US5854478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for reading machine-readable symbols having surface or optical distortions
Assignee: Intermec IP Corp
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Filing: 1996-10-11
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Granted: 1998-12-29
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Expires: 2016-10-11
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for reading a distorted image of data collection symbol within a reader image generated and stored by a two-dimensional symbology reader begins by first locating a starting point in the distorted symbol image within the stored reader image. The method identifies edge contours of some or all of the bars and spaces in the symbol. The method then identifies one or more points within each of the identified edges. Thereafter, the method defines one or more sampling paths or lines that extend through the symbol, and through the points such that each line is constructed in a "connect-the-dot" fashion. The bars and spaces can then be sampled based on one or more of the defined lines, and the information in the symbol decoded from the sampled bars and spaces.
Inventors
- 👤 Lingnan Liu
- 👤 Mark Y. Shimizu
- 👤 Lisa M. Vartanian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:15
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/14; G06K7/1404; G06K7/1439; G06K7/1452
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of reading a distorted image of a data collection symbol stored within an image generated and stored by a symbol reader, the symbol in its undistorted form having an array of substantially parallel rectangular bars and spaces between the bars that encode data, the bars and spaces being arranged along at least one axis, the method comprising the steps of: locating a bar or space of the distorted image of the data collection symbol; identifying an edge of the bar or space; repeating the steps of locating a bar or space and identifying an edge until at least some of the edges of the bars or spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified; selecting at least one point on each identified edge; defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge; sampling the bars and spaces along the at least one path; and decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of reading a distorted image of a data collection symbol stored within an image generated and stored by a symbol reader, the symbol in its undistorted form having an array of substantially parallel rectangular bars and spaces between the bars that encode data, the bars and spaces being arranged along at least one axis, the method comprising the steps of: locating a bar or space of the distorted image of the data collection symbol; identifying an edge of the bar or space; repeating the steps of locating a bar or space and identifying an edge until at least some of the edges of the bars or spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified; selecting at least one point on each identified edge; defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge; sampling the bars and spaces along the at least one path; and decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
141 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes identifying at least first, second and third points on each edge, wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge includes defining a first path extending through each of the first points on each edge, defining a second path extending through each of the second points on each edge, and defining a third path extending through each of the third points on each edge, and wherein the step of decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path includes decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on a portion of the first path and a portion of the third path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
84 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the data collection symbol includes first and second rows of bars and spaces arranged along two parallel axes, wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes selecting at least one point on each identified edge of each bar in each row, and wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge defines at least first and second paths through the first and second rows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of locating a bar or space of the image of the data collection symbol includes identifying a starting point within the stored image.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes identifying at least first, second and third points on each edge, and wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge includes defining a first path extending through each of the first points on each edge, defining a second path extending through each of the second points on each edge, and defining a third path extending through each of the third points on each edge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
104 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: attempting to decode the data collection symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path; selecting a plurality of points on each edge greater than a number of points previously selected under the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge; defining a plurality of paths extending between the plurality of points on each edge; sampling the bars and spaces along the plurality of paths; and decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the plurality of paths.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the data collection symbol includes a defined pattern, and wherein the step of locating a bar or space of the distorted image of the data collection symbol includes the step of locating the defined pattern of the data collection symbol.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of repeating the steps of locating a bar or space include identifying an edge until all edges of the bars or spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of repeating the steps of locating a bar or space includes the steps of: moving a fixed distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the identified edge to a new point; locating an edge of a bar or space in a neighborhood proximate to the new point; and repeating the steps of moving and locating an edge until edges of several bars or spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of identifying an edge of the bar or space includes the steps of: identifying a starting edge point on each identified edge and sequentially identifying connecting points along the identified edge until opposite endpoints of each identified edge are located; and determining a distance between the opposite endpoints.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of identifying an edge of the bar or space includes the steps of: identifying a starting point within each bar or space and sequentially identifying connecting points within the bar or space until opposite endpoints of each bar or space are located; and determining a length of each bar or space based on a curve connecting the opposite endpoints.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
