Barcode Decoding via Adaptive Scanline Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in rapidly localizing and decoding machine-readable indicia, such as 1-D and 2-D barcodes, especially on mobile devices with limited processing resources, as they require scanning entire image frames to detect barcodes, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system utilizing machine learning for barcode localization, including edge orientation-sensitive feature sets and probabilistic statistical classification models, to detect and decode barcodes by correlating image data with pre-defined templates, allowing for focused processing on likely barcode areas and adaptive synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire image frame is scanned to detect barcodes, then barcode detection coverage is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image frame into multiple scanlines and processes them sequentially rather than scanning the entire frame at once. The system can stop processing as soon as a barcode is detected in any scanline, significantly reducing average processing time while maintaining complete coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing by analyzing scanlines in order from top to bottom, using early scanline results to inform subsequent processing. This allows the system to potentially terminate early when a barcode is found, avoiding unnecessary processing of remaining scanlines.
2Reliability
If traditional barcode scanning methods are used, then comprehensive barcode detection is achieved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic scanning through multiple scanlines rather than a single comprehensive scan. Each scanline provides a periodic opportunity to detect barcodes, and the system can terminate the periodic process early when detection succeeds, improving average processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial scanning by processing only the necessary portion of scanlines required to detect a barcode. If a barcode is detected in early scanlines, the excessive action of processing all scanlines is avoided, directly improving processing speed.
3Measurement precision
If fixed template correlation is used for barcode decoding, then decoding accuracy is improved, but adaptability to varying barcode scales decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the template scale to match the detected barcode size in each scanline. Rather than using a fixed template, the system adapts the template dimensions based on the actual barcode dimensions detected, maintaining high decoding accuracy across varying scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the template parameters (specifically scale and size) based on the detected barcode characteristics. This allows the correlation process to maintain high accuracy whether the barcode is large or small in the scanline, effectively bridging the gap between fixed templates and scale variability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to advanced image signal processing technology including: i) rapid localization for machine-readable indicia including, e.g., 1-D and 2-D barcodes; and ii) barcode reading and decoders. One claim recites: an image processing method comprising: obtaining 2-dimensional (2D) image data representing a 1-dimensional (1D) barcode within a first image area; generating a plurality of scanlines across the first image area; for each of the plurality of scanlines, synchronizing the scanline, including decoding an initial set of numerical digits represented by the scanline, in which said synchronizing provides a scale estimate for the scanline; using a path decoder to decode remaining numerical digits within the scanline, the path decoder decoding multiple numerical digits in groups, in which the scale estimate is adapted as the remaining numerical digits are decoded; and providing decoded numerical digits as an identifier represented by the scanline. Of course, other combinations and claims are described within the present disclosure.