QR Code Pattern Location via Difference Value Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for locating QR code finder and alignment patterns in images require a large number of pixel computations, leading to high processing times, which can be costly and energy-intensive, especially in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

The method generates sets of difference values based on comparisons of image pixel values to three reference sets, calculating sums of differences for possible pattern locations, allowing for efficient identification of QR code finder and alignment patterns with reduced computational load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional pixel-by-pixel comparison methods are used to locate QR code patterns, then measurement precision is maintained, but processing time increases significantly and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern location accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QR code pattern into three distinct reference sets (finder pattern top, finder pattern bottom, and alignment pattern) that can be independently compared against the input image. This segmentation allows the system to process different pattern components separately using efficient difference value calculations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining location accuracy through targeted comparisons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating difference values between the input image and each reference pattern set before final pattern location determination. By computing difference measures in advance and storing them for subsequent summing operations, the system reduces the computational burden during actual pattern detection, thereby decreasing processing time without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If traditional pixel-by-pixel comparison methods are used to locate QR code patterns, then measurement precision is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern location accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QR code pattern into three distinct reference sets (finder pattern top, finder pattern bottom, and alignment pattern) that can be independently compared against the input image. This segmentation allows the system to process different pattern components separately using efficient difference value calculations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining location accuracy through targeted comparisons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating difference values between the input image and each reference pattern set before final pattern location determination. By computing difference measures in advance and storing them for subsequent summing operations, the system reduces the computational burden during actual pattern detection, thereby decreasing processing time without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple processors are used in parallel to reduce pattern location time, then processing speed increases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern location speedVSAvoidprocessor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating difference values between the input image and each reference pattern set before final pattern location determination. By computing difference measures in advance and storing them for subsequent summing operations, the system reduces the computational burden during actual pattern detection, thereby decreasing processing time without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the computational parameters by switching from traditional pixel-by-pixel comparison to difference value calculation and summation. This parameter change transforms the computational approach into one that requires fewer operations, enabling single-processor systems to achieve speeds previously requiring multiple parallel processors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8634651B2Methods and apparatus for locating target patterns in an image

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 ACCUSOFT CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for efficiently locating QR code finder patterns and/or code QR alignment patterns in an image are described.