Hybrid Bi-Optical Barcode Reader with Edge Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid laser scanning and digital imaging systems at POS environments face challenges in maintaining high throughput and accuracy, particularly with the introduction of 2D barcodes, as digital imaging systems struggle with blurred images from quickly moving objects and inadequate illumination control, leading to reduced performance compared to bi-optical laser scanning systems.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system with a vertical and horizontal scanning window, utilizing a laser scanning subsystem and a digital imaging subsystem, equipped with automatic object edge-motion detection modules that generate IR-based object sensing planes to detect object movement and control the system's operation, activating the digital imaging subsystem as needed to improve reading accuracy and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital imaging subsystem is used to read bar codes, then 2D bar code reading capability is enabled and poor quality code reading is improved, but throughput speed decreases and image quality becomes blurred when objects move quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser scanning subsystem and digital imaging subsystem into a hybrid system that leverages the strengths of both technologies. The laser scanning provides high-speed 1D bar code reading capability while the digital imaging subsystem enables 2D bar code reading and poor quality code detection, achieving both high throughput and accurate reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between laser scanning mode and digital imaging mode based on detection needs. The controller activates the digital imaging subsystem selectively when 2D bar codes or poor quality codes are detected, rather than continuously operating it, thereby maintaining high throughput while enabling accurate reading when needed.
2Measurement precision
If digital imaging subsystem operates continuously to capture moving objects, then reading accuracy improves, but system complexity increases and illumination control becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The digital imaging subsystem operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the controller detects the need for 2D bar code reading or poor quality code correction. This periodic operation reduces system complexity and power consumption while maintaining reading accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from the laser scanning subsystem to determine when to activate the digital imaging subsystem. When the laser scanning fails to read a code or detects a 2D bar code, it triggers the digital imaging subsystem to capture an image for alternative processing, creating a feedback-based activation mechanism that simplifies overall system operation.
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 system enhances reading accuracy and throughput by automatically detecting object movement and activating the digital imaging subsystem, improving productivity and checkout speed while maintaining robust performance in demanding retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
The object detection modules generate IR-based object sensing planes
Implementation Method 2
a laser scanning subsystem for projecting intersecting laser scanning planes within a 3D scanning volume
Implementation Method 3
a digital imaging subsystem for projecting a field of view within the 3D scanning volume when an object is detected passing through the edge of the 3D scanning volume
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system has a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window and a horizontal housing section with a horizontal scanning window from which laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within a 3D scanning volume defined between the vertical and horizontal scanning windows. An automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem is provided for detecting the entry and exit of objects at the edge of the 3D scanning volume and generating control signals in response thereto. A digital imaging subsystem is supported within the system housing and automatically projects a field of view (FOV) within the 3D scanning volume in response to control signals generated by the automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem and timer settings managed by a system controller.