Mobile Camera Optical Code Scanning with Frame Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode scanning technologies face challenges in efficiently decoding optical codes on mobile devices, particularly in web-based applications, due to computational intensity and limitations in computational resources, leading to lag and inaccurate detections, especially with faster movement and lower resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for decoding optical patterns using a mobile device with a wide-angle lens and high frame rate imaging, where images are acquired and analyzed to detect and decode optical patterns efficiently, with a fixed focus and short exposure time, allowing for rapid scanning and tracking of codes without decoding each frame, thereby reducing computational load and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional barcode scanning methods are used with mobile devices, then the device can decode optical codes, but the computational intensity causes lag and reduces scanning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decoding function from every frame processing and performs it only on selected key frames. The system acquires video frames at high frame rate but decodes optical codes only from intermittently selected frames rather than all frames, significantly reducing computational load while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the video processing into acquisition phase and decoding phase. Multiple frames are acquired continuously at high frame rate, but decoding operations are segmented to occur only on selected frames, separating the high-speed capture from the computationally intensive analysis
2Measurement precision
If high frame rate imaging is used to capture moving codes, then detection accuracy improves, but computational resources are consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by processing only a subset of captured frames for decoding. Instead of analyzing every frame at high frame rate, the system selectively decodes only certain frames, using partial processing to achieve sufficient detection accuracy while conserving computational energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary frame acquisition at high frame rate before decoding operations. Frames are captured and buffered in advance, allowing the system to select optimal frames for decoding based on motion detection or other criteria, rather than processing every frame immediately
3Reliability
If computational resources are allocated for decoding every frame, then code detection accuracy improves, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intensive decoding operation from continuous frame processing and applies it only to selected frames. This selective approach maintains code detection reliability by ensuring key frames are decoded while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to processing every frame
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameter from decoding every frame to decoding only selected frames. This parameter change in the processing frequency maintains detection reliability for critical frames while reducing overall computational energy consumption and battery usage
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 fast and accurate decoding of optical codes, improving user experience by reducing lag and enhancing scanning efficiency, even in web-based applications, and allows for simultaneous mapping and verification of codes, while conserving battery and computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
a camera comprising an image sensor and a lens configured to focus light on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera in a mobile device, such as in a smart phone, can be used for super-fast scanning of optical codes.