Dual-Angle Barcode Reading for Merchandise Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merchandise registration apparatuses face challenges in accurately reading barcodes due to varying sizes and designs, leading to potential misreading caused by barcode deformation and light reflection issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-service checkout apparatus is designed with dual image capturing units positioned at different angles, allowing for overlapping reading areas to improve barcode reading efficiency and accuracy by capturing the barcode from different angles, ensuring accurate registration even when the first unit fails to read the barcode due to deformation or light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single reading unit is used to read barcodes, then the device complexity is low, but the reading accuracy deteriorates due to barcode deformation and light reflection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The reading system is divided into multiple independent reading units (first reading unit and second reading unit) positioned at different locations. Each unit has its own reading area, and they work independently to read the barcode from different angles, thereby improving reading accuracy without making the overall device overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reading units are combined into a single merchandise registration apparatus. The reading results from both units are integrated and compared by the determination unit to verify barcode accuracy, achieving improved measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through coordinated operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reading units are used to improve reading accuracy, then the reading accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reading function into multiple independent units with distinct reading areas and angles, allowing each unit to contribute to the overall reading accuracy without requiring complex integration between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit compares reading results from multiple reading units to verify barcode information. This feedback mechanism ensures that accurate readings are confirmed while inaccurate ones are rejected, improving measurement precision through validation rather than through complex individual reading mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If barcodes are used in various sizes and designs, then the versatility of the system increases, but the reading accuracy deteriorates due to deformation and light reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The merchandise registration apparatus is designed to handle various barcode types (different sizes, designs, and formats) using multiple reading units. Each unit can read different barcode configurations, making the system universal in handling diverse barcode formats while maintaining reading accuracy through multi-angle verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of reading angle by positioning reading units at different locations and angles. This allows barcodes of various sizes and designs to be read from optimal angles, preventing deformation issues and light reflection problems that occur with single-angle reading, thereby maintaining both versatility and accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual image capturing unit configuration enhances reading accuracy and efficiency by increasing the chances of capturing the barcode correctly, preventing misregistration and improving the overall operability of the merchandise registration process.
Implementation Method 1
a first reading unit configured to form a first reading area in which a code symbol attached to merchandise can be read; a second reading unit configured to be provided at a location different from that of the first reading unit, and to form a second reading area overlapping with at least a part of the first reading area, in which the code symbol can be read
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandise registration apparatus includes: a first reading unit to form a first reading area in which a code symbol attached to merchandise can be read; a second reading unit provided at a location different from that of the first reading unit, and to form a second reading area overlapping with at least a part of the first reading area, in which the code symbol can be read; a first acquisition unit to acquire first code information; a second acquisition unit to acquire second code information; and a registration unit to register the merchandise based on the first code information and the second code information, if the first code information and the second code information match each other.