Color Barcode Biometric Data Encoding via Sub-Pixel Diffraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of electronic chips in security documents for storing biometric data is costly and tedious, and existing two-dimensional barcodes lack the capacity to securely and efficiently encode a large quantity of data.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing a two-dimensional color barcode using an arrangement of colored basic structural elements, where each pixel comprises sub-pixels of different colors, formed by modifying the support through techniques like opacification or ablation to encode information, allowing high data density and secure storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If electronic chips are used to store biometric data in security documents, then data storage capacity and security are improved, but production cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electronic chip storage with a optical copy/representation of biometric data encoded in a two-dimensional color barcode. The barcode encodes biometric reference characteristics as visual patterns that can be read and processed without requiring physical electronic storage devices, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining data storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/electronic system of chip-based data storage with an optical system using color barcodes. By encoding biometric data in colored patterns visible to the human eye and readable by optical sensors, the system eliminates the need for electronic chips, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional black and white two-dimensional barcodes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but data density and storage capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddata density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces color as an additional encoding dimension in the barcode system. By using multiple colors (typically red, green, blue sub-pixels) in addition to black and white, the system can encode significantly more information per unit area. Each pixel's color composition provides additional data bits without increasing the physical size of the barcode, thereby achieving high data density while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Quantity of substance

If data is stored in a compact format to increase data density, then storage capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata densityVSAvoidbarcode formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color as an additional parameter for data encoding alongside position and pattern. By varying the color composition of pixels (using red, green, blue sub-pixels in different proportions), the system can encode multiple states in a single pixel location, increasing data density without requiring smaller or more numerous elements, thus avoiding increased manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The color barcode enables secure and efficient storage of biometric data, achieving a data density of at least 4 bytes per square millimeter, supporting reliable authentication with reduced production costs and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

each pixel comprising at least two sub-pixels of different colors, the color being formed by a light diffraction device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

modifying the support at least a portion of at least one sub-pixel of at least one pixel of the matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4234263B1Method for manufacturing a two-dimensional coloured bar code and associated security device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 IN SMART IDENTITY FRANCE
  • EP4234263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4234263B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4234263B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention essentially relates to a method for manufacturing a two-dimensional color barcode comprising an arrangement of colored basic structural elements encoding at least one piece of information, said manufacturing method comprising the following steps: - determination (E304), by data processing means, of a set of colored basic structural elements corresponding to said at least one piece of information, at least one structural element of the set comprising a pattern, and - formation (E308) of said at least one structural element of the set on a support, in order to create the arrangement, in which: - the support comprises a matrix comprising a plurality of pixels (226), each pixel (226) comprising at least two sub-pixels (228) of different colors,the color being formed by a light diffraction device and - the formation of said at least one colored basic structural element comprises a modification of the medium at the level of at least a part of at least one sub-pixel of at least one pixel of the matrix, said modification enabling the color and pattern of said at least one basic structural element to be obtained.