Indicia Reader Distinctive Feedback for Barcode Symbologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading devices face challenges in providing distinctive and perceivable feedback for different barcode symbologies, particularly in distinguishing between various barcodes to inform users effectively, especially in scenarios where multiple barcodes are scanned simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that allows for customizable feedback mechanisms, such as distinct audio tones, LED blink modes, and vibrations, based on predefined rules for specific barcodes, enabling users to receive tailored notifications upon scanning targeted barcodes, which can be configured via a host server and stored in the reader's memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple barcodes are scanned simultaneously, then scanning efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to provide distinctive feedback for each barcode type
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism is segmented into multiple independent channels (visual LED indicators, audio beeps, tactile vibrations) that can operate simultaneously. Each channel can convey different aspects of barcode information independently, allowing the system to maintain distinctive feedback for multiple barcode types even when scanned simultaneously, thus resolving the contradiction between scanning efficiency and feedback distinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension feedback approach to multi-dimensional feedback by incorporating visual (LED colors and patterns), auditory (different beep tones), and tactile (vibration patterns) dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to provide distinctive feedback for multiple barcodes simultaneously without compromising individual barcode identification, thereby maintaining both scanning efficiency and feedback distinction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customizable feedback rules are implemented for different barcodes, then user information needs are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system is designed with universal components (LEDs, audio output, vibration motor) that can serve multiple functions. The same hardware elements are used across different feedback scenarios and barcode types, reducing the need for additional specialized components. This multi-functionality approach allows extensive customization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic rule application where the configured feedback rules are automatically matched and applied based on the scanned barcode content. The device self-manages the complex matching logic between barcode types and feedback patterns without requiring real-time user intervention, thereby achieving high adaptability while keeping the operational complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicia reader is adapted for hand held operation to read information bearing indicia (IBI) at a point of transaction (POT) and is operated by: configuring the indicia reader in a store to provide at least one store specific indicia read notice; reading an IBI at a POT with the indicia reader and providing the at least one store specific indicia read notice to a customer when each IBI is read.