Commodity Reading Timing Control for Retail Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional commodity code reading systems in stores lack efficient timing control for reading bar codes, two-dimensional codes, and service labels, leading to suboptimal processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an acquisition unit, multiple reading units, and a control unit that sets and manages the operation timing of each reading unit based on specified settings, allowing for sequential and prioritized reading of commodity information from captured images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple reading units operate without timing control, then reading operations can be performed in parallel, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to lack of coordination and optimal timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing control where the control unit adjusts the operation timing of multiple reading units based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically determines which reading unit operates at each timing based on captured images, allowing flexible coordination without fixed sequential constraints, thereby improving processing efficiency while managing complexity through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously manages the timing coordination of multiple reading units without external intervention. It automatically analyzes captured images, determines optimal reading timings, and controls each reading unit's operation independently, enabling the system to self-regulate its processing efficiency while minimizing the need for complex external timing control mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If reading operations are performed sequentially without optimization, then system complexity is reduced, but processing time increases due to inefficient reading sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary analysis of captured images to determine the optimal reading sequence before executing reading operations. By pre-identifying which reading units should operate and when, the system minimizes idle time and ensures that reading operations are performed in the most efficient sequence, thereby reducing overall reading cycle time while maintaining high processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic reading operations where the control unit cyclically controls multiple reading units at optimized intervals. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain steady processing efficiency by rhythmically activating reading units based on captured image analysis, reducing total processing time through structured yet flexible timing patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquirement unit configured to acquire a captured image obtained by capturing a commodity by an image capturing unit in sequence; a plurality of reading units configured to read the information relating to the commodity respectively from the captured image acquired by the acquirement unit; a control unit configured to enable each reading unit to act according to a specified order based on setting information in which the operation timing of the reading unit is set; and an output unit configured to output the information read by the reading unit.