Barcode Scanner Circuit Segmentation for Parallel Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional code readers face bandwidth limitations in processing images of machine-readable indicia and additional image data from security or other image sensors, hindering simultaneous capture, processing, and transfer of images without impacting processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A code reader configuration with multiple circuits and imagers allows independent processing of machine-readable indicia data and additional image data, including a webcam micro-control unit for image processing, optical filtering, and synchronization of illumination signals to avoid interference, enabling parallel processing and output of subsampled and compressed image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a code reader processes images of machine-readable indicia using a single processing circuit, then decoding functionality is achieved, but bandwidth and processing resources are insufficient for simultaneous processing of additional image data from security or other image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into separate circuits: a first circuit dedicated to processing machine-readable indicia images and a second circuit dedicated to processing additional image data from security or other sensors. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate independently, preventing resource contention and maintaining full processing bandwidth for both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The code reader system is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating multiple processing circuits that can handle different types of image data. The first circuit handles machine-readable indicia while the second circuit handles security or other image sensors, enabling the system to perform multiple functions without sacrificing performance in either area.
2Device complexity
If a single circuit processes both machine-readable indicia and additional image data, then device complexity is reduced, but processing capabilities for both functions are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate processing circuits for different image processing tasks. The first circuit is dedicated to machine-readable indicia processing while the second circuit handles additional image data. This segmentation ensures that each circuit can be optimized for its specific function and that failures or performance issues in one circuit do not impact the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the first circuit) that acts as a dedicated processing stage for machine-readable indicia images before they are decoded. This intermediary processing circuit ensures that machine-readable indicia processing is handled with dedicated resources, maintaining reliability while allowing the system to also process additional image data through the second circuit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image data from additional sensors is processed simultaneously with machine-readable indicia, then versatility is improved, but bandwidth for machine-readable indicia processing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing architecture into distinct circuits: the first circuit processes images containing machine-readable indicia while the second circuit processes image data from additional sensors. This segmentation creates independent processing pathways that do not compete for bandwidth, allowing simultaneous high-speed processing of both machine-readable indicia and additional image data without mutual interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
A code reader may include at least one imager configured to capture image data of a scene including a machine-readable indicia. A first circuit may be in electrical communication with the imager(s), and be configured to receive the image data from the imager. A second circuit may be in communication with the imager and the first circuit, and be configured to control operation of said imager, and to process the image data including the machine-readable indicia to decode and/or identify data represented by the machine-readable indicia. The decoded and/or identified data may be output to a computer. A third circuit may be in electrical communication with the first circuit, and be configured to process the image data to produce processed (e.g., subsampled and compressed) image data, and to output the processed image data to the computer.