Imaging Scanner Border Search for Accurate Form Extent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging-based bar code readers face challenges in accurately determining the extent of an imaged form or document due to large size differences between the target bar code and the form, leading to magnified errors in extrapolating the form's bounds from the bar code's center, especially when small pixel errors are magnified during the scaling process.
Innovation Solution
An imaging-based system and method that utilizes a target bar code of known size and location within a form to identify the border of the form by determining reference points within the bar code and the form, allowing for accurate identification and saving of the imaged border within a captured image frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the target bar code is used as the reference to extrapolate the form's bounds, then the bar code reading function is achieved, but the measurement precision of the form's extent deteriorates due to magnified errors from size differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a border detection mechanism as an intermediary between the bar code identification and the form extent determination. Instead of directly extrapolating from the bar code, the system first detects the border surrounding the form, which serves as a more reliable reference for determining the form's actual bounds and reduces error magnification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the form identification process into distinct stages: first identifying the bar code within the form, then separately detecting the border that surrounds the form. This segmentation allows each detection task to be optimized independently, with the border detection providing accurate spatial boundaries without being affected by the size disparity between the bar code and the entire form
2Quantity of substance
If the form size is much larger than the bar code size, then the form contains more information, but the error magnification during scaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The border acts as an intermediary reference that bridges the gap between the small bar code and the large form. By detecting the border that directly surrounds the form, the system obtains accurate spatial boundaries without needing to perform error-prone scaling operations from the bar code dimensions to the form dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts from a one-dimensional scaling approach (scaling from bar code size to form size) to a two-dimensional detection approach by identifying the border that directly outlines the form. This dimensional shift allows the system to determine form boundaries through direct detection rather than through error-prone proportional scaling
3Device complexity
If conventional extrapolation methods are used from bar code center, then the process is simple, but the accuracy of border identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The border detection serves as an intermediary step that provides accurate spatial reference information. Rather than directly extrapolating from the bar code center, the system detects the border that surrounds the form, which gives precise boundary information without requiring complex extrapolation calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs border detection as a preliminary action before final form identification. By first detecting the border that surrounds the form, the system establishes accurate spatial boundaries that can then be used to precisely identify the form extent, improving overall accuracy before final processing
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 precise identification of the acquisition area's extent, reducing errors and ensuring accurate imaging and decoding of the form, even when the bar code is significantly smaller than the form, by using information about the bar code's size and location to search for and identify the form's border.
Implementation Method 1
If the target object is within the field of view of the camera assembly, light reflected from the target object is focused through the imaging lens assembly
Implementation Method 2
light reflected from the target object is focused through the imaging lens assembly such that focused light is concentrated onto the sensor array
Implementation Method 3
The pixels of the sensor array are sequentially read out by image processing circuitry of the imaging system, generating an analog signal representative of a captured image frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A method utilizing an imaging-based bar code reader to identify a desired acquisition area within a captured image frame, the desired acquisition area including a target bar code and an extent of the desired acquisition area bounded by a border featuring: identifying a region of the captured image frame corresponding to an image of the target bar code; determining a reference point within the imaged target bar code; determining a reference point within an image of the desired acquisition area; searching for an image of the border of the desired acquisition area; identifying the imaged border of the desired acquisition area; and saving in memory a portion of the captured image frame corresponding to an image within the imaged border.