Barcode Terminal Video Capture for Difficult Read Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional bar code reading terminals lack an efficient method to diagnose and correct difficult read conditions, leading to wasted time and potential losses due to frequent failed decoding attempts, with no easy way to determine the cause of these failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically reports difficult bar code read conditions by capturing and storing frames related to decoding failures, allowing for later review and analysis to identify the cause, using a bar code reading terminal equipped with a two-dimensional image sensor, lens assembly, and control circuit to image, acquire, and decode bar code symbols, and optionally connect to a server or display for further examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bar code reading terminals attempt to decode bar code symbols under difficult read conditions, then decoding success rate improves, but time consumption and productivity loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing image frames before decoding attempts are made. When a decode failure occurs, the pre-captured frames are immediately available for analysis without requiring additional capture time, enabling faster diagnosis and correction of read conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by capturing frames, attempting decoding, and when decoding fails, reviewing the captured frames to identify the cause of failure. This feedback loop allows operators to understand why decoding failed and adjust parameters or conditions to improve future decoding success rates
2Measurement precision
If operators manually review failed bar code read conditions to diagnose issues, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates copies of the original bar code images by capturing and storing frames in digital format. These digital copies can be reviewed, analyzed, and transmitted without requiring operators to physically re-examine the original bar codes, enabling accurate diagnosis while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The captured image frames serve as an intermediary between the bar code symbol and the operator's diagnosis. Instead of directly observing difficult-to-read bar codes, operators review the captured frame images, which provide a clearer, more analyzable representation of the read conditions and decoding failures
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If bar code reading terminals capture and store frames for later review, then diagnostic capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code reading terminal is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a bar code decoding device and as a frame capture/storage system. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system improves diagnostic capability without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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
Enables operators to quickly identify and correct issues by reviewing captured frames, reducing productivity losses and improving decoding success rates through enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
lens assembly focusing an image onto two-dimensional image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A bar code reading terminal can, in one embodiment, include a two-dimensional image sensor and an imaging assembly. The terminal can be configured, in response to receipt of a trigger signal, to buffer a set of frames and subject each frame of the set of frames to a decode attempt. The terminal can also be configured to convert the convert the captured set of video frames into a compressed video format, and transfer the resulting video file to a file server or to one or more playback devices, in response to a user interface action, or in response to difficult read condition having been detected. The terminal can also be configured to establish two-way video- and audio-communication with a remote video- and audio-streaming device. The video capturing and streaming operation of the terminal can be controlled remotely from a playback device via web interface.