Barcode Scanning via Dynamic Field-of-View Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode scanning systems are inefficient as they can only scan one item at a time, leading to slow checkout processes and the inability to distinguish between multiple instances of the same item or different items within the field of view, resulting in potential duplicate scanning.
Innovation Solution
The method involves capturing multiple images of a field of view using an optical imaging assembly, identifying indicia, decoding barcodes, and generating a dynamic boundary to track objects, preventing re-scanning by marking the position of decoded barcodes and adjusting the boundary to include new items, using techniques like edge detection, Fourier transforms, or optical flow analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional barcode scanning systems scan items in succession one after another, then each item can be decoded accurately, but the scanning process becomes inherently slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into multiple zones and captures multiple images simultaneously, allowing parallel processing of multiple barcodes. The system divides the scanning task into separate image capture zones that can be processed concurrently, transforming the serial scanning process into a parallel one that maintains decoding accuracy while dramatically increasing scanning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional simultaneous scanning by capturing multiple images across different spatial zones. This dimensional expansion allows the system to scan multiple items at once rather than one after another, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and speed.
2Productivity
If the scanning system cannot determine if an item within the field-of-view has already been decoded, then all items can be captured in one pass, but items are scanned multiple times causing errors and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where decoded barcode information is fed back into the system to update the field of view. The system uses the decoded data to identify and exclude already-scanned items from subsequent decoding attempts, preventing duplicate scanning while maintaining the ability to process multiple items simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary decoding on all captured images before final processing. By预先 identifying and marking decoded barcodes in the initial pass, the system prevents duplicate scanning in subsequent passes, ensuring reliability while maintaining batch scanning productivity.
3Productivity
If software based barcode aggregation mechanisms are used to streamline scanning, then multiple items can be scanned faster, but complex rules and templates must be defined and barcodes must be unique for each item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the scanning system to automatically identify and process multiple barcodes without requiring pre-defined rules or templates. The system self-adapts to the items present in the field of view, eliminating the need for complex configuration while maintaining high scanning efficiency across different product types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning solution that can handle any barcode type without requiring specific rules or templates for each product. The system is designed to be multi-functional, accommodating diverse items and barcode formats through a single unified approach, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional scanning systems process items one at a time, then the scanning workflow is simple to manage, but checkout processes become slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image captures and decoding operations into a single unified processing workflow. By combining the scanning of multiple items into one coordinated process, the system maintains operational simplicity while dramatically increasing checkout speed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for scanning multiple items in a single swipe are disclosed herein. An example method includes capturing, by an optical imaging assembly, a plurality of images of a field of view (FOV) of the optical imaging assembly. A processor identifies a plurality of indicia from one or more images of the plurality of images. The indicia are indicative of the location of one or more objects of interest within the FOV. The processor decodes each indicia to determine information associated with the one or more objects of interest. The processor further identifies, a frame of interest in one or more images and initiates a dynamic frame that includes each frame of interest. The processor identifies, from the dynamic frame, a background region in the one or more images of the plurality of images, and the processor further removes the background region from the one or more images.