Colored Barcode Subunits for Display and Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for color calibration of digital displays and image sensors often require separate calibration charts and user interaction, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes colored subunits in barcodes, such as QR codes, to perform color calibration by generating a look-up table (LUT) for displays or image sensors, allowing simultaneous decoding and calibration without additional user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate calibration charts are used for color calibration, then color accuracy can be achieved, but user interaction and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barcode information carrier with color calibration reference elements into a single integrated structure. The barcode contains both data-encoding subunits and color-subunits with known reference colors, eliminating the need for separate calibration charts. This integration allows the image sensor to perform both data decoding and color calibration simultaneously, reducing calibration time while maintaining color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an information carrier for data transmission and as a color calibration reference target. The color-subunits within the barcode provide known reference colors that enable the image sensor to calibrate its color response, making the barcode a multi-functional element that eliminates the need for separate calibration tools.
2Measurement precision
If separate calibration charts are used, then color calibration can be performed, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration reference elements are merged directly into the barcode structure as color-subunits. This integration means that no separate calibration chart needs to be physically present or manually positioned - the calibration information is embedded within the barcode itself, greatly simplifying the operation and eliminating the need for additional calibration tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode performs self-calibration by containing its own color reference information within its color-subunits. When the image sensor captures the barcode, it automatically extracts the reference colors from the color-subunits and uses them for calibration, without requiring external calibration charts or manual user intervention for the calibration process.
3Measurement precision
If color is added to barcode subunits for calibration, then color calibration reference is provided, but encoded information may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode is segmented into different types of subunits: data-encoding subunits that maintain their traditional appearance for information storage, and color-subunits that contain known reference colors for calibration. This segmentation allows the barcode to simultaneously preserve encoded information integrity in the data-subunits while providing accurate color calibration references in the color-subunits, without interference between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the barcode have different local qualities: data-subunits are designed for information encoding with specific visual characteristics, while color-subunits are designed with known reference colors for calibration purposes. This local differentiation ensures that color additions only affect the designated color-subunits and do not alter the encoded information in the data-subunits.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for performing color calibration using barcodes with colored subunits. The barcode can be decoded in a conventional way and the colors of the subunits can be used for color calibration.