Machine Recognition Feedback Lights for Decode Confidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data capture devices face challenges in accurately detecting and decoding machine-readable indicia due to factors like device positioning and environmental conditions, often resulting in unsuccessful decode events without adequate feedback to operators.
Innovation Solution
A computing device employs a sensor to capture images of indicia, determines a confidence level for machine recognition, and generates feedback signals through visual attributes of an indicator light or other perceptible cues based on this confidence level to indicate the likelihood of successful decode, aiding operators in repositioning for improved data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data capture devices operate without feedback mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but operational effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to guide operators for successful decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual indicators through the existing light emitter to communicate decode confidence levels to operators. The system uses the same hardware component (light emitter) to provide feedback, avoiding additional complexity while improving operational effectiveness through real-time guidance on positioning and scanning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by using different colors (e.g., green for high confidence, yellow for medium confidence, red for low confidence) to indicate the likelihood of successful decoding. This simple visual coding system enhances ease of operation by providing immediate, intuitive feedback without requiring complex displays or additional components.
2Loss of information
If visual feedback is provided through additional display components, then feedback clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the light emitter serve multiple functions: its original function for illuminating the scan area and its additional function for providing visual feedback on decode confidence. This multi-functionality approach improves feedback clarity without adding new components, as the same light emitter is repurposed to convey information through color or intensity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color or intensity variations of the existing light emitter as an intermediary to convey decode confidence information. Instead of directly displaying complex information through additional screens, the system uses the light emitter as a mediator that translates confidence levels into simple visual cues that operators can easily interpret.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a computing device includes: capturing, via a sensor, an image of an indicium; determining a confidence level associated with machine recognition of the indicium; based on the confidence level, selecting a feedback attribute; prior to outputting content encoded in the indicium, generating, via an output device, a feedback signal having the feedback attribute, wherein the attribute is configured to indicate a likelihood of success of a decode event to decode the content encoded in the indicium.