Visual QR Code Cell Pattern Substitution for Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating visual QR codes fail to maintain readability when oriented differently or under poor illumination, resulting in an unsatisfactory aesthetic appearance and unclear embedded images.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that replaces cells in a two-dimensional code with cell patterns similar to corresponding patches of a picture, using an energy function to determine the most suitable patterns for maintaining bit value and visual similarity, ensuring the new code can be scanned effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If colors, letters, illustrations, or logos are incorporated into a QR code to improve aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the readability may deteriorate under poor illumination or different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
Each cell in the QR code is segmented into multiple sub-cells (e.g., 3x3 grid), allowing the cell to display both visual features (through patterns of sub-cells) and code information (through the state of specific sub-cells). This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of aesthetic appearance and readability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-cells within a cell have different functions: some sub-cells are used for visual display while others store code information. The pattern assignment process assigns specific patterns to different cells based on local picture characteristics, optimizing both visual quality and code readability in different locations.
2Reliability
If limited modification with embedded image is used to maintain readability, then readability is preserved, but the embedded image cannot be clearly shown
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional single-state cells to multi-sub-cell structures, adding a spatial dimension within each cell. This allows the cell to simultaneously encode code information and display image features, achieving both readability and clear image presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The code information is nested within the visual pattern structure. Each cell contains sub-cells that are arranged in patterns representing both the image content and the encoded data, with the code information nested within the visual display structure.
3Shape
If multiple cell patterns are assigned to cells to represent picture patches, then visual quality is improved, but the complexity of code generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A library of pre-designed cell patterns is created in advance, where each pattern corresponds to specific picture patch characteristics. During code generation, the system only needs to select and assign appropriate pre-designed patterns to cells, rather than creating patterns from scratch, thus reducing generation complexity while maintaining visual quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies parameters such as pattern type, sub-cell arrangement, and color configuration to match different picture patch characteristics. By changing these parameters systematically based on local image features, the system achieves high visual quality without requiring overly complex generation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of creating a two dimensional code comprises providing a two dimensional code comprising a cell, providing a picture comprising a patch corresponding to the cell of the two dimensional code, providing a plurality of cell patterns different from each other, wherein each cell pattern comprises a plurality of sub-cells, and determining one of the plurality of cell patterns for the cell of the two dimensional code according to the patch of the picture.