210 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes identifying at least first and second points on each edge, wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge includes the steps of: defining a first path extending through each of the corresponding first points on each identified edge; and defining a second path extending through each of the corresponding second points on each identified edge, and wherein the step of decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path includes the steps of: decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on a portion of the first path, the portion of the first path extending from a first end of the symbol to a first inner point; moving along an inner edge of a bar or space in the symbol from the first inner point to a second inner point; and decoding the data in the data collection symbol based on a portion of the second path, the portion of the second path extending from the second inner point in the symbol to a second end of the symbol.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of sampling information of a distorted image of machine-readable visual indicia within a reader image generated and stored by an indicia reader, the machine-readable visual indicia in its undistorted form having a plurality of information bearing indicia extending and decodable along at least one axis, and the plurality of information bearing indicia having a plurality of edges between the information bearing indicia and areas formed therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a starting point proximate to an information bearing indicia of the distorted image of the machine-readable visual indicia; identifying at least some edges of the information bearing indicia based on the starting point; selecting at least one point on each identified edge; defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge; and sampling the information bearing indicia along the at least one path.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of sampling information of a distorted image of machine-readable visual indicia within a reader image generated and stored by an indicia reader, the machine-readable visual indicia in its undistorted form having a plurality of information bearing indicia extending and decodable along at least one axis, and the plurality of information bearing indicia having a plurality of edges between the information bearing indicia and areas formed therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a starting point proximate to an information bearing indicia of the distorted image of the machine-readable visual indicia; identifying at least some edges of the information bearing indicia based on the starting point; selecting at least one point on each identified edge; defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge; and sampling the information bearing indicia along the at least one path.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
135 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes identifying at least first, second and third points on each edge, wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge includes defining a first path extending through each of the first points on each edge, defining a second path extending through each of the second points on each edge, and defining a third path extending through each of the third points on each edge, and wherein the step of reading the machine-readable visual indicia based on the sampled information bearing indicia along the at least one path includes reading the machine-readable visual indicia based on a portion of the first path and a portion of the third path.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the machine-readable visual indicia includes first and second rows of information bearing indicia arranged along two parallel axes, wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes selecting at least one point on each identified edge of each information bearing indicia in each row, and wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge defines at least first and second paths through the first and second rows.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of identifying a starting point includes locating an information bearing indicia of the image of the machine-readable visual indicia.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes identifying at least first, second and third points on each edge, and wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge includes defining a first path extending through each of the first points on each edge, defining a second path extending through each of the second points on each edge, and defining a third path extending through each of the third points on each edge.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: attempting to read the machine-readable visual indicia based on the sampled information bearing indicia along the at least one path; selecting a plurality of points on each edge greater than a number of points previously selected under the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge; defining a plurality of paths extending between the plurality of points on each edge; sampling the information bearing indicia along the plurality of paths; and reading the machine-readable visual indicia based on the sampled information bearing indicia along the plurality of paths.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the machine-readable visual indicia includes a defined pattern, and wherein the step of identifying a starting point includes the step of locating the defined pattern of the machine-readable visual indicia.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the machine-readable visual indicia is a bar code symbol, and wherein the step of reading the machine-readable visual indicia includes decoding the bar code symbol.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of reading the machine-readable visual indicia based on the sampled information bearing indicia along the at least one path.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of identifying at least some edges of the information bearing indicia includes identifying all edges of the information bearing indicia.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of identifying at least some edges of the information bearing indicia includes the steps of: moving a selected distance in a direction along the at least one axis to a new point; locating an edge of one of the information bearing indicia in a neighborhood proximate to the new point; and repeating the steps of moving and locating an edge until edges of several information bearing indicia have been identified.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes the steps of: identifying endpoints of at least some of the identified edges; and determining a distance between the endpoints.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
192 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes identifying at least first and second points on each edge, wherein the step of defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge includes the steps of: determining a first path extending through each of the corresponding first points on each identified edge; and defining a second path extending through each of the corresponding second points on each identified edge, and wherein the step of sampling the information bearing indicia along the at least one path includes the steps of: sampling the information bearing indicia based on a portion of the first path, the portion of the first path extending from a first end of the machine-readable visual indicia to a first inner point; moving along an inner edge of one of the visual indicia from the first inner point to a second inner point proximate to the inner edge; and sampling the information bearing indicia based on a portion of the second path, the portion of the second path extending from the second inner point to another point.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified edge includes the steps of: identifying endpoints of at least some of the identified edges; and determining a length of the at least some of the identified edges between the endpoints.