Indicia reading apparatus and method for decoding decodable indicia using stereoscopic imaging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tag reading device and method for decoding a decodable tag using stereoscopic imaging. A tag reading device for decoding a decodable tag includes an illumination subsystem, a sighting subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem is operated to project an illumination pattern. The sighting subsystem is operated to project an aiming pattern. The imaging subsystem includes a stereoscopic imager. The memory communicates with the stereoscopic imager and is capable of storing image data frames representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager. The processor communicates with the memory and operates to decode a decodable tag represented in at least one of the image data frames. The stereoscopic imager is configured to capture multiple images at separate baseline distances to create a three-dimensional image with depth information of the decodable tag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to indicia reading devices and, more particularly, to indicia reading devices and methods for decoding decodable indicia employing stereoscopy or stereo cameras and imagery. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, indicia reading devices (also known as scanners, laser scanners, image readers, tag readers, mobile computers, terminals, etc.) typically read data represented by printed or displayed information-bearing indicia (also known as symbols, symbologies, barcodes, etc.). Barcodes such as UPC codes use patterns of thin and thick bars to represent data, while more complex encoding schemes (called 2D matrix codes) use complex patterns and arrangements of blocks to store information.

[0003] One-dimensional (1D) or linear optical barcode readers are characterized by reading data encoded in the presence and / or width of bars and spaces along a single axis, so that such symbols can be read from a single scan along that axis.

[0004] Two-dimensional (2D) or area optical barcode readers utilize a lens to focus an image of a barcode onto a multi-pixel image sensor array, which is typically provided by a CMOS-based or CCD-based image sensor array that converts optical signals into electrical signals.

[0005] Conventional 1D and 2D tag readers or barcode scanners / readers are known and come in many different shapes and sizes, such as 1D and / or 2D wireless handheld barcode scanners for scanning codes. As those skilled in the art should readily appreciate, the more user-friendly and the faster the reader works, the better. Thus, there is a clear need or desire to create a more user-friendly and / or faster tag reader or barcode scanner. In addition, the accuracy of the reader or scanner is critical. Many scenarios result in inaccurate or unreadable tags or barcodes. For example, geometric distortion, specular reflections, direct component labeling (such as dot peen or laser etching), on-screen reading, etc. may result in inaccurate or unreadable data. Thus, there is always a need / desire to improve the reading and accuracy of tag readers or barcode scanners.

[0006] Barcode scanners can include many different options or features to improve the reading and accuracy of data. One such feature is error checking, or the ability to verify the barcode or label being scanned. As an example, a portable wireless 3D imaging handheld barcode reader can scan / read barcodes and can have error correction capabilities. However, the standard imaging used in known barcode scanners to scan 2D barcodes and decode 2D barcode information is based on 2D images, including error checking features. These 2D images used for decoding and error checking are limited by the displayed 2D images, and as a result, do not include any 3D images and related depth information of the image.

[0007] Stereoscopy, also known as stereoscopic or 3D imaging, is a technique for creating or enhancing the illusion of depth in an image by means of stereoscopic vision for binocular vision. Most stereo methods present two offset images separately to the left and right eyes of the viewer. These 2D images are then combined in the brain to give the perception of 3D depth. In this way, stereoscopy creates the illusion of 3D depth from a given two-dimensional image. Prior to the present disclosure, there was no known tag reading device or barcode scanner that employed stereoscopic images to decode tags or read barcodes and / or for error checking of the read barcode or decoded image based on a 3D image generated from a stereoscopic image and associated depth information from such a 3D image.

[0008] Another feature or option that is growing in demand for conventional 1D and 2D tag readers or barcode scanners is the ability to read not only tags or barcodes in standard printed form, but also tags or barcodes from electronic displays or screens (such as reading barcodes on cellular phones, tablet devices, etc.). For example, in many applications (such as airport ticket inspection), users must read both formally printed barcodes and electronically displayed barcodes (smart phones, tablet devices, etc.). Because electronic displays are usually lit to display their contents, illumination of the electronic display is not required in order to read or decode the display. In fact, if the illumination is directed at the illuminated electronic display, decoding is difficult because the standard illumination from the barcode reader produces glare and / or specular reflections. This corresponds to the need for two different operating modes. In order to achieve this with a single image reader, the user needs to enter an operating mode that continuously turns the illumination on and off, resulting in very unpleasant flickering. Thus, there is a clear need to provide a reader that is user-friendly and can easily scan both formally printed barcodes and electronically displayed barcodes.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a user-friendly tag reader and / or barcode scanner for more accurately decoding 2D tag or barcode information. In addition, there is a need for a barcode reader that can operate in one mode but can handle illuminated & non-illuminated tags for normal reading vs electronic display reading. Summary of the invention

