Graphical Element Encoding via Luminance Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding machine-readable information in printed articles often alter the original content, cover surface area, or are limited to specific image types, making it difficult to select appropriate algorithms and are not applicable to both color and black and white images, and can be complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
An encoding algorithm that encodes information into a graphical element by varying color space values of adjacent segments within the element, allowing the encoded information to be imperceptible to the human eye while being readable by machines, without altering the image or using additional surface area, by partitioning the element into segments and combining it with the original image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If machine-readable information is embedded by altering document content or using surface area, then information can be hidden or perceived, but the original document content is altered or surface area is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the embedding dimension from spatial (surface area) to color space (luminance, chrominance, hue). By encoding information in the color attributes of existing pixels rather than adding new elements, the method embeds data without consuming additional surface area while maintaining visual imperceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different color space modifications to different segments of the graphical element. By varying luminance, chrominance, or hue values in specific regions according to an encoding scheme, information is embedded locally within the existing image structure without altering the overall document layout or consuming extra space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional embedding methods are used, then machine-readable information can be encoded, but the methods are limited to specific image types and not applicable to both color and black and white images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal embedding method that works across different image types by providing multiple encoding pathways. The system can operate in luminance mode for grayscale images, chrominance mode for color images, or hue mode for various image types, making the embedding technique universally applicable while maintaining reliability through algorithm selection based on image characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the embedding algorithm based on the image type. By detecting whether an image is color or grayscale and selecting appropriate color space parameters (luminance for grayscale, chrominance or hue for color), the method adapts to different image types while maintaining consistent embedding reliability across all formats.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing embedding algorithms are selected for specific image types, then encoding can be performed, but it becomes difficult to select appropriate algorithms for different images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic algorithm selection. The embedding system automatically detects the image type and selects the appropriate encoding algorithm without requiring user intervention. This simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining versatility across different image types, as the system serves itself by making intelligent algorithm selection based on image characteristics.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
In an example, a processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to receive an image, a graphical element, and embedding information. The processor further encodes a binary value representing the embedding information into the graphical element. The zeros and ones from the binary value are distinguished in the graphical element by a difference in luminance values applied to segments of the graphical element. The processor further combines the encoded graphical element with the image without altering the image.