Indicia Reading Terminal Decoding via Image Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading terminals face a challenge in processing high-resolution image data efficiently, as increased pixel counts lead to longer processing times without significant improvements in decoding speed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a two-dimensional image sensor array and an optical assembly, along with a data table for storing document characteristics, allows for optimized processing by identifying and storing the location of decodable indicia within the image data, thereby reducing decode times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher density image sensor arrays with increasing numbers of pixels are used, then image resolution is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the relevant portion of the image data containing the decodable indicia, rather than processing the entire high-resolution image frame. By identifying the document field and locating the indicia within it, the system extracts only the necessary pixel data for decoding, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining decoding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct stages: first identifying the document field boundaries, then locating the decodable indicia within that field, and finally processing only the relevant indicia region. This segmentation allows the system to handle high-resolution images efficiently by breaking down the complex processing task into manageable steps that focus computational resources only where needed.
2Reliability
If full image processing steps are performed on all captured frames, then decoding accuracy is maintained, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first identifying the document field and locating the decodable indicia before attempting full decoding processing. By pre-locating the indicia position and extracting only the relevant region, the system prepares the data in advance for decoding, ensuring that accuracy-critical processing is applied only to the necessary data portion, thereby improving both speed and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the portion of the image that contains the decodable indicia, rather than performing full processing on the entire captured frame. This selective processing approach maintains decoding accuracy for the relevant indicia while avoiding unnecessary processing of surrounding areas, thus improving processing speed without sacrificing reliability.
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 indicia reading terminals to process high-resolution images more efficiently by dispensing with unnecessary processing steps and improving decoding performance, resulting in faster decode times for documents with similar characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly for use in focusing imaging light rays onto the plurality of pixels of said two dimensional image sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention comprise an indicia reading terminal including operatively configured to interact with a storage module to store data, including location data, of a decodable indicia found in a captured document image. In one embodiment, the indicia reading terminal can be provided with one or more pre-stored information about the decodable indicia and/or the document. In another embodiment the indicia reading terminal can be provided with instructions and similarly operatively configured components that can identify information about the decodable indicia, store such information in a table, and utilize the tabulated data to process captured image data of subsequent documents.