System and method for decoding and analyzing barcodes using a mobile device
DCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for decoding a barcode comprising:
- (a) imaging the barcode with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera;
(b) converting the barcode image to an array of pixels;
(c) dividing the array of pixels into sections;
(d) selecting a section;
(e) determining a minimal pixel intensity for the selected section;
(f) assigning a high pixel intensity to pixels with intensities above a threshold white level intensity;
(g) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities below a threshold black level intensity;
(h) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section;
(i) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels that are adjacent to a pixel that has an intensity within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section;
(j) repeating (d)-(i) for each of the sections;
(k) rendering the sections to form an enhanced barcode image;
(l) decoding the enhanced barcode image to obtain barcode information;
(m) transmitting the barcode information from the mobile device to a server, the mobile device in communication with the server through a wireless network; and
(n) receiving a message associated with the barcode information from the server through the wireless network.
2 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.
-
Citations
33 Claims
-
1. A method for decoding a barcode comprising:
-
(a) imaging the barcode with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera; (b) converting the barcode image to an array of pixels; (c) dividing the array of pixels into sections; (d) selecting a section; (e) determining a minimal pixel intensity for the selected section; (f) assigning a high pixel intensity to pixels with intensities above a threshold white level intensity; (g) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities below a threshold black level intensity; (h) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section; (i) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels that are adjacent to a pixel that has an intensity within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section; (j) repeating (d)-(i) for each of the sections; (k) rendering the sections to form an enhanced barcode image; (l) decoding the enhanced barcode image to obtain barcode information; (m) transmitting the barcode information from the mobile device to a server, the mobile device in communication with the server through a wireless network; and (n) receiving a message associated with the barcode information from the server through the wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A mobile device that decodes barcodes, comprising:
-
an interface in communication with a wireless network; a memory; a digital camera; and a processor in communication with the memory, the interface, and the digital camera; wherein in the processor; (a) images the barcode with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera; (b) converts the barcode image to an array of pixels; (c) divides the array of pixels into sections; (d) selects a section; (e) determines a minimal pixel intensity for the selected section; (f) assigns a high pixel intensity to pixels with intensities above a threshold white level intensity; (g) assigns a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities below a threshold black level intensity; (h) assigns a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section; (i) assigns a zero pixel intensity to pixels that are adjacent to a pixel that has an intensity within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section; (j) repeats (d)-(i) for each of the sections; (k) renders the sections to form an enhanced barcode image; (l) decodes the enhanced barcode image to obtain barcode information; (m) transmits the barcode information from the mobile device to a server, the mobile device in communication with the server through a wireless network; and (n) receives a message associated with the barcode information from the server through the wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
-
-
33. A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for decoding a barcode, comprising:
-
(a) imaging the barcode with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera; (b) converting the barcode image to an array of pixels; (c) dividing the array of pixels into sections; (d) selecting a section; (e) determining a minimal pixel intensity for the selected section; (f) assigning a high pixel intensity to pixels with intensities above a threshold white level intensity; (g) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities below a threshold black level intensity; (h) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels with intensities within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section; (i) assigning a zero pixel intensity to pixels that are adjacent to a pixel that has an intensity within a range of the minimal pixel intensity of the selected section; (j) repeating (d)-(i) for each of the sections; (k) rendering the sections to form an enhanced barcode image; (l) decoding the enhanced barcode image to obtain barcode information; (m) transmitting the barcode information from the mobile device to a server, the mobile device in communication with the server through a wireless network; and (n) receiving a message associated with the barcode information from the server through the wireless network.
-
Specification