Recursive Halftoning for Multiscale Data Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data-bearing marks, such as barcodes, have limited detection ranges and are inefficient for applications requiring data retrieval from multiple distances, as they are designed for single-scale detection.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiscale patterns, specifically stegatones, which utilize halftones and quasi-periodic structures to encode data, allowing detection across multiple distance ranges through a single image, using a system comprising a halftone engine, gray value engine, and scaling engine to generate images at various resolution levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-scale data-bearing mark is used, then the detection precision at a specific distance is high, but the detection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection range into multiple scales by segmenting the data-bearing mark into different resolution levels. Each level is optimized for a specific distance range, allowing the system to maintain high detection precision across varying distances by selecting the appropriate scale level for the given viewing distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of scalability by generating multiple versions of the data-bearing mark at different resolution levels. This dimensional expansion allows the system to cover a broader detection range while maintaining precision at each level, transforming a single-scale limitation into a multi-scale solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of data-bearing marks are placed next to each other, then the detection range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where data-bearing marks of different resolution levels are embedded within each other in a hierarchical manner. Higher-level marks contain lower-level marks, allowing the system to extend detection range across multiple scales while using a unified, integrated structure rather than separate independent marks, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data-bearing mark system that functions across multiple detection ranges. A single multi-scale mark design serves all distance ranges, eliminating the need for separate marks for different distances and simplifying the overall system while maintaining extended detection capability.
3Shape
If halftoning is applied to create clustered-dot patterns, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the halftoning parameters (such as dot cluster size, spacing, and distribution) across different resolution levels. This allows the aesthetic quality to be optimized for each scale while accounting for the manufacturing precision capabilities at different sizes, ensuring that pattern precision requirements are met for each level's specific parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a halftone engine and a gray value engine. The halftone engine is to apply halftoning to an image recursively across a plurality of levels of image scales and spatial resolutions, to generate a pattern that is at least quasi-periodic across the plurality of levels. The gray value engine is to substitute gray values recursively for at least a portion of the halftoning.