Optoelectronic Code Reader Diagnostic Interface for Reading Error Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optoelectronic code readers lack the ability to systematically analyze and improve reading errors due to insufficient output of internal and external framework conditions, leading to difficulties in tracing incorrect readings and optimizing reading rates.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic code reader and method that outputs additional information about the reading process via an interface, including image data and parameters of the reading situation, allowing for easier analysis and optimization of decoding algorithms, and enabling data collection and access from multiple code readers over long distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If code readers work as a black box delivering only decoding results, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information about reading conditions occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode reader operationVSAvoidreading condition information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts reading condition information (image data, parameters) from the code reader's internal processing and outputs it separately through the interface. This allows the code reader to maintain simple black-box operation while providing additional diagnostic data externally for error analysis and optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If all image data from correct and incorrect readings is stored locally, then completeness of diagnostic data is improved, but device complexity and data management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic data completenessVSAvoiddata storage and management
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of storing all image data locally in the code reader, the patent extracts only the necessary diagnostic information (image data and parameters) and outputs it through the interface for external analysis. This reduces local storage requirements and simplifies data management while maintaining diagnostic completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If image data is stored locally in the code reader, then data availability for analysis is improved, but ease of operation for remote access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidremote data access
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interface as an intermediary between the code reader's internal data and external analysis systems. This interface enables remote access and data collection from multiple code readers without requiring physical access to each device or complex local storage management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If reading algorithms are optimized without systematic error analysis, then productivity is maintained, but manufacturing precision of reading accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading rateVSAvoidreading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by outputting reading condition information (image data and parameters) that enables systematic error analysis. This feedback loop allows optimization of reading algorithms based on actual error patterns while maintaining high reading rates, improving both accuracy and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2770459B1Optoelectronic code reader and method for diagnosing and improving reading characteristics
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 SICK AG
  • EP2770459B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The reader (10) has a light-receiving element (24) for receiving an converting light from a detection area (18) into an image data, and an evaluation unit (26) for carrying out a read operation of a code area (20) detected in the image data, so as to read code content. The evaluation unit is intended to output the image data and parameters of the reading position of the reading operation via an interface (28) in response to a predeterminable triggering event. A light transmitter transmits a read beam, and a movable deflection unit periodically deflects the read beam in the detection area. An independent claim is also included for a method for diagnosing and improving the reading behavior of an optoelectronic code reader.