Barcode Reader Positional Tracking for Reflection Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers face challenges in decoding barcodes in harsh environments due to specular reflections, particularly when operating in picklist mode, where multiple barcodes are closely spaced and prone to interference from illumination systems and external light sources.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a barcode reader with an imaging assembly and processor that captures images, decodes barcodes, and employs positional tracking to determine if a barcode is within a decode region, allowing for the generation of a decode signal without the need for continuous decoding, thereby avoiding reflection errors. This method includes capturing initial images, decoding barcodes, and evaluating subsequent images to determine if barcodes are within the decode region, with the option to access previously decoded data for successful decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the barcode reader operates in regular mode with a wide FOV to encompass multiple barcodes, then the reader can capture multiple barcodes at once, but the reader cannot decode only specific barcodes of interest without additional configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FOV into multiple decode regions, each associated with a specific barcode position. This segmentation allows the reader to selectively decode only barcodes within active decode regions while maintaining a wide FOV to capture multiple barcodes simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between capturing multiple barcodes and selecting specific ones for decoding.
2Measurement precision
If the barcode reader uses an aiming assembly to project an aim pattern for precise barcode targeting, then the reader can decode specific barcodes of interest, but the aiming/illumination systems create specular reflections that negatively impact decoding accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the illumination function from the decoding function by using ambient light for illumination while the imaging assembly captures images for decoding. This extraction of the harmful illumination source eliminates specular reflections that interfere with decoding, while maintaining precise barcode targeting through the decode region methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of specular reflections by eliminating the need for active illumination during decoding. By relying on ambient light and using the decode region concept, the system turns the potential harm of reflections into a benefit by making the decoding process immune to illumination-related interference.
3Loss of information
If the barcode reader continuously decodes all barcodes in the FOV, then the reader can identify all decodable barcodes, but the reader experiences decoding errors due to specular reflections from laminated picklists in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of all decodable barcodes in the FOV and stores their decoded data. When a barcode enters a decode region, the system retrieves previously decoded data rather than performing real-time decoding. This preliminary action ensures complete barcode identification while avoiding real-time decoding errors caused by specular reflections in harsh environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for reading picklists are disclosed herein. An example barcode reader device includes an imaging assembly to capture images while scanning over picklist. The barcode reader includes a processing platform configured to decode, for each image, any newly appearing decodable barcode within the image, evaluate, using positional tracking, whether a decodable barcode is within a decode region of a field view, thereby indicating a barcode to decode, and instead of decoding that barcode, access previously stored decoded barcode data for the barcode and report that data, thereby allowing the barcode reader to avoid scanning and decoding the barcode at the decode region, and avoid on-axis reflection errors.