Barcode Imaging Workstation Sequential Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging-based barcode readers face inefficiencies in illuminating barcodes only when necessary, as constant bright illumination is annoying, power-inefficient, and not triggered by the presence of the object within the field of view, leading to suboptimal reading performance.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating an infrared (IR) emitter and sensor to detect objects within the field of view, activating illumination only when an object is present, using a controller to energize the illumination system and capture images with an imaging sensor, ensuring efficient use of resources and improved reading performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant bright illumination is used to ensure barcode visibility, then reading reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and user annoyance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is activated periodically based on object detection rather than continuously. The controller activates the illumination system only when an object is detected within the field of view, creating a periodic on/off cycle that reduces power consumption while maintaining reading reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first sensor to control the illumination system. When the first sensor detects an object within the field of view, it sends a signal to the controller to activate the illumination system, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures illumination is provided only when necessary.
2Reliability
If constant bright illumination is used to ensure barcode visibility, then reading reliability is improved, but user annoyance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system transitions from continuous operation to periodic operation, activating only when an object is detected. This eliminates unnecessary bright light during idle periods, reducing user annoyance while maintaining reading reliability when barcodes are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism ensures the illumination system responds to actual barcode presence rather than operating continuously. The controller receives feedback from the first sensor and activates illumination only when needed, preventing user annoyance from unnecessary illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple object sensors are activated simultaneously to detect objects in different fields of view, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller activates multiple object sensors sequentially in a periodic manner rather than simultaneously. Each sensor is activated one after another, with the controller managing the timing and sequence, which simplifies the control logic while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across multiple fields of view.
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 reduces user annoyance and power consumption by illuminating only when necessary, enhancing barcode reading accuracy and efficiency by ensuring consistent object detection and image capture.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor is positioned within the housing and operative for detecting objects within a field of view
Implementation Method 2
An imaging sensor is positioned within the housing and operative for capturing images of a barcode presented through the first window
Implementation Method 3
An illumination system is supported by the housing and operative for illuminating the barcode
Data Source
AI summary
A workstation includes a proximity system having multiple object sensors each associated with an object field of view for detecting a target object outside the housing. Each object sensor includes an IR emitter for emitting IR light into an IR emission field and an IR sensor for sensing returned IR light within an IR detection field that intersects the IR emission field. The workstation also includes a controller is operatively connected to the proximity system for activating each one of the multiple object sensors sequentially.