Hybrid Two-Dimensional Barcode Reader for Secure Dual-Format Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional barcodes lack the ability to securely transmit non-public data that can only be decoded by a specific reader, while maintaining compatibility with standard decoders and avoiding encryption methods that increase data size or require additional hardware/software.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid two-dimensional barcode is generated with a first data set encoded using a constellation encoder and formatted to resemble a standard barcode but not fully decodable by standard decoders, and a second data set encoded according to the standard, allowing a hybrid reader to recover both sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption methods are used to secure non-public data in barcodes, then data security is improved, but data size increases and additional hardware/software is required
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode data is segmented into two distinct sets: a first data set encoded in a non-standard format that resembles standard barcode structure but requires specific decoding algorithms, and a second data set encoded according to standard barcode specifications. This segmentation allows selective access where standard decoders can read the second data set while hybrid decoders with additional algorithms can access both data sets, providing security without encryption overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the decoding parameter by introducing a hybrid decoding approach that combines standard barcode decoding with additional constellation decoding algorithms. By modifying the decoding process rather than the data encoding, the system achieves security without increasing data size or requiring encryption hardware/software
2Reliability
If encryption methods are used to secure non-public data in barcodes, then data security is improved, but additional hardware/software is required
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode data is segmented into two distinct sets: a first data set encoded in a non-standard format that resembles standard barcode structure but requires specific decoding algorithms, and a second data set encoded according to standard barcode specifications. This segmentation allows selective access where standard decoders can read the second data set while hybrid decoders with additional algorithms can access both data sets, providing security without encryption overhead
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing complex encryption hardware or software, the invention uses a simpler approach: a hybrid decoder that incorporates additional decoding algorithms as optional software components. This avoids the need for specialized encryption hardware while still providing security through the non-standard encoding format of the first data set
3Reliability
If non-public data is encoded to be readable only by specific readers, then data security is improved, but compatibility with standard decoders deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode data is segmented into two distinct sets: a first data set encoded in a non-standard format that resembles standard barcode structure but requires specific decoding algorithms, and a second data set encoded according to standard barcode specifications. This segmentation allows selective access where standard decoders can read the second data set while hybrid decoders with additional algorithms can access both data sets, providing security without encryption overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid barcode system achieves multi-functionality by being readable by both standard decoders (which access the second data set) and hybrid decoders (which access both data sets). The first data set is encoded in a format that resembles standard barcodes, allowing it to be visually similar to standard codes while requiring additional decoding algorithms for full access, thus maintaining universal compatibility while providing restricted access capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A hybrid two-dimensional barcode reader decodes control features of the hybrid-two-dimensional barcode image, the control features corresponding to control features of a first formatting standard. The hybrid two-dimensional barcode reader extracts a data sequence from a data portion of the hybrid two-dimensional barcode image based on the decoded control features and a second data format different from a first data format of the first formatting standard to recover the first data set. The hybrid two-dimensional barcode reader may decode a second data set from the data portion of the two-dimensional barcode in the data encoding format of the first formatting standard. The hybrid two-dimensional barcode reader may also constellation decode the first data set.