Virtual Bar Code Generation from Physical Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices struggle to accurately read physical bar codes due to distortions and variations in symbology, leading to inefficiencies in data extraction and processing.
Innovation Solution
A portable computing device is configured to scan physical bar codes, decode the data, and re-encode it to generate a virtual bar code, which can be rendered on a display or printed medium, free from distortions and potentially using different symbology, allowing for improved readability and supplemental information inclusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable computing device scans a physical bar code directly, then the device can extract data from the bar code, but the digital image of the bar code may contain distortions that reduce scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual bar code that is a clean electronic copy of the physical bar code. The system captures an image of the physical bar code, extracts the encoded data, and regenerates a perfect virtual bar code representation. This virtual bar code can be displayed or printed without the distortions present in the original physical bar code or its digital image, thereby improving scanning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between capturing the physical bar code and using it for scanning. The intermediary is the data extraction and regeneration process that converts the distorted physical bar code image into clean decoded data, which is then re-encoded into a virtual bar code. This intermediary process eliminates distortions by regenerating the bar code from its data representation rather than directly using the captured image.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the physical bar code is used directly, then no additional processing is needed, but the bar code cannot include supplemental information beyond what is encoded in the original symbology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bar code information into two parts: the original bar code data and supplemental information. The system extracts the original data from the physical bar code and then adds supplemental information (such as location, timestamp, or other metadata) to create an enhanced virtual bar code. This segmentation allows the original bar code functionality to be preserved while adding new capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual bar code system provides multi-functionality by serving both as a representation of the original bar code data and as a carrier for supplemental information. The virtual bar code can be scanned to retrieve the original information while also providing access to additional data, making it a universal interface that handles multiple types of information without requiring separate systems.
3Ease of operation
If the bar code symbology is changed to improve readability, then the virtual bar code can use different encoding schemes, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of bar code representation from physical to virtual, which enables flexibility in encoding schemes. The system can convert the physical bar code into a virtual representation and then encode it using different symbologies optimized for various scanning devices or applications. This parameter change from physical to virtual allows for parameter optimization without increasing hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may capture an image of a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and read by a barcode reader.