Color Barcode Decoding via Multi-Zone Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional barcode scanners cannot decode color information in UPC codes, which limits their ability to track individual trade items effectively, as they only use grayscale sensors and cannot interpret color sequences in barcodes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving simultaneous illumination of color barcodes with three spatially separated light zones of different colors, capturing a monochrome image, and analyzing the intensity of light reflected from each zone to determine the color of each bar by comparing relative intensity differences with threshold levels, allowing for the decoding of color barcodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional grayscale sensors are used to scan barcodes, then the scanning system is simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot decode color information in barcodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor informationVSAvoidsensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into three spatially separated light zones, each emitting a different color (red, green, blue). This segmentation allows the monochrome sensor to capture color information indirectly by measuring reflected light intensity from each zone separately, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sensor simplicity and capturing color data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary illumination system with three color zones that mediates between the monochrome sensor and the colored barcode. The sensor doesn't directly detect color but rather measures reflected light intensity from each color zone, with the color information inferred through comparison of these intensity measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple color light zones are used to illuminate the barcode, then color decoding capability is achieved, but the hardware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor decoding capabilityVSAvoidillumination system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system with three color zones serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary color information for decoding while also maintaining compatibility with existing monochrome sensor technology. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve color barcode decoding without requiring specialized color sensors, thus limiting the increase in hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the illumination parameters by using three distinct color zones (red, green, blue) instead of uniform illumination. This parameter change enables color information extraction through intensity comparison while keeping the sensor hardware simple, balancing versatility improvement with complexity control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If color information is encoded in barcode bars, then more trade item information can be tracked, but conventional scanners cannot decode this information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrade item informationVSAvoidcolor detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the sensor to directly detect color (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a monochrome sensor with a multi-color illumination system. The color information is inferred by measuring reflected light intensity from different color zones, making color detection possible with simple hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex color sensor hardware with a simpler monochrome sensor combined with a structured illumination system. This substitution achieves color detection capability through optical measurement and computational analysis rather than direct color sensing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the accurate decoding of color barcodes, providing additional information beyond traditional UPC codes, with high motion tolerance and low hardware complexity, facilitating efficient tracking of trade items.

Implementation Method 1

capturing a monochrome image of light reflected from of the color barcode... determining a color of the bar by analysis of the intensity of the light captured in the image of the reflected light intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11120238B2Decoding color barcodes

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 HAND HELD PRODS INC

AI summary

A method of decoding a color barcode involves simultaneously illuminating the color barcode with three light zones in a manner that illuminates each bar of the color barcode with each of the three spatially separated light zones, where the three light zones are each illuminated by a different one of three colors; capturing a monochrome image of light reflected off of the color barcode that includes each of the bars in the barcode illuminated by the three light zones; and for each bar in the color barcode, determining a color of the bar by analysis of the intensity of the light captured in the image of the reflected light intensity in each of the three light zones.