[0010] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention encompasses a tag reading device for decoding a decodable tag using stereoscopy. The tag reading device includes an illumination subsystem, an aiming subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem operates to project an illumination pattern. The aiming subsystem operates to project an aiming pattern. The imaging subsystem includes a stereo imager. The memory is in communication with the stereo imager and is capable of storing image data frames representing light incident on the stereo imager. The processor is in communication with the memory and is operative to decode a decodable tag represented in at least one of the image data frames. The stereo imager is configured to capture multiple images at separate baseline distances (creating different angles) to create a three-dimensional image with depth information of the decodable tag.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, an indicia reading device for decoding decodable indicia in both standard printed form and electronically displayed form in a single mode or operation. The indicia reading device includes an illumination subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem operates to project an illumination pattern. The aiming subsystem operates to project an aiming pattern. The memory is in communication with the imaging subsystem and is capable of storing image data frames representing light incident on the imaging subsystem. The processor is in communication with the memory and is operative to decode the decodable indicia represented in at least one of the image data frames. In this exemplary embodiment, the indicia reading device is configured to simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) acquire an illuminated image for the decodable indicia in normal printed form and a non-illuminated image for the decodable indicia in electronically displayed form.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention encompasses a method for decoding a decodable indicia. The method comprises the following steps:

[0013] · projecting an illumination pattern onto the decodable indicia;

[0014] · capturing a stereoscopic image of the illuminated decodable indicia using a stereoscopic imager;

[0015] · storing a frame of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager in a memory;

[0016] • decoding the decodable indicia from image data stored in the memory via a processor, the processor being operative to decode the decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data.

[0017] The above illustrative summary as well as other exemplary objects and / or advantages of the present invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained in the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic physical form illustration of one embodiment of an imaging device, such as an indicia reading device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Other types of imaging devices according to aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0020] Figure 4 The diagram shows Figure 1 , 2 and 3; and

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 , 2 or a block diagram of an embodiment of an imaging device of 3.

[0022] Figure 6 Graphically depicted is a flow chart illustrating a method for decoding decodable indicia according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention encompasses imaging devices such as optical readers or indicia reading devices for use in reading decodable indicia, wherein stereoscopy or stereoscopic imaging is employed in various aspects. In selected embodiments, stereoscopic imaging may include capturing two or more images at different angles. Such data provides three-dimensional ("3D") additional information with associated depth information of a scanned indicia, object, scene, or barcode compared to conventional optical readers or indicia reading devices. In various aspects, the operation of the imaging device may be configured to operatively process or use one or more portions of stereoscopic 3D image data for reading out and / or for decoding a representation of the decodable indicia. As described in more detail below, the use of stereoscopy or stereoscopic image data may allow for improved reading of decodable indicia, barcodes, scenes, and objects compared to conventional imaging devices.

[0024] Figure 1One embodiment of an imaging device such as indicia reading device 1000 for use in reading decodable indicia according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Indicia reading device 1000 may be operable to read decodable indicia (such as barcode 15) disposed on, for example, a non-backlit substrate 17 (such as paper) attached to a product 19. The decodable indicia may include, but is not limited to:

[0025] 1D linear symbologies (such as Code 3-of-9, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128, UPC / EAN) and stacked linear codes (such as PDF-417, 16K, and Code 49, also often referred to as 2D symbologies) utilize the width and spacing of bars and spaces to contain information, in both cases.

[0026] True 2D matrix codes, such as Code 1, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, QR-Code and Axtec Code, where information is contained in the presence or absence of marks at predefined positions on a 2D coordinate system.

[0027] Human-readable fonts, such as OCR and typed text. Many of these markup formats have standardized definitions that have been developed and endorsed by one or more international standards bodies, such as AIM and ISO.

[0028] Still refer to Figure 1 , indicia reading device 1000 may also be operable to read decodable indicia, such as barcode 115, displayed on an electronic display 125 (such as a backlit screen, such as a display, monitor, LCD display or other screen commonly employed in mobile phones, cellular phones, satellite phones, smart phones, telemetry devices, personal data assistants or other devices) of an electronic device 120. Although a single decodable indicia is illustrated as being read at a time, it will be appreciated that the image may be operable to capture one or more decodable indicia on a single object or on multiple objects at the same time.

[0029] For example, the device 1000, in one embodiment, may include a trigger 1220, a display 1222, an indicator mechanism 1224, and a keyboard 1226 disposed on a common side of the handheld housing 1014. The display 1222 and the indicator mechanism 1224 in combination may be viewed as a user interface of the device 1000. The display 1222, in one embodiment, may incorporate a touch pad for navigation and virtual actuation selection, in which case the user interface of the device 1000 may be provided by the display 1222.

