Color-Layered Information Code for Reader-Compatible Data Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information codes are not sufficiently convenient for recording multiple types of information and may not be compatible with all reading devices, particularly those that do not support color output.

Innovation Solution

The information code incorporates a format that includes a hash value and uses an arrangement of colors or patterns to record additional information, ensuring compatibility with both monochrome and color output devices, and employs blockchain technology for secure record-keeping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If color information is added to record additional data in information codes, then the quantity of information that can be recorded increases, but compatibility with monochrome reading devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation recording capacityVSAvoidreader device compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The information code is segmented into multiple layers: a first layer containing basic information readable by all devices (monochrome barcode reader and color camera), and a second layer containing additional information readable only by color cameras. This segmentation allows each reader type to access appropriate information without conflict

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts color information into monochrome-equivalent representations. The color camera captures color data, which is then processed to generate monochrome images that can be interpreted by traditional barcode readers, effectively mediating between color and monochrome reading capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If variable-length information is recorded directly in the information code, then the information content increases, but the code length and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation contentVSAvoidcode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms variable-length information into fixed-length hash values. Instead of recording the actual content of additional information (which varies in length), the system applies a hash function to convert it into a fixed-length parameter, maintaining information integrity while ensuring uniform code structure and predictable length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4167124B1Information code, information code print medium, information code generation device, information code generation program, and information code generation method

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 DENSO CORP

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AI summary

An information code (Cd2) records information read by a barcode reader and a code scanner. The information code (Cd2) includes a plurality of bars (Br) and a plurality of spaces (Sp), and the plurality of bars (Br) and the plurality of spaces (Sp) provide a barcode (Cd1) that records an item information recognized by the barcode reader. In addition, the plurality of bars (Br) and the plurality of spaces (Sp) record a tracking information recognized by the code scanner according to an arrangement of a plurality of colors defined so as not to change a discrimination by the barcode reader. The tracking information is recorded in a format including a hash value.