Barcode Imaging System for Selecting Target Barcodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stationary barcode scanners lack the ability to selectively target specific barcodes among multiple barcodes on an item, making it difficult for users to easily and quickly select the desired barcode.
Innovation Solution
A barcode imaging system that highlights or identifies candidate barcode fields on a display, allowing users to interactively select the target barcode by moving the item within the scanner's field of view, using methods such as artificial reticules, artificial scan lines, brightness adjustments, or superimposed graphics to facilitate barcode selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary scanner is used, then the scanner is simple and cost-effective, but the user cannot easily select a particular barcode from among multiple barcodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the selection problem from the physical scanning dimension to the visual display dimension. By capturing an image of all barcodes and displaying it on a screen with highlighting capabilities, the system allows users to select barcodes visually from a 2D display rather than physically aiming a scanner at a specific barcode in 3D space. This dimensional shift enables barcode selection without mechanical aiming components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing and display system as an intermediary between the stationary scanner and the user. Instead of directly scanning individual barcodes, the system first captures an image of the entire barcode area, processes it to highlight candidate barcodes, and presents this visual information to the user. This intermediary layer enables selection functionality without requiring the scanner itself to have aiming capabilities.
2Loss of information
If multiple barcodes are printed on an item, then the item contains comprehensive information, but it becomes difficult to select the target barcode quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by highlighting specific candidate barcode regions in the displayed image while leaving other areas unhighlighted or dimmed. This selective emphasis allows the user's attention to be directed to specific areas of interest without requiring them to visually search through the entire image. The highlighting can be based on various criteria such as barcode type, position, or user preferences, enabling quick identification of the target barcode among multiple options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and visual modifications to distinguish candidate barcodes from non-candidate barcodes in the displayed image. By applying different colors, brightness levels, or visual effects to highlight candidate regions, the system enables users to quickly differentiate between important and non-important barcodes, significantly reducing the time required to locate and select the target barcode.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is provided for selecting a particular barcode on an item that includes multiple barcodes. The system (1) acquires, via a barcode imager, an image of the item within the field of view of the barcode imager, (2) analyzes the acquired image to determine a set of potential barcode fields, (3) determines, using a predetermined criterion (e.g., distance from center of imaged area, type of bar code, etc.), a candidate barcode field from among the set of potential barcode fields, (4) displays a modified image derived from the acquired image, wherein the candidate barcode field is identified within the modified image, and (5) allows the user to initiate a decode session when the candidate barcode field includes the desired barcode. The acquired may be modified to highlight the candidate barcode field in any number of ways, including, for example, superimposing an artificial reticule around the candidate field, superimposing an artificial scan line over the field, altering the contrast of the field, and/or altering the brightness of the field.