Multi-Application QR Code Layout for Selective Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing QR codes are inefficient for handling multiple applications, requiring users to scan multiple codes and leading to prolonged scanning times and confusion about which code to use for specific applications, especially in scenarios like wireless device commissioning.
Innovation Solution
A QR code encoding method that stores information for multiple applications with a header and data containers, utilizing error correction mechanisms and distributed data storage to enable fast, reliable retrieval of individual application data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate QR codes are used for different applications, then each application has its own dedicated code, but users face confusion about which code to scan and scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple application-specific QR codes into a single multi-application QR code that contains encoded information for multiple commissioning protocols (Wi-Fi Easy Connect, Bluetooth Low Energy, IEEE 802.15.4). The QR code includes a header with application identifiers and data containers for each protocol, allowing a user to scan one code instead of multiple separate codes while maintaining application-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single QR code is designed with universal functionality to support multiple commissioning protocols simultaneously. It contains a header section with a plurality of application identifiers and multiple data containers, each associated with a different commissioning protocol, enabling the QR code to serve multiple purposes and eliminate the need for separate codes for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless protocols.
2Loss of time
If a single QR code contains information for multiple applications, then scanning time is reduced, but the complexity of encoding and retrieving specific application data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The QR code information is segmented into distinct components: a header section containing a plurality of application identifiers, and multiple data containers where each container is associated with a specific commissioning protocol. This segmentation allows the encoding apparatus to systematically organize multiple applications and enables the decoding apparatus to efficiently retrieve only the required application data by identifying the relevant data container based on the protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding apparatus that automatically manages the complexity of creating multi-application QR codes. The encoding apparatus includes a header generator that creates the structured header with application identifiers and a data container generator that populates protocol-specific data containers. This intermediary system handles the encoding complexity, making the process automated and reducing the burden on users who only need to scan and decode the code without managing its internal structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple commissioning protocols are implemented over the same wireless interface, then the product supports multiple networks, but the product cannot determine which protocol to use based on initial interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The QR code is pre-configured with a header containing a plurality of application identifiers and multiple data containers, each associated with a different commissioning protocol (Wi-Fi Easy Connect, Bluetooth Low Energy, IEEE 802.15.4). This preliminary structuring enables the decoding apparatus to automatically identify which protocol to use based on the initial scan without requiring manual intervention or complex runtime protocol selection logic in the product.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multiple application QR code capable of storing information of a plurality of applications in such a way that a respective information can be retrieved for each application in a reliable and time-efficient manner. The information is encoded into encoded data including at least a header and a respective data container per application. The header can comprise at least a single identifier indicating a presence of the plurality of applications and a respective application identifier per application. The encoded data are distributedly stored in a plurality of data pixels distributed over an encoding region of the QR code, according to an allocation rule. A QR code reader can retrieve the information stored in the QR code by only accessing and processing the data pixels associated with the respective application of interest and by using an error correction which is specific to this respective application.