A QR-Code generator that uses Error Diffusion Dithering to insert an image directly into the scannable module matrix. Available at qixel.eu.
The idea came from this publication by Chu et al. (NTHU CGV LAB) about "Halftone QR-Codes". But instead of using a complex embedding process like they describe, this project relies on the following steps:
- Manually mark regions of interest (foreground)
- Apply the GrabCut algorithm to cut out connected regions
- Transform from RGB to a monochrome image
- Dither the cut out region using a binary color palette (halftoning) to simulate shading.
- One of the best algorithms for this is Floyd Steinberg
- Instead of using error diffusion only on the image itself, in a 3x3 region, always use 1 center pixel from the qr code and calculate the 8 surrounding pixels from the image
- The error introduced by the embedded QR code is then spread out using error diffusion
- In the end: Overlay the QR code and the halftone image
There is one very similar project available online, be sure to check it out: Nthrox' Halftone QR-Code Generator
Halftone Pixel QR-Code Generator. QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
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