2D Image Code Block Pixel Arrangement for Positional Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information coding methods for optical recording face challenges in accurately representing and decoding information due to positional deviations between pixels of the recording medium and imaging devices, leading to difficulties in separating code blocks and efficiently decoding information.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an information coding apparatus and method that arranges pixels representing information bits in a code area within a code block, separated by a guide area, allowing for reliable separation of code blocks and efficient decoding by determining the size and position of pixels based on the code area, and using a decoding apparatus to estimate the code pattern from photographed images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If information is represented as a binary image with one bit per pixel, then the maximum information capacity is achieved, but positional deviation between recording medium pixels and imaging device pixels causes decoding errors
Solution Approach 1:
The code block is segmented into multiple pixels (e.g., 3x3=9 pixels) that collectively represent a smaller number of information bits (e.g., 4 bits). This segmentation allows the system to tolerate positional deviations because the information is distributed across multiple pixels rather than relying on precise one-to-one pixel alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the code block. The code area contains pixels that represent information bits, while the guide area contains pixels with predetermined values that assist in alignment and decoding. This local differentiation improves robustness against positional deviations.
2Quantity of substance
If code blocks are arranged closely to maximize information density, then storage efficiency improves, but separation between code blocks becomes difficult due to positional deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide area acts as an intermediary element between adjacent code blocks. It contains pixels with predetermined values that serve as reference markers, making it easier to identify and separate code blocks even when they are arranged closely together, thus maintaining high information density while facilitating separation.
3Reliability
If a coding method uses 4x4 pixels to represent 2 bits (as in Patent Document #1), then positional deviation robustness improves, but the coding rate decreases to 1/8 reducing information capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the code block structure, using configurations like 3x3 pixels representing 4 bits (coding rate 4/9) or other optimized ratios. This improves upon the 4x4 pixels for 2 bits approach by achieving better coding rates while maintaining robustness through the guide area and optimized pixel arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
An information coding apparatus, an information decoding apparatus, and a method and a program therefor are provided, which can represent a large amount of information with a small number of pixels. Information bits which are inputted are coded as a block of a two-dimensional image made up from m (where m is a natural number)×n (where n is a natural number) pixels. Specifically, pixels which represent the information bits are arranged in a code area, which is an area of (m−o)×(n−p) pixels within a code block of m×n pixels (where o and p are natural numbers which satisfy 0<o<m and 0<p<n); and, no pixels which represent the information bits are arranged in a guide area, which is an area of the other pixels within the code block of m×n pixels.