Mobile Barcode Auto-Zoom Using Frame Edge Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical scanning approaches in mobile devices struggle to recognize barcodes at farther distances due to the scan engine's reliance on predefined detection regions and computational constraints, requiring manual user intervention for zooming, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining when to automatically zoom onto a barcode by analyzing factors such as distance from the edge or corner, occupancy rate, image quality, and confidence score, allowing the imaging sensor to capture a zoomed image frame based on identified criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user intervention is required for zooming, then the scan engine can maintain predefined detection regions and computational constraints, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient manual zooming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects optical codes and determines appropriate zoom ratios without requiring manual user intervention. The processing device analyzes the detected optical code's position and size, then autonomously controls the imaging sensor to zoom in, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the optical code's position and characteristics before executing the zoom operation. By identifying the optical code's location relative to the image frame edges and calculating the appropriate zoom ratio in advance, the system prepares the optimal scanning configuration before actual scanning occurs.
2Measurement precision
If the scan engine relies on predefined detection regions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for barcodes at farther distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection region and zoom ratio based on the detected optical code's characteristics. Instead of using fixed predefined regions, the processing device calculates variable detection parameters including zoom ratios between 1x and 10x based on the optical code's position, size, and distance from image frame edges, enabling adaptive precision scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including zoom ratio, detection region boundaries, and scanning resolution based on the detected optical code's properties. The processing device modifies these parameters dynamically to optimize measurement precision for optical codes at various distances and positions within the image frame.
3Productivity
If automatic zooming is implemented, then productivity improves by eliminating manual zooming, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The processing device performs multiple functions including optical code detection, position analysis, zoom ratio calculation, and imaging sensor control within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality enables automatic zooming to improve productivity while minimizing the need for separate dedicated components that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected optical code's position and characteristics to determine the appropriate zoom ratio. The processing device analyzes the optical code's location relative to image frame edges and uses this feedback information to autonomously adjust the zoom level, creating a closed-loop system that improves scanning productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining a first image frame captured using at least one imaging sensor. The method also includes determining that an optical code is contained within the first image frame and determining whether to automatically zoom onto the optical code. The method further includes, in response to determining to automatically zoom onto the optical code, identifying a zoom ratio to be applied. In addition, the method includes controlling the at least one imaging sensor to capture a second image frame that is zoomed onto the optical code using the zoom ratio. Determining whether to automatically zoom onto the optical code includes identifying a distance between the optical code and a nearest edge or a nearest corner in the first image frame and determining to automatically zoom onto the optical code based on the identified distance being greater than a threshold distance.