Encoded Information Reading Terminal Image Pre-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode reading systems face challenges in supporting multiple hardware and software platforms, and there is a need for efficient image pre-processing and decoding methods to ensure successful decoding of optical indicia across various devices.
Innovation Solution
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal equipped with a microprocessor, memory, and a two-dimensional imager that determines image quality and applies adaptive scaling or pre-processing parameters, transmitting images to an external computer for decoding, with iterative adjustments based on decoding feedback to ensure successful decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image pre-processing is performed on the EIR terminal before transmission, then decoding success rate improves, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image quality assessment and pre-processing operations (such as scaling, filtering, or enhancement) on the EIR terminal before transmitting the image to the external computer. This ensures that the image meets quality thresholds for successful decoding, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity through selective pre-processing based on assessed quality metrics
2Measurement precision
If adaptive scaling is applied to improve image quality for decoding, then decoding accuracy improves, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using adaptive scaling factors that are dynamically determined based on the assessed quality of the acquired image. If the image quality is sufficient, minimal or no scaling is applied; if quality is poor, appropriate scaling is performed. This dynamic approach optimizes processing time while maintaining decoding accuracy by avoiding unnecessary processing
3Reliability
If iterative pre-processing with feedback is implemented, then decoding reliability improves, but productivity decreases due to multiple processing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using decoding operation completion codes from the external computer to adjust pre-processing parameters iteratively. When decoding fails, the system receives feedback about the failure reason and modifies pre-processing parameters (such as scaling factors or filtering settings) for subsequent attempts. This feedback mechanism improves decoding reliability while limiting productivity loss through a finite number of iterative attempts
Data Source
AI summary
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an EIR device including a two-dimensional imager. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message and/or outputting a decoded message corresponding to an encoded message. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to acquiring an image containing decodable indicia, to pre-process the acquired image and transmit the pre-processed image to an external decoding computer for decoding the decodable indicia.