Multi-Barcode Scanning System for Retail Transaction Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning multiple barcodes of different types for a product during a sales transaction is inefficient, leading to increased transaction time and potential human error, especially when barcodes are small and closely packed, requiring multiple scans and familiarity with various barcode types.
Innovation Solution
A handheld communication device and scanning system that can decode multiple barcodes of different types in a single scanning operation, using pattern matching techniques to identify code types and populate a sales form automatically, with audible confirmation and error handling for successful or incomplete scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple barcodes are scanned individually one at a time, then each barcode can be decoded accurately, but the transaction time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual barcode scanning operations into a single scanning operation that captures multiple barcodes simultaneously. The imaging device takes one photograph that includes multiple barcodes, and the system processes all barcodes from that single image, merging what would have been separate scanning actions into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of barcode types and positions within the captured image before decoding. By pre-identifying which barcodes are present and their locations in the single captured image, the system prepares the decoding process in advance, allowing multiple barcodes to be processed efficiently without sequential scanning delays.
2Reliability
If sales associates are required to familiarize themselves with multiple barcode types, then correct barcodes can be scanned, but the complexity of operation increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification and classification of different barcode types without requiring user intervention or knowledge. The imaging device and processing system automatically detect, identify, and distinguish between different barcode formats in the captured image, allowing the system to serve itself in the complex task of multi-type barcode recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the barcodes and the final decoding step. This intermediary system automatically identifies barcode types and routes them to appropriate decoding methods, acting as a mediator that handles the complexity of multiple barcode formats without requiring the user to understand or manage the different types.
3Area of stationary object
If barcodes are placed closely together on small product packaging, then shelf space is conserved and marketing efficiency improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional simultaneous capture. By using an imaging device that captures the entire field of view in a single photograph, the system adds a spatial dimension to the scanning process, allowing multiple barcodes arranged in two-dimensional patterns on small packaging to be detected simultaneously without requiring sequential one-dimensional scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal imaging and processing approach that can handle multiple barcode types and arrangements within a single captured image. The processing system is designed to universally detect and decode various barcode formats regardless of their position, orientation, or density in the image, making it adaptable to closely packed barcodes on small packaging.
Data Source
AI summary
Scanning multiple barcodes, storing different code types, in a single scanning operation and automatically recording the data derived from the barcodes. The data can be stored in a form or database having designated locations for each different code type. In some embodiments, the present technology is useful in conducting a retail transaction and facilitates a simplified transaction when the product for purchase has multiple barcodes printed thereon.