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 . An apparatus for generating a color code image obtained by combining a first image and a second image in a region, the apparatus comprising:
 a controller configured to:
 generate a first image, of which at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern is encoded based on a content information, 
 generate a second image, of which at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern is encoded based on a construction information, the construction information regarding the first image, 
 combine the first image and the second image in a region, 
 wherein the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the second image is distinguished from the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the first image based on a predetermined threshold. 
   
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the construction information includes at least one of a code type information, a position information and a orientation information of the first image. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein the code type information indicates whether the first image is a black-and-white image or a color image. 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the first image includes a first region and a second region, the first region encoded based on the content image, the second region encoded based on a sub-construction information regarding the first region. 
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 47 , wherein the sub-construction information includes a code type information. 
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 47 , wherein the code type information indicates whether the first region is a black-and-white image or a color image. 
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the least one of color, shading, shape and pattern of the second image is determined according to the construction information. 
     
     
         51 . A method for generating a color code image obtained by combining a first image and a second image in a region, the method comprising:
 generating a first image, of which at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern is encoded based on a content information;   generating a second image, of which at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern is encoded based on a construction information, the construction information regarding the first image; and   combining the first image and the second image in a region,   wherein the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the second image is distinguished from the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the first image based on a predetermined threshold.   
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the construction information includes at least one of a code type information, a position information and a orientation information of the first image. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein the code type information indicates whether the first image is a black-and-white image or a color image. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the first image includes a first region and a second region, the first region encoded based on the content image, the second region encoded based on a sub-construction information regarding the first region. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the sub-construction information includes a code type information. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the code type information indicates whether the first region is a black-and-white image or a color image. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the least one of color, shading, shape and pattern of the second image is determined according to the construction information.