Barcode Reader Aiming Light Pattern Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers face difficulties in accurately decoding barcodes that are densely packed, as their field of view often encompasses multiple barcodes, leading to decode errors or incorrect reporting of barcodes positioned at the periphery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an imaging assembly and an aiming light assembly within a barcode reader to capture and decode frames, with the controller determining the overlap between the decoded barcode and the aiming light pattern to ensure accurate reporting of the desired barcode, even in densely packed environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the barcode reader uses a wide field of view to capture multiple barcodes, then the reading coverage is improved, but the accuracy of identifying the intended barcode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aiming light pattern as an intermediary visual indicator that mediates between the wide field of view and accurate barcode identification. The aiming light pattern defines a specific region within the broader field of view, serving as a visual guide to indicate which barcode should be decoded, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual differentiation through the aiming light pattern (which may use specific colors or brightness levels) to distinguish the target barcode region from other barcodes in the field of view. This visual signaling mechanism enables the operator to identify the intended barcode accurately despite the wide coverage area
2Productivity
If the barcode reader decodes any barcode within the field of view, then the decoding speed is improved, but the reliability of reporting the correct barcode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming light pattern serves as an intermediary that links the rapid decoding capability with reliable barcode identification. By providing a visual indicator of the target region, it enables the system to quickly decode the correct barcode without mistakenly reporting peripheral or unintended barcodes, thus maintaining both speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the aiming light pattern that guides the operator in positioning the reader. This feedback mechanism ensures that the decoded barcode is the intended one, improving reliability while maintaining high decoding speed through automated processing
3Ease of operation
If the barcode reader is held at a convenient distance from the barcode list, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of targeting a specific barcode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming light pattern acts as an intermediary visual aid that enables the operator to easily position the reader at a convenient distance while still accurately identifying the target barcode. The pattern provides a visual reference that eliminates the need for precise manual positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and targeting precision
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of barcode readers, and more particularly, to barcode readers designed to operate in an environment with densely packed barcodes. In an embodiment, the present invention is a barcode reader that includes an imaging assembly operable to capture image frames; an aiming light assembly operable to emit an aiming light; and a controller configured to: decode a barcode within a decode frame image captured by the imaging assembly; upon decoding the barcode within the decode frame image, cause a capture of a picklist frame image; and report the barcode to an external host upon at least some overlap between a location of the barcode within the decode frame image and the location of the at least a portion of the aiming light pattern in the picklist frame image.