Efficient Decoding of Blurred, Pitched, and Scratched Barcode Images

While there are number of domain transformation based image processing algorithms for decoding barcode images, these algorithms are computationally intensive and thus not suitable for embedded or online applications. These algorithms are better implemented on desktop or server systems for decoding images offline. In this paper, we discuss a camera independent barcode image decoding algorithm suited for embedded real-time applications like barcode scanning in Point-Of-Sales terminals. While the algorithm is ideal for a charge-coupled device (CCD) type scanner with a camera module, it can also be used to decode images taken from a distance (as in laser scanners) and is robust against most of the common distortions caused by low cost cameras/lenses.