Imaging Scanner Bar Code Positioning Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bar code scanning technologies face inefficiencies in locating and processing bar codes due to the lack of precise positioning and distance control, especially for small bar codes, leading to increased computational intensity and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of indicators such as an illuminated grid and targeting beams within the scanning field to guide the positioning of bar codes, ensuring they are placed at optimal locations and distances from the imager, with sensors adjusting the targeting beam's appearance based on distance for user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging scanning captures the entire field of view to ensure bar code detection, then detection coverage is improved, but processing complexity increases due to analyzing extraneous material
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into multiple regions based on probability maps that indicate where bar codes are most likely to appear. Instead of processing the entire image uniformly, the system divides the image into high-probability regions (requiring intensive processing) and low-probability regions (requiring minimal or no processing), thereby reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing intensities are applied to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. High-probability regions receive intensive processing with detailed analysis, while low-probability regions receive simplified processing or are skipped entirely. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between detection coverage and processing complexity
2Measurement precision
If imaging scanning processes the entire image with high detail to ensure accurate bar code identification, then scanning accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Probability maps are generated in advance based on historical data, bar code distribution patterns, and scene context before the actual bar code identification process. These pre-computed probability maps guide the subsequent processing by indicating which regions require detailed analysis, thereby reducing the time needed for accurate identification without sacrificing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies processing intensity proportional to the detected need in each region. Rather than uniformly applying maximum processing power across the entire image, it selectively applies intensive processing only to regions with high probability of containing bar codes, achieving accurate identification with reduced overall processing time
3Measurement precision
If the imager is placed closer to small bar codes to improve image quality, then scanning accuracy for small bar codes is improved, but the field of view decreases making location more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a temporal dimension by capturing multiple images at different distances or angles. Instead of relying on a single wide-field image that lacks detail, the system captures a sequence of images and uses probability maps to identify which images contain the bar code, then processes only those specific frames with appropriate processing intensity, effectively combining the benefits of wide coverage and detailed close-up views
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 approach reduces processing complexity by allowing algorithms to focus processing on expected bar code locations and distances, enhancing scanning efficiency and accuracy, particularly for small bar codes.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor may detect the distance of a bar code from the imager
Implementation Method 2
a targeting beam may be used to illuminate the bar code
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for improved imaging scanning. An imaging bar code scanner provides indicia to a user indicating areas for placement of a bar code so as to provide for efficient imaging scanning. The indicia may define the boundaries of the field of view of an imager, and may also indicate areas of an image that are more intensively processed. The indicia may be projected so as to illuminate an object with a projected pattern, or may alternatively be projected onto or otherwise placed on one or more scan windows of a scanner. At least some of the indicia may change appearance depending on whether an object to be scanned is within a prescribed distance from an imager.