Extended Matrix Code Information Density via Marker Concatenation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Two-dimensional barcodes have limited information density due to resolution limitations, restricting the amount of data that can be stored in a given space, which is problematic for applications with limited encoding space.

Innovation Solution

A method to increase information density by concatenating multiple matrix codes using positioning and location markers, allowing for the creation of an extended matrix code that can store a greater amount of data in a smaller space, utilizing a processing device to identify, align, and merge the codes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional two-dimensional barcodes are used, then the code structure is simple and easy to read, but the information density is limited due to resolution constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation densityVSAvoidcode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single matrix code into multiple smaller matrix codes (e.g., four 2x2 sub-matrices) that can be independently encoded and read. Each sub-matrix contains a portion of the total information, allowing the system to overcome the resolution limitations of individual codes while maintaining overall information density. The processing device segments the extended matrix code into multiple readable portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing multiple matrix codes within a single extended matrix code structure. The extended matrix code contains multiple embedded matrix codes that share the same encoding space, effectively nesting information layers within each other to increase the quantity of storable information without proportionally increasing the physical code size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple matrix codes are concatenated to increase information density, then more data can be stored in smaller space, but the complexity of identifying and aligning the codes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidcode alignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning location markers and positioning markers at known locations within the extended matrix code before the coding process begins. These markers are placed in advance to facilitate automatic detection and alignment during reading, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculation and reducing the difficulty of code alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses location markers and positioning markers as intermediary elements that mediate between the multiple matrix codes and the reading device. These markers serve as reference points that simplify the detection and alignment process, acting as intermediaries that translate the complex task of aligning multiple codes into a simpler process of identifying predefined marker positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the encoding space is limited, then the code size remains small, but the resolution and image quality of encoded data are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding spaceVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional code structure to a multi-dimensional extended matrix code that accommodates multiple matrix codes within the same physical space. By utilizing the dimensional capacity of the extended matrix structure, the system increases information density and image resolution without requiring additional physical space, effectively solving the contradiction between limited encoding area and required resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20170061270A1Interpreting a matrix code with increased information density

Publication Date: 2017.03.02 MAPLEBEAR INC

AI summary

In an approach for interpreting a matrix code with increased information density, a processor identifies a first portion of an extended matrix code and a second portion of the extended matrix code, where each portion of the extended matrix code has a different combination of at least one positioning marker and at least one location marker. A processor locates at least one location marker of the first portion of the extended matrix code and at least one location marker of the second portion of the extended matrix code. A processor concatenates the first portion of the extended matrix code and the second portion of the extended matrix code based on at least one location marker of the first portion of the extended matrix code and at least one location marker of the second portion of the extended matrix code. A processor generates the extended matrix code.