Information Code Integrating Image Region for Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information codes, such as two-dimensional codes, primarily utilize cell arrangements for data storage and do not effectively utilize images within the code region for analysis or application beyond presentation, limiting their usability and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An information code system that integrates an image region within the code area, allowing both data recorded by cells and images to be interpreted and utilized by applications, with a reader capable of processing and recognizing images in the image region for authentication and other purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only cell arrangements are used for data storage in information codes, then the data storage function is reliable, but the usability and functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidcode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data storage function (cell arrangements) with the presentation function (image region) into a single integrated code structure. The image region is embedded within the code area alongside the data recording region, allowing both functions to coexist in one information code without requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The information code is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it stores data through cell arrangements and provides visual presentation through the image region. The reader device is also made universal by capable of both reading cell data and processing images, enabling the system to handle diverse application requirements from a single code structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If design regions are used for presentation only, then the visual appeal is improved, but the functionality for analysis and reading is not enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidreading process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the design region with the image region to create a unified structure that serves both presentation and functional purposes. The image region can contain various types of content including designs, logos, or authentication images, all of which can be processed by the reader device for enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If images are added to the code region, then the application flexibility is improved, but the reading and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The code area is segmented into distinct functional regions: the data recording region for storing information through cell arrangements and the image region for containing images. This segmentation allows the reader device to process different regions using appropriate methods, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining application flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2937818B1Information code, information code generation method, information code reader device, and information code usage system
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 DENSO WAVE INC
  • EP2937818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2937818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2937818B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided a two-dimensional information code (100), a producing apparatus (2) which produces this information code, an information code reader (10) which reads the information code, and a system which uses the information code. The information code is provided with various regions arranged thereon. The regions include specification pattern regions including position detection patterns (104), a data recording region, error-correction-code recording regions, and an image region (121) in which an image is formed. The image in the image region is different from cell images. The reader (10) includes an image processing section (40) which recognizes the image formed in the image region in a captured image (a code image) of the information code (100), by a method different from a data interpretation process performed by a data-recording region reading section (40).