Multi-Color Latent Image Encoding Using Angle-Separated Color Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for encoding hidden images in documents cannot design the color appearance of hidden content to have no visual correlation with the visible content, limiting the ability to encode images with two or more color components that are observable with a decoder.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for encoding and decoding latent images using two or more color components, where the images are oriented at different angles and superimposed to create a composite image that reveals the latent image when decoded, utilizing a multi-layer or single-layer decoder to align and display the color components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing encoding methods are used to create hidden images, then the hidden content can be revealed as monochrome or with exact same colors as visible content, but it is not possible to design the color appearance of hidden content to have no visual correlation with visible content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encoding process into separate color component streams (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black) that are independently manipulated. Each color component of the latent image is encoded into a different color separation of the visible image, allowing independent control and design of each color component's appearance without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of color component separation by encoding different color components of the latent image into different color separations of the visible image. This dimensional separation allows the hidden content to have completely different color appearance characteristics from the visible content, breaking the visual correlation limitation.
2Reliability
If multiple color components are encoded into the visible image, then the hidden content can be revealed in color with a decoder, but the visible image becomes more complex to encode and decode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard color separation processes (CMYK or similar) that are already universally implemented in printing and imaging systems. By leveraging existing multi-color printing infrastructure, the system can encode multiple color components without requiring specialized or complex encoding/decoding hardware, maintaining compatibility with standard devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates color-coded copies of the latent image by encoding each color component into a corresponding color separation of the visible image. The decoder simply needs to separate and display the appropriate color components, using standard copying and separation techniques rather than complex reconstruction algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for encoding a latent image having at least two color components into a visible image. A first and second image associated with first and second color components, respectively, are generated. The first image has a first pattern of elements and the second image has a second pattern of elements that are manipulated based on a corresponding color component provided in the latent image. A first and a second angle are assigned to the first image and the second image, respectively. The first image and second image are aligned by orienting the first pattern of elements according to the first angle and second angle, respectively. The aligned first image and second image are superimposed to render an encoded image that is decoded using a decoder that simultaneously display the first color component and the second color component of the latent image to present a color composite image.