Partial Barcode Scan POS Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments, damaged, folded, concealed, or faded barcodes on items often prevent POS systems from accurately scanning Universal Product Codes (UPCs), necessitating manual item replacement or lookup, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A POS system equipped with a barcode scanner that can scan a portion of the UPC and use this information to identify matching items from a database, displaying candidate items on a touchscreen for selection, and optionally using an LED indicator or network verification to confirm the correct item, while also employing artificial intelligence for image-based identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a barcode scanner is used to scan damaged, folded, concealed, or faded barcodes, then the scan accuracy deteriorates, but manual item replacement or lookup is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system scans only a portion of the UPC barcode rather than requiring a complete scan. The barcode scanning system is configured to capture partial barcode data (e.g., first few digits) and use this partial information to query the database for matching items, eliminating the need to scan the entire damaged barcode
Solution Approach 2:
A database acts as an intermediary between the partial barcode scan and the complete item identification. The database stores UPC information and allows querying with partial codes to retrieve candidate item lists, bridging the gap between incomplete scan data and accurate item identification
2Measurement precision
If manual item replacement or lookup is performed for damaged barcodes, then item identification accuracy improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The database is pre-populated with UPC information and item details before the scanning process. When a partial barcode is scanned, the system can immediately query the pre-organized database for matching items, eliminating the need for manual lookup and reducing time loss while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays a list of candidate items to the user based on the partial barcode scan, allowing the user to verify and select the correct item. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate item identification while automating the search process, reducing the time required compared to manual lookup
3Reliability
If the entire UPC is scanned to ensure accurate item identification, then identification reliability improves, but the system fails when barcodes are damaged or partially obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to identify items using only a portion of the UPC barcode rather than requiring the complete code. By scanning and processing partial barcode data (such as the first 3-5 digits), the system maintains identification reliability even when the rest of the barcode is damaged, folded, concealed, or faded
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the limitation of partial barcode visibility into a benefit by designing the database query system to accept partial UPC inputs. The database is structured to return candidate items based on partial code matches, transforming the harmful effect of damaged barcodes into a workable identification approach
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of object identification based on a partial visual object identifier code at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having a first optical sensor operable to scan visual object identifier codes disposed on objects. Each code represents one of a set of object identifiers. Further, each identifier is specific to a certain object and is represented by a series of characters. The method includes obtaining, based on a scan performed by the first optical sensor of one of the visual object identifier codes disposed on a certain object, a portion of the series of characters that represents a corresponding object identifier so that the certain object can be selected or identified based on the set of object identifiers and the portion of the series of characters that represents the corresponding object identifier.