3D Label Stitching for Barcode Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated label readers face challenges in accurately reading labels due to label folding, distortion, specular reflection, and camera orientation, leading to misalignment and incorrect assignment of labels to items, especially when items are stacked or placed close together, resulting in lower stitching success rates and errors in barcode scanning.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple cameras to capture image data of labels on items, determining the 3D position of label segments, associating them with the correct item, and stitching segments together based on relative 3D location, with reduced stitching criteria to improve accuracy and reduce misassignment, employing 3D coordinate information for accurate label reconstruction and grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture label segments from different angles, then the label read rate is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the label reading task into multiple segments captured by different cameras. Each camera captures a portion of the label from its specific viewpoint, and the system then stitches these segments together to form the complete label image. This segmentation approach allows the system to read labels that would be invisible or distorted in a single viewpoint, thereby improving label read rate while using multiple cameras.
2Productivity
If simplified item modeling is used for automated scanning, then the processing speed is improved, but the measurement precision of label position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation of item modeling from simplified geometric shapes to more accurate 3D models that incorporate actual item dimensions, orientations, and positions. By using enhanced 3D parameters including precise spatial coordinates and orientation data, the system maintains high scanning speed while achieving accurate label position measurement, resolving the contradiction between processing speed and measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If strict stitching criteria are applied to ensure accuracy, then the manufacturing precision of label association is improved, but the productivity of the scanning system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing 3D position information, item orientation data, and expected label locations before the actual scanning process. During scanning, the system uses these pre-computed parameters to quickly evaluate whether captured label segments belong to specific items, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high association accuracy. This eliminates the need for strict, time-consuming stitching criteria during real-time operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reading a label may include imaging, by a plurality of cameras, a label applied to an item. A 3D position of each segment of the label imaged by any of the cameras may be determined. The segments in the same relative 3D location as the item and other segments may be associated. The label formed from the segments associated with the item may be read.