Patent ID: 7886978
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform a method comprising: identifying a first image of a computer-readable symbol obtained by an image capture device, the computer-readable symbol representing information encoded using a visual symbology arranged on a surface, the visual symbology comprising a plurality of modules of predetermined sizes, each module having a binary reflectance value; estimating a tilt of the image capture device relative to the surface, by identifying test scale values and test ratio values associated with a plurality of test images obtained using a predetermined image capture device; graphically expressing the test scale values relative to the test ratio values as points in the two-dimensional coordinate system; within the two-dimensional coordinate system, identifying a first range of points comprising the test scale values relative to the test ratio values, and a second range of points comprising the test scale values relative to the test ratio values; ascertaining whether the tilt coordinate is within the first range of points or the second range of points; calculating a success metric associated with the first image based on either a level of blurriness of the first image or whether the tilt coordinate is within the first range of points or the second range of points; based on the success metric, prior to attempting to decode the visual symbology within the first image, determining a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology within the first image; when there is determined to be a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology within the first image, arranging for decoding the visual symbology within the first image; and when there is determined not to be a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology within the first image,