Hybrid Indicia Decoding System Using Segmented Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia readers face challenges in decoding complex signals without sacrificing performance on less complex signals, often requiring increased processing power that leads to unnecessary complexity and delays.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid system employing a primary basic signal processor for initial decoding and a secondary advanced signal processor for complex cases, allowing simultaneous or sequential processing to ensure successful decoding without unnecessary complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced signal processing techniques are used to decode complex indicia information, then decoding capability is improved, but processing time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the decoding process into two distinct stages: a first decoding attempt using basic signal processing techniques, and a second decoding attempt using advanced signal processing techniques. This segmentation allows the system to apply complex processing only when necessary, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining the capability to decode complex indicia information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the decoding strategy based on the outcome of the first decoding attempt. If the basic decoder fails to decode the indicia information, the system then activates the advanced decoder. This dynamic approach ensures that advanced processing techniques are applied only when needed, optimizing processing time while preserving decoding versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced signal processing techniques are used to decode complex indicia information, then decoding capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the decoding functionality into separate modules: a basic decoder for simple cases and an advanced decoder for complex cases. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by organizing functions into distinct, manageable components that can be independently optimized and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies advanced signal processing techniques partially—only when the basic decoding fails. This partial application of complex processing reduces the burden on the system architecture while still providing the necessary decoding capability for difficult cases, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
3Productivity
If basic signal processing is used for all indicia, then processing speed is maintained, but decoding success rate decreases for complex signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary decoding attempt using basic signal processing techniques before resorting to advanced methods. This preliminary action maintains processing speed for simple cases while providing a mechanism to handle complex signals that require more sophisticated processing, thereby improving overall decoding success rate without significantly compromising processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the basic decoder as an intermediary step between rapid processing and comprehensive advanced decoding. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain high processing speed for most cases while ensuring reliable decoding for complex signals through the fallback to advanced techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicia-reading system is provided that incorporates a hybrid approach to decoding indicia such as barcodes. An indicia-capturing subsystem acquires information about indicia within the indicia-capturing subsystem's field of view. An indicia-decoding module decodes indicia information acquired by the indicia-capturing subsystem. The indicia-decoding module includes a primary, basic signal processor for initially decoding indicia information, and a secondary, advanced signal processor for decoding indicia information that is not decoded by the primary, basic signal processor.