Optical Disc Identification System for Media Buy-Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
The used media disc industry faces challenges in verifying the identity and content of prerecorded media discs, leading to increased costs and shrinkage due to manual identification processes, which are inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control system with a processor that accesses a library associating native bar codes with media disc content, an optical disc identification system to read bar codes, and a user interface for buy-back transactions, which automates the identification and storage of media discs, and communicates buy-back prices to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification of media discs is used, then identification accuracy can be maintained, but labor costs increase and shrinkage/theft likelihood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical identification process with an automated optical scanning system. Optical sensors read bar codes and content information from media discs automatically, eliminating the need for manual handling and visual inspection by employees, thereby reducing labor costs and shrinkage while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The media disc identification system performs self-identification through automated optical scanning. The system independently reads bar codes, captures disc images, and retrieves content information from databases without requiring human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the identification process
2Productivity
If manual identification processes are used, then system complexity remains low, but transaction efficiency decreases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-scanning and pre-identifying media discs before they enter the buy-back transaction process. Optical scanning occurs automatically upon disc insertion, and content information is retrieved in advance, streamlining subsequent transactions and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical scanning system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reads bar codes, captures disc images for verification, retrieves content information from databases, and validates disc authenticity. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple manual tasks into a single automated process, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
3Loss of time
If automated optical identification is implemented, then transaction speed increases, but initial system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary database layer that stores optical disc images, bar code information, and content data. This database serves as a mediator between the optical scanning hardware and the buy-back transaction processing, enabling fast identification through pre-stored reference data while distributing the system complexity across multiple manageable components
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
This system reduces costs and streamlines transactions by accurately identifying media disc content, minimizing errors, and optimizing storage and retrieval processes, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the used media disc buy-back process.
Implementation Method 1
an optical disc identification system adapted to read a native bar code on a prerecorded media disc
Data Source
AI summary
A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.