Graphic QR Code with Nested Halftoned Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional two-dimensional barcodes, such as QR codes, lack anti-counterfeiting features and are not aesthetically pleasing, making them susceptible to misuse and misappropriation.

Innovation Solution

A graphic two-dimensional barcode is created using two layers of QR codes combined with a picture through a halftoning technique, where the first layer's information is readable and the second layer's information is hidden and only accessible by inputting a key through a decryption program, enhancing anti-counterfeiting and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional two-dimensional barcodes are used for information delivery, then information can be rapidly provided to users, but the barcodes lack anti-counterfeiting features and are susceptible to misuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation delivery speedVSAvoidanti-counterfeiting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds a second two-dimensional barcode within the first barcode structure, creating a nested configuration where the second barcode contains hidden anti-counterfeiting information that is not immediately visible. This nested structure allows the barcode to maintain rapid information delivery while incorporating security features that prevent counterfeiting and misuse

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If traditional two-dimensional barcodes are used, then they can store and display information efficiently, but they are not aesthetically pleasing and lack pattern variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation storage efficiencyVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges a picture or graphic element with the two-dimensional barcode structure, creating a combined visual composition that maintains the barcode's information storage capability while adding aesthetic appeal through the integrated picture. This merging allows the barcode to serve both functional and visual purposes simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If a halftoning technique by error diffusion is used to combine barcodes with pictures, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the complexity of the barcode structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidbarcode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies halftoning technique by error diffusion selectively to specific regions of the barcode structure, particularly to areas where picture integration is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire barcode. This localized application maintains aesthetic appeal while minimizing overall structural complexity and preserving the functional integrity of the barcode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If hidden information is embedded in the second layer of barcode, then anti-counterfeiting features are strengthened, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-counterfeiting featureVSAvoidinformation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a decryption program that performs preliminary actions to locate and decode the hidden information in the second barcode layer. The program pre-establishes the mathematical relationships and key mechanisms needed to reveal the hidden information, making the detection process systematic rather than requiring complex ad-hoc analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively prevents illegal use and misappropriation while providing an aesthetically pleasing interface for information dissemination, as the hidden information can only be obtained with the correct key, thereby strengthening anti-counterfeiting features.

Implementation Method 1

combining, utilizing a halftoning technique by error diffusion, the first two-dimensional barcode and the second two-dimensional barcode with the picture to form a graphic two-dimensional barcode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHalftoning technique by error diffusion:

Data Source

PatentUS10621482B2Graphic two-dimensional barcode and creating method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method of creating a graphic Quick Response (QR) code includes a picture and first and second two-dimensional barcodes combined through a halftoning technique. The graphic QR code includes a plurality of module units, each having a plurality of sub-modules. Information dots containing first information for the first two-dimensional barcode are provided, and each of the information dots of the first two-dimensional barcode is located at a central sub-module of each of the module units. The first information is readable by a scanning device. Information dots containing second information for the second two-dimensional barcode are provided, and each of the information dots of the second two-dimensional barcode is located at one of the other sub-modules. A position of each of the information dots of the second two-dimensional barcode is capable of being located by inputting a key through a decryption program for obtaining the second information.