[0030] In other embodiments, the handheld housing 1015 of the indicia reading device 1001 may not have a display and a keyboard, and may be configured as follows: Figure 2 1220. In other embodiments, handheld housing 1016 of indicia reading device 1002 may include display 1223 and keyboard 1227, and may be in a form factor such as a gun. Figure 3 A gun style form factor with a trigger 1220 is shown in FIG.

[0031] The following description uses terms associated with indicia reading devices and may generally include handheld indicia reading devices, fixed indicia reading devices, however one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into other electronic devices having imagers for image capture and / or indicia reading, which may be configured as, for example, mobile phones, cellular phones, satellite phones, smart phones, telemetry devices, personal data assistants, cameras, and other devices.

[0032] Reference Figure 1-5 1000, 1001, 1002, the indicia reading device according to the present invention can be used to decode decodable indicia and can generally include an illumination subsystem 800, an aiming subsystem 600, an imaging subsystem 900, a memory 1085, and a processor 1060. The illumination subsystem 800 can be operated to project an illumination pattern 1260. The aiming subsystem 600 can be operated to project an aiming pattern (not shown). The imaging subsystem 900 can include a stereo imager 2000. The memory 1085 can be in communication with the stereo imager 2000 and can store image data frames representing light incident on the stereo imager 2000. The processor 1060 can be in communication with the memory 1085, wherein the processor 1060 can be operated to decode the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 represented in at least one of the image data frames.

[0033] The stereo imager 2000 may be configured to capture multiple images at a baseline distance 2030 (creating different angles of the image) to create a three-dimensional image with depth information of the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115, or to accurately determine the length and width of a 2D decodable indicia 15 and / or 115, or to extract the absolute size of a barcode with bar and space widths. The stereo imager 2000 may include two or more sensors or cameras (e.g., a tricamera, a quadcamera, etc.) for capturing multiple images at different angles to create a 3D image with depth information. The resulting 3D image with depth information of a 2D image of a decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 and more accurate length and width (e.g., absolute size of a barcode with bar and space widths) may lead to many new uses and benefits compared to conventional readers and scanners that are limited to 2D information without depth information. As an example, and expressly not limited to this, processor 1060 may be further operable to decode decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 by using a three-dimensional image from stereoscopic imager 2000 having depth information of the decodable indicia, wherein decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 may include geometric distortion, specular reflection, direct component marking, stippling, laser etching, electronic display, and combinations thereof.

[0034] More specifically, the processor 1060 may be operable to use information from the captured three-dimensional image of the stereoscopic imager 2000 to decode the geometric distortion to obtain missing length and width information of the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 .

[0035] More specifically, the processor 1060 may be operable to use depth information from the captured three-dimensional image of the stereoscopic imager 200 to determine the absolute size of the width of the bars and spaces of the barcodes 15 and / or 115 .

[0036] In another specific example, the processor 1060 may be operable to decode specular reflections using different viewing angles from the stereoscopic imager 2000 to reconstruct specular-free images from the different viewing angles.

[0037] In yet another specific example, the processor 1060 may be further operable to filter or sharpen the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 based on a distance to the decodable indicia determined from the captured three-dimensional image from the stereoscopic imager 2000 .

[0038] In yet another specific example, processor 1060 may be further operable to verify the decodable indicia based on a size of the decodable indicia determined from the captured three-dimensional image from stereoscopic imager 2000 .

[0039] In yet another specific example, the processor 1060 may be further operable to decode a stippled marking (a series of holes in metal) or a laser etched mark (leaving a raised surface) based on 3D depth information from the captured 3D image (which comes from the stereo imager 2000). In these embodiments, the stippled or laser etched marking may be decoded based on 3D depth rather than just light intensity. This feature may reduce or eliminate problems associated with difficulties in decoding direct component markings (e.g., stippled or laser etched marks, especially those with rough or noisy backgrounds).

[0040] In yet another specific example, the processor 1060 may be further configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of the scene based on the scene image from the stereoscopic imager 2000 .

[0041] In yet another specific example, the processor 1060 may be further configured to perform object recognition based on the scanned three-dimensional scene image, and to verify that the object is consistent with the decoded mark 15 and / or 115.

[0042] In yet another specific example, the processor 1060 may be further configured to perform anti-counterfeiting by identifying object texture and / or specific labels, including but not limited to random indentations / protrusions (e.g., BubbleTag TM ), random microchips of metal embedded in polymers, stereoscopic views of security holograms (which will look different from different angles of the stereo image), and more.

[0043] In yet another specific example, the processor 1060 may be configured to model and / or dimension small objects in the scene S.

