Dynamic Autofocus Region Adjustment for Barcode Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-based barcode scanners often fail to decode barcodes due to sub-optimal focus settings, which can be influenced by ambient light levels and the distance between the scanner and the barcodes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computing device with an image sensor and a processor that captures images using a first autofocus region, detects regions of interest containing barcodes, and generates a second autofocus region based on the position of undecoded barcodes to capture additional images for improved decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed autofocus region is used for image capture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the barcode decoding reliability deteriorates when barcodes are positioned outside the fixed focus region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic autofocus region adjustment by detecting barcode positions in captured images and automatically modifying the autofocus region parameters. When barcodes are detected outside the current focus region, the system dynamically expands or repositions the autofocus region to include these barcodes in subsequent captures, thereby improving decoding reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the barcode detection results are fed back into the autofocus control process. The detected barcode positions and decoding success/failure information are used to adjust the autofocus region for the next image capture, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves focus accuracy based on actual barcode positioning and decoding performance.
2Reliability
If multiple image captures are performed to ensure successful barcode decoding, then the decoding reliability improves, but the time required for capture attempts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing an initial image with a default autofocus region before attempting to decode barcodes. If decoding fails, the system then adjusts the autofocus region based on the detected barcode positions and captures additional images only when necessary, rather than repeatedly capturing the same image multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number and timing of capture attempts based on real-time feedback from barcode detection and decoding operations. The autofocus region is modified on-the-fly, and subsequent captures are triggered only when needed, optimizing the balance between decoding reliability and time efficiency by avoiding unnecessary repeated captures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: capturing, via an image sensor of a computing device, a first image in a frame sequence using a first autofocus region having a first position; detecting a region of interest having a second position in the image, the region of interest containing a barcode; in response to receiving, at an autofocus controller, a failure to decode the region of interest, generating, by the autofocus controller, a second autofocus region based on the second position of the region of interest in the image, the second autofocus region configured for capturing a second image in the frame sequence via the image sensor.