Using modified digital halftoning technique to design invisible 2D barcode by infrared detection

Hsi Chun Wang*, Ya Wen Cheng, Wan Chi Huang, Chia Long Chang, Shih Yun Lu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

2D barcode is an important interface to connect physical environment with virtual (digital) world. It is commonly presented at printing substrates whose embedded information can be captured through optical recognition system. Yet, for human perception, the black-and-white barcode is not only meaningless but also aesthetically displeasing. Therefore, this study utilized a modified digital halftoning technique to make 2D barcode invisible under normal reading condition; however, it can still be detected by infrared devices. The research composes halftone dots of both amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) to create an infrared watermark due to the different absorption properties between K (black) ink and CMY (cyan, magenta, and yellow) inks under infrared light. The results show that the proposed method successfully avoids 2D barcode distracting people from normal reading. The method conforms to the existing printing process without requiring any special inks or materials. In the future, the technique can be applied to product packaging and brand protection.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntelligent Technologies and Engineering Systems
Pages179-186
Number of pages8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Event2012 1st International Conference on Intelligent Technologies and Engineering Systems, ICITES 2012 - Changhua, Taiwan
Duration: 2012 Dec 132012 Dec 15

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Electrical Engineering
Volume234 LNEE
ISSN (Print)1876-1100
ISSN (Electronic)1876-1119

Other

Other2012 1st International Conference on Intelligent Technologies and Engineering Systems, ICITES 2012
Country/TerritoryTaiwan
CityChanghua
Period2012/12/132012/12/15

Keywords

  • 2D barcode
  • Halftoning
  • Infrared

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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