Adaptive Bar Code Location Strategy for Imaging Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging-based bar code readers face inefficiencies in locating imaged bar codes, as methods optimized for one mode of operation (hand-held or fixed position) may not be effective for the other mode, leading to increased decoding time.
Innovation Solution
A method that adapts the search strategy for locating imaged bar codes based on the mode of operation, using a starting location near the geographic center in hand-held mode and analyzing movement in fixed position mode to efficiently search for bar codes within captured image frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single bar code locating method is used for both hand-held and fixed position modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to inefficient bar code location in one or more modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bar code locating method adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically selects between two different locating algorithms based on the detected mode of operation (hand-held or fixed position). This allows the system to optimize bar code location speed for each specific mode while maintaining a unified device architecture, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of locating method selection based on the operational mode parameter. When the system detects hand-held mode, it applies a first locating algorithm optimized for moving readers; when fixed position mode is detected, it applies a second algorithm optimized for stationary readers. This parameter-based adaptation enables high productivity in both modes without requiring separate physical devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reader housing is moved in hand-held mode, then the field of view changes dynamically, but this makes it difficult to predict bar code location, increasing the time required to locate the bar code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the operational mode before initiating the bar code locating process. By determining whether the reader is in hand-held or fixed position mode in advance, the system can pre-select the appropriate locating algorithm, avoiding time-consuming trial-and-error approaches and reducing overall bar code location time despite the dynamic nature of hand-held operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from mode detection to adaptively select the locating method. The detection of whether the reader is being moved (hand-held) or stationary (fixed position) provides feedback that triggers the selection of the corresponding optimized algorithm, enabling the system to respond appropriately to different operational conditions and minimize location time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating an imaged bar code in a captured image frame for an imaging-based bar code reader. The steps of the method include: a) determining a mode of operation of the reader; b) if the reader is being operated in a hand-held mode of operation, utilizing a first method of locating an imaged bar code; and c) if the reader is being operated in a fixed position mode, utilizing a second method of locating an imaged bar code. The first method of locating an imaged bar code includes searching for an imaged bar code commencing at a starting location near a geographic center of the selected image frame. The second method of locating an imaged bar code includes determining a location corresponding to movement in a selected image frame of the series of image frames and searching for an imaged bar code commencing at the movement location.