Modulating Display Imagery for Barcode Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some barcode scanners struggle to reliably read barcodes displayed on electronic devices due to insufficient contrast ratio and physical limitations of the display screen, and existing technologies like light-simulated barcodes may not be compatible with all personal electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a portable device with an image capture system and display system modulates display imagery to simulate a barcode by varying light characteristics, such as brightness and color, to transmit barcode information to a scanner, using an image sensor, controller, and processor to generate a light-simulated barcode that can be read by barcode scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static barcode is displayed on an LCD screen, then the barcode information can be presented on the display screen, but the contrast ratio between the bars and spaces is insufficient for reliable scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the display screen to emit pulsed light at frequencies that simulate a moving light beam across the barcode. The display alternates between illuminated and non-illuminated states, creating temporal contrast that enables reliable detection by barcode scanners even when spatial contrast is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of light emission by modulating the display screen's brightness at specific frequencies. Instead of relying solely on spatial contrast, the system varies the light intensity over time to create detectable patterns that barcode scanners can reliably interpret.
2Loss of information
If the display screen physical dimensions and resolution are increased to display larger barcodes, then more barcode information can be displayed, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using temporal modulation instead of increasing spatial dimensions, the patent enables full barcode information to be transmitted within the existing display screen constraints. The pulsed light pattern encodes the barcode data in time rather than requiring larger physical space.
3Reliability
If pulsed light technology is used to simulate barcodes, then display contrast limitations are overcome, but compatibility with personal electronic devices is reduced due to hardware and software constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by implementing the barcode simulation through the existing display screen and image capture system of personal electronic devices. The same display hardware that shows images is modulated to emit pulsed light patterns, and the same image sensor that captures photos detects the emitted patterns, eliminating the need for specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own display screen as both the light source and the barcode medium, and the device's own image sensor to detect the emitted light patterns. This self-service approach enables barcode simulation using only the device's existing components without requiring external or specialized hardware.
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 allows for reliable communication of barcode information to scanners without altering the scanner infrastructure, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and overcoming display limitations, by converting barcode data into modulated light signals that can be detected by both 1D and 2D scanners.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that is configured to convert light into discrete signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modulating display imagery for barcode simulation is provided. Barcode information is received into a portable device. The portable device includes an image capture system, the image capture system including an image sensor that is configured to convert light into discrete signals. The image capture system has an image sensor controller that is configured to control the image sensor. The image capture system has an image processor that is configured to convert the discrete signals into formatted image data. The portable device has a display system having a display screen configured to display formatted image data. The barcode information is used to manipulate the image capture system such that the display screen displays a light simulated barcode.