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of analyzing a distorted image of a data collection symbol stored within a two-dimensional image generated and stored by a symbol reader, the symbol in its undistorted form having an array of substantially parallel rectangular bars and spaces between the bars that encode data, the bars and spaces being arranged along at least one dimension, the symbol being distorted in three-dimensions, the method comprising the steps of: locating a bar or space of the distorted two-dimensional image of the data collection symbol; identifying an edge of the bar or space; repeating the steps of locating a bar or space and identifying an edge until at least some of the edges of the bars and spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified; selecting a plurality of points on each identified edge; defining a plurality of segments extending between each corresponding point of each edge; and defining a plurality of planar areas for bar or space, each planar area defined by a pair of the plurality of segments and portions of adjacent identified edges.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of analyzing a distorted image of a data collection symbol stored within a two-dimensional image generated and stored by a symbol reader, the symbol in its undistorted form having an array of substantially parallel rectangular bars and spaces between the bars that encode data, the bars and spaces being arranged along at least one dimension, the symbol being distorted in three-dimensions, the method comprising the steps of: locating a bar or space of the distorted two-dimensional image of the data collection symbol; identifying an edge of the bar or space; repeating the steps of locating a bar or space and identifying an edge until at least some of the edges of the bars and spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified; selecting a plurality of points on each identified edge; defining a plurality of segments extending between each corresponding point of each edge; and defining a plurality of planar areas for bar or space, each planar area defined by a pair of the plurality of segments and portions of adjacent identified edges.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of defining a plurality of planar areas includes the step of determining an area of each bar or space in the data collection symbol based on the plurality of defined planar areas.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of defining a plurality of segments includes defining a plurality of sampling paths, each sampling path including a plurality of linked segments extending along the at least one dimension.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of repeating the steps of locating a bar or space includes identifying an edge until all edges of the bars or spaces in the data collection symbol have been identified.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
174 words
An apparatus for decoding a machine-readable symbol representing encoded information, the symbol including an array of shapes and spaces between each shape that encode data, the shapes and spaces being arranged along at least one axis, the apparatus comprising: an image sensor that receives light reflected from the symbol and that produces an output signal therefrom that represents a distorted image of the shapes and spaces comprising the symbol; a storage device for storing the output signal of the distorted image of the shapes and spaces; and a processor for processing a stored signal and producing a signal indicative of the information encoded in the symbol, wherein a processor (a) identifies edges of the shapes in the symbol, (b) selects at least one point on each edge, (c) defines at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge, (d) samples the bars and spaces along the at least one path; and (e) decodes the data in the symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
174 words
An apparatus for decoding a machine-readable symbol representing encoded information, the symbol including an array of shapes and spaces between each shape that encode data, the shapes and spaces being arranged along at least one axis, the apparatus comprising: an image sensor that receives light reflected from the symbol and that produces an output signal therefrom that represents a distorted image of the shapes and spaces comprising the symbol; a storage device for storing the output signal of the distorted image of the shapes and spaces; and a processor for processing a stored signal and producing a signal indicative of the information encoded in the symbol, wherein a processor (a) identifies edges of the shapes in the symbol, (b) selects at least one point on each edge, (c) defines at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each edge, (d) samples the bars and spaces along the at least one path; and (e) decodes the data in the symbol based on the sampled bars and spaces along the at least one path.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of sampling information of a distorted image of machine-readable indicia within a reader image generated and stored by an indicia reader, the machine-readable visual indicia in its undistorted form having a plurality of information bearing indicia extending and decodable along at least one axis, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a starting point proximate to an information bearing indicia of the distorted image of the machine-readable visual indicia; identifying a curve extending through at least some of the information bearing indicia based on the starting point; selecting at least one point on each identified curve; defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each identified curve; and sampling the information bearing indicia along the at least one path.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of sampling information of a distorted image of machine-readable indicia within a reader image generated and stored by an indicia reader, the machine-readable visual indicia in its undistorted form having a plurality of information bearing indicia extending and decodable along at least one axis, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a starting point proximate to an information bearing indicia of the distorted image of the machine-readable visual indicia; identifying a curve extending through at least some of the information bearing indicia based on the starting point; selecting at least one point on each identified curve; defining at least one path extending between each corresponding point of each identified curve; and sampling the information bearing indicia along the at least one path.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified curve includes the steps of: identifying a start point within an information bearing indicia and sequentially identifying connecting points along the identified curve until opposite endpoints of the identified curve are located; and determining a length of the identified curve extending between the opposite endpoints.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 33 wherein the step of selecting at least one point on each identified curve includes the steps of: identifying a start point within an information bearing indicia and sequentially identifying connecting points along the curve until opposite endpoints of the identified curve are located; and determining a distance between the opposite endpoints.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-12-28 | 2002-06-29 | 2002-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-28 | 2006-06-29 | 2006-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-28 | 2010-06-29 | 2010-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |