Metallic Graphic Code Image Fusion for Fraud Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine-readable graphic codes, such as barcodes, face challenges in maintaining readability and visual authenticity when combined with images, particularly in mobile payment systems, where fraud can occur due to swapped codes, and existing methods struggle to balance metallic effects with original color retention and error correction.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines machine-readable graphic codes with images by determining areas with a lightness level below a threshold and applying a metallic print agent underneath these areas, while maintaining the original colors and error correction features, to create a combined image with a metallic effect that enhances authenticity and readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic print agent is applied to machine-readable graphic codes, then the visual authenticity and fraud prevention are improved, but the original color retention and readability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metallic print agent selectively only to dark areas of the graphic code where the lightness level is below a predetermined threshold. This localized application ensures that metallic effect is added only where it enhances authenticity without interfering with the light areas that are critical for code readability and recognition by scanning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lightness level threshold as a parameter to determine where to apply the metallic print agent. By setting a predetermined threshold value, the system automatically identifies suitable areas for metallic effect application, balancing the enhancement of visual authenticity with the maintenance of code readability through controlled parameter-based selection.
2Reliability
If a metallic print agent is applied to enhance visual authenticity, then fraud prevention is improved, but the process complexity and color retention may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines which areas should receive metallic print agent application based on the lightness level threshold criterion. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external processing systems to identify suitable areas, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining effective fraud prevention through metallic effect application.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a predetermined lightness level threshold parameter, the patent simplifies the decision-making process for metallic print agent application. The automatic parameter-based selection reduces process complexity by providing clear, objective criteria for determining where metallic effect should be applied to prevent fraud.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lightness threshold is set low to preserve original colors, then color retention is improved, but the metallic effect coverage and fraud prevention may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a predetermined lightness level threshold parameter that can be adjusted to balance color retention and fraud prevention. By optimizing this threshold parameter, the system achieves the right balance where sufficient areas receive metallic effect for fraud prevention while preserving the original color appearance in appropriate regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective application of metallic print agent based on local lightness characteristics allows different regions of the graphic code to have different treatments. Areas with sufficiently low lightness levels receive metallic effect for fraud prevention, while areas above the threshold retain their original colors, achieving local optimization of both fraud prevention and color retention.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes receiving, at a processor, a digital version of an image combined with a machine readable graphic code. Areas of the combined image and graphic code that have a lightness level below a threshold level may be determined. Print instructions for depositing a metallic pattern wherein solid areas of the metallic pattern correspond to the areas of the combined image and graphic code that have a lightness level below the threshold level may also be determined.