Barcode Aimer Blink Patterns for Reliable Decode Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barcode reading systems fail to provide clear and visible indications of successful scans, especially in noisy environments or for users with hearing impairments, leading to potential multiple scans or missed scans.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with an aiming assembly that changes aiming states based on scan events, using a light source emitting in the 495-565 nanometer range to provide distinct visual cues, such as altering light patterns and duty cycles, to indicate successful scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional systems use auditory cues to notify users of successful scans, then users can be alerted of scan events, but the cues may go unnoticed in busy or loud environments or by those who are hard of hearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible light wavelength changes (450-480nm blue to 620-750nm red) to indicate different scan states. The light source changes color to provide visual feedback that is not affected by auditory environmental interference, directly resolving the reliability issue in noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic blinking patterns of the visible light source to attract user attention. The light blinks at specific frequencies to indicate successful scans, providing a reliable notification method that works in both noisy and quiet environments without depending on auditory cues.
2Reliability
If traditional systems use separate light systems to indicate successful scans, then users can see scan status, but the system drains excessive quantities of power and requires a larger device footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aiming light source with the notification function into a single component. The same light source used for guiding the scan is repurposed to provide visual feedback by changing wavelength and blinking patterns, eliminating the need for separate indication lights and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source serves multiple functions: it provides aiming guidance during scanning and simultaneously indicates scan status through wavelength changes and blinking patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and lowers the overall power consumption of the system.
3Reliability
If traditional systems use separate light systems to indicate successful scans, then users can see scan status, but the indication may be too diffuse to see in some lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specific wavelength changes (from blue 450-480nm to red 620-750nm) that are highly visible against various background lighting conditions. The distinct color transitions provide clear visual feedback that maintains visibility across different environmental lighting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The blinking pattern of the light source creates temporal contrast that enhances visibility. By pulsing the light at specific frequencies, the system ensures the indication stands out against continuous ambient lighting, making it detectable even in challenging lighting conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively notifies users of successful scans through visible and potentially audible cues, reducing the likelihood of missed scans and conserving power while minimizing device footprint.
Implementation Method 1
an aiming assembly including a light source configured to emit light with a wavelength in a range of 495 nanometers to 565 nanometers
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging devices, systems, and methods for capturing image data for an object appearing in a field of view (FOV) are described herein. An example device includes: an imaging assembly; an aiming assembly; and a computer-readable media storing machine readable instructions that cause the imaging device to: (i) initiate a first aiming state responsive to receiving an indication of a trigger event; (ii) capture the image data of the object appearing in the FOV while operating in the first aiming state; (iii) transition from the first aiming state to a second aiming state responsive to a successful decode event associated with the indicia, wherein the light source is to emit light in the second aiming state such that an observable appearance is different in the second aiming state than in the first aiming state; and (iv) otherwise refrain from transitioning from the first aiming state to the second aiming state.