Portable Barcode Verification Reader Using Line Scan Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar code verification technologies are limited by their large footprint and inability to efficiently capture both small and large bar codes, requiring multiple scans and lacking the capability to accurately verify two-dimensional codes, leading to errors and inefficiencies in inventory control and production line quality assurance.
Innovation Solution
A portable device equipped with a contact image sensor, stabilization roller, and encoder, allowing for dynamic scanning of bar codes of varying sizes by floating across the surface and sending data to a computer, capable of capturing one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes without the need for reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a video camera with a lens and light source is placed into a large enclosure to capture large bar code labels, then the field of view is sufficient for large bar codes, but the device becomes non-portable and has a large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a line scan camera that dynamically captures bar code images by scanning across the label surface. The stabilization roller and encoder system enables the camera to move with the conveyor belt while maintaining accurate positioning, allowing a compact portable device to capture large bar codes that would otherwise require a large stationary enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stabilization roller as an intermediary component between the line scan camera and the conveyor belt. This roller stabilizes the camera's position and movement, enabling accurate bar code capture while keeping the device compact and portable, thus resolving the contradiction between field of view and portability
2Device complexity
If a line scan camera is used to verify bar codes on a conveyor, then the device has a compact enclosure, but multiple scans at different positions are required to verify the bar code
Solution Approach 1:
The line scan camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures bar code images, stabilizes the scanning process, and verifies bar code quality all in a single integrated operation. The encoder provides comprehensive data including position, velocity, and acceleration information, enabling the system to verify bar codes efficiently in one pass rather than requiring multiple separate scans
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder provides real-time feedback about the camera's position, velocity, and acceleration during the scanning process. This feedback allows the system to adjust and optimize the scanning parameters dynamically, ensuring accurate bar code verification in a single scan and eliminating the need for multiple position scans
3Device complexity
If a line scan camera is used for bar code verification, then the device is compact, but it lacks vertical resolution and cannot accurately verify two-dimensional codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the time dimension to compensate for the line scan camera's lack of vertical resolution. By capturing multiple lines sequentially as the conveyor belt moves, the system builds up a complete two-dimensional image of the bar code. The encoder's precise positioning data ensures that lines are correctly assembled in the vertical dimension, enabling accurate verification of two-dimensional codes despite the camera's linear sensor architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A new technology is provided for a portable bar code verification reader and is designed to create a video image of a bar code label in accordance to strict industry bar code verification standards. The barcode verification reader will effectively capture a bar code label and then send the resulting video image to a computer. The resulting bar code label quality may be displayed on the portable verification reader via one or more LED's, an embedded display monitor, or the like.