Bioptic Scanning System for Retail Barcode Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioptic laser scanning systems in retail environments face challenges with noise susceptibility, lack of redundancy, and fraudulent activities due to non-optimized scanning coverage and high manufacturing costs, leading to inaccurate bar code decoding and potential theft.
Innovation Solution
A bioptic scanning system employing two distinct scan sources, such as a laser scanner and a multiple pixel image sensor, to generate and combine scan data sets for improved decoding accuracy and redundancy, with additional features like RFID or weight scale integration for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser-based scanner uses multiple optical components (lenses, moving mirrors) to focus and scan laser beams, then scanning performance and coverage are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning function into separate modules: a laser scanner for optical indicia reading and a separate image sensor array for visual verification. Each module has optimized components for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high scanning performance through specialized segmentation of detection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified architecture: reading optical indicia, capturing images for verification, and cross-referencing data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive scanning capability.
2Productivity
If a laser scanning system operates with high speed and aggressive scanning patterns, then productivity increases, but susceptibility to noise (ambient, thermal, paper noise) increases leading to decoding errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously cross-references data from the laser scanner with images captured by the image sensor array. When noise causes decoding errors in the laser scan data, the visual verification feedback mechanism detects inconsistencies and triggers re-scanning or manual verification, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving high productivity through rapid automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary verification process is introduced between the laser scanning and final decoding. The image sensor array captures visual data that serves as an intermediary check, allowing the system to filter out noise-induced errors in the laser scan data before final decoding, thus maintaining both high speed and accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single scanning window system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but scanning coverage and performance are limited compared to bioptic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a spatial dimension to verification by positioning the image sensor array at a different location and orientation relative to the laser scanner. This dimensional separation allows the image sensor to capture images from a different perspective, providing complementary information that enhances scanning coverage without requiring complex multi-window optical paths.
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
The system enhances first-pass read rates, reduces misreads, and minimizes theft by cross-referencing multiple data sets for accurate decoding and verifying the authenticity of bar codes, thereby improving operational efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
a focused laser beam to sequentially scan the bars and spaces of a bar code symbol
Implementation Method 2
a multiple pixel image sensor to generate a second scan data set
Data Source
AI summary
A system for decoding an encoded symbol character associated with a product is provided. The system includes a scanning apparatus comprising a first scan source disposed within a housing, and a second scan source disposed within the housing. The second scan source comprises an operating technology distinct from an operating technology of the first scan source. The first scan source is adapted to output a first scan data set, and the second scan source is adapted to output a second scan data set. At least one of the first scan data set and the second scan data set comprises product bar code scan data.