Smart Barcode Picklist Decoding for Off-Centered Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current barcode scanners with the 'picklist' feature can only decode barcodes that overlay the aiming location, causing inefficiency when multiple barcodes are present, and may fail to decode barcodes that are small or off-centered, reducing scanning speed and productivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'smart picklist' mode that automatically decodes barcodes regardless of their location within the field of view, unless multiple barcodes overlap the aiming location, allowing for efficient scanning of single barcodes even if they are off-centered or small.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the picklist feature requires barcodes to overlay the aiming location for decoding, then decoding accuracy is improved, but scanning speed and productivity deteriorate due to the need for user alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode scanning system automatically detects and decodes barcodes without requiring user alignment. The system identifies barcode positions, determines if a single barcode is present, and automatically adjusts the scan line to decode it, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual aiming alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The scan line position is dynamically adjusted based on detected barcode locations. When a single barcode is detected, the system automatically positions the scan line to decode it, even if it's off-centered. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain decoding accuracy while improving scanning speed.
2Reliability
If the picklist feature requires precise alignment with the aiming location, then decoding reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must manually align barcodes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects barcode positions and adjusts the scan line without user intervention. This self-service capability maintains high decoding reliability while completely eliminating the manual alignment step, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of barcode positions before decoding. By identifying the barcode location in advance and pre-positioning the scan line, the system ensures reliable decoding without requiring the user to perform the alignment action.
3Measurement precision
If the system only decodes barcodes overlaying the aiming location, then decoding precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated scanning attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The scan line position is dynamically adjusted based on detected barcode locations. When a single barcode is detected, the system automatically positions the scan line to decode it in one attempt, eliminating the need for repeated scanning and reducing time loss while maintaining position precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of barcode positions and pre-positions the scan line before decoding. This preliminary action ensures that the decode attempt is successful on the first try, eliminating repeated scanning attempts and reducing time loss.
4Measurement precision
If the system requires barcodes to be centered in the field of view, then decoding accuracy is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as off-centered or small barcodes cannot be decoded
Solution Approach 1:
The scan line position is dynamically adjusted based on detected barcode locations. The system can decode barcodes at any position within the field of view by automatically positioning the scan line, making it adaptable to off-centered and small barcodes while maintaining decode accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to handle multiple barcode positions and sizes within the field of view. By automatically detecting and adapting to barcode locations, the system becomes universal in its capability to decode various barcode configurations without requiring them to be centered.
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
Enhances scanning speed and productivity by automatically decoding single barcodes within the field of view, regardless of their position, without requiring user intervention to align the barcode with the aiming location.
Implementation Method 1
detecting light from the target object with an array of photosensitive elements in the imaging sensor while the target object is illuminated by the illumination to capture an image of the target object
Implementation Method 2
generating an illumination towards a target object
Data Source
AI summary
A method of decoding a barcode includes determining number of barcode candidates in the image captured and processing the image captured in accordance with the number of barcode candidates found. If the number of barcode candidates is one, the image captured is processed to decode the only one barcode candidate in the image captured. If the number of barcode candidates is larger than one, the image captured is processed to find a barcode candidate that overlays with an aiming location between a first location and a second location on a scan line and to decode the barcode candidate that is found that overlays with the aiming location.