Barcode Identification Using Character Rule Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode identification methods are inefficient and prone to errors due to reliance on single checksums and time-consuming re-scanning processes, leading to low recognition rates and long recognition times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for barcode identification that extracts rows of pixels based on a predetermined policy, parses them to obtain character strings, and determines the identification result based on a predetermined character rule, with additional steps to ensure accuracy by comparing consecutive extractions and using occurrence frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional barcode identification methods use single checksum verification and re-scanning processes, then identification accuracy can be ensured, but identification time increases and identification rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing character rule verification on the first extracted character string before proceeding to multiple extractions. The method checks whether the character string satisfies predetermined character rules (such as format, length, and structure rules) immediately after the first extraction and parsing. If the character string meets the rules, the system directly determines it as the identification result without performing additional extractions and parsing operations, thus reducing identification time while maintaining accuracy through rule-based pre-validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification process into two distinct stages: first, rapid character rule verification based on the first extracted character string; second, traditional multiple extraction and checksum verification only when the first stage fails. This segmentation allows the system to handle most cases (where barcodes satisfy character rules) through the fast first stage, reserving the time-consuming second stage only for edge cases, thereby significantly reducing overall identification time while preserving accuracy
2Reliability
If conventional methods perform multiple extractions and parsing to ensure accuracy, then identification reliability improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a character rule verification mechanism that operates on the first extracted character string. The system checks whether the character string conforms to predetermined rules (including format, length, and structure requirements) before committing to multiple extraction cycles. When the character string satisfies these rules, the system confidently determines it as the final result, achieving high identification rate without sacrificing accuracy through unnecessary repeated operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification parameter from traditional checksum-only verification to a two-layer verification system: first character rule verification (format, length, structure), then checksum verification only when needed. This parameter change enables the system to quickly filter out valid barcodes through character rule checking, reserving resource-intensive checksum verification for cases where character rules are not satisfied, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability
3Measurement precision
If the system uses traditional re-scanning processes to verify barcode accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the character rule characteristics inherent in barcode structures as an additional verification layer. By taking out the character rule verification function and applying it to the first extracted character string, the system creates a simple, rule-based filtering mechanism that reduces reliance on complex multiple re-scanning processes. This extraction of character rule verification simplifies the overall process while enhancing measurement precision through immediate validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the character string itself to provide verification information through its inherent characteristics. The character rules (format, length, structure) are properties of valid barcode data, and by checking these properties on the first extraction, the data essentially verifies itself without requiring complex external validation mechanisms. This self-verification approach reduces process complexity while improving identification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A first row of pixels from a barcode image is extracted by a terminal device based on a predetermined extraction policy. The first row of pixels is parsed by the terminal device to obtain a first character string. Whether the first character string satisfies a predetermined character rule is determined by the terminal device. Responsive to a determination that the first character string satisfies the predetermined character rule: the first character string is determined as an identification result of a barcode in the barcode image and the identification result is generated including the first character string.