Imperfect Surface Patterns for Reliable Optical Data Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine-readable optical codes, such as barcodes and digital watermarks, struggle to effectively convey data to computers while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance and fail to communicate desired emotional or cultural framing, are difficult to scan under varied conditions, and are challenging to detect on curved or moving objects.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces 'imperfect patterns' that encode data by varying graphical elements with continuous transformations, using machine learning models for encoding and decoding, allowing data to be reliably extracted from images despite distortions and partial visibility, and can be applied to various surfaces including curved objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing data encoding schemes like barcodes and digital watermarks are used, then data can be conveyed to computers, but the aesthetic appeal and emotional framing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data encoding functionality with aesthetic graphic design elements by integrating machine-readable patterns into visually appealing artwork. The system combines traditional barcode reliability with artistic styling options, allowing the same visual design to serve both aesthetic and data encoding purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates optical codes that serve multiple functions: they maintain computer readability for data encoding while also providing aesthetic appeal for human viewers. The codes can be styled with different colors, fonts, and layouts to match various emotional framings, making them universally applicable across different contexts without sacrificing either reliability or aesthetics.
2Area of stationary object
If existing codes are made as small as possible for most applications, then space is saved, but scanning difficulty increases under varied conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scaling capabilities where the code size can adapt to scanning conditions. The system adjusts the size of graphical elements and spacing based on distance, lighting, and angle of capture, ensuring optimal scanability whether the object is close or far from the camera. This dynamic adjustment maintains both compactness and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the code such as line thickness, element size, and spacing to optimize for different scanning conditions. By varying these parameters dynamically, the code maintains high detectability across diverse conditions while minimizing the overall area occupied on the product surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital watermarks are embedded in raster images, then artistic expression is freed, but visual artifacts similar to JPEG artifacts appear which are not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data encoding information from the visible graphical elements by using subtle variations in existing design elements rather than adding separate watermark layers. The encoding is embedded within the normal artistic expression through variations in stroke width, spacing, and positioning that are imperceptible to human viewers but detectable by machine reading algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediary encoding layer that translates artistic design elements into machine-readable data without creating visible artifacts. This intermediary layer processes the graphical design to embed data information subtly within the existing visual structure, maintaining aesthetic quality while enabling data conveyance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing codes are used on arbitrarily curved objects, then object coverage is achieved, but detection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifically addresses curved surfaces by designing optical codes that can be applied to spherical and curved geometries. The code structure incorporates curvature compensation techniques that maintain pattern integrity and machine readability even when wrapped around three-dimensional objects, ensuring reliable detection regardless of surface shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional flat code application to three-dimensional curved surface adaptation. By incorporating depth and curvature as additional dimensions in the code design, the system maintains detection reliability on arbitrarily shaped objects while achieving comprehensive surface coverage and integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include ascribing a predetermined data record to a physical surface in the form of an imperfect aesthetic pattern of marks. An image showing a portion of the surface, when processed with a decoder, yields the predetermined, verified data record.