Optical Barcodes Using Custom Patterns for Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical barcodes rely on generic and conspicuous finder patterns, which are aesthetically unpleasing and lack exclusivity, limiting their application in branded or personalized contexts.
Innovation Solution
The use of custom patterns, such as logos or facial images, as functional patterns within optical barcodes, allowing for aesthetically pleasing and exclusive designs that can be recognized and decoded using software, eliminating the need for standard finder patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional generic finder patterns are used in optical barcodes, then the barcodes are easily recognizable by standard decoders, but the barcodes are aesthetically unpleasing and lack exclusivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing finder patterns that serve dual purposes: they maintain the functional requirement of being recognizable by standard decoders while simultaneously serving as aesthetic branding elements. The finder pattern is transformed from a purely functional component into a multi-functional element that combines decoding utility with brand identity expression, allowing the same pattern to fulfill both technical and marketing roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the finder pattern with branded graphical elements, logos, or artistic designs. Instead of treating the finder pattern as a separate functional component, it combines it with aesthetic elements into a unified design. This merging allows the barcode to maintain its decoding functionality while simultaneously expressing brand identity or artistic value, resolving the contradiction between standardization and customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom patterns such as logos or facial images are used as functional patterns, then the barcodes become aesthetically pleasing and exclusive, but they may reduce compatibility with standard decoding software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between different regions or aspects of the finder pattern. Certain portions of the pattern maintain standard characteristics that ensure compatibility with conventional decoders, while other portions incorporate custom branded elements. This spatial differentiation allows different parts of the same finder pattern to serve different functions - one part ensures decoding compatibility while another part provides aesthetic value and brand exclusivity.
3Reliability
If conspicuous generic markings are used as finder patterns, then the optical barcode can be reliably detected, but the markings are unsightly and serve no purpose other than function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functional detection markings with aesthetic branding elements into a unified finder pattern design. Instead of having separate functional markings and aesthetic elements, it combines them so that the branded logo or artistic design itself serves as the detection pattern. This eliminates the need for conspicuous generic markings while maintaining both detection reliability and aesthetic appeal simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for using optical barcodes without orientation for information access are provided. In example embodiments, a computer accesses an image including data encoded within a geometric shape. The computer decodes, for each of a plurality of orientations of the geometric shape, a first portion of the data encoded within the geometric shape. The computer determines that, for one of the plurality of orientations, the first portion of the data encoded within the geometric shape decodes to a predefined number. The computer determines that the one of the plurality of orientations is an intended orientation for the geometric shape. The computer decodes, based on the intended orientation of the geometric shape, a second portion of the data encoded within the geometric shape. The computer accesses, via a network, a resource that corresponds to the decoded second portion of the data.