Data Embedding via Subtle Curve Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data embedding technologies, such as barcodes and digital watermarks, often compromise the appearance of printed products and confidentiality due to the need for large and clear patterns to prevent degradation from defocusing or camera shake, making them noticeable and affecting the appearance of printed products.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that embeds data by deforming line segments or curves based on a bit string, using weight vectors and encoding bases to create subtle displacements in the graphic patterns, allowing for data embedding that is difficult to visually recognize without spoiling the appearance of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If dot patterns or graphic patterns are superimposed on the object for data embedding, then data can be embedded in the object, but the patterns become noticeable and spoil the appearance of the printed product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of pattern size from large and clear to extremely small and subtle. By reducing the size of the embedded patterns to a level that is imperceptible to the human eye, the invention maintains data embedding capability while eliminating the visual impact that spoils appearance. The patterns are scaled down so minutely that they become invisible yet remain detectable by specialized reading devices.
2Reliability
If dot patterns are printed large and clear to prevent disappearance from images, then the digital watermark can be extracted, but the confidentiality and appearance are spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the size parameter of the embedded patterns from large to extremely small. This parameter change enables the patterns to remain reliable for data extraction through specialized reading methods while becoming imperceptible to human observers, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of visual noticeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying technology where the original object with embedded patterns is captured by a camera or scanner. The reading device reads the optical copy (image) of the object rather than requiring direct observation of the physical patterns. This allows the patterns to be extremely small and invisible to the naked eye while still being accurately captured and decoded from the optical image.
3Loss of information
If barcodes are printed on the printing medium, then data can be displayed, but the barcode is noticeable and may spoil the appearance of the printed product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing the size of barcode patterns to extremely small dimensions. The barcodes are embedded as minute patterns that are imperceptible to human observers, thereby maintaining data display capability while eliminating the visual impact that would spoil the appearance of the printed product.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a data embedding apparatus includes a data acquisition unit and an object generation unit. The data acquisition unit acquires first data formed from a first bit string to be embedded in a first object including a first line segment or a first curve. The object generation unit generates a second object, which includes a deformed line segment or a deformed curve having a displacement corresponding to the first bit string with respect to the first line segment or the first curve and in which the first data is embedded, by deforming at least one of the first line segment and the first curve of the first object based on the first bit string.