Animated Image Code, Apparatus for Generating/Decoding Animated Image Code, and Method Thereof

An apparatus for generating an animated image code displayed on a display medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame image generator which generates an image code frame expressing information by combining one or more color, gradation, and patterns;
• a design layer generator which generates a layer image formed by combining one or more color or gradation distinguishable from the color or gradation used in the image code frame on the basis of a threshold value;
• a varying image generator which generates one or more image code frames or layer images which show sequential changes in a portion of the layer image;
• and
• an animated image code generator which generates respective frames constituting the animated image code by overlapping the image code frame and the layer image.

A method of generating an animated image code displayed on an image display unit, the method comprising:

• generating an image code frame expressing information by combining one or more color, gradation, and patterns;
• generating a layer image formed by combining one or more color or gradation distinguishable from the color or gradation used in the image code frame on the basis of a threshold value;
• generating one or more image code frames, which show sequential changes in a portion of the layer image, or layer images;
• and
• generating respective frames constituting the animated image code by overlapping the image code frame and the layer image.

An apparatus for decoding an animated image code, the apparatus comprising:

• a code input unit which receives the animated image code displayed on a display medium optically or in the form of an electronic file;
• a code divider which divides the animated image code into an image code frame and a design layer;
• and
• a decoder which decodes the image code frame and extracts information based on the motion of the design layer.

A method of decoding an animated image code, the method comprising:

• receiving the animated image code displayed on a display medium optically or in the form of an electronic file;
• dividing the animated image code into an image code frame and a design layer;
• and
• decoding the image code frame and extracting information based on the motion of the design layer.