Color Imaging Terminal Bar Code Decoding Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicia reading terminals face inefficiencies in decoding bar codes, particularly in distinguishing and processing color bar codes, as they often require unnecessary processing of color image data, leading to increased decode times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a color imaging terminal with a color image sensor array that converts captured color frame data to monochrome data for initial pattern searching, allowing for efficient decoding of both color and monochrome bar codes by utilizing monochrome data for pattern detection and color data only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If color image data is processed for decoding bar codes, then color bar codes can be decoded, but decode time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decoding process into two distinct phases: a search phase using monochrome image data to locate potential bar code patterns, and a decode phase using color image data only when a pattern is found. This segmentation allows the system to avoid processing color data during the time-consuming search phase, thereby reducing overall decode time while maintaining the capability to decode color bar codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing by converting color image data to monochrome image data and conducting the pattern search using only monochrome data before any color-specific processing occurs. This preliminary action using simplified monochrome data prepares the system for potential color bar code decoding without incurring the full computational cost of color processing until absolutely necessary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If color image data is processed for all bar codes, then color information is available, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing workflow into distinct segments: monochrome processing for pattern search and color processing only for pattern decoding. This segmentation reduces processing complexity by ensuring that computationally intensive color processing operations are performed only when necessary, rather than continuously for all image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different parts of the task: monochrome processing is applied to the entire image during the search phase, while color processing is applied locally and selectively only to regions where bar code patterns are detected. This local quality approach optimizes resource usage by applying complex color processing only where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
There is set forth herein an imaging terminal operative for decoding of bar codes. In one embodiment the terminal can include a color imaging assembly having a color image sensor array. The terminal can be operative for capture of a color frame of image data. Responsively to the capture of the color frame of image data the terminal can convert the color image data to monochrome image data while maintaining the color image data. The terminal can utilize the monochrome image data to search for a color bar code finder pattern. The terminal can be operative so that if the color bar code pattern is found utilizing the monochrome image data the terminal can utilize the color image data for attempting to decode a color bar code.