Mixed code, and method and apparatus for generating the same

A method of generating a mixed code, comprising:

• (a) encoding, using a processor, first information and second information into a first code image and a second code image made using colors, shading, shaping, a pattern, or a combination thereof, respectively, each of the first and second information being made using at least one of a character, a number, a sign, and an image;
• (b) generating a mixed code image by setting a difference in color and brightness between the first and second code images and combining the first and second code images according to the set difference, wherein the first code image includes construction information regarding the second code image;
• and
• (c) transforming the mixed code image into a physical image or an electronic image, and outputting the physical image or the electronic image.

A method of generating a mixed code, comprising:

• (a) encoding, using a processor, first information and construction information regarding a second code image made using at least one of a character, a number, and a sign into a first code image made using colors, shading, shaping, a pattern, or a combination thereof;
• (b) encoding second information into a-the second code image made using colors, shading, shaping, a pattern, or a combination thereof the second information obtained by performing at least one of adding new information to the first information and deleting and changing information in the first information;
• (c) changing color and brightness of the second code image such that a difference in color and brightness between the first and second code images corresponds to a predetermined threshold;
• (d) generating the mixed code by mapping the changed second code image to the first code image, and
• (e) transforming the mixed code into a physical image or an electronic image, and outputting the physical image or the electronic image.

An apparatus for generating a mixed code, comprising:

• a code image generating unit encoding first information and second information into a first code image and a second code image which are using colors, shading, shaping, a pattern, or a combination thereof, the first and second information made using at least one of a character, a number, a sign, and an image;
• and
• a code image combining unit producing a physical or electronic mixed code image by setting a difference in color and brightness between the first and second code images and combining the first and second code images based on the set difference in color and brightness;
• wherein the first code image includes construction information regarding the second code image.

An apparatus for generating a mixed code image, the apparatus comprising:

• a controller configured to:
• generate a first image, wherein the first image is made by using at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern, and obtained by encoding content information;
• generate a second image, wherein the second image is made by using at least one of color, shading and pattern, and obtained by encoding construction information representing arrangement of the first image;
• and
• 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.

A method for generating a mixed code image, the method comprising:

• generating a first image, wherein the first image is made by using at least one of color, shading, shape and pattern, and obtained by encoding content information;
• generating a second image, wherein the second image is made by using at least one of color, shading and pattern, and obtained by encoding construction information representing arrangement of 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.