Automatic Data Collection System Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic data collection systems are inefficient in reading human-readable symbols, as they are more costly and less accurate compared to machine-readable symbol scanning technologies.
Innovation Solution
An automatic data collection system comprising an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem that can capture and decode both machine-readable and human-readable symbols, with the ability to switch between modes based on encoded information, enabling accurate reading and verification of human-readable symbols using error detection and correction techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical scanning technologies are used to capture human-readable symbols, then the system can automatically capture data, but the capturing accuracy is much lower and the cost is higher compared to machine-readable symbol scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data capture task by using two separate subsystems: an image capture subsystem for capturing images of data carriers, and a processor subsystem that performs both machine-readable symbol decoding and optical character recognition. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high accuracy for both machine-readable and human-readable symbols while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor subsystem is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both machine-readable symbol decoding and optical character recognition on human-readable symbols. This universal capability allows a single system to handle multiple types of data carriers efficiently, achieving high capturing accuracy for both symbol types without requiring separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system cost.
2Reliability
If the system reads multiple human-readable symbols and performs verification, then the data accuracy improves, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through its verification process where the processor subsystem reads multiple human-readable symbols (including check characters) and verifies the information for accuracy. This feedback mechanism ensures data reliability by cross-checking information, and the automated nature of the verification reduces processing complexity despite the additional validation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of all data carriers including human-readable symbols with check characters before verification. The processor subsystem is pre-configured with the capability to perform both decoding and optical character recognition, so when verification is needed, the system can immediately process the captured images without additional setup, reducing processing complexity while maintaining high data accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode.