Single Color Imager Switching for Code Reading and Item Recognition

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data reading systems with multiple imagers increase complexity and cost due to the need for separate configurations optimized for optical code reading and image recognition tasks.

Innovation Solution

A data reading system with a single color imager configured to toggle between different image-processing modes for optical code reading and image analysis, utilizing distinct sets of image-processing parameters for each mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imagers are used for optical code reading and image recognition tasks, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single color imager to perform multiple functions (optical code reading and image recognition) through configurable image-processing modes. The imager can be switched between different operational modes depending on the task required, eliminating the need for separate dedicated imagers for each function while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized imagers into a single multi-functional color imager. By combining optical code reading capabilities and image recognition capabilities in one device, the system reduces component count and overall complexity while preserving the functional performance that would otherwise require separate imagers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imagers are used for optical code reading and image recognition tasks, then functional performance is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single color imager to perform multiple functions (optical code reading and image recognition) through configurable image-processing modes. The imager can be switched between different operational modes depending on the task required, eliminating the need for separate dedicated imagers for each function while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized imagers into a single multi-functional color imager. By combining optical code reading capabilities and image recognition capabilities in one device, the system reduces component count and overall complexity while preserving the functional performance that would otherwise require separate imagers.

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 functional performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfunctional performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing configurable image-processing modes that allow the single color imager to dynamically adapt its processing parameters based on the specific task. The system can switch between different operational modes (e.g., optimized for optical code reading versus optimized for image recognition) to maintain high functional performance across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting image-processing parameters according to the operational mode. Different processing parameters are applied for optical code reading compared to image recognition tasks, allowing the single imager to optimize its performance for each specific function rather than being fixed in a single configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4604009A1Data reading systems with multiple image-processing modes

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 DATALOGIC IP TECH

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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.