Multi-Channel Modulated Mark Encoding for High-Density Document Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-readable marks on printed pages face challenges in achieving high data density while remaining invisible to the human eye and being robust against common page treatments like folding and tearing.
Innovation Solution
The Multi-channel Modulated Mark Encoding (MCMME) method encodes two data channels into a single dot pattern using modulated grids with different repeat rates, allowing for high data density and robustness against page treatments, with error correction codes enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If common barcode is used for data storage, then data can be read by computer, but it consumes large space on document page and is clearly visible to human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple data channels within a single barcode structure. The first data channel uses a first set of modulated marks, while the second data channel uses a second set of modulated marks that are embedded within the first set. This nesting allows both data channels to coexist in the same spatial footprint, dramatically increasing data storage capacity without consuming additional page space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple data channels with different repeat rates, effectively adding a temporal or frequency dimension to the spatial barcode structure. By modulating marks at different repeat rates, the system can encode multiple layers of information within the same physical space, transitioning from a single-dimensional to multi-dimensional data encoding approach.
2Quantity of substance
If common barcode is used for data storage, then data can be read by computer, but it is clearly visible to human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different modulation characteristics to different sets of marks within the barcode. The first data channel uses marks with one modulation pattern, while the second data channel uses marks with a different modulation pattern embedded within. This local differentiation allows the barcode to store more data while maintaining low overall visibility, as the human eye cannot easily distinguish the fine modulations used for encoding.
3Device complexity
If single data channel is used in barcode, then encoding is simple, but data density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the barcode into multiple data channels, each carrying independent data. The first data channel and second data channel are encoded using different sets of modulated marks with different repeat rates. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high data density by parallel encoding, while the modular structure keeps the encoding process manageable through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional barcode system where a single barcode structure serves multiple data storage purposes. The same barcode physical structure carries both the first data channel and the second data channel simultaneously, making the barcode universal for storing multiple types of information in one location, thereby increasing data density without proportionally increasing physical size.
4Reliability
If barcode is made robust against folding and tearing, then data recovery is reliable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different repeat rates as a key parameter to differentiate between data channels and enhance robustness. The first data channel uses a first repeat rate, while the second data channel uses a second repeat rate that is different from the first. This parameter differentiation allows the decoder to reliably distinguish and recover data even when the barcode undergoes physical transformations like folding or tearing, as the repeat rate characteristics remain invariant to such treatments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of encoding information in a document using a plurality of marks (104), the information comprising first data and second data, the method comprising the steps of encoding the first data using a first plurality of arrays of modulated marks disposed in a corresponding first plurality of tiles (610) spaced apart from each other at a first repeat rate (660); and encoding the second data using a second plurality of arrays of modulated marks disposed in a corresponding second plurality of tiles (680) spaced apart from each other at a second repeat rate (670); wherein: the second repeat rate is different to the first repeat rate; and the second plurality of tiles are embedded within the first plurality of tiles.