Dynamic Two-Dimensional Barcode Embedding for Secret Information
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional barcode techniques fail to effectively conceal and read secret information due to predictable key patterns, complex encoding processes, and increased barcode size, leading to doubts about information concealment and decoding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a two-dimensional barcode that replaces parts of the data block with a second data codeword, using an error correction codeword to recover the original data and extract concealed information, with options for header and placement information to enhance concealment and readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key information is placed in fixed positions on the code graphics using overwriting operations, then decryption key information can be concealed, but fixed parts can be found by overlapping multiple samples and the encoding process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the placement positions of key information variable rather than fixed. The key information is placed at positions determined by the data itself (e.g., based on data patterns or hash values), so that the same key information will appear at different positions in different barcodes. This prevents attackers from finding fixed parts by overlapping multiple samples, while avoiding complicated predetermined overwriting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-defining placement rules based on data characteristics before generating the barcode. The system calculates where key information should be placed based on the data content, then embeds it accordingly. This preliminary determination simplifies the encoding process compared to trial-and-error overwriting, while ensuring reliable concealment through consistent yet variable placement.
2Reliability
If deformed cells or black and white patterns are generated to indicate decryption key information, then key information can be concealed, but the code generation system requires identical patterns at identical places which raises doubts about concealment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the barcode have different properties. Instead of using uniform deformed cells or patterns throughout, the key information is embedded in specific local regions determined by data characteristics. The appearance and position of key information elements vary locally based on the data, creating natural variations that prevent suspicious identical patterns while maintaining reliable concealment.
3Ease of manufacture
If replacement positions are predetermined on the graphic pattern, then key information can be overwritten, but fixed parts can be found by overlapping multiple samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making replacement positions dynamic rather than predetermined. The positions where key information is placed are determined by the data content itself (e.g., through hashing or pattern matching), so they vary from barcode to barcode even when the same key information is used. This maintains encoding ease through systematic determination while eliminating fixed parts that could be found by overlapping samples.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating two-dimensional barcode, including: obtaining a data block including a first data codeword and an error correction codeword, the first data codeword having first information, the error correction codeword being capable of detecting and correcting an error of the first data codeword; and obtaining a replaced data block in which a part of the data block is replaced with a second data codeword, the second data codeword having second information; and generating a two-dimensional barcode based on the replaced data block. A method for reading a two-dimensional barcode including: reading a two-dimensional barcode; extracting a second data codeword from a predetermined position in a replaced data block; obtaining the second information from the extracted second data codeword; obtaining the first data codeword based on the replaced data block; and obtaining the first information from the obtained first data codeword.