Dot-Matrix Code Layout for Hidden Markers and Uniform Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 2D barcode technologies face challenges in information hiding and aesthetic integration into product surfaces, as they often have obvious markers and uneven coloring, making them separable, recognizable, and unsuitable for continuous large-area application.

Innovation Solution

A method for constructing and generating dot-matrix codes that utilize an N×N matrix with uniformly distributed information units, where information points represent different values based on their positions, and marker units signal identification information without obvious position detection patterns, allowing for aesthetically pleasing and hidden information representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 2D codes are printed directly on product packaging, then identification function is achieved, but the codes are separable from the product leading to replacement, loss or tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidcode-product integration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identification code with the product appearance pattern by using uniformly distributed dots that form both the code and an aesthetic pattern simultaneously. The code is not a separate element but integrated into the product's visual design, making it inseparable from the product itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dot-matrix code serves multiple functions: it provides identification information while simultaneously creating an aesthetic appearance pattern. The same visual elements that make the product look appealing also encode the identification data, eliminating the need for separate identification components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If 2D codes use obvious markers for fast scanning, then recognition speed is improved, but the information is not well hidden and appearance is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode recognition speedVSAvoidinformation exposure and appearance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific subsets of dots serve as markers for position detection, while the majority of dots contribute to the appearance pattern. This localized differentiation allows fast recognition without compromising overall aesthetic integration or information hiding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses variations in dot characteristics (such as presence/absence, size, or optical properties) to encode different information levels. Subtle variations in dot properties enable both aesthetic appearance and machine recognition without obvious visual markers that would compromise hiding or appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If 2D codes use large areas of continuous coloring, then information capacity is increased, but the coloring is unevenly distributed affecting appearance and making information hard to hide

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation capacityVSAvoidcoloring distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous coloring into discrete uniformly distributed dots arranged in a matrix pattern. This segmentation maintains high information capacity through the matrix structure while achieving uniform visual distribution that integrates seamlessly with product appearance and enables effective information hiding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If QR codes use position detection patterns for easy extraction, then scanning efficiency is improved, but the patterns are too obvious preventing effective information hiding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode extraction efficiencyVSAvoidinformation concealment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12223377B2Methods for constructing, generating, and reading dot-matrix code, dot-matrix code generating and reading terminals, and dot-matrix code system

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 SIIA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHANGHAI) CO LTD

AI summary

Methods for constructing, generating, and reading a dot-matrix code, dot-matrix code generating and reading terminals, and a dot-matrix code system. The method for constructing a dot-matrix code includes: constructing a plurality of information units arranged in an N×N matrix; configuring the plurality of information units as information unit modules and/or marker unit modules; storing, in each of the information unit modules, a value based on a relative position of the information point within the corresponding information unit module; signaling identification information of the dot-matrix code through an arrangement of a subset of the information points, wherein the subset of the information points are contained in the marker unit modules. The methods for constructing, generating, and reading a dot-matrix code, the dot-matrix code generating and reading terminals, and the dot-matrix code system of the present disclosure can provide uniformly distributed dot-matrix codes with information hiding features, satisfying practical needs.