QR Code Image Overlay Segmentation for Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine-readable graphic codes, such as QR codes, face challenges in maintaining readability when combined with images, particularly in terms of security and fraud prevention in mobile payment systems, due to the need for balancing code readability and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sub-division of QR code blocks into central and outer pixels, with specific lightness thresholds applied to central pixels to ensure readability while integrating the image data, allowing for secure and authentic verification before scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a QR code is combined with an image to enhance security and fraud prevention, then security and authenticity are improved, but the readability of the QR code may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The QR code is divided into multiple blocks, and each block is further segmented into a central area and outer areas. The central area of each block is used to encode data, while the outer areas are used to overlay image content. This segmentation allows the QR code structure to be preserved for readability while enabling image integration for security purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the QR code blocks are assigned different functions: the central area maintains QR code characteristics for data encoding and readability, while the outer areas are modified to accommodate image content. This local differentiation ensures that the QR code remains scannable while incorporating security features through image overlay.
2Reliability
If the QR code blocks are modified to integrate image data, then image quality and security are improved, but the ease of scanning and decoding may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting each QR code block into central and outer areas, the invention preserves the fundamental QR code structure in the central areas, ensuring that scanning devices can still easily detect and read the code. The outer areas are used for image overlay without interfering with the core scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer areas of QR code blocks act as intermediaries that accommodate image content without directly affecting the central data-encoding areas. This intermediary structure allows image integration while maintaining the simplicity and ease of scanning required for QR code functionality.
3Reliability
If outer pixels of QR code blocks are replaced with image data, then image integration and security are improved, but the manufacturing precision of the code structure may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The QR code blocks are segmented into central and outer areas, allowing image data to be placed in the outer areas without affecting the central structure. This segmentation approach maintains the manufacturing precision of the QR code structure in the central areas while enabling image integration in the outer areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the QR code are assigned different quality requirements: the central areas maintain high structural precision for data encoding, while the outer areas are optimized for image content. This local differentiation allows image integration without compromising the manufacturing precision required for QR code functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes receiving a Quick Response (QR) code including a plurality of dark blocks and a plurality of light blocks. For each of a first set of blocks, a central pixel or a plurality of central pixels, and a plurality of outer pixels may be defined. The QR code may be combined with an image, the image having an area to be co-located with the QR code with pixel dimensions corresponding to pixel dimensions of the QR code, to form a combined image, wherein combining the QR code and the image may include, at locations of the combined image corresponding to outer pixel locations of the QR code, using pixel data from the image as pixel data for the combined image.