NL2017964B1

NL2017964B1 - Device for capturing bar code information

Info

Publication number: NL2017964B1
Application number: NL2017964A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Azhari Alexander
Original assignee: Opticon Sensors Europe B V
Priority date: 2016-12-09
Filing date: 2016-12-09
Publication date: 2018-06-19

Abstract

A device for capturing bar code information is provided. The device comprises capture module comprising a bar code scanner for capturing bar code data within a bar code capture field and an image sensor for capturing image data within an image capture field, wherein the bar code scanner and the image sensor are aligned such that the bar code capture field and the image capture field overlap. The device further comprises a processor arranged to receive and process image data to display data and arranged for receiving bar code data from the bar code scanner, a display module arranged to display the display data in a display field, a user input module arranged to receive user input; and a housing for housing the capture module, the display module and the processor. In this device, the processor is arranged for receiving the bar code data from the bar code scanner.

Description

Title: Device for capturing bar code information

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various aspects related to the field of barcode scanners. BACKGROUND

Barcodes are widely known, in a lot of varieties. The UPC-A barcode with black and white strips that provide a one-dimensional code, like many other barcode systems, the two-dimensional barcodes like the QR codes three-dimensional barcodes like the Controsign code, which provides colour as a third dimension.

Barcode readers are widely available for reading these codes. They are provided as handheld devices or as stationary devices at a point of sale location at for example a supermarket.

Handheld barcode scanners are available as point to shoot devices: the device is aimed at a barcode, the aiming being supported by a laser beam indicating the sweet spot of the scanner. The operator of the device has to use at least one hand and the room is filled with a laser beam that may be experienced as annoying to some people.

SUMMARY

It would be preferred to address at least one of the disadvantages of the currently available mobile barcode scanners. A first aspect provides a device for capturing bar code information. The device comprises capture module comprising a bar code scanner for capturing bar code data within a bar code capture field and an image sensor for capturing image data within an image capture field, wherein the bar code scanner and the image sensor are aligned such that the bar code capture field and the image capture field at least partially overlap. The device further comprises a processor arranged to receive and process image data to display data and arranged for receiving bar code data from the bar code scanner, a display module arranged to display the display data in a display field, a user input module arranged to receive user input; and a housing for housing the capture module, the display module and the processor. In this device, the processor is further arranged for receiving the bar code data from the bar code scanner.

By providing an image sensor like a camera of which the capture field is at least partially aligned with the capture field of the barcode scanner, the red laser beam can be omitted. Furthermore, barcode at difficult to oversee locations may be accurately acquired with a camera view, provided with a marker how to point.

An embodiment of the device comprises a head mount arranged for being worn on the head of a user, wherein the head mount is connected to the housing such that when the head mount is worn by user, the display module is aligned with a view field of at least one eye of the user such that the display field at least partially overlaps with the view field. An advantage of the head mount is that the user will have both hand free.

In another embodiment, the housing comprises a first housing part for housing the capture module and a second housing part for housing the display module and wherein the first housing part is swivelable relative to the second housing part. This allows the display module to be more or less stationary relative to the user and preferably the eyes of the user, while the acquisition module may be pointed in any direction for acquisition of barcode data.

In a further embodiment, the processor is arranged to provide the display data with visual marker data indicating the bar code capture field relative to the image capture field. Such marker support more accurate aiming at a barcode from which information is to be acquired.

Again another device further comprises a position sensor for determining the position of the first housing part relative to the second housing part and wherein the processor is arranged for receiving a sensor signal from the position sensor and for adjusting the visual marker data in the display data in accordance with the sensor signal. With the barcode capture field moving relative to the view field of the eye of the user, the overlap of the barcode scanner sweet spot and the view field changes. This embodiment compensates for that change by adjusting the visual marker data. A second aspect provides, in a device, comprising a capture module comprising a bar code scanner for capturing bar code data within a bar code capture field and an image sensor for capturing image data within an image capture field, wherein the bar code scanner and the image sensor are aligned such that the bar code capture field and the image capture field at least partially overlap, a method of capturing bar code information. The method comprises displaying marker data by means of a display module comprised by the device, the display marker providing an indication for the overlap between the bar code capture field and the image capture field, receiving user input; and capturing bar code data within the bar code capture field upon receiving the user input.

