Machine-Readable Symbol Acquisition Using Matrix Collapsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine-readable symbol decoding processes are slow and inefficient, particularly when dealing with large amounts of information, as they require significant time to determine the number of codewords and rows, and often necessitate complex and expensive optical systems with large matrices of light-sensitive elements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves an optical system to acquire machine-readable symbols, with a processor that collapses an initialization symbol matrix based on determined codeword counts, allowing for faster population and validation of codewords, reducing the need for extensive initial analysis and matrix size determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large matrix of light-sensitive elements is used to ensure sufficient image capture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the symbol reading process into two distinct phases: a quick line-by-line scanning phase that captures essential codeword information, followed by a targeted image capture phase that uses a smaller, less complex optical system. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sufficient measurement precision without requiring a large matrix of light-sensitive elements throughout the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary scanning using a simple line scanner to quickly identify the presence and basic structure of the machine-readable symbol before committing to a full image capture. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether a more complex optical system is actually needed, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision when required.
2Measurement precision
If a large matrix of light-sensitive elements is used to ensure sufficient image capture, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into two parts: a simple, inexpensive line scanner for initial detection and a more sophisticated (but smaller) image capture system activated only when needed. This segmentation dramatically reduces manufacturing costs compared to equipping the system with a large matrix of light-sensitive elements from the start, while still achieving the required measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable, inexpensive line scanning approach for the initial detection phase, using a simple optical system that costs much less to manufacture than a full image capture system. Only when the line scan indicates a need for detailed analysis does the system activate the more expensive image capture functionality, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and manufacturing cost.
3Speed
If line-by-line receiving process is used to acquire symbol information, then speed of data acquisition is improved, but decoding time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary line-by-line scanning to quickly acquire essential symbol information including codeword locations and structure, which enables the subsequent decoding process to be much more efficient. By preparing the decoding context in advance through rapid scanning, the system reduces the time required for the actual decoding operation, resolving the contradiction between fast data acquisition and fast decoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional line-by-line scanning approach to utilizing two-dimensional spatial relationships of codewords within the symbol. By analyzing the geometric arrangement and positional relationships of codewords captured during scanning, the system can parallelize certain decoding operations and reduce overall decoding time while maintaining the speed advantages of line-by-line data acquisition.
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 significantly reduces decoding time and improves efficiency by allowing for faster acquisition and processing of machine-readable symbols, even with large amounts of information, without the need for expensive and complex optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-based detector... to acquire an image of a target machine-readable symbol
Implementation Method 2
matrix of light sensitive elements, such as in a charge coupled device (CCD), to acquire an image
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for acquiring a machine-readable symbol are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises receiving at least one scan line of a codeword row, determining a number of codewords of the codeword row, and collapsing an initialization symbol matrix into a partially-collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix based upon the determined number of codewords. Once the number of rows in the machine-readable symbol are determined, the partially collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix is further collapsed to the determined number of codeword rows.