Layered 2D Code Stacking for Data Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional codes have limited data capacity, making it difficult to store large amounts of information such as long text or images, and increasing the number of colors does not significantly enhance data capacity due to the additive nature of color-based data retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A layered two-dimensional code system is developed by stacking multiple code layers with specific colors, where each layer contains information cells arranged in a matrix, and using additive color mixing and conversion algorithms to create a surface-layer information cell that can represent multiple layers as a single color, thereby increasing data capacity without expanding the code's physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the number of colors in a two-dimensional code is increased to enhance data capacity, then the data capacity increases slightly, but the complexity of color judgment and data retrieval increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The code is divided into multiple layers, with each layer containing a subset of the total information. Each layer uses a limited color palette (black and white), avoiding the complexity of judging multiple colors while still achieving high data capacity through layered information stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional layered structure. By adding the Z-axis dimension (layers), the system achieves significantly higher data capacity without increasing the horizontal area, and each layer maintains simple binary color judgment
2Loss of information
If the area of the two-dimensional code is increased to store more information, then the data capacity increases, but the code size becomes larger and harder to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/layers) to store additional information. Multiple code layers are stacked vertically, each containing valid data, allowing the system to achieve high data capacity within a compact two-dimensional footprint that remains easily recognizable
3Loss of information
If multiple code layers are stacked to increase data capacity, then the data capacity increases significantly, but the complexity of reading and retrieving data from multiple layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total information is segmented across multiple layers, with each layer containing a portion of the data. The reading system can selectively access individual layers or combine them, making data retrieval flexible and manageable despite the multi-layer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The layered code structure includes self-identifying features that allow the reading system to automatically detect and process the appropriate layers. The system can independently identify and retrieve data from each layer without requiring complex external coordination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances data capacity, allowing for up to eight times more data in the same area compared to conventional codes, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of large information sets using existing two-dimensional coding methods and simple numerical computations.
Implementation Method 1
When the information cells of the plurality of code layers are present and superposed one upon another at a position thereof corresponding to the surface-layer information cell, a color of the surface-layer information cell is obtained by executing an additive color mixture of colors of the code layers where the superposed information cells are present
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a′, 1a″, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer. When the information cells (1a′ and 1a″) of the code layers 1 and 2 are superposed.