Bi-Optic Scanner Data Packetization for High-Throughput Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information reading devices for bar codes at high-throughput points of transaction face challenges in efficiently processing and decoding large amounts of data from multiple sources, including biometric and wireless transmission systems, often resulting in inefficiencies and errors, especially with poor-quality codes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bi-optic scanner system with a primary reader and auxiliary readers that packetize data, distribute it for simultaneous processing, and decode it using a combination of laser and optical image engines, along with advanced signal processing algorithms, enabling efficient data extraction and decoding even from low-contrast codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single reader processes all bar code data, then device complexity is low, but processing speed and reliability decrease due to data volume and quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data processing task into segments by using multiple readers (primary reader and auxiliary readers) that independently process data packets. Each reader handles specific portions of the data stream, allowing parallel processing and improving overall throughput without requiring a single overly complex processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the output of multiple readers into a unified processing stream. The primary reader and auxiliary readers both feed data into the same decoding and verification system, combining their processing capabilities to handle large volumes of data while maintaining a relatively simple individual reader design.
2Reliability
If traditional single-reading methods are used, then device complexity is low, but accuracy and reliability of decoding poor-quality codes decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reading process into multiple independent reading operations using primary and auxiliary readers. Each reader independently attempts to decode the same barcode, and the results are compared. This segmentation allows for redundancy and cross-verification, improving reliability without requiring each individual reader to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system compares results from multiple readers and uses this feedback to verify decoding accuracy. If one reader fails to decode a barcode correctly, the system can use results from other readers or re-attempt decoding, improving overall reliability through iterative feedback loops.
3Productivity
If multiple data sources are processed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but data processing errors increase without proper packetization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data from multiple sources into distinct packets with identifiers. Each packet is independently processed and tracked, allowing the system to handle multiple data streams simultaneously while maintaining organization and reducing errors through proper data structure and packet management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces packetization as an intermediary layer between data sources and the processing system. Packets serve as standardized containers that organize raw data from multiple sources into manageable units with metadata, enabling reliable routing, tracking, and processing while maintaining high throughput.
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 solution enhances the efficiency and accuracy of data processing and decoding at points of transaction, allowing for seamless handling of multiple data sources and improving the reliability of reading systems, especially with poor-quality codes.
Implementation Method 1
Indicia reading devices typically transmit light onto a symbol and receive light scattered and/or reflected back from a bar code symbol or indicia
Implementation Method 2
Indicia reading devices typically transmit light onto a symbol and receive light scattered and/or reflected back from a bar code symbol or indicia
Implementation Method 3
The reader may include one or more optical image engines (image indicia reader systems or optical scan engines) for reading indicia on a target
Data Source
AI summary
A reading system including: a primary reader for reading an information bearing device (IBD) having encoded IBD data provided therein for packetizing the encoded data and processing a first data packet of the packetized encoded data and transmitting a second data packet of the packetized encoded data; at least one auxiliary reader for receiving and processing the second data packet and the transmitting the processed second data packet; and wherein the processed first and second data packets are combined to produce decoded IBD data.