Hybrid Image Storage With Pixel Recesses for Digital Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage methods on ceramic substrates are inefficient in encoding additional digital information alongside grey scale or color information, leading to wasted encoding potential.
Innovation Solution
A method of creating a plurality of recesses in a data carrier surface using a laser or focused particle beam, where each pixel has between zero and M recesses at a subset of N predetermined positions, allowing for both grey scale or color information and additional digital information to be encoded, with the subset of positions defining the digital information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If half tone technique is used to encode grey scale values by creating recesses in pixels, then grey scale information is stored, but additional digital information encoding potential is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is segmented into multiple predetermined positions arranged in a matrix pattern. Each position can independently contain a recess or not, allowing the spatial arrangement of recesses to encode additional digital information beyond the grey scale value. This segmentation transforms a single-function encoding system into a multi-functional one.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the encoding process. Instead of only varying the number of recesses to encode grey scale values, the positions of recesses within the pixel matrix are utilized to encode additional digital information. This transforms a one-dimensional encoding (number of recesses) into a two-dimensional encoding system (number and position of recesses).
2Loss of information
If multiple recess positions are used per pixel to encode additional information, then information storage capacity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined positions are arranged in an asymmetric matrix pattern rather than a symmetric distribution. This asymmetric arrangement allows for unique positioning of recesses that can encode digital information while being more tolerant to manufacturing variations. The asymmetric design creates distinct patterns that are easier to differentiate even with position tolerances.
3Ease of manufacture
If the same laser beam is used for each grey scale value, then manufacturing process is simplified, but additional information encoding capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser beam is designed to be multi-functional. It creates recesses at different predetermined positions within pixels, where both the number of recesses and their spatial positions serve encoding purposes. The same manufacturing tool (laser beam) thus performs dual functions: controlling grey scale through recess count and encoding digital information through recess positioning.
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
Enables the concurrent storage of high-resolution grey scale or color images with additional digital data, such as text, audio, or video information, without requiring additional processing for decoding.
Implementation Method 1
creating a plurality of recesses in a surface of the data carrier by using a laser and/or a focused particle beam
Implementation Method 2
encoding information by ablating or otherwise manipulating the coating by means of a laser beam and/or a focused particle beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of concurrently storing visible grey scale or color information of an image and additional digital information on a data carrier.