Optical Image Processing for Selective Data Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the ability to selectively process a set of images to separate desired information from undesired information, limiting the efficient extraction and utilization of encoded data in images such as barcodes.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device receives and processes images to generate data, using processing parameters to selectively decode and extract relevant information from a set of images, allowing for automatic or user-directed optical reception and processing of specific images or subsets within a larger image set.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple images are used to increase the amount and diversity of information, then the information capacity is improved, but the ability to selectively process desired information from undesired information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation capacityVSAvoidselective processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the image processing task by first identifying a primary image containing processing parameters, then using those parameters to selectively process only specific subset images from the larger set. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple images efficiently while maintaining selective processing capability through the hierarchical structure of primary image parameters and subset image data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If all images in a set are processed, then complete information extraction is achieved, but processing time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation extraction completenessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by first processing the primary image to extract processing parameters before processing the actual data-bearing subset images. These parameters (such as identification criteria, selection rules, or processing instructions) are obtained in advance and used to guide the subsequent selective processing of subset images, ensuring that only relevant images are processed with the appropriate parameters, thus avoiding unnecessary processing time while maintaining complete information extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If processing parameters are embedded in an image, then selective processing control is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective processing controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies universality by using a standardized image-based parameter embedding approach that can control processing across diverse image sets and applications. The same technical mechanism (embedding processing parameters in an optically receivable image format) serves multiple functions: it provides selection criteria, processing instructions, and organizational structure for subset images. This multi-functional approach enables selective processing control without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same infrastructure handles various processing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8195227B1Optical image processing for image set decoding from a wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2012.06.05 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US8195227B1 patent drawing
  • US8195227B1 patent drawing
  • US8195227B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image encodes processing parameters for a set of images. A wireless communication device optically receives and processes the received image to generate first image data. The image data represents the processing parameters. The wireless communication device processes the first image data to obtain the processing parameters. The wireless communication device then optically receives the set of images. The set of images encode second image data. The wireless communication device processes the optically received set of images based on the processing parameters to obtain second image data.