Three-tier quick-response code: Applications for encoded text and counterfeit prevention system.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Information Security
• Data Encoding

Background:

• Existing information encoding methods have limitations in terms of capacity and security.
• QR codes are widely used but can be vulnerable to certain types of manipulation.
• Novel approaches are needed for robust data embedding in digital documents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel dual-step method for encoding information in PDF documents.
• To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of embedding data within QR codes using a specific color-based technique.
• To compare theoretical expectations with practical results and present diverse use cases.

Main Methods:

• Information is first encoded using base64.
• Encoded data is then embedded in a user-selected color within a QR code, with dummy data in other colors.
• The generated QR code's luminance is compared with theoretical values.

Main Results:

• The study successfully demonstrates a method for encoding information in QR codes.
• A comparison between theoretical approximations and acquired results in the merged QR code is performed.
• Diverse use cases, including a counterfeit system, are presented.

Conclusions:

• The proposed dual-step encoding method offers a novel approach to information embedding in digital files.
• The technique shows potential for secure data storage and application in areas like counterfeit prevention.
• Further research is warranted to explore advanced applications and optimizations.