilitate embedding the image within the two dimensional barcode, detecting the two dimensional barcode embedded with the image within a practical environment, and decoding the encoded information from the two dimensional barcode even with the distortion from the image.