# Claycode: Stylable and Deformable 2D Scannable Codes

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.08666 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.08666/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 6 of its 55 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 13 May 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [ART-UP: A Novel Method for Generating Scanning-robust Aesthetic QR codes](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1803.02280/) (2018)
- [InfraredTags: Embedding Invisible AR Markers and Barcodes Using Low-Cost, Infrared-Based 3D Printing and Imaging Tools](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.06165/) (2022)
- [TopoTag: A Robust and Scalable Topological Fiducial Marker System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.01450/) (2019)
- [AirCode: Unobtrusive Physical Tags for Digital Fabrication](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1707.05754/) (2017)
- [Robust and Fast Decoding of High-Capacity Color QR Codes for Mobile Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1704.06447/) (2017)
- [A One-to-One Correspondence between Natural Numbers and Binary Trees](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2002.04477/) (2020)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper introduces Claycode, a novel 2D scannable code designed for extensive stylization and deformation. Unlike traditional matrix-based codes (e.g., QR codes), Claycodes encode their message in a tree structure. During the encoding process, bits are mapped into a topology tree, which is then depicted as a nesting of color regions drawn within the boundaries of a target polygon shape. When decoding, Claycodes are extracted and interpreted in real-time from a camera stream. We detail the end-to-end pipeline and show that Claycodes allow for extensive stylization without compromising their functionality. We then empirically demonstrate Claycode's high tolerance to heavy deformations, outperforming traditional 2D scannable codes in scenarios where they typically fail.