QR Code Copying Control Device with Format Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no publicly known technique for handling documents with two-dimensional codes that include copying control information and those without such information simultaneously, nor are there rules for processing different version information in these codes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that control the copying of two-dimensional codes by embedding copying control information and tracking information within QR codes, using a copying control format identifier to differentiate between copying control QR codes and general information QR codes, and implementing specific processing steps to manage their extraction and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a document contains both two-dimensional codes with copying control information and general two-dimensional codes, then the system can maintain compatibility with general-purpose codes while implementing copying protection, but the system cannot determine which code to prioritize when both are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the two-dimensional code system by introducing a specific format identifier that divides codes into two categories: those with copying control information and general-purpose codes. This segmentation allows the system to process different code types independently through separate flowcharts (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6), resolving the ambiguity of which code to prioritize while maintaining compatibility with both code types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a format identifier as an intermediary element within the two-dimensional code structure. This identifier acts as a mediator that signals the presence of copying control information, allowing the copying control unit to automatically recognize and process the appropriate code without complex external intervention, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Reliability
If the system extracts copying control information from all two-dimensional codes, then copying protection is enhanced, but processing time increases due to analyzing every code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary format identifier information from two-dimensional codes for quick identification, rather than fully decoding every code. The copying control information is extracted and processed only when the format identifier indicates its presence, allowing the system to skip detailed analysis of general-purpose codes and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing format identifier checking on all codes but only executing full copying control information extraction when needed. This selective processing approach avoids the excessive time consumption of analyzing every code in detail while ensuring that copying protection is applied reliably when present
3Reliability
If the system prohibits copying when any two-dimensional code with control information is detected, then unauthorized copying is prevented, but legitimate copying operations are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the copying control attribute specific to individual two-dimensional codes rather than applying it globally to the entire document. The system reads and evaluates each code's format identifier locally, allowing copying permission to vary by code location and type, thus preventing unauthorized copying at specific points while allowing legitimate copying operations elsewhere in the document
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple versions of two-dimensional codes, then compatibility with different code specifications is improved, but processing complexity increases due to version detection and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by detecting and identifying the version and format of two-dimensional codes before attempting to extract copying control information. The system reads the format identifier and version information first, then routes the processing accordingly through different flowcharts based on the detected code type, ensuring compatibility with various specifications while managing complexity through structured preliminary classification
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device having a first determining unit (1, S621) configured to determine whether version information included in a two-dimensional code included in an input image is version information that is supported by the device and a second determining unit (1, S610) configured to determine to prohibit printing of the input image when the included version information is determined to be version information that is not supported by the device or to determine whether to permit or prohibit printing of the input image based on information other than the version information included in the two-dimensional code when the included version information is determined to be version information that is supported by the device. With this arrangement, it is possible to execute processing in accordance with version information included in a two-dimensional code.