Adaptive Selection Area for Optical Pattern Decoding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for decoding optical patterns, such as barcodes, using mobile devices are limited by the need for precise alignment and processing of multiple patterns in a scene, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a camera, display, and processors to detect and decode optical patterns by overlaying indicators on the display to highlight detected patterns, allowing users to select patterns outside the indicator area, and utilizing adaptive input areas for more accurate selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a specialized barcode scanner with laser is used to decode barcodes, then decoding accuracy is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidscanner complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical laser scanning system with an optical-based image capture system using a camera. The camera captures an image of the barcode, and image processing algorithms decode the pattern, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and laser alignment mechanisms while maintaining decoding accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the barcode through image capture. Instead of directly reading the optical pattern with a laser, the system captures a visual copy of the barcode in the image, then processes this copy to extract the encoded information, simplifying the physical scanning mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If image analysis is used to decode barcodes on mobile devices, then device portability is improved, but measurement precision and reliability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiddecoding accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and decodes barcodes in the captured image without requiring manual positioning or alignment by the user. The image processing algorithms automatically identify the barcode pattern, correct for perspective distortion, and extract the data, making the portable device as reliable as specialized scanners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by overlaying a selection indicator on the display to show which barcode is detected and will be decoded. This feedback mechanism allows the user to verify the correct barcode is selected before decoding, improving reliability of the portable image-based system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical patterns are detected in a scene, then system versatility is improved, but selection accuracy and processing efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern detection capabilityVSAvoidpattern selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the scene into multiple detectable optical patterns and provides individual selection indicators for each detected pattern. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple patterns independently, enabling the user to select which specific pattern to decode while maintaining accuracy even when multiple patterns are present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a selection indicator as an intermediary element between the detected optical patterns and the user's selection input. This intermediary visual marker on the display clearly indicates which pattern corresponds to which selection, eliminating ambiguity when multiple patterns are detected and improving selection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If user input must directly overlap the optical pattern location for selection, then selection precision is improved, but ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection accuracyVSAvoiduser interaction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maps the 2D display interface to the 3D scene space by overlaying selection indicators that correspond to detected optical patterns. This dimensional mapping allows users to select patterns by interacting with the visual indicator on the display rather than requiring precise alignment with the physical pattern location, making the system easier to operate while maintaining selection accuracy through the visual feedback loop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12307737B1Adaptive selection area for image-based decoding of optical patterns

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SCANDIT AG

AI summary

Selection of on optical pattern in a scene is identified by overlaying, on a display, an indicator of a detected optical pattern identifying a location of the optical pattern in one or more images, receiving a user input on the display at a position that does not overlap the location of the optical pattern, and presenting information related to the optical pattern, based on receiving the user input, even though the position of user input did not overlap the location of the optical pattern. The user input can be received at a detached selection indicator and/or using an adaptive input area.