Dove Prism Image Rotation for Barcode Scanner Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image bar code scanners face computational intensity issues when processing images at high speeds, requiring increased processing power or reduced pass-by speeds, neither of which is desirable.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an image-focusing device with a dove prism and optical lenses to rotate the image, ensuring optimal orientation for efficient data capture using fewer pixel rows, allowing for rapid processing without increasing scanner power or reducing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If processing power of the scanner is increased to process images faster, then image processing speed is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by dividing the image into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) based on detected features. Instead of processing the entire image at full resolution, the system identifies and processes only relevant segments, significantly reducing computational requirements while maintaining decoding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial processing by performing coarse-to-fine analysis: first detecting bar code presence and orientation using down-sampled or low-resolution data, then processing only the necessary high-resolution regions. This avoids the excessive action of processing every pixel at full resolution, reducing computational load without sacrificing decoding capability.
2Loss of time
If pass-by speed is reduced to allow more processing time, then image processing time is increased, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by conducting initial image acquisition and coarse processing (such as detecting presence of bar code, determining orientation) before the object passes completely through the field of view. This preliminary analysis prepares the system to quickly process only the critical high-resolution data needed for decoding, enabling high-speed operation without sacrificing processing completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-rate processing approach where non-critical processing steps are skipped or rushed through using reduced computational resources. Critical steps (such as final decoding) receive full processing power, while intermediate steps use optimized algorithms that sacrifice some precision for speed, allowing the system to maintain high pass-by speeds while completing necessary processing.
3Measurement precision
If full image data is processed to ensure accurate bar code detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by processing different regions of the image at different resolutions and with different levels of detail. Regions containing bar code features are processed at high resolution with full accuracy, while background or empty regions are processed at lower resolution or skipped entirely. This selective application of processing quality maintains detection accuracy where needed while reducing overall computational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task by dividing the image into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) based on detected features. Instead of processing the entire image at full resolution, the system identifies and processes only relevant segments, significantly reducing computational requirements while maintaining decoding accuracy.
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
This approach enables efficient image processing and bar code detection with reduced computational requirements, maintaining high pass-by speeds without additional processing power, by ensuring proper orientation of the bar code image for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an image-focusing device with a dove prism and optical lenses to rotate the image
Implementation Method 2
an image-focusing device with a dove prism and optical lenses to rotate the image
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and systems used to reduce the time needed to process images of a bar code or optical code captured by a image bar code scanner. Image bar code scanners read bar codes or optical codes by capturing digital images of the codes using an image capture device and then processing the captured images to decode the optical code or bar code. The processing time is reduced by rotating the images to align the axis of the codes contained in the captured images with the rows of photo detectors in the image capture device.