An embodiment of the second aspect further comprises capturing image data by means of the image sensor, adding marker data to the image data, the display marker providing an indication for the overlap between the bar code capture field and the image capture field and displaying the combined image data and marker data by means of the display module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects and embodiments thereof will now be discussed in further detail in conjunction with Figures. In the Figures,

Figure 1: shows a head of a person wearing a device for acquiring barcode information;

Figure 2: shows the device in further detail;

Figure 3: shows a schematic view of the device;

Figure 4: shows alignment of components of the device; and

Figure 5: shows a flowchart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a barcode scanning device 200 fitted on a head 100 of a person. The barcode scanning device 200 comprises a head mount 210 on which a data acquisition module 300 is provided.

Figure 2 shows the barcode scanning device 200 not mounted to a head. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows a detail of the data acquisition module 300. The head mount 210 comprises a top band 212, a front band 216 and an adjustable rear band 220. The length of the rear band 220 may be adjusted by means of the adjustment knob 222. By means of the adjustment knob 222, overlap of two parts of the rear band may be increased or decreased. Also the top band 212 and the front band 216 may be implemented in an adjustable fashion. In another embodiment, the head mount 210 is provided by means of a spectacle frame, comprising a bridge, at least upper sides of rimes and temples.

To the head mount, a battery compartment 230 is provided. Figure 2 shows the battery compartment 230 at the left side of the head mount 210. Additionally or alternatively, a further battery compartment may be provided at the right side of the head mount 210. In another embodiment, the battery compartment 230 is provided at another location on the barcode scanning device 200. The battery compartment 230 comprises a battery for providing electrical energy to the various components of the barcode scanning device 200.

At the right side of the head mount 210, a support arm 340 is provided. The support arm 340 is rotatable relative to the head mount 210 over a substantially horizontal axis provided at the connection between the support arm 340 and the head mount 210 at a distal end of the support arm 340. At a proximal end of the support arm 340, the data acquisition module 300 is provided. At the side of the support arm 340, a touch pad 350 is provided as a user input unit for controlling operation of the data acquisition unit 300. Alternatively or additionally, further user input units like knobs, buttons, switches and other may be provided on the support arm 340, the data acquisition module 300 and/or the head mount 210 for controlling operation of the data acquisition unit 300. Additionally or alternatively, a microphone may be provided for providing voice commands.

Figure 2 further shows a more detailed view of the data acquisition module 300. The data acquisition module comprises a barcode scanner 312, a camera 310 as an image sensor, a display module 308 and a see-through display 360.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the various components of the data acquisition module 300. Figure 2 shows the various components of the data acquisition module 300 in one housing. In an alternative embodiment, theses components are provided in multiple housings or encasings that are connected with one another. The data acquisition module 300 comprises a central processing unit 302, a storage module 304, a communication module 306, a user interface module 320, a position sensor module 318, the display module 308, the camera 310, the barcode scanner 312 and a laser 314 as a light source. The optional laser 314 provides light, visible to the human eye, invisible to the human eye or a combination thereof to aid capturing of a barcode by means of the barcode scanner 312.

In the embodiment shown by Figure 3, the camera 310, the barcode scanner 312 and the laser 314 are provided in a first encasing 332 and the display module 308 is provided in a second encasing 334. The first encasing 332 and the second encasing are connected through a hinge 336 as a pivotable connection. The hinge 336 may be a standard hinge with a pin and knuckles at each side. Alternatively or additionally, other types of pivotable connections may be provided like circular protrusions and/or recesses at either encasings that are arranged to engage with one another. The position sensor module 318 is arranged to determine the position and in particular the annular position of the first encasing 332 relative to the second encasing 334. Alternatively, no pivotable connection is provided and the components are provided in a single casing.

The central processing unit 302, the storage module 304, the communication module 306, the user interface module 320 and the position sensor module 318 are provided in a third encasing 338. The third encasing 338 is provided in dashed lines, as the components that are in this embodiment provided in the third encasing 338 may be provided in any further encasing individually or with other components, as long as their operational connections are ensured during operation of the data acquisition module 300.

Figure 4 shows how the camera 310, the barcode scanner 312 and the display module 308 may be lined up. The display module is provided with the see-through display 360. The display module 308 provides an image to the see-through display 360. The see-through display 360 comprises a prismatic part (not shown) for providing the visual image data in a to an eye 460 in a display field 440. The display field 440 partially overlaps with a view field 430 of the eye 460, so the eye 460 is in a position to observe the visual image data.

