An Optimization Model for Aesthetic Two-Dimensional Barcodes

Chengfang Fang, Chunwang Zhang, Ee-Chien Chang

Abstract: Given a message m and a logo image L, we want to generate an image that is visually similar to L and yet carries m in the payload with respect to a 2D barcode reader. This problem is similar to digital image watermarking, except that there is a requirement of using the specific barcode readers and applications, which are pre-installed in the end-users’ devices. We formulate the generation as an optimization problem that considers operations carried out by the barcode readers, in particular, the sampling process and error correction. We propose a two-phase algorithm that solves the optimization problem. We adapt the algorithm to QR code and made a few observations to further enhance its performance.