Image Code Direction Detection Without Finder Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image codes require overhead patterns for direction detection, which can be inefficient due to increased size and decreased information capacity, and are prone to errors if these patterns are damaged or lost.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for generating and decoding image codes without or with minimal overhead patterns by using error correction techniques, where basic information and error correction information are encoded and disposed in predetermined regions, allowing for direction detection and decoding in various orientations, and selecting the result with the least number of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If overhead patterns (finder patterns, guard patterns) are added to image codes for direction detection, then direction detection capability is improved, but code ratio (information capacity) is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction detection function from separate overhead patterns and integrates it into the error correction code structure itself. By using the error correction code's ability to detect and correct errors in different reading directions, the system achieves direction detection without requiring additional finder patterns or guard patterns, thus maintaining high code ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The error correction code serves multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects reading errors, detects the reading direction, and maintains compact code structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated direction detection patterns, resolving the contradiction between direction detection capability and information capacity.
2Measurement precision
If overhead patterns are used for direction detection, then direction recognition is enabled, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex overhead patterns by extracting direction detection capability from the error correction mechanism. The decoder attempts to read the code in multiple directions and uses error correction results to identify the correct orientation, simplifying the overall code structure while maintaining direction recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The error correction code performs self-service by automatically detecting reading direction through its error detection and correction process. The system tries different reading directions and identifies the correct one based on which direction produces correctable errors, eliminating the need for external direction indicators.
3Loss of information
If small dot patterns are used to minimize overhead, then code ratio is improved, but reliability of direction detection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts direction detection from visual patterns and implements it through error correction analysis. Instead of relying on small dot patterns that may be damaged or lost, the system uses the error correction code to detect direction by analyzing which reading direction produces errors that can be successfully corrected.
Solution Approach 2:
The error correction code provides beforehand cushioning by preparing the system to handle potential reading errors in any direction. The redundant error correction information acts as a buffer that allows the system to tolerate damage or loss of small patterns while still reliably detecting the correct reading direction through error analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for generating and decoding an image code without a direction finder pattern are provided. In the method of generating an image code, a two-dimensional image is generated by encoding the configured basic information and the error correction information, and disposing the encoded basic and error correction information in predetermined regions, respectively. It is determined whether the two-dimensional image can be decoded for directions which are different from a basic direction of the two-dimensional image, respectively, and the two-dimensional image is output as a physical or electronic image code when a result from decoding for the directions which are different from the basic direction of the two-dimensional image is the same as a decoding result for the basic direction, or when decoding cannot be performed for a direction which is different from the basic direction. In the method of decoding an image code, a physically or electronically represented image code is received as an input, and a decoding result for a direction for which the decoding result has the least number of errors from among the results decoded for each direction is output. Accordingly, a direction of an image code can be detected without any overhead or with a minimal overhead.