Imaging System Template-Based Symbol Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state imaging systems are inefficient in processing multiple bar code symbols and non-symbols on a single target, requiring exhaustive image analysis and resulting in long processing times, which can be exacerbated by the need for repeated imaging if symbols are not fully captured.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a solid-state imager and a controller using a stored template to identify and locate symbols, allowing for targeted image capture and processing based on known symbol positions, densities, and types, thereby reducing the number of pixels to examine and optimizing decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaustive image analysis is performed to process multiple symbols on a target, then complete data retrieval is achieved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images at different positions and orientations before final processing. The controller stores these pre-captured images and uses them to facilitate faster symbol recognition and decoding, eliminating the need for repeated imaging during the actual reading process
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system divides the target area into multiple regions of interest, capturing images at specific positions and orientations. This segmentation allows the controller to process only relevant portions of the image data corresponding to symbol locations, rather than analyzing the entire image exhaustively
2Reliability
If repeated imaging is performed to capture missing symbols, then complete symbol detection is achieved, but processing time increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging at multiple positions and orientations, storing these images in memory. When symbol detection is needed, the controller retrieves the appropriate pre-captured images from memory, eliminating the need for repeated imaging operations during the actual reading process
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of the target area at different positions and orientations by capturing multiple images. These image copies are stored and reused during processing, allowing complete symbol detection without requiring repeated physical imaging operations
3Productivity
If powerful microprocessor is used to reduce processing time, then reading speed improves, but system cost, power consumption, size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller captures and stores multiple images at different positions and orientations before processing. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during actual reading by providing pre-processed image data, thereby achieving fast reading speeds without requiring powerful microprocessors
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and stores only the necessary image data at specific positions and orientations in memory. This extraction approach minimizes the amount of data that needs to be processed, reducing computational requirements and allowing simpler electronics to achieve fast reading speeds
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 significantly shortens processing times by predicting symbol locations and using optimized decoding techniques, allowing for efficient analysis of multiple symbols in a single image acquisition, reducing the need for repeated imaging and minimizing computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia on the target over a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for acquiring images of multiple indicia, such as symbols and non-symbols, on a target, such as a label, comprises a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia on the target over a field of view, and a controller having a stored template that identifies details of the indicia on the target, for controlling the imager to capture the light from the indicia based on the details identified by the template.