Barcode Scanner Dynamic Scan Angle Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Bar code scanning systems often face difficulties in reading bar codes due to issues such as blurry or damaged codes, or improper scanner positioning, leading to incomplete or distorted signals that hinder effective decoding.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that adjusts the scan angle based on estimated parameters from the digitized bar code representation, such as the length and distance of the bar code, to optimize scanner performance and ensure decodable signals are obtained.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the scanner uses a fixed scan angle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of bar code reading deteriorates when the bar code is at improper distance or angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebar code reading reliabilityVSAvoidscanner control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system obtains a digitized representation of the bar code, estimates parameters (such as distance and orientation) from this representation, and uses these parameter estimates to dynamically adjust the scan angle. This feedback loop enables the scanner to adapt to varying bar code positions and orientations, improving reading reliability without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The scan angle is changed as a function of estimated parameters, transforming the scanner from a static fixed-angle device to a dynamic adaptive system. The scan angle dynamically adjusts based on real-time parameter estimation from the digitized bar code representation, allowing the scanner to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the scanner adjusts scan angle dynamically, then the adaptability to different bar code positions is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan angle adaptabilityVSAvoidparameter estimation and adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs parameter estimation on the digitized bar code representation to determine the appropriate scan angle adjustment before attempting to read the bar code. This preliminary action ensures that the scanner is properly configured for the specific bar code position and orientation, preventing multiple failed reading attempts and reducing overall processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with computational parameter estimation and digital signal processing. By using algorithms to estimate parameters from the digitized representation and computationally determining scan angle adjustments, the system achieves adaptability through software rather than complex mechanical systems, reducing processing overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7628331B2Method and system for optimizing scanner performance

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Described is a method and system for optimizing scanner performance. The method comprises obtaining a digitized representation of a bar code, estimating a set of parameters from the digitized representation, adjusting a scan angle as a function of at least one parameter in the set of parameters.