Optical Code Classification for Watermark Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point of sale scanners face challenges in efficiently processing diverse digital watermarks due to varying types, resolutions, and protocols, which tax their modest processors and limit decoding time, making exhaustive processing impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method that quickly determines the affine presentation of watermarks using different reference signals and identifies encoding protocols by analyzing accumulated dot contribution data, allowing for tailored processing and efficient decoding of both continuous tone and sparse watermarks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exhaustive processing of all watermark varieties is attempted, then decoding accuracy is improved, but processing time exceeds available budget and processor limits are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing classification of watermark types before decoding. The system analyzes accumulated dot contribution data to identify which encoding protocol is employed, then tailors the decoding process accordingly. This preliminary classification step prevents attempting exhaustive processing of all watermark varieties, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining decoding accuracy for the specific watermark type detected.
2Device complexity
If modest processors in point of sale scanners are used, then device complexity is reduced, but processing capability is taxed to limits and cannot handle diverse watermark types efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the watermark processing task into distinct stages: classification based on accumulated dot contribution data, then tailored decoding for specific watermark types. This segmentation allows the modest processor to handle diverse watermark types efficiently by processing them in manageable stages rather than attempting simultaneous exhaustive analysis of all possible varieties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by analyzing accumulated dot contribution data to identify encoding protocol parameters. By determining which form of reference signal is used and which encoding protocol is employed, the system adjusts processing parameters accordingly, enabling modest processors to efficiently handle diverse watermark types through parameter-based adaptation rather than requiring high processing power for all cases.
3Speed
If only a few milliseconds are allotted per frame, then processing speed is maintained, but watermark decoding becomes an afterthought with insufficient processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing classification during the synchronization process, before the actual decoding stage. By identifying the watermark type and encoding protocol in advance using accumulated dot contribution data, the system prepares tailored decoding parameters beforehand, ensuring reliable watermark decoding within the limited time budget without compromising frame processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical code reader classifies a code depicted in input imagery, so that appropriate decoding actions can be invoked. This classification may identify, e.g., (a) whether the code is of a continuous tone or sparse mark variety, (b) which one of different reference signals it includes, and (c) which one of different protocols is used in expressing reference and payload signal components of the code. A great variety of other features and technologies are detailed as well.