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.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . 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,   wherein the first image is made by using at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern, and obtained by encoding a content information,   wherein the second image is made by using at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern, and obtained by encoding a construction information regarding the first image,   recognize the second image from the combined region by distinguishing, using a predetermined threshold, the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the first image from the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the second image,   obtain the construction information from the recognized second image, and   obtain the content information from the first image based on the construction information.   
     
     
         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 content information is made using at least one of a character, a number, a sign, an image and a URL. 
     
     
         48 . 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,   wherein the first image is made by using at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern, and obtained by encoding a content information,   wherein the second image is made by using at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern, and obtained by encoding a construction information regarding the first image;   recognizing the second image from the combined region by distinguishing, using a predetermined threshold, the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the first image from the at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern used in the second image;   obtaining the construction information from the recognized second image; and   obtaining the content information from the first image based on the construction information.   
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the construction information includes at least one of a code type information, a position information and a orientation information of the first image. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the code type information indicates whether the first image is a black-and-white image or a color image. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the content information is made using at least one of a character, a number, a sign, an image and a URL.