Furthermore, Figure 4 shows a barcode capture field 410. The barcode scanner 312 is arranged to capture barcode data within the barcode capture field 410. And Figure 4 shows an image capture field 420. The camera 312 is arranged to capture image data within the image capture field 420. Figure 4 shows preferred positions of the various field, in which a barcode 490 falls within the view field 430, the barcode capture field 410 and the image capture field 420. Whereas the various capture fields, view fields and display fields are shown as a triangle in a two-dimensional space, these fields have a conical or semi-conical shape in a three-dimensional space.

Capturing of barcode data comprised by the barcode 490 will now be discussed in further detail in conjunction with a flowchart 500 depicted by Figure 5. The list below provides short summaries of the parts of the flowchart 500: 502: start 504: determine position angle 506: display and scanner aligned? 508: acquire image data 510: provide marker in image data 512: display image data 514: display marker data 516: user input received? 518: acquire barcode data 520: store barcode data 522: send data 524: end? 526: end

The process starts in a terminator 502 and continues to obtaining the position of the first encasing 332 relative to the second encasing 334 and the annular position in particular in step 504. In step 506, the central processing unit 302 checks, based on a signal obtained by means of the position sensor module 318, which may comprise an annular encoder, whether the display module 308 on one hand and the barcode scanner 312 and the camera 310 on the other hand are aligned. These two groups of components are aligned if the barcode capture field 410, the image capture field 420 and the view field 430 at least partially overlap, as indicated by Figure 4. Such configuration enables the person wearing the barcode scanning device 200 to see directly what barcode data may be captured. If they are not aligned, the barcode scanner 312 is set to capture data at another location than seen by the person.

If it is verified in step 506 that the display module 308 on one hand and the barcode scanner 312 and the camera 310 on the other hand are not aligned, the process continues to step 508 in which image data is acquired by means of the camera 310. In step 510, the captured image data is provided with a marker that indicates a centre of the barcode capture field 410 relative to the image data. The centre of the barcode capture field 410 may be indicated by means of a line, crosshairs, a rectangle, a circle or any other shape provided in lines. Additionally or alternatively, the centre of the barcode capture field 410 is shown clearly and image data in the area around the centre is blurred. Alternatively, the full area of overlap between the barcode capture field 410 and the image capture field 420 is marked in the image data captured. In step 512, the processed image data is displayed to the person wearing the barcode scanning device 200 by means of the display module 308 and the see-through display 360.

If it is verified in step 506 that the display module 308 on one hand and the barcode scanner 312 and the camera 310 on the other hand are aligned, the process branches to step 514. In step 514, marker data is displayed on the see-through display 360 by means of the display module 308. The market data is provided at a location that indicates the centre of the barcode capture field 410. Alternatively, the full area of overlap between the barcode capture field 410 and the view field 430 is marked. In this way, the user is provided with information how to position his head and, in that way, how to position the barcode scanning device 200 for capturing data provided by the barcode 490.

Subsequently, the process continues to step 516 in which the central processing unit 302 awaits user input by means of the user interface module 320. The user interface module 320 may receive input through the touch pad 350 or other further user input units like knobs, buttons, switches and other may be provided on the support arm 340 or otherwise on the barcode scanning device 200. In another embodiment, user input may be provided by means of a voice command or by means of a command provided by blinking the eye 460. In the latter case, a further camera, motion sensor or other sensor may be provided in the display module 308. If no input is received, the process loops back to step 506, optionally after a waiting step.

If user input is received, the procedure continues to step 518 in which barcode data comprised by the barcode 490 is acquired by means of the barcode scanner 312. In step 520, the data is stored in the storage module 304. Additionally or alternatively, the acquired barcode data may be sent to another device by means of the communication module 306 in step 522. The latter step may be executed by means of an IEEE 802.11 protocol, Bluetooth, Zigbee or any other public or proprietary data transmission protocol, preferably, but not exclusively, in a wireless fashion.

In step 524, the procedure checks whether the device has been switched off or whether a data acquisition operation mode has been terminated, for example by deactivating any components of the data acquisition module 300. If the data acquisition mode has been terminated, the procedure continues to terminator 524 at which the procedure ends. If the procedure is not to end, the procedure branches back to step 504, optionally via a waiting step.

