Barcode Scanner Wake System Using Laser Pulse Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern bioptic scanners face challenges with high cost, power consumption, and slow response times due to the limited integration of omnidirectional laser scanning and area-imaging techniques, which affects their wake-up performance and overall efficiency in barcode reading.
Innovation Solution
A method that efficiently combines omnidirectional laser scanning and area-imaging approaches to trigger an imaging assembly by sensing laser pulses reflected or scattered by objects, aligning the scanning pattern with the area-imaging assembly's field of view, and analyzing the return signal to detect the presence of objects and wake the imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IR modules or image processing methods are used to sense movement and wake the imaging assembly, then the imaging system can be triggered, but the overall cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser scanning assembly and imaging assembly into a single integrated barcode reading platform, sharing common components such as the housing, power supply, and processing unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate IR modules while maintaining reliable wake-up functionality through the integrated laser-imaging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scanning assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary scanning component for reading linear barcodes and as a wake-up trigger for the imaging assembly by detecting reflected laser pulses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated wake-up sensors, reducing overall system cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate laser scanning and imaging systems are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the integration level remains low resulting in slow system response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser scanning assembly and imaging assembly into a unified platform with shared housing, power supply, and processing unit. This high-level integration enables fast communication and coordination between components, achieving rapid system response while maintaining the ability to optimize each component independently through modular design.
3Reliability
If modern bioptic scanners use integrated approaches, then wake-up performance can be improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging assembly operates in periodic cycles: remaining in low-power sleep mode during laser scanning, and activating only when the laser assembly detects a reflected pulse indicating a barcode is present. This periodic operation achieves reliable wake-up performance while minimizing overall power consumption by keeping the high-power imaging sensor inactive most of the time.
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 integration results in improved wake-up performance, reduced bulk and cost, and optimized power usage, enabling faster and more efficient barcode reading with enhanced detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
sensing laser pulses reflected and/or scattered by surrounding objects
Implementation Method 2
detecting a reflected light generated by an AIM LED illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
A method of actuating a barcode reading platform by combining omnidirectional laser scanning and area-imaging approaches to trigger an imaging assembly in response to sensing laser pulses reflected and/or scattered by surrounding objects is disclosed. Specifically, a method of capturing an image of a barcode with a barcode scanner focuses on actuating a laser scanning system, illuminating an object with optical laser beam pulses, detecting laser beams reflected and/or scattered by the object, transmitting and analyzing a signal indicative of the detected laser beams to determine a presence of the object, and actuating a barcode reading platform.