Multi-Mode Data Reading With One Color Imager for Code and Item Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data reading systems in retail environments require multiple imaging devices, each optimized for specific functions, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A data reading system utilizing a single color imager configured with different image-processing modes to handle both optical code reading and image-recognition tasks efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging devices are used for different data reading tasks, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reading capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by configuring a single color imager to perform multiple data reading functions through different image-processing modes. The color imager can switch between optical code reading mode (with short exposure time and active illumination) and item/image recognition mode (with longer exposure time and ambient light), replacing the need for separate monochrome and color imagers while maintaining versatility across different retail data reading tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging devices are used for different data reading tasks, then functional performance is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reading capabilityVSAvoidnumber of imaging devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the functions of multiple specialized imaging devices into a single color imager. By integrating optical code reading capabilities and item recognition capabilities into one device through software-based image-processing modes, the system reduces the quantity of imaging devices from two or more to one, thereby lowering hardware costs while preserving functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single color imager is used for both optical code reading and image recognition, then device complexity is reduced, but image-processing performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidimage-processing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing switchable image-processing modes that dynamically adjust the color imager's parameters based on the task at hand. The system can transition between optical code reading mode (optimized with short exposure time and active illumination) and item recognition mode (optimized with longer exposure time and ambient light), allowing the single device to maintain high processing quality for different functions by adapting its configuration in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250259157A1Data reading systems with multiple image-processing modes

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 DATALOGIC IP TECH

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a data reading system and related methods of operation designed for optimizing and efficiently handling various image-processing functionalities of a data reading system. The data reading system includes a data reader configurable in at least a first image-processing mode for reading and decoding optical codes from acquired image data and in a second image-processing mode for performing image analysis to identify the item. The image-processing modes may be selectively or automatically toggled as needed for completing a transaction.