Image Encoding Device for Anti-Replication Discount Coupons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional two-dimensional codes used for discount coupons can be easily replicated by malicious third parties, leading to illegitimate discounts and unrestricted use, which undermines the intended profit margins for businesses.

Innovation Solution

An encoding device divides images into blocks and embeds data based on the difference in characteristic values of adjacent blocks, while a decoding device extracts and verifies the embedded data using use restriction information to ensure legitimate usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standardized two-dimensional codes are used for discount coupons, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to easy replication by third parties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidsecurity against falsification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The image is divided into multiple blocks, and data is embedded by modifying characteristics of adjacent blocks. This segmentation approach creates a distributed encoding scheme that is difficult to replicate while maintaining readability, directly addressing the security vulnerability of standardized two-dimensional codes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding method changes physical parameters of the image (characteristic values of adjacent blocks) to embed data. This parameter-based encoding creates unique, non-standardized codes that cannot be easily replicated by third parties, while still being readable by appropriate decoders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If unrestricted two-dimensional codes are issued, then productivity is improved through rapid processing, but loss of information worsens due to illegitimate multiple uses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprofit loss from multiple use

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Use restriction information is embedded in the image during the initial encoding process, before the coupon is used. This preliminary embedding of control data allows the system to track and limit usage automatically, preventing profit loss from multiple uses while maintaining fast processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where use restriction information is verified during decoding. This feedback loop ensures that coupons are only redeemed according to their intended usage limits, preventing illegitimate multiple uses while maintaining efficient processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7664291B2Encoding device, decoding device, and printed matter

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 FUJITSU LTD

AI summary

In an encoding device that creates an image in which data is embedded, an embedding unit divides an image into a plurality of blocks, and embeds data in the image based on a difference in value of characteristics of adjacent blocks; and a restriction information recording unit records use restriction information that restricts use of embedded data.