Configurable Signal Interface for Low-Power External Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Un-decoded data acquisition devices (DADs) face limitations in providing high-performance digital signal processing without increasing cost or power consumption, restricting their ability to decode symbols effectively and utilize advanced image reading techniques.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising a receiver, digitizer, and micro-controller that generates and corrects digital signals from collected image data, allowing for improved signal processing without significant cost or power impact, by controlling the output of either the digital or corrected digital signal, and adjusting system components like the ADC and filter settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If decoding processing components are added to improve signal processing capability, then decoding performance is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing function into two segments: a simplified processing stage performed by low-power components in the DAD (analog-to-digital conversion and basic filtering), and a more intensive decoding processing stage performed by external decoding equipment. This segmentation allows the DAD to maintain low power consumption while still enabling high-quality decoding through external resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the DAD outputs processed signals (analog or digital) that are then transmitted to external decoding equipment. This intermediary arrangement allows the DAD to perform necessary signal conditioning without needing to include full decoding processing components, thereby reducing power consumption and cost while maintaining decoding capability through the external system.
2Productivity
If advanced image reading techniques are implemented, then reading performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DAD universally compatible with multiple types of external equipment by providing standardized output interfaces that can work with various decoding and image processing systems. The DAD performs universal signal acquisition and basic processing functions, while advanced image reading techniques are implemented in the external equipment, allowing the same DAD to support multiple reading techniques without increasing its own complexity.
3Measurement precision
If signal processing components are added to improve decoding capability, then decoding accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex decoding processing functions from the DAD and places them in external decoding equipment. The DAD retains only the essential signal acquisition and basic processing components (analog-to-digital converter and filter), which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The decoding accuracy is improved through external processing rather than through components integrated into the DAD, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing cost.
4Use of energy by moving object
If un-decoded signal output is used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but signal usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic output capability where the DAD can switch between providing analog signals and digital signals based on the needs of the external equipment. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to optimize for power efficiency when using un-decoded signals while maintaining signal usability by providing appropriately processed signals (analog or digital) that can be effectively used by various external systems.
Data Source
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.