Mark Reader Configured to Prioritize Images

Abstract

Systems and methods for use with a mark reader that reduce the trigger-to-decode response time by prioritizing images to be decoded based on the likelihood of a successful decode are provided. A reader attempts to decode a priority image(s) first to avoid attempting to decode images that are less likely than other images to be successfully decoded. Images are rated based on feature attributes, and then prioritized for decoding. Image feature attributes are correlated with parameter groups, and the parameter groups are prioritized for use in subsequent image acquisitions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the field of mark or symbology readers used to read marks (e.g., symbols, barcodes, text characters including alphanumeric, kanji, etc.) directly on objects, and more specifically to a reader that is configured to prioritize images for decoding to reduce the time for a successful decode.[0004]Mark or symbology reading (also commonly termed barcode scanning) entails the aiming of an image acquisition sensor (e.g., CMOS camera, CCD, etc.) or vision system (e.g., VSOC) contained within the reader at a location on an object that contains a mark, and acquiring an image of the mark. Marks are known and available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are designed to contain data, such as a set of predetermined patterns that represent an ordered group of characters or shapes. The read...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The present embodiments overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing improved systems and methods for reducing the trigger-to-decode response time by prioritizing a plurality of images to be decoded based on feature attributes calculated from an image analysis. The feature attributes provide an indication of the likelihood of a successful decode. A reader that can attempt to decode the highest or a higher priority image(s) first and avoid decoding images that are less likely than other images to be successfully decoded. By prioritizing at least some of the images to identify at least one of the images likely to be decodable, the mean time to a successful decode is decreased for a wide range of applications, including variations in the mark, variations of lighting / illumination, and variations in the presentation of the mark, such as orientation and surface characteristics.

Problems solved by technology

A primary weakness for both fixed mount readers and handheld readers is the large variation in overall trigger-to-decode times when a variety of marks are present.

Both of these methods are not ideal when there are variations in the mark properties.

It is recognized that certain aspects of the mark to be read can make it difficult to detect or decode it within a limited number of images.

In such cases, the initial image acquisition settings may be inadequate and there may be a delay until a final, more-sufficient parameter settings are adjusted.

Images