Outer Packaging Color Matrix for Brand-Compatible Code Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monochromatic visual markers, such as QR codes, are not ideal for products with specific branding colors or limited ink sets, as they require high contrast black and white which can't be incorporated due to corporate color restrictions or production limitations.
Innovation Solution
A consumer product packaging with a visible code using a matrix of square cells in three or more colors, where each color has a specific brightness range, allowing detection by a device with a camera and processor to identify the code without altering traditional decoding algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monochromatic codes with high contrast black and white are used, then code detection accuracy is improved, but branding flexibility and production adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the color parameters of the code from traditional black and white to alternative colors while maintaining the brightness contrast ratio within specified ranges (0.05-0.95 for foreground, 0.05-0.95 for background). This allows the code to be printed in brand-specific colors while preserving detectability, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and branding flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explicitly enables color changes in the code elements by defining brightness ranges rather than fixed colors. The foreground and background can use any colors within the specified brightness ranges, allowing manufacturers to use brand colors while maintaining sufficient contrast for detection algorithms to function properly
2Reliability
If traditional black and white ink sets are used, then code detection reliability is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ink parameter specifications from requiring specific black and white inks to accepting any inks within defined brightness ranges. This simplifies production by allowing manufacturers to use their existing ink sets without expanding the color roller system, while maintaining detection reliability through brightness contrast
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the code system universal by allowing any color combination within the brightness ranges to work with existing detection algorithms. This eliminates the need for specialized black and white ink infrastructure, enabling manufacturers to use their current multi-color printing capabilities for code application
3Measurement precision
If black and white colors are used for the code, then detection precision is improved, but branding consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the color specification from fixed black and white to brightness range parameters. This allows the code to maintain detection precision through brightness contrast while using brand-specific colors, ensuring both detection accuracy and branding consistency are achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining the brightness contrast requirement specifically for the code elements while allowing the rest of the packaging to use full brand colors freely. The code portion has constrained brightness parameters for detection, while other areas have full color freedom for branding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective code detection using non-traditional color contrasts, accommodating brand colors and reducing production constraints while maintaining decoding accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a device having a camera and a processor to identify the code
Implementation Method 2
the camera captures light reflected from the colored cells
Implementation Method 3
The different segmentation techniques use a (local or global) brightness threshold which determines whether each pixel is labelled as foreground or background
Data Source
AI summary
A consumer product includes outer packaging, the packaging having a visible code and having a first colour, a second colour and a third colour, wherein the visible code includes a matrix of square cells having cells of the first colour, cells of the second colour, and cells or a frame surrounding the first group and the second group of cells of the third colour, wherein the first colour is brighter than the second colour. A system including the product is also related.