Segmented Visual Code Reconstruction for Controlled Readability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing visual codes are static and lack control over when and by whom they can be read, leading to potential security and authentication issues.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic visual code is segmented into multiple portions that can be reconstructed upon activation, allowing for controlled readability through mechanisms such as augmented reality, temperature changes, or user authentication, enabling secure and user-specific identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional barcode systems are used, then simple encoding is achieved, but the codes are easily damaged, lost, or illegible leading to reading failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode readabilityVSAvoidcode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode is divided into multiple segments, each containing multiple codes. Each code within a segment can be independently read, and segments can be read in any order. This segmentation ensures that if one code is damaged or illegible, the other codes in the same segment or other segments can still be read, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the barcode (different segments and codes) have different functions and properties. Some codes may be more prominent or have different patterns to ensure readable even if others are damaged. This local differentiation of quality ensures that critical reading functions are distributed throughout the structure, preventing single-point failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple barcodes are used to improve reliability, then reading success rate increases, but the time to read all codes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading success rateVSAvoidtotal reading time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode is segmented into multiple independent units that can be read in parallel. The reading device can simultaneously or concurrently process multiple segments, effectively reading all codes at the same time rather than sequentially. This parallel reading capability maintains high reliability through multiple codes while avoiding the time penalty of sequential reading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode structure enables continuous and parallel processing of multiple codes without interruption. Once the reading device initiates reading, it can process all segments and codes simultaneously, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the reading process rather than having sequential dependencies that would extend total reading time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If conventional single-code barcodes are used, then quick reading is achieved, but any damage or loss results in complete code failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading speedVSAvoidcode durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode is divided into multiple segments with multiple codes within each segment. This segmentation creates redundancy where the failure of one code does not propagate to other codes or segments. The reading device can quickly identify and read from any intact segment, maintaining both speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode structure incorporates redundancy and fault tolerance from the beginning. Multiple codes and segments are built into the structure beforehand, creating a cushion against potential damage or loss. This prior cushioning ensures that even if part of the barcode is damaged, the system can still function without complete failure, maintaining both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3928226B1Reconstructed segmented codes and methods of using the same
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 RVC TECH INC
  • EP3928226B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3928226B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3928226B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a reconstructable visual code. A visual code may be separated into a plurality of individual portions. The plurality of individual portions may be configured to transform between two or more states. In a first state, the plurality of individual portions may be spaced apart to form a non-functional visual code. In a second state, the plurality of individual portions may be moved relative to each other to form a functional visual code.