Configurable Signal Interface for Low-Power Barcode Decoding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data acquisition devices (DADs) face challenges in providing high-performance digital signal processing without increasing cost or power consumption, particularly when outputting un-decoded signals, which limits their ability to decode symbols accurately and use advanced image reading techniques.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a micro-controller to control the output of un-decoded signals from DADs, using a programmable noise filter and digital signal processing (DSP) to correct and enhance the analog bar patterns, allowing for improved signal processing without significant cost or power impact, by adjusting thresholds, filter settings, and system clock frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a decoding device is used to process the signal corresponding to the symbol, then the image quality is improved, but the cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the signal processing function into two parts: un-decoded signal processing is performed in the analog domain using a programmable noise filter before ADC conversion, while decoded signal processing is performed in the digital domain. This segmentation allows the system to achieve better image quality through noise filtering without requiring full decoding hardware, thus reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary programmable noise filter in the analog domain that processes the signal before it undergoes ADC conversion. This intermediary component improves image quality by filtering noise early in the signal chain without requiring the full power consumption of a complete decoding device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a decoding device is used to process the signal corresponding to the symbol, then the image quality is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the signal processing function into two parts: un-decoded signal processing is performed in the analog domain using a programmable noise filter before ADC conversion, while decoded signal processing is performed in the digital domain. This segmentation allows the system to achieve better image quality through noise filtering without requiring full decoding hardware, thus reducing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary programmable noise filter in the analog domain that processes the signal before it undergoes ADC conversion. This intermediary component improves image quality by filtering noise early in the signal chain without requiring the full cost of a complete decoding device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If an un-decoded device is used, then the power consumption is reduced and cost is lowered, but the signal cannot be decoded and advanced image reading techniques cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the programmable noise filter settings and system clock frequency based on the specific application requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt between low-power un-decoded operation and enhanced signal processing modes, providing versatility without permanently requiring full decoding hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the programmable noise filter (cutoff frequency, filter order) and system clock frequency to optimize performance for different applications. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve better signal processing capability when needed while maintaining low power consumption in standard operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2220801B8Method and system for a configurable communications interface

Publication Date: 2016.05.18 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An electronic device having a receiver generating an analog signal from collected image data, a digitizer generating a digital signal from the analog signal and a micro-controller receiving the analog signal and the digital signal and generating a corrected digital signal, wherein the device outputs one of the digital signal and the corrected digital signal.