Readable Matrix Code Generation with Visual Perceptual Similarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating readable matrix codes struggle to effectively integrate visual elements, such as logos, with the code while maintaining readability and efficiency, often requiring complex adjustments and error correction mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for generating a readable matrix code that calculates function areas, free cells, and derived cells based on visual perceptual similarity criteria, allowing for the fusion of input images and code elements to create a matrix code that can encode messages, including URLs, while ensuring compatibility with various imaging conditions and error correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If visual elements such as logos are integrated with the matrix code, then brand promotion and visual appeal are enhanced, but code readability and error correction capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrand promotion capabilityVSAvoidcode readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the matrix code into distinct functional zones: logo integration zones where visual elements are placed, data encoding zones that maintain error correction capability, and transition zones that ensure smooth integration. This segmentation allows the logo to be embedded without compromising the structural integrity and readability of the underlying code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different visual and functional properties to different regions of the matrix code. The logo integration areas use visual characteristics optimized for brand recognition, while the data encoding areas maintain characteristics optimized for machine readability. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both branding and code functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If complex adjustments and error correction mechanisms are implemented to maintain readability, then code reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode readabilityVSAvoiderror correction mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates error correction capabilities directly into the code generation process rather than adding them as separate post-processing steps. The error correction data is pre-calculated and integrated into the matrix structure during the initial encoding phase, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If visual perceptual similarity criteria are used to maintain image fidelity, then visual quality is improved, but manufacturing precision and code accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual similarity to input imageVSAvoidcode accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different quality criteria to different regions: visual perceptual similarity is prioritized in logo and transition areas where aesthetic quality matters, while strict manufacturing precision and code accuracy criteria are enforced in data encoding areas where machine readability is critical. This regional differentiation resolves the conflict between visual fidelity and code accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8978989B2Readable matrix code
Publication Date: 2015.03.17 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LTD
  • US8978989B2 patent drawing
  • US8978989B2 patent drawing
  • US8978989B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of generating a readable matrix code image encoding a message based on an input image and a readable matrix coding specification, comprising: calculating function areas readable to comply with a function patterns specification; determining an extent of free cells and derived cells according to a code word specification; calculating decode input values for free cells such that the appearance of the free cells compared to respective areas of the input image complies with a visual perceptual similarity criterion and with the code word specification; and calculating decode input values for derived cells based on the free cells decode input values and in compliance with the code word specification.