Multiplexed QR Code Regions for Configurable Scanner Instructions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current QR codes have limitations in the amount of information they can encode and decode, and their protocols restrict the configurability of scanner responses, leading to a uniform user experience regardless of scanner configuration or location.
Innovation Solution
A machine-readable optical label system that includes a primary and secondary code region, allowing for multiple instruction sets and user experiences based on scanner configuration, with additional regions within the conventional QR code footprint for increased information storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regimented protocols are used to ensure QR codes can be scanned and interpreted, then scanning reliability is improved, but the amount of information that can be encoded is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the QR code into multiple distinct regions (first region, second region, third region) with different functions. The first region contains conventional QR code instructions for reliable scanning, while the second and third regions contain additional information and instructions that are only processed by scanners with specific configurations, thereby increasing overall information capacity while maintaining scanning reliability through the preserved first region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the QR code are assigned different qualities and functions. The first region has conventional QR code characteristics for universal compatibility, while the second and third regions have specialized characteristics that provide additional information to configured scanners. This local differentiation allows the QR code to simultaneously serve both reliable scanning and enhanced information delivery.
2Ease of operation
If QR code protocols are standardized to ensure compatibility, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different scanner configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QR code into regions with different adaptability characteristics. The first region uses standardized protocols for ease of operation with any scanner, while the second and third regions provide specialized instructions that enhance adaptability for scanners with specific configurations. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The QR code is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The first region provides universal scanning compatibility, while the second and third regions provide specialized functionality for configured scanners. This multi-functionality allows the same QR code to operate easily on standard scanners while also adapting to configured scanners with additional capabilities.
3Device complexity
If a single uniform QR code instruction set is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of information that can be provided is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QR code into multiple regions, each containing specific information and instructions. The first region contains conventional instructions, while the second and third regions contain additional information for configured scanners. This segmentation increases the total information quantity while keeping each individual region relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds additional information regions within the conventional QR code structure. The second and third regions are nested within or adjacent to the first region, allowing additional information to be contained within the overall QR code footprint without significantly increasing the complexity of the basic QR code structure.
4Quantity of substance
If additional regions are added to the QR code footprint, then information storage capacity is improved, but the scanning time required to process all regions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning behavior where scanners can selectively process different regions based on their configuration. Scanners with specific configurations will process the second and third regions for enhanced information delivery, while standard scanners will process only the first region for quick scanning. This dynamic processing approach increases information storage capacity while allowing scanning time to be optimized based on scanner capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical code scanner being operated using an algorithm is provided. The scanner may scan an optical label. The label may include machine-readable code. The scanner may derive a single set of instructions from the code or multiple sets of instructions from the code. The scanner may process the code. The processing may upload a set of instructions from the code to the scanner and store the set of instructions in an instructions library. The scanner may also derive a picture associated with the instructions and store the picture in the library. The scanner may display a plurality of pictures. Each of the pictures may correspond to a set of uploaded instructions stored on the scanner. Each of the plurality of pictures may be selectable by a user. In response to a user selection of a picture, the scanner may be configured to execute the uploaded instructions that correspond to the selected picture.