Adaptive Optical Decoding Across Symbologies and Image Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical information readers face challenges in efficiently decoding coded information across various symbologies and environmental conditions without requiring a specific training step, leading to prolonged processing times and potential loss of images in unattended or non-repetitive reading scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A decoding method that dynamically selects the most probable processing mode based on the success rate of previous decoding attempts, updating probabilities in real-time to adapt to changing conditions, and modifying the working set of processing modes to prioritize successful modes while penalizing unsuccessful ones, allowing for flexible and rapid decoding of multiple symbologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple processing modes are tested sequentially to ensure decoding of various symbologies, then decoding reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the processing mode selection adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts which processing modes to test and in what order based on real-time feedback from previous decoding attempts. This allows the system to maintain high reliability across multiple symbologies while reducing processing time by avoiding repeated testing of already-successful modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the results of previous decoding attempts are used to inform future mode selections. The system tracks which processing modes succeed or fail for different symbologies and uses this information to optimize the decoding sequence, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing unnecessary processing steps.
2Device complexity
If a fixed processing mode order is used for decoding, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static processing mode sequence into a dynamic one that adapts to different decoding conditions. The system maintains a library of processing modes but selectively activates and orders them based on the specific symbology and environmental conditions detected, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the decoding system by adjusting which processing modes are active and in what order they are applied. This parameter adjustment is based on detected conditions such as symbology type, image quality, and environmental factors, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through structured parameter management.
3Reliability
If all processing modes are applied to every image, then decoding coverage is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and applies only the necessary processing modes for each specific decoding scenario rather than applying all possible modes to every image. By identifying and removing unnecessary processing steps based on the detected symbology and conditions, the system maintains comprehensive decoding coverage while significantly improving processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selecting and applying only the subset of processing modes that are relevant to the current decoding task. Rather than exhaustively applying all possible modes, the system applies just enough processing to achieve successful decoding, thereby maintaining coverage while enhancing productivity through reduced computational overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for decoding optical information present in an acquired image comprises identifying a set of functional parameters that are settable for processing the image and a plurality of instances of said set of functional parameters. A different mode for processing this image corresponds to each of these instances. The method comprises selecting a determined processing mode for decoding the optical information from the processing modes of a working set of processing modes, and applying this selected processing mode and further comprises associating with each processing mode a respective probability of success. Selecting one of the methods of the working set comprises choosing the processing mode with the highest value of probability of success and updating after each application of the selected processing mode, both if said decoding was successful and if said decoding was not successful, the probability of success of each processing mode of the working set, such as to perform adaptive decoding of the optical information.