Color Barcode Encoding via Closed-Loop Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limitations in hardware factors, such as color rendering and detection characteristics of printers and scanners, result in reduced data capacity and readability of color barcodes, as the same digital color data can produce different printed and scanned colors due to varying hardware configurations.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to determine the optimum color gradation levels for a closed loop system by generating a test pattern, scanning it, and comparing the detected data with input data to establish reliable gradation levels, thereby maximizing data capacity and readability of color gradation barcodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If color gradation barcodes use high-bit depth color data (e.g., 8-bit per color) to increase data capacity, then the data capacity is improved, but the readability and measurement accuracy deteriorate due to hardware limitations in printer and scanner color reproduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata capacityVSAvoidcolor measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the color barcode from using absolute color values (RGB/CMYK) to using relative color difference values. By measuring the actual printed colors and calculating deviation from expected values, the system can encode data in the differential color space, effectively utilizing the full dynamic range of the hardware while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional optical detection system with a computational approach. Instead of relying on the scanner to directly read color values, the system uses a camera to capture the barcode and computational algorithms to decode the color difference patterns, substituting mechanical/optical precision requirements with computational processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different printers and scanners with varying color characteristics are used, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the reliability and consistency of color reproduction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware compatibilityVSAvoidcolor consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system measures the actual printed barcode colors using a scanner or camera, compares them to the expected colors, and uses this feedback to decode the data. This closed-loop approach compensates for variations in printer and scanner characteristics, enabling reliable operation across different hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal color barcode system that can operate with any printer-scanner combination by encoding data in relative color differences rather than absolute color values. This universal approach allows the same barcode generation and decoding methodology to work across diverse hardware platforms without requiring hardware-specific calibration or configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If color barcodes are printed on different recording mediums with varying characteristics, then the versatility is improved, but the manufacturing precision and color accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedium compatibilityVSAvoidcolor reproduction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the encoding parameter from absolute color values to relative color differences. By measuring the actual printed colors on the specific medium and encoding data in the differential space, the system adapts to the medium's characteristics while maintaining precise data representation regardless of the recording medium used.

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

This method allows for reliable printing and scanning of color barcodes with increased data capacity by identifying and using the specific color capabilities of the printer-scanner combination, ensuring consistent and accurate color representation across different hardware systems.

Implementation Method 1

A color scanner or detector typically uses a set of color filters (e.g. RGB filters) to detect the color of the received light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor filter detection: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS8550350B2Color barcode with enhanced capacity and readability for a closed loop system

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 KONICA MINOLTA SYSTEMS LABORATORY INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for determining optimum color gradation levels used by a color gradation barcode in a system including a rendering device for rendering the barcode and a detector for detecting the barcode. The method includes: (a) obtaining input color gradation data; (b) rendering, by using the rendering device, a test pattern based on the input color gradation data, the test pattern comprising at least one color gradation pattern; (c) detecting, by using the detector, the rendered test pattern to generate detected color gradation data; (d) based on the detected color gradation data and the input color gradation data, determining a plurality of optimum color gradation levels to be used for a color gradation barcode; and (e) storing the plurality of optimum color gradation levels.