Decorative Label Encoding for Reliable Hidden Data Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for embedding information in decorative labels are limited in flexibility, reliability, and scalability, often requiring significant visual alteration and are not suitable for mass production, while also restricting creative freedom.

Innovation Solution

An encoder-decoder system optimized through an iterative process using machine learning to embed information in decorative labels, allowing for flexible and reliable encoding and decoding with minimal visual impact, while being adaptable to different label sizes and complexities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If information is embedded in a decorative label using existing methods, then the label can be scanned or read, but the visual appearance of the label is significantly altered and creativity is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding reliabilityVSAvoidvisual appearance preservation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the decorative elements of the label in controlled ways that encode information while preserving the overall visual appearance. The system adjusts parameters such as position, size, color, or shape of decorative features to embed data without creating obvious visual distortions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable decoding and visual preservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs local quality by making targeted modifications to specific regions or features of the label rather than altering the entire label uniformly. Information is embedded in localized decorative elements, allowing the rest of the label to maintain its original aesthetic quality, thus balancing decoding reliability with visual appearance preservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If existing embedding methods are used, then information can be embedded in the label, but the methods are not suitable for mass production and are costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation embedding reliabilityVSAvoidmass production suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual information embedding processes with an automated computational system. The encoder-decoder framework uses algorithms to automatically embed and retrieve information, eliminating the need for manual intervention in each labeling process, thus enabling mass production while maintaining high decoding reliability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated encoding and decoding operations. The label embedding process is self-contained, requiring no external specialized equipment or manual operations during production, which significantly improves productivity and suitability for mass production while preserving reliable information embedding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible label designs are created, then creative freedom is increased, but the ability to reliably embed codes in the label is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel design flexibilityVSAvoidcode embedding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a flexible encoder-decoder system that can adapt to various label designs while maintaining reliable code embedding. The system is designed to work with different decorative styles, formats, and complexities, allowing creative freedom in label design without compromising the fundamental reliability of information embedding through its universal encoding mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4147191B1Method for embedding information in a decorative label
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 LEGO AS
  • EP4147191B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4147191B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4147191B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for creating an encoder-decoder system for embedding information in a decorative label, the method comprising: defining a family of encoder functions and a family of decoder functions, each encoder function configured to encode information as a respective modification of a decorative label, each decoder function configured to decode an image of a modified decorative label into respective decoded information; applying an iterative optimization process to determine an optimized encoder-decoder pair comprising an optimized encoder function and an optimized decoder function, the optimized encoder function selected by the iterative optimization process, the iterative optimization process being configured to determine the optimized encoder-decoder pair so as to at least approximately optimize a detection reliability of the optimized decoder function when decoding images of decorative labels that have been modified using the optimized encoder function.