Built-In Chemical-Indicator Barcodes for Automated Product Condition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barcode reading systems fail to detect non-visual environmental factors affecting products, leading to potential human error and inaccurate expiration date predictions due to reliance on static printing dates and manual inspection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating chemical indicators into barcode labels that react to environmental stimuli, enabling imaging devices to detect parameters such as temperature, humidity, and exposure, providing real-time data on product condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional barcode reading systems are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot detect non-visual environmental factors affecting products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional barcode reading functionality with chemical indicator detection capabilities into a single imaging device. The device merges visual barcode scanning with non-visual chemical parameter detection, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both product identification and environmental condition data through integrated imaging sensors that capture both visible and non-visible spectral ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional barcode decoding, chemical indicator detection, and environmental parameter measurement. The system can detect various parameters including temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure by analyzing both visual and non-visual characteristics of the chemical indicators, making it a universal detection tool for product condition monitoring.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is used to identify product defects, then no additional detection technology is needed, but human error is introduced and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated imaging system that uses both visual and non-visual sensing capabilities. The imaging device automatically captures images, detects chemical indicators, and determines product condition parameters without human intervention, eliminating human error and significantly increasing inspection speed while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inspection where the imaging device autonomously performs detection, analysis, and determination of product condition. The device automatically processes images, identifies chemical indicators, and outputs results without requiring manual operation, making the inspection process independent and efficient.
3Measurement precision
If static expiration dates are used on products, then manufacturing and labeling are simple, but the expiration indication does not reflect actual product condition based on environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static expiration date concept into a dynamic condition-based indicator system. Chemical indicators on the label change their visual or non-visual properties in response to environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure. This allows the product condition to be continuously monitored and reflected through parameter changes in the chemical indicators, providing accurate real-time information about product freshness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical indicators incorporate color-changing properties that visually reflect environmental exposure and product condition. The indicators undergo color transitions or fluorescence changes based on temperature, humidity, or chemical exposure levels, providing an intuitive visual signal to consumers about the actual product condition beyond the static printed expiration date.
4Reliability
If chemical indicators are added to barcode labels, then environmental factors can be detected, but the label complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical indicators are integrated within the existing barcode label structure, nesting the functional detection elements inside the conventional label format. The chemical indicators are incorporated into the label layers or printed on the label surface, allowing the label to maintain its standard appearance and barcode functionality while embedding additional environmental monitoring capabilities within the same manufacturing process.
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
Enhances product safety and logistics by accurately determining the condition of perishable items, reducing waste and improving supply chain efficiency through automated detection of environmental impacts.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a chemical indicator in proximity to the decode indicia in the image of the object... determining, based on the chemical indicator, one or more parameters associated with the object
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging devices, systems, and methods for determining parameters of an object based on chemical indicators detected during a decode event are described herein. An example device includes: a housing; one or more processors; an imaging assembly at least partially disposed within the housing, the imaging assembly including: an imaging sensor operable to capture an image of an object in a FOV; and a computer-readable media storing machine readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to: after capturing the image of the object in the FOV, determine whether a decode indicia is present in the image of the object; initiate a decode event for the decode indicia present in the image of the object; detect a chemical indicator in proximity to the decode indicia in the image of the object; and determine, based on the chemical indicator, one or more parameters associated with the object.