Scattered Line Segments for Secure 2D Code Hiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hiding 2D codes, such as QR-codes, are visible and lack aesthetic value, making them susceptible to modification and counterfeiting, and previous techniques using continuous grating lines can be compromised by unauthorized recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a visible layer and a hidden layer of scattered line segments, where the layout is defined by a key, with the hidden layer dynamically generated on a smartphone, ensuring only the key holder can recover the code by superposing the corrected and rectified visible layer with the hidden layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2D codes are made visible and overt, then they are easily readable and decodable, but they lack aesthetic value and are susceptible to modification and counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the code structure into two separate layers: a visible layer containing scattered line segments that form an aesthetically pleasing pattern, and a hidden layer containing the actual 2D code data. This segmentation allows the visible layer to serve aesthetic purposes while the hidden layer maintains security and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hidden 2D code is nested within the visible layer of scattered line segments. The visible layer acts as a container or envelope that hides the actual code data, similar to how nested dolls place one doll inside another. The key enables extraction of the hidden code from within the visible pattern.
2Reliability
If continuous grating lines are used to hide 2D codes, then the code is hidden from view, but unauthorized third parties can recover the code by forming pseudo revealing line gratings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically generated scattered line segments with random positions and orientations that change based on the key. Unlike static continuous grating lines, the scattered segments create a dynamic pattern that is computationally difficult to reverse-engineer without the key, thereby enhancing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of line segment distribution from continuous and uniform to scattered and random. By varying the positions, orientations, and densities of individual line segments according to the key, the system creates a pattern that resists unauthorized recovery while maintaining the ability to decode with the correct key.
3Reliability
If scattered line segments are used to hide 2D codes, then security against unauthorized recovery is improved, but the space required for the code increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional continuous grating to a two-dimensional scattered pattern of line segments. By distributing segments across multiple positions and orientations in the same plane, the system achieves enhanced security without requiring additional spatial dimensions or increasing the overall code area.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for hiding a two-dimensional code such as a QR code within a visible layer of randomly scattered line segments. The scattering parameters comprise the length of successive line segments as well as their relative offsets. These parameters are stored in a key.The hidden 2d code is recovered with a computing device such as a smartphone carrying out the acquisition, perspective correction, and rectification of the visible layer of scattered line segments. This computing device synthesizes in its memory according to that same key a hidden layer of scattered line segments. The superposition of the acquired, perspectively corrected and rectified visible layer and of the hidden layer yields an image from which the hidden 2D code is revealed. The presented methods enable the secret transmission of information from the real world of documents and objects to databases located on computer networks.