Mixed Code, and Method and Apparatus for Generating the Same

Abstract

A mixed code, and a method and apparatus for encoding the same are provided. The mixed code includes a first code image region storing a first code image obtained by encoding first information using color, shading, or a combination thereof, and a second code image region storing a second code image obtained by encoding second information using color, shading, or a combination thereof. The first code image and/or the second code image includes the results of encoding interpretation information, construction information, error control information, and code direction information. The mixed code is made by adjusting the difference in color and brightness between the first and second code images to a predetermined level and combining these images.

21 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A method for decoding a color code image, the method comprising:
 capturing the color code image obtained by combining a first image and a second image in a region, the first image obtained by encoding a construction information regarding the second image, and the second image obtained by encoding a content information;   recognizing the first image by distinguishing, using a predetermined threshold, at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern of the first image from the combined region;   obtaining the construction information from the recognized first image;   obtaining the content information from the second image in the combined region based on the construction information; and   executing a program associated with the content information.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein a type of the program is determined according to a type of the content information. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the content information includes at least one of a number, a sign, a symbol, an image and a URL. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein if the content information is a first information, the controller executes a first program, and if the content information is a second information, the controller executes a second program. 
     
     
         48 . An apparatus for decoding a color code image, the apparatus comprising:
 a camera; and   a controller configured to:   capture, via the camera, the color code image obtained by combining a first image and a second image in a region, the first image obtained by encoding a construction information regarding the second image, and the second image obtained by encoding a content information,   recognize the first image by distinguishing, using a predetermined threshold, at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern of the first image from the combined region,   obtain the construction information from the recognized first image,   obtain the content information from the second image in the combined region based on the construction information, and   execute a program associated with the content information.   
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein a type of the program is determined according to a type of the content information. 
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein the content information includes at least one of a number, a sign, a symbol, an image and a URL. 
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein if the content information is a first information, the controller executes a first program, and if the content information is a second information, the controller executes a second program.