Hybrid Barcode Scanner with Readability Rating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decodable indicia reading terminals face challenges in maintaining high throughput due to poor readability of bar codes caused by factors like tears, wrinkles, or over/under-printing, which affects process efficiency in retail and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A decodable indicia reading terminal equipped with a multiple pixel image sensor, imaging lens, and microprocessor that can focus images, convert analog signals to digital, and transmit decoding results and readability ratings via a communication interface, including a combination of imager-based and laser-based scanners to handle difficult-to-read indicia, and integrate with external computers for error reporting and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser-based scanner is used to read bar codes, then decoding capability is provided, but throughput is reduced due to poor readability of damaged or misprinted bar codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a laser-based scanner and an imager-based scanner into a single reading terminal. The laser scanner handles standard readable bar codes while the imager handles difficult-to-read indicia, allowing the system to maintain high throughput by automatically selecting the appropriate scanning method for each indicia type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between two different scanning technologies based on the readability of the indicia. When the laser scanner fails to decode an indicia, the system transitions to using the imager with different optical parameters to capture and decode the image, thereby maintaining throughput despite varying indicia quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an imager-based scanner is used to handle difficult-to-read indicia, then readability coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading terminal is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both laser-based and imager-based scanning capabilities in a single device. This universal design allows the terminal to handle both standard and difficult-to-read indicia types, expanding readability coverage without requiring separate scanning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines which scanning method to use based on the indicia characteristics. The microprocessor monitors decoding success and automatically switches between laser and imager modes, eliminating the need for manual configuration or user intervention, thereby managing complexity through automated self-service operation.
3Productivity
If real-time decoding results and readability ratings are transmitted, then process efficiency is enhanced, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by transmitting decoding results and readability ratings in real-time to external systems. This feedback mechanism allows external systems to immediately respond to decoding successes or failures, adjusting processes accordingly and enhancing overall process efficiency through continuous monitoring and response.
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
Enhances process efficiency by detecting and classifying readability issues, providing real-time decoding results and readability ratings, and automatically reporting errors to external systems, improving the overall scanning process and reducing bottlenecks.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an imaging lens configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
a multiple pixel image sensor... which is often provided by a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor that converts light signals into electric signals
Implementation Method 4
an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal
Implementation Method 5
a laser source configured to emit a laser beam onto a substrate bearing decodable indicia
Implementation Method 6
a photo-detector configured to receive a second beam of a variable intensity reflected by the decodable indicia
Implementation Method 7
a photo-detector configured to receive a second beam of a variable intensity reflected by the decodable indicia and to output an analog signal representative of the variable intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A decodable indicia reading terminal can comprise a multiple pixel image sensor, an imaging lens configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal, a communication interface, and a microprocessor configured to output decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing the digital signal. The decodable indicia reading terminal can be configured, responsive to a triggering event, to transmit via the communication interface a decoding result and an indicia readability rating. The triggering event can be provided by a failure to detect decodable indicia, the indicia readability rating being less than a pre-defined threshold, exceeding a pre-defined time period to decode decodable indicia, a user interface action, and a command received via said communication interface.