In the embodiment discussed above, a hard determination is made whether the display module 308 on one hand and the barcode scanner 312 and the camera 310 on the other hand are aligned and subsequently, the process branches either way when this determination has been made. However, if the overlap between the barcode scanner 312 and the view field 430 is very large in aligned state, the right branch may also be chosen if the display module 308 on one hand and the barcode scanner 312 and the camera 310 on the other hand are slightly misaligned. In such embodiment, data provided by the position sensor module 318 is used for determining where to place the marker in the view field 430 by means of the display module 308 and the see-through display 360 for indicating the slightly shifted centre of the barcode capture field 410 or the whole of the barcode capture field 410 relative to the view field 430 and/or the display field 440.

Expressions such as "comprise", "include", "incorporate", "contain", "is" and "have" are to be construed in a non-exclusive manner when interpreting the description and its associated claims, namely construed to allow for other items or components which are not explicitly defined also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed in be a reference to the plural and vice versa.

In the description above, it will be understood that when an element such as layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” or “onto” another element, the element is either directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present.

Furthermore, the invention may also be embodied with less components than provided in the embodiments described here, wherein one component carries out multiple functions. Just as well may the invention be embodied using more elements than depicted in the Figures, wherein functions carried out by one component in the embodiment provided are distributed over multiple components. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various parameters disclosed in the description may be modified and that various embodiments disclosed and/or claimed may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

A device for recording barcode information, the device comprising: A recording module comprising a barcode scanner for recording barcode data within a barcode recording field and an image sensor for recording image data within an image recording field, the barcode scanner and the image sensor being aligned such that it barcode recording field and the image recording field at least partially overlap; A processing unit adapted to receive image data and process it into display data; A display module adapted to display the display data in a display field; A user input module arranged to receive user input; and a housing for housing the recording module, the display module and the processing unit; The processing unit is further adapted to receive the barcode data from the barcode scanner.

The device of claim 1, further comprising a main mount adapted to be worn on a user's head, the main mount being connected to the housing such that if the main mount is supported by a user, the display module is aligned with at least one field of view of at least one eye of the user such that the display field at least partially overlaps with the field of view.

The device of claim 2, wherein the housing is rotatably or pivotally attached to the main mount over a hinge axis and wherein the hinge axis has a substantially horizontal orientation when the main mount is supported by a user.

Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion for housing the recording module and a second housing portion for housing the display module and wherein the first housing portion is rotatable relative to the second housing portion.

The device of claim 4, as far as dependent on claim 2, wherein the first housing portion is rotatable relative to the second housing portion such that when the first housing portion is moved relative to the second housing portion, the display module remains aligned with the eye.

The device of claim 5, wherein the first housing module is rotatable between a first housing module in each position at least partially overlapping the field of view, the barcode recording field and the image recording field and a second housing position in which the field of view on one side and the barcode recording field and do not overlap the image capture field on the other side.

7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the processing unit is adapted to provide the display data with visual marking data which indicate the barcode recording field relative to the image recording field.

Device as claimed in claim 7 insofar as dependent on claim 4, further comprising a position sensor for determining the position of the first housing part relative to the second housing part and wherein the processing unit is adapted to receive a sensor signal from the position sensor and to adjust the visual marking data in the display data in accordance with the sensor signal.

The device of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the display module comprises a transparency display module.

The device of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the main mount comprises at least one battery for supplying electrical energy to the recording module, the processing unit, the display module, and the user input module.

Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user input module is arranged to generate an input signal following detection of user input and wherein the processing unit is adapted to record barcode data via the barcode scanner.

Device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication module adapted to communicate barcode data to a further receive.

13. In a device comprising a recording module comprising a barcode scanner for recording barcode data within a barcode recording field and an image sensor for recording image data within an image recording field, the barcode scanner and the image sensor being aligned such that the barcode recording field and the image recording field are at least partially overlapping, a method for recording barcode information, the method comprising: Display of marking data by means of a display module included by the device, which marking data gives an indication of the overlap between the barcode recording field and the image recording field; Receive user input; and Recording barcode data within the barcode recording field following receipt of user input.

The method of claim 13, further comprising: Recording image data by means of the image sensor; Adding marking data to the image data, which image marking data gives an indication of the overlap between the barcode recording field and the image recording field; and displaying the combined image data and image data through the display module.