Invisible Coding Pattern Using Differential Pairs for Robust Surface Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional barcodes and data matrices are not robust enough, as they are easily degraded by substrate asperities and print quality issues, making them unreliable for identification and information encoding.
Innovation Solution
A coding pattern using differential pairs of elements with varying parameter values, which are arranged in multiple representations to create a pattern that is invisible to the naked eye but detectable by a suitable system, eliminating the need for specific detection zones and enhancing robustness through repetition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-dimensional barcodes or data matrices are used, then digital information can be encoded on the surface, but the pattern is easily degraded by substrate asperities and print quality issues, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The identification pattern is divided into multiple symbols arranged in a grid, where each symbol represents a portion of the digital information. This segmentation allows the system to tolerate damage or degradation in individual symbols while maintaining overall readability through error correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses symbols with varying parameters (such as different arrangements of dark and light elements) to encode information. By changing these parameters systematically across multiple symbols, the pattern maintains robustness against print quality variations and substrate irregularities
2Ease of operation
If visible identification patterns and detection zones are marked on the article, then the pattern can be detected and read, but the marking distorts the general appearance of the article
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functionality is merged into the identification pattern itself through the use of distinctive symbol arrangements and relationships. The pattern includes inherent detection features (such as specific symbol configurations at edges or corners) that eliminate the need for separate detection zones, thereby preserving the article's appearance while maintaining detectability
3Reliability
If a data matrix is provided with error correction mechanisms, then some pixel degradation can be tolerated, but the pattern remains insufficiently robust when more than six pixels are destroyed in a 16x16 pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern is segmented into multiple symbols that can be independently decoded. This segmentation combined with distributed information encoding allows the system to tolerate a higher percentage of damaged elements compared to traditional pixel-based matrices, achieving better robustness without proportionally increasing overall pattern size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs redundant encoding where information is distributed across multiple symbols with overlapping or complementary data representations. This copying strategy ensures that even if some symbols are damaged, the original information can be reconstructed from remaining intact symbols
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pattern for encoding digital information on a surface, including a specific arrangement (P1) of a plurality of symbols belonging to a set of symbols (ENS1), wherein each symbol in the arranges is intended for encoding a portion of said digital information, characterized in that each symbol consists of at least one differential pair of elements (E1, E2) arranged in a specific manner, each element being characterized by a parameter, the parameter of the first element of each differential pair having a first value and the parameter of the second element of each differential pair having a second value that is different from the first value.