Barcode Recognition Using Interpolation and Peak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode recognition technologies face challenges in accurately detecting and decoding 2-dimensional barcodes due to issues like blurring and non-uniform illumination, which affect the size restoration of barcode modules and lead to errors in information extraction.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes an extraction unit for interpolating X-axis data, a restoration unit for detecting peaks and normalizing the barcode signal, and a decoding unit for estimating module widths and decoding binary data, using techniques like cubic spline interpolation and descending slope trace wave methods to enhance barcode recognition accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a photographing means such as a camera is used to acquire a barcode image, then the barcode can be recognized in real time and applications for acquiring price and bottom price information can be developed, but the barcode image may be blurred by focusing and image noise may be caused by non-uniform illumination and barcode exposure environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing focus adjustment and exposure optimization before capturing the barcode image. The system pre-adjusts the camera's focus to ensure sharp barcode lines and pre-configures exposure parameters to prevent overexposure or underexposure, thereby eliminating blurring and noise issues before they occur during actual barcode recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting camera parameters such as focus distance, exposure time, and gain settings based on the specific barcode characteristics and environmental conditions. This allows the system to optimize image quality for different barcode types and lighting conditions, maintaining high measurement precision while enabling real-time recognition
2Speed
If laser reader is used to rapidly recognize the barcode, then recognition speed is improved, but it can recognize only the 1-dimensional barcode and is relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a multi-functional barcode recognition system that can handle both 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional barcodes using a single camera-based device. The system includes algorithms that automatically detect barcode type and apply appropriate decoding methods, providing universal compatibility across all barcode formats while maintaining rapid recognition speeds and eliminating the need for expensive specialized laser readers
3Adaptability or versatility
If CCD reader is used to recognize the 2-dimensional barcode, then barcode type compatibility is improved, but recognition speed is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the traditional mechanical/scanning-based CCD reader system with a digital camera-based capture system combined with software processing. This substitution allows the system to capture entire 2-dimensional barcodes instantaneously in a single frame rather than scanning them line-by-line, dramatically increasing recognition speed while maintaining full compatibility with 2-dimensional barcode formats
4Measurement precision
If peak detection and module size restoration are performed on blurred barcode images, then recognition accuracy can be maintained, but image processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing focus optimization and image stabilization before barcode capture, ensuring that the raw image data is already of high quality with minimal blur. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of subsequent peak detection and module size restoration operations, as the algorithms work with already-sharp images rather than attempting to recover details from blurred data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating multiple processed versions of the barcode image data, including enhanced copies with adjusted contrast and brightness, and copies with different filtering applied. These copied versions are used for peak detection and module size measurement, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy while using relatively simple processing algorithms on the copied data rather than complex processing on the original image
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for recognizing a barcode is disclosed, the recognizing method including steps of selecting and interpolating X-axis data at an arbitrary Y-axis of the barcode, detecting peaks of black and white modules of the barcode and restoring the barcode, and estimating widths of the black and white modules, extracting binary data and decoding the binary data.