Microcontroller-Based Code Reader Using Embedded Memory

Solution Overview

Problem

Code readers for IoT-enabled devices face challenges due to their large size and high cost, primarily because they require external non-embedded memory for image data processing, which is physically bulky and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A microcontroller unit (MCU) with embedded memory is used to read and decode subsampled image data from an imager, reducing the need for external storage and supporting electronics, thereby minimizing the code reader's size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external non-embedded memory is used for storing image data, then the code reader can process full-resolution images, but the physical size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data processing capabilityVSAvoidcode reader footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portion of image data (subsample) from the full image captured by the imager. Instead of processing and storing all image data, the system reads and processes a subsampled version that contains sufficient information for decoding machine-readable indicia, thereby reducing memory requirements and physical footprint while maintaining decoding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by reading only a subsample of the image data rather than the complete image. The microcontroller unit reads a reduced set of pixel data from the imager that is sufficient for code decoding purposes, eliminating the need for full-resolution processing and external memory storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If external non-embedded memory is used for storing image data, then the code reader can store full image frames, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data storage capacityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portion of image data (subsample) from the full image captured by the imager. Instead of processing and storing all image data, the system reads and processes a subsampled version that contains sufficient information for decoding machine-readable indicia, thereby reducing memory requirements and physical footprint while maintaining decoding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a microcontroller unit with embedded memory that is more cost-effective than using a microprocessor with external memory. The embedded memory architecture eliminates the need for separate external memory components and their associated supporting electronics, reducing bill of materials cost and simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If a microprocessor with external memory is used, then the code reader has sufficient memory capacity, but the device becomes physically large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory capacityVSAvoidcode reader size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portion of image data (subsample) from the full image captured by the imager. Instead of processing and storing all image data, the system reads and processes a subsampled version that contains sufficient information for decoding machine-readable indicia, thereby reducing memory requirements and physical footprint while maintaining decoding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the memory function directly into the microcontroller unit by using embedded memory. This integration eliminates the need for separate external memory components and their associated supporting electronics, reducing the overall device volume and component count while providing sufficient memory capacity for the subsampled image data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11694046B2Microcontroller-based code reader and related method and device

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 DATALOGIC USA INC

AI summary

A microcontroller-based code reader and method of reading a machine-readable indicia may include capturing, by an imager, an image of a machine-readable indicia disposed an object. An image subsample of an image captured by the imager may be read from the imager. The image subsample or partial image data may be stored in an embedded memory of a microcontroller in electrical communication with the imager. The machine-readable indicia may be decoded from the image subsample.