Variable Shape Free Space in Two-Dimensional Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional codes face limitations in flexibility, as the shape of free space within the code region is often fixed, leading to inefficient data arrangement and reduced data capacity due to larger free space sizes or unnecessary vacancies between contours.
Innovation Solution
The method allows for the free space within the code region to be arranged arbitrarily, with its shape selected from predefined candidates or designated by external information, enabling data and designs to be recorded or displayed differently than in the data recording region, and the identification display portion can be positioned at the boundary or adjacent to it for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the free space shape is fixed in conventional two-dimensional codes, then the code structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the data arrangement efficiency is reduced and data capacity is limited due to larger free space sizes or unnecessary vacancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the free space shape variable rather than fixed. The free space can be configured in multiple shapes (circular, square, rectangular, or irregular) depending on the display content requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the code structure to adapt to different data arrangement needs, improving data arrangement efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through predefined shape options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the free space shape parameter to be adjusted based on the type of content to be displayed. The system can select from multiple predefined shape parameters (circular, square, rectangular, irregular) or use externally designated shapes. This parameter flexibility enables optimization of data capacity and arrangement efficiency without complicating the overall code structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the free space size is increased to provide more display area, then design flexibility is improved, but the data recording capacity is reduced due to larger free space occupying more code region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing multiple shape parameters for the free space (circular, square, rectangular, irregular). Each shape parameter offers different area-to-perimeter ratios and spatial distributions, allowing optimization of the balance between display area and data capacity. The system can select the appropriate shape parameter based on specific application requirements, achieving both design flexibility and data capacity preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing irregular-shaped free spaces that can be optimized for specific display content. Unlike traditional symmetric shapes (circles, squares), irregular shapes can be tailored to match the actual content boundaries, reducing wasted space and maximizing both display effectiveness and data recording capacity within the same code region.
3Ease of operation
If the free space shape is customized to match display content, then user-friendliness and display effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple shape options and external information processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple common free space shapes (circular, square, rectangular, irregular) that can be directly selected based on display content type. This eliminates the need for complex real-time shape generation and simplifies the configuration process. The system prepares shape options in advance, reducing operational complexity while maintaining user-friendliness and display effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional free space configuration system that can handle multiple shape types through a unified approach. The same code structure and processing logic can accommodate circular, square, rectangular, or irregular shapes, as well as externally designated shapes. This universal framework reduces device complexity by avoiding separate handling mechanisms for each shape type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the free space is positioned arbitrarily within the code region, then data arrangement flexibility is improved, but the accuracy of free space detection is reduced making it harder to locate and process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the identification display portion - that facilitates accurate detection of the free space location. This intermediary component acts as a marker or indicator that helps the reading device quickly and accurately locate the free space within the code region, even when the free space is positioned arbitrarily. The identification display portion bridges the gap between arbitrary positioning and precise detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes or visual differentiation through the identification display portion to enhance the detectability of the free space. By using distinct visual characteristics (such as different colors, patterns, or contrast levels) for the identification display portion compared to the surrounding code elements, the system enables accurate and rapid location of the free space regardless of its position within the code region.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information code producing apparatus (2) produces a free space (110) inside the code region of an information code (100) arranged on a medium such as sheets of paper. The free space is arranged at a position other than specification pattern regions (104). Data being interpreted, which are expressed by cells (102), are not recorded in the free space. The free space has a preset size which is larger than that of a single cell. The information code producing apparatus detects the size of this free space by, at least, either selection from a plurality of candidate shapes prepared in advance or input of shape designating information provided from the outside.