Stylized 2D Machine-Readable Codes for Woven Fabrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital watermark technologies face challenges in creating machine-readable codes that are aesthetically pleasing and imperceptible to humans, particularly in packaging where print technologies like dry offset printing introduce uncertainty, making it difficult to maintain the desired watermark amplitude and visibility.

Innovation Solution

A method to stylize 2D machine-readable codes by performing transformations and collage processes using excerpts from artwork, creating a pattern that is both aesthetically pleasing and encodes a plural-bit message, suitable for use in packaging and woven fabrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If digital watermark amplitude is increased to improve detectability, then the watermark becomes more apparent to human viewers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatermark detectabilityVSAvoidvisual appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the image by embedding watermark information in frequency domains (DCT coefficients) rather than spatial domains. This allows the watermark to be imperceptible in the spatial domain while remaining detectable through frequency analysis, resolving the contradiction between detectability and visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct spatial domain watermarking with frequency domain transformation (DCT). By substituting the mechanical approach of direct pixel modification with frequency-based encoding, the system achieves both imperceptibility to humans and detectability by machines simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dry offset printing is used to apply watermark patterns, then packaging aesthetics are maintained, but print uncertainty causes watermark amplitude variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging aestheticsVSAvoidwatermark amplitude consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary DCT transformation and watermark embedding before printing. By pre-processing the image to embed robust frequency-domain watermarks, the system compensates for potential print variations, ensuring consistent watermark detection despite manufacturing uncertainties in dry offset printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses error correction coding and robust DCT coefficient modification to cushion against print variations. By building in redundancy and robustness during the watermark embedding process, the system compensates for amplitude variations introduced by dry offset printing, maintaining both aesthetics and detectability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If traditional barcodes are printed on packaging, then machine readability is achieved, but package real estate is consumed and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine readabilityVSAvoidpackage real estate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the product identifier information with the existing packaging artwork by embedding watermarks within the artwork itself. This combines the aesthetic function of packaging design with the informational function of barcodes, eliminating the need for separate barcode areas and preserving package real estate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the packaging artwork serve multiple functions: aesthetic presentation and machine-readable identification. By embedding DCT-based watermarks within the artwork, the same image area performs both visual and informational roles, eliminating the need for dedicated barcode space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If visible barcode patterns are applied to fabrics, then machine readability is achieved, but aesthetic appeal is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode readabilityVSAvoidfabric aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different qualities to different frequency components of the fabric pattern. By encoding information in DCT coefficients rather than visible spatial patterns, the fabric maintains aesthetic appeal in the spatial domain while preserving machine readability through frequency analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces spatial domain barcode patterns with frequency domain encoding for fabric applications. This substitution allows the fabric to display aesthetically pleasing patterns while embedded DCT watermarks provide machine-readable identification without visual disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11995505B1Encoding fabrics to convey digital messages

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 DIGIMARC CORP

AI summary

2D machine readable symbologies are stylized and made aesthetically-appealing, facilitating their use to convey plural-symbol data within woven fabrics. Such stylized fabrics can be decoded by code readers analyzing imagery of the woven fabrics. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.