Auto-contrast Viewfinder Overlay for Indicia Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging indicia readers face challenges in ensuring the visibility of graphical overlays, such as text or graphics, when they are superimposed on images, particularly in scenarios where the background and overlay colors are similar, leading to reduced readability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze the background image metrics to adjust the pixel values of the graphical overlay in real-time, ensuring maximum contrast and improved visibility by changing the color of the overlay based on the image's intensity and color characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a graphical overlay with single color messages on transparent background is used, then the interface provides real-time alignment guidance, but the messages become hard to see in certain imaging scenarios (e.g., white text on white image)
Solution Approach 1:
The message color is dynamically adjusted based on the background image characteristics. The system analyzes the background behind each message and automatically changes the message color (e.g., from white to black) to ensure optimal contrast and readability in real-time during barcode scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the color parameter of the graphical overlay messages based on the analyzed background image metrics. By modifying the message color parameter in response to background intensity and color characteristics, the system maintains high visibility across varying imaging conditions without requiring manual intervention.
2Loss of information
If the message color is dynamically adjusted based on background analysis, then the message visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system analyzes the background image locally in the specific message area rather than processing the entire image. This localized analysis reduces computational complexity while still achieving the goal of improving message visibility by adjusting colors based on the immediate background characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex manual color adjustment mechanisms with automated image processing algorithms. The system uses software-based analysis of background metrics (intensity, color) to automatically determine optimal message colors, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Viewfinders for indicia-readers and/or mobile devices running indicia reading applications allow a user to position the reader with respect to the indicia. A display presents a real-time image of the camera as a background, while simultaneously presenting a graphical overlay that is superimposed on the background. The graphical overlay provides a user messages via text or graphics. Choosing a single color for the messages on the graphical overlay can lead to visibility problems in some imaging scenarios. The present invention provides a method and device to provide automatic contrast adjustment of these message based on the image characteristics beneath or around each message in order to maintain visibility in all imaging scenarios.