Blur removal in QR code images using directional aperture filter

Abstract

Quick Response (QR) bar code is an extensively utilized matrix 2D bar code. Consumers are becoming familiar with acquiring information via handheld and wearable devices because of the wide-expansion of wireless network infrastructures. QR code is considered as a container filled with information whereby smart devices can directly capture and decode this information and at high speed. A preprocessing system has been proposed in this paper for enhancing QR code images suffering from low-quality. This paper introduces a deblurring module which particularly characterized by robust and real time operation which is an appropriate solution for the challenging introduced problem. This paper focuses on sharpening out of focus and motion blur QR code images by using a proposed aperture filter design. The most important reasons for these problems are because of lens imperfection, an out of focus scanning device or camera movement during the capturing process. The key point of the proposed design is that the gradient edge directions are utilized in indexing the patterns instead of the intensity of the pixel under test. The proposed technique provides useful innovation as an approach to QR code image sharpening to increasing consumer satisfaction. Finally, the significant improvement of the proposed algorithm has been indicated by means of a number of applied experiments followed by statistical analysis. This study proved that the proposed method outperforms many other sharpener type filters in both preserving of edges and minimizing distortion of signals.