Dynamic Barcode Display Adaptation for Capture Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Displaying a barcode on a computing device, such as a mobile device, for capture by another computing device is challenging due to variables like ambient light and display properties, which can hinder successful capture and decoding, especially in diverse environments and with small device displays.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating and displaying a barcode, then dynamically modifying its display properties, such as color and opacity, in a cyclical manner until a termination signal is received, to increase the likelihood of successful capture by modifying the barcode's appearance to accommodate varying conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a barcode is displayed statically with fixed properties, then the display is simple and energy-efficient, but the barcode may not be successfully captured under varying ambient light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode capture success rateVSAvoiddisplay control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static barcode display into a dynamic one where display properties (color, brightness, contrast) are continuously or periodically modified. This allows the barcode to adapt to varying ambient light conditions, improving capture reliability without requiring complex real-time environmental sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by cycling through different display property configurations at predetermined intervals. The display controller periodically adjusts barcode characteristics such as color and brightness, creating multiple opportunities for successful capture during the display period without requiring continuous complex control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the barcode display properties are dynamically modified to adapt to ambient light, then capture reliability improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode capture success rateVSAvoiddisplay energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by modifying only certain display properties (color, brightness, contrast) of the barcode while leaving other display characteristics unchanged. This selective modification achieves adaptation to ambient light conditions without requiring full display reconfiguration, thereby reducing energy consumption compared to complete display updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting specific display parameters (color temperature, brightness level, contrast ratio) of the barcode in response to ambient light conditions. This targeted parameter adjustment achieves reliable capture under varying conditions while minimizing overall energy consumption by changing only necessary parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple modified versions of the barcode are displayed sequentially, then the likelihood of successful capture increases, but the display time and user experience complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarcode capture probabilityVSAvoidbarcode display duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining the barcode display continuously while dynamically modifying its properties. Rather than displaying multiple separate static versions sequentially, the barcode remains continuously visible with adaptive property changes, ensuring uninterrupted capture opportunities without extending total display duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2239686B1Systems, devices and methods for displaying a barcode at a computing device
Publication Date: 2012.05.16 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2239686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2239686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2239686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein generally facilitate the display of a barcode at a computing device for capture by another computing device. In accordance with one example embodiment, a barcode is generated at a first computing device, the barcode is displayed on a display screen associated with the first computing device, and one or more display properties of the barcode are dynamically modified while it is displayed at the first computing device until the barcode is successfully captured (e.g. by a camera) at a second computing device.