Barcode Embedding in Logos via Printer Gamut Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding QR codes into logos, such as the naive approach, fail to ensure sufficient symbol contrast and image quality, often resulting in brightness reversal, making the barcode less readable.
Innovation Solution
A method that divides the printer gamut into three reflectance regions using a reflectance threshold and minimum symbol contrast, generating a virtual gamut and mapping it to the original logo image to produce a target logo with embedded QR codes, ensuring symbol contrast and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a naive approach is used to combine logo with barcode, then the barcode is embedded in the logo, but the symbol contrast cannot be ensured and readability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting color parameters within the printer gamut. It divides the gamut into reflectance regions and selects color combinations that satisfy minimum symbol contrast requirements, thereby ensuring barcode readability while maintaining logo aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of the barcode with different color selection criteria. It identifies bright and dark regions separately and assigns appropriate colors from the logo that maintain the required contrast in each local region, rather than applying a uniform color mapping.
2Ease of manufacture
If a naive approach is used to combine logo with barcode, then the barcode is embedded in the logo, but image quality particularly color saturation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies color parameters within the printer gamut to find optimal color mappings. It generates multiple candidate color schemes and evaluates them based on both image quality metrics (color saturation, brightness) and barcode readability, selecting the best compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by evaluating the quality of generated barcode-logo combinations and using this information to refine color selections. It checks whether the embedded barcode maintains sufficient contrast and whether the logo image quality is preserved, adjusting color parameters accordingly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a naive approach is used to combine logo with barcode, then the barcode is embedded in the logo, but brightness reversal occurs where brighter color becomes darker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling brightness parameters during color mapping. It divides the printer gamut into reflectance regions (bright, dark, and intermediate) and ensures that colors are mapped to maintain their relative brightness relationships, preventing brightness reversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing brightness reversal before it occurs. It establishes brightness preservation constraints in the color mapping process and selects color combinations that inherently avoid the reversal problem, rather than correcting it after the fact.
4Ease of operation
If QR code is printed as independent entity separated from other objects, then decoding is straightforward, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the barcode and logo into a single integrated image. It embeds the barcode pattern within the logo graphics such that they form a unified visual element that can be decoded as a barcode while also functioning as an aesthetically pleasing logo.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the combined image to serve different functions. Certain regions are optimized for barcode decoding (maintaining high contrast and geometric precision) while other regions maintain logo aesthetic qualities, creating a multi-functional integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for creating a barcode with an embedded logo considers a printer gamut and divides the printer gamut into multiple regions. A virtual printer gamut is then generated with the colors in bright and dark regions. A target logo image is generated by mapping the virtual gamut to the original logo image. A logo with embedded barcode is produced using the colors specified in the target logo image.