Barcode Reader Exposure Control for Dirty or Aged Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage devices face challenges in reliably reading barcodes due to diverse real conditions, such as dirt, scratches, and aging-related issues in both optical and electrical systems, which can lead to unreliable barcode recognition.
Innovation Solution
The beverage device incorporates an exposure control stage and bar code recognition stage, implemented using a microprocessor, to automatically adapt to real operating conditions by adjusting the exposure duration and compensating for tolerances, ensuring reliable barcode reading through adaptive exposure control and error correction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exposure duration is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of barcode reading deteriorates under diverse real conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic exposure control by adjusting the exposure duration based on detected aging effects and operating conditions. The control unit modifies the exposure time parameter in response to sensor signals indicating dirt, scratches, or component degradation, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than using a fixed exposure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives signals from the sensor about the quality of barcode detection and adjusts the exposure duration accordingly. When detection errors are identified or aging effects are detected, the system feeds back to modify the exposure parameter, creating a closed-loop control system that improves reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the barcode from different angles, then the adaptability to reading positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple light sources, the patent achieves adaptability by changing the exposure duration parameter. The control unit adjusts this single parameter in response to detected conditions such as dirt, scratches, or suboptimal positioning, allowing the system to compensate for various reading scenarios without adding physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by monitoring its own performance through the sensor and automatically modifying the exposure duration when detection quality deteriorates. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain adaptability without requiring external intervention or complex multi-source illumination configurations.
3Reliability
If the exposure duration is extended to compensate for aging effects, then the reliability under aging conditions is improved, but the productivity decreases due to longer exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of exposure duration based on real-time detection of aging effects. Rather than using a consistently long exposure time, the system adjusts the parameter dynamically - extending it only when aging effects are detected and maintaining shorter times when conditions are good, thus balancing reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically monitors the barcode detection quality and aging conditions, adjusting the exposure duration at appropriate intervals. This periodic assessment allows the system to maintain productivity by using shorter exposure times most of the time while periodically extending them when aging effects manifest, optimizing the trade-off between speed and reliability.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and adaptability of barcode reading, allowing for larger component tolerances and cost savings, while effectively overcoming issues like dirt, scratches, and aging effects, ensuring accurate barcode recognition even under less-than-ideal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor stage for optoelectronic detection of an image of the code during an exposure period
Data Source
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AI summary
A drinks machine (1) having a code reader device (8), which is designed to read an optically readable code (7) and having a sensor stage (16) for the opto-electronic capture of the code (7) during an exposure period and having an exposure control stage (20) for stipulating a value for the exposure period for the sensor stage (16), and having a bar code recognition stage (22) which is designed to check whether the captured code (7) is recognized, is developed by virtue of the bar code recognition stage (22) being designed to communicate a recognition error to the exposure control stage (20), and by virtue of the exposure control stage (20) being designed to alter the exposure period if a recognition error occurs during reading of the code. The invention also relates to a method for operating the drinks machine (1).