Barcode Reader Priority Search Logic for Multi-Code Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers face inefficiencies when attempting to decode multiple barcodes in a single image, as they often spend unnecessary time processing undecodable images or images lacking both priority barcodes, leading to slowed performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that prioritize the location and decoding of a first priority barcode within a defined region of an image, and based on its presence and characteristics, determine whether to attempt to locate and decode a second priority barcode, optimizing the search by discarding images lacking the first barcode or indicating it is unlikely to contain the second barcode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the barcode reader attempts to locate and decode multiple barcodes in every captured image, then the completeness of barcode reading is improved, but the processing time and system efficiency deteriorate due to unnecessary processing of undecodable images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first attempting to locate the first priority barcode before attempting to locate the second priority barcode. This sequential approach allows the system to discard images early when the first barcode is not found, avoiding unnecessary processing time for images that cannot contain both required barcodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines specific search regions for different priority barcodes within the image. The first priority barcode is searched in a first region, and the second priority barcode is searched in a second region. This localized search strategy improves efficiency by concentrating processing resources on relevant areas rather than scanning the entire image for each barcode.
2Reliability
If the barcode reader searches the entire image for both barcodes regardless of first barcode presence, then no barcodes are missed, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to redundant operations on images lacking the first barcode
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary search for the first priority barcode in a defined first region before attempting to search for the second priority barcode. This preliminary action enables early termination of processing for images that do not contain the first barcode, eliminating redundant operations while maintaining detection accuracy for images that do contain both barcodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into different search regions, with a first region dedicated to locating the first priority barcode and a second region for the second priority barcode. This segmentation allows independent processing of barcode searches and enables efficient discarding of images based on first barcode presence without affecting the reliability of second barcode detection in valid images.
3Reliability
If the barcode reader processes all images attempting to find both barcodes, then comprehensive decoding is achieved, but system performance deteriorates due to unnecessary processing of images with only one barcode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a hierarchical processing logic where the first priority barcode search is performed first. Based on the result of this preliminary search, the system dynamically determines whether to proceed with the second barcode search. This reduces processing logic complexity by eliminating unnecessary conditional checks for images that fail the first barcode search, while maintaining comprehensive decoding capability for images containing both barcodes.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes methods and systems for using a barcode reader to read multiple barcodes positioned on an object. The barcode reader attempts to locate a first priority barcode within an image using first priority information. The priority information may define a region of interest within the image. The barcode reader may search only the region of interest for the first priority barcode. The priority information may define one or more characteristics of the first priority barcode. Based on the results of attempting to locate the first priority barcode, the barcode reader determines whether to attempt to locate a second priority barcode within the image. The barcode reader may discard the image if the barcode reader fails to locate the first priority barcode or the results of attempting to locate the first priority barcode indicate that the image is unlikely to contain a decodable second priority barcode.