A New Data Transfer Method via Signal-Rich-Art Code Images Captured by Mobile Devices

A new type of signal-rich-art image for applications of data transfer, called signal-rich-art code image, is proposed. The created code image is visually similar to a preselected target image and, with a given message embedded, achieves the effect of the so-called signal-rich art. With its function similar to that of a QR code, such a type of image is produced by encoding the message into a binary bit stream, representing the bits by binary code patterns of 2 × 2 blocks, and injecting the patterns into the target image by a novel image-block luminance modulation scheme. Each signal-rich-art code image may be printed or displayed and then is recaptured using a mobile-device camera. Skillful techniques for counting the number of pattern blocks and recognition of code patterns are also proposed for message extraction from the recaptured version of the signal-rich-art code image. Good experimental results and a comparison of them with those of an existing alternative method show the feasibility and superiority of the proposed new data transfer method.