Imperfect Surface Patterns for Reliable Scanning and Aesthetic Data Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data encoding schemes, such as barcodes and QR codes, are not effective in communicating emotional or cultural framing to humans and are difficult to scan in various conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces additional variation in graphic designs to encode data records, creating imperfect patterns that can be rendered with continuous variations, allowing for robust encoding and decoding of data despite environmental distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing data encoding schemes like barcodes and QR codes are used, then data can be conveyed to computers, but the codes are difficult to scan under challenging conditions such as poor lighting, motion, or partial visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pattern adaptable to different conditions through continuous variations in mark properties. The encoder dynamically adjusts mark characteristics such as position, size, shape, and orientation based on encoding requirements, while the decoder can handle distorted patterns resulting from motion, poor lighting, or partial visibility. This dynamic adaptability allows reliable scanning under challenging conditions where static patterns would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying multiple mark parameters simultaneously including position, size, shape, orientation, and density. These parameter variations create patterns that are more robust to detection difficulties. The continuous parameter space allows for encoding redundancy and error correction capabilities, enabling reliable data retrieval even when parts of the pattern are obscured or distorted during scanning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing data encoding schemes are used, then data can be encoded, but the codes have a fixed aesthetic that is emotionally incompatible with desired cultural framing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a pattern system that simultaneously serves multiple functions: data encoding, aesthetic expression, and cultural framing. The same mark parameters that encode data (position, size, shape, orientation) also define the visual appearance and emotional tone. This multi-functionality allows the pattern to adapt to different cultural contexts and aesthetic requirements while maintaining reliable data encoding capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing continuous parameter variations in mark properties, the system can adjust the aesthetic characteristics of the pattern to match desired cultural framing. Different parameter configurations produce different visual styles and emotional impressions, allowing the same data encoding mechanism to be adapted to various cultural contexts without losing the encoded information.
3Area of stationary object
If codes are made as small as possible for most applications, then space is saved, but the codes become especially difficult to scan from devices such as smartphones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating patterns that can be scaled and adapted to different sizes while maintaining scanability. The continuous parameter space allows the pattern to be optimized for the specific scanning conditions and device being used. Larger patterns can be used for smartphone scanning with better focus and distance margins, while smaller patterns can be used for fixed scanners, with the mark properties dynamically adjusted accordingly.
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.