Mobile Display Pulse Code Modulation for Laser Scanner Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-scanning and digital-imaging bar code symbol readers are not optimized for reading bar-coded coupons displayed on mobile devices, leading to obsolescence and inefficiencies in redeeming coupons at retail POS stations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable mobile devices to display bar code symbols in a pulse code modulation (PCM) format, allowing laser scanning bar code symbol readers to read bar-coded coupons by energizing and de-energizing pixels to emit red-wavelength light at the spatial frequency of the bar code, and toggling between normal and PCM-based reading modes for compatibility with both laser scanning and digital imaging readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bar-coded coupons are displayed on mobile device screens, then coupon accessibility and convenience are improved, but compatibility with conventional laser-scanning bar code readers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the light emission parameters of the mobile device screen. Specifically, the screen emits light pulses at frequencies and intensities that correspond to the bar code pattern, transforming the static visual display into a dynamic light signal that mimics reflected light from a physical bar code. This allows conventional laser scanners to detect and decode the bar code information from the mobile device screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the light-emitting screen of the mobile device - that acts as a mediator between the digital coupon storage and the physical laser scanning reader. The screen converts digital bar code data into optical signals that the laser scanner can interpret, effectively bridging the gap between digital and physical reading systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices use light emitting screens to display bar codes, then reading flexibility is improved, but reading precision with laser scanners deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having the mobile device screen emit light in pulsed sequences that correspond to the bar code pattern. The screen alternates between emitting light and not emitting light at specific intervals, creating a temporal pattern that replicates the spatial pattern of a physical bar code. This periodic light emission enables the laser scanner to detect distinct bar and space patterns with sufficient precision for accurate decoding.
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
Enables seamless redemption of bar-coded coupons using existing laser scanning and digital imaging readers, extending the life of conventional POS systems and enhancing flexibility in diverse retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
a substantial portion of the pixels on the light emitting display surface are energized and de-energized to emit red-wavelengths of light energy, at a rate which temporally corresponds to the spatial frequency of the bars and spaces of the 1D bar code symbol
Data Source
AI summary
Improved methods of and apparatus for managing and redeeming bar-coded coupons that are displayed from a light emitting display surface of an information storage and display device, such as a cell-phone, a smart-phone, or a data communication device. The linear (1D) bar code symbols, associated with bar-coded store coupons, are displayed on the light emitting display surface using in a pulse code modulation (PCM) format, wherein a substantial portion of the pixels on the light emitting display surface are energized and de-energized to emit red-wavelengths of light energy, at a rate which temporally corresponds to the spatial frequency of the bars and spaces of the linear bar code symbol, so that a laser scanning bar code symbol reading device is capable of reading the PCM formatted bar code symbol displayed from the light emitting display surface.