Graphical menu builder for encoding applications in an image
View Patent ↗The present invention provides a method and apparatus for encoding applications in an image. One embodiment of the method includes forming a first image that encodes information indicative of a map relating one or more pixel patterns to functionality implemented by a processor-based device. The first image is formed so that the processor-based device can decode the information to generate the map. The method also includes forming a second image that includes the pixel pattern(s). The second image is formed so that the processor-based device can detect the pixel pattern(s) and implement the functionality using the map.
1. A method for encoding a functionality of a processor-based device in a visual medium comprising a first image and a second image, the method comprising:
encoding, by a processor, a map comprising first information for determining a correspondence between characteristics of pixels in a pixel pattern and a functionality of the processor-based device, the characteristics including at least one of a number of the pixels, positions of the pixels, or colors of the pixels;
generating, by the processor, the first image comprising the encoded map, the first image being decodable by the processor-based device; and
generating, by the processor, the second image comprising the pixel pattern, the pixel pattern comprising second information for configuring the functionality of the processor-based device,
wherein the functionality of the processor-based device is identified by cross-referencing the pixel pattern according to the encoded map, and the functionality of the processor-based device is configured based on the second information, and
wherein the functionality of the processor-based device includes invoking a communication with a contact center according to the configuration.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
forming, by the processor, a function-encoded visual medium comprising the first image and the second image, the first image being adjacent to the second image,
wherein the function-encoded visual medium is acquirable by a camera implemented in the processor-based device.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the function-encoded visual medium comprises at least one of a label, a sign, an adhesive sticker, a piece of paper, a brochure, or published materials.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pixel pattern comprises at least one of a number of pixels, a pixel color, a pixel shading value, or a shape.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein generating the second image comprises:
embedding at least one of the number of pixels, the pixel color, the pixel shading value, or the shape into the second image.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein generating the second image further comprises:
embedding at least one of a character or a number into the second image,
wherein the encoded map associates a position of the at least one of a character or number with the functionality of the processor-based device.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication includes an internet search, an email, or a phone call.
8. A method for identifying a functionality of a processor-based device comprising a processor, the method comprising:
identifying, by the processor, a first image comprising a map and a second image comprising a pixel pattern, the map comprising first information for determining a correspondence between characteristics of pixels in the pixel pattern and a functionality of the processor-based device, the characteristics including at least one of a number of the pixels, positions of the pixels, or colors of the pixels, and the pixel pattern comprising second information for configuring the functionality of the processor-based device;
decoding, by the processor, the map of the identified first image;
identifying, by the processor, the functionality of the processor-based device by cross-referencing the pixel pattern according to the decoded map; and
configuring, by the processor, the functionality of the processor-based device based on the second information,
wherein the functionality of the processor-based device includes invoking a communication with a contact center according to the configuration.
9. The method of claim 8 ,
wherein the processor-based device further comprises a camera, and
wherein the method further comprises:
acquiring, by the camera, the first image and the second image from a function-encoded visual medium comprising the first image and the second image.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the function-encoded visual medium is positioned near a product or incorporated into published materials associated with the product.
11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the decoding of the map comprises:
executing, by the processor, a software application implemented on the processor-based device to decode the map of the identified first image.
12. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
in response to the identifying and configuring, executing, by the processor, the functionality of the processor-based device.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the communication includes an internet search, an email, or a phone call.
14. A processor-based device for identifying a function-encoded visual medium, the processor-based device comprising:
a processor; and
a memory, wherein the memory has stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
identify a first image comprising a map and a second image comprising a pixel pattern, the map comprising first information for determining a correspondence between characteristics of pixels in the pixel pattern and a functionality of the processor-based device, the characteristics including at least one of a number of the pixels, positions of the pixels, or colors of the pixels, and the pixel pattern comprising second information for configuring the functionality of the processor-based device;
decode the map of the identified first image;
identify the functionality of the processor-based device by cross-referencing the pixel pattern according to the decoded map; and
configure the functionality of the processor-based device based on the second information,
wherein the functionality of the processor-based device includes invoking a communication with a contact center according to the configuration.
15. The processor-based device of claim 14 ,
wherein the processor-based device further comprises a camera, and
wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to:
acquire, using the camera, the first image and the second image from a function-encoded visual medium comprising the first image and the second image.
16. The processor-based device of claim 15 , wherein the function-encoded visual medium is positioned near a product or incorporated into published materials associated with the product.
17. The processor-based device of claim 14 , wherein in decoding of the map, the processor executes a software application implemented on the processor-based device to decode the map of the identified first image.
18. The processor-based device of claim 14 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to:
execute the functionality of the processor-based device in response to the identifying and configuring of the functionality of the processor-based device.
19. The processor-based device of claim 14 , wherein the communication includes an internet search, an email, or a phone call.