Optical Code Scanning Display Window for Lower Battery Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices used for scanning optical codes, such as barcodes and QR codes, experience significant battery drain due to the energy-intensive process of displaying the camera view during scanning, necessitating external chargers to maintain functionality throughout a work shift.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that dynamically adjusts the size of the viewable area on the display based on the presence and size of the optical code using machine learning models, dimming or disabling non-code pixels to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the display shows the entire camera view during scanning, then scanning functionality is maintained, but battery life is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into a viewable area and a non-viewable area. The viewable area is dynamically adjusted to show only the necessary portion of the camera view where optical codes are likely to appear, while the non-viewable area is dimmed or turned off. This segmentation reduces display energy consumption while maintaining scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The size and position of the viewable area are dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of optical codes. When an optical code is detected, the viewable area expands to ensure the code remains visible. When no code is detected, the viewable area contracts to minimize energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between display functionality and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the viewable area is reduced to save energy, then battery life is extended, but scanning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the camera feed for optical codes and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the viewable area size. When an optical code is detected, the viewable area expands to ensure accurate scanning. When no code is present, the viewable area contracts to save energy. This feedback mechanism ensures scanning accuracy is maintained when needed while reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of optical codes before fully expanding the viewable area. Using machine learning models, the system identifies potential codes in advance and pre-adjusts the viewable area to ensure accurate scanning is ready when needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining scanning reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for scanning optical codes with improved energy efficiency are disclosed. In some embodiments, a disclosed method includes: obtaining a video captured by a camera; determining, based on a machine learning model, whether an optical code is included in any frame image of the video; presenting a viewable area on a display operatively coupled to the camera, once the video starts to include at least a portion of the optical code; and dynamically adjusting the viewable area based on a size of the optical code in each frame image of the video.