[0044] Refer again Figure 1-5Indicia reading devices 1000, 1001, 1002 shown in the figure, indicia reading devices according to the present invention can be configured to decode decodable indicia in normal printed form and electronically displayed form (i.e., cellular phones, tablet devices, laptop computers, etc.). In this embodiment, indicia reading devices 1000, 1001, 1002 can be configured to simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) acquire an illuminated image and a non-illuminated image for respectively decoding the normal printed form indicia 15 and the electronically displayed form indicia 115. Indicia reading devices 1000, 1001, and 1002 can be configured to simultaneously acquire an illuminated image and a non-illuminated image by any means. In one embodiment, the use of a global shutter sensor 2010 in conjunction with a stereoscopic imager 2000 can simultaneously or nearly simultaneously create an illuminated image and a non-illuminated image. In this way, processor 1060 can operate in a single mode to decode both the decodable indicia 15 in normal printed form based on the illuminated image and the decodable indicia 115 in electronically displayed form based on the non-illuminated image. Along with the stereo imager 2000 and the global shutter 2010, the illumination subsystem 800 may include pulsed LED illumination 500 (with lens 300) controlled by the LED driver 1206. Additionally, the aimer subsystem 600 may include an aimer 620 (with lens 630) and an objective speckle and / or diffractive optical element projector 610 for optional effective stereoscopy. These features may reduce problems associated with specular reflections when reading electronically displayed decodable indicia and bar codes.

[0045] The stereo imager 2000 may be any type of imager that utilizes stereoscopy to capture and create 3D images with depth information. In selected embodiments, the stereo imager 2000 may include a left sensor 2020R (with a lens 2021R) and a right sensor 2020L (with a lens 2021L) separated by a baseline distance 2030. The baseline distance 2030 may be set to any desired distance in order to change the angle between the left sensor 2020R and the right sensor 2020L. For example, the baseline distance 2030 may be approximately or equal to 2 cm. In this example, the 3D accuracy at a horizontal scanning angle of 36 degrees may have a depth accuracy of approximately:

[0046] 62µm at 7cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 4.5cm field of view – 3.4cm baseline

[0047] 125µm at 10cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 6.5cm field of view – 4.8cm baseline

[0048] 0.50mm at 20cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 13cm field of view – 9.7cm baseline; and / or

[0049] 1.12mm at 30cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 19.5cm field of view – 14.5cm baseline.

[0050] The barcode reading may thus have the following characteristics: a resolution of approximately 0.1 mm or 4 mils, a depth of field ("DOF") of approximately 100% UPC of up to 34 cm and / or greater than 40 cm in the case of a dedicated decoder (i.e., a Vesta™ decoder), a motion tolerance of less than approximately 2.5 m / s or greater than 100 inches / second. However, the present invention is not so limited to these exact 3D accuracy or barcode reading characteristics, and other results may be obtained using various settings, including but not limited to changing the baseline distance 2030 and / or the scanning angle.

[0051] Refer again Figure 1-5 In the indicia reading devices 1000, 1001, 1002 shown in FIG. 1 , in selected embodiments, the stereoscopic imager 2000 may be housed in a low-profile housing 2040. Figure 4 Schematically shown in FIG, low profile housing 2040 can surround at least illumination subsystem 800, aimer subsystem 600 and imaging subsystem 900. In selected embodiments, low profile housing 2040 can further surround memory 1085 and / or processor 1060. Low profile housing 2040 can be designed with minimum size to easily fit into a handheld or portable electronic device or scanner. In selected embodiments, low profile housing 2040 can have a height H of about 12 mm or less. In other selected embodiments, low profile housing 2040 can have a height H of about 6 mm or less. For example, the low profile housing can have a width W of about 26 mm, a height H of about 6 mm, and a depth D of about 12 mm.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 6 , in operation, as described herein or Figure 1-5 The indicia reading devices 1000, 1001, 1002 shown in any of the embodiments of the present invention may be used to create a method 5000 for decoding decodable indicia 15 and / or 115. The method utilized with the indicia reading devices 1000, 1001, 1002 may generally include the following steps:

[0053] · step 5002 of illuminating a decodable indicia;

[0054] · step 5004 of capturing a stereoscopic image of the illuminated decodable indicia using the stereoscopic imager 2000;

[0055] · step 5006 of storing a frame of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager in memory 1085; and

[0056] • Step 5008 of decoding said decodable indicia from image data stored in said memory 1085 via the processor 1060, said processor being operative to decode the decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data.

[0057] In selected embodiments, the method 5000 of decoding decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 may further include step 5010 of capturing multiple images at a baseline distance 2030 using the stereo imager 2000, and step 5012 of creating a three-dimensional image having depth information of the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115.

[0058] In other selected embodiments, the step 5008 of decoding the decodable indicia may further include decoding the indicia 15 and / or 115 using a three-dimensional image from the stereoscopic imager 2000 having depth information of the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115, wherein the indicia may include geometric distortion, specular reflections, direct component marking (such as dot peen or laser etching), electronic displays, and combinations of these of the decodable indicia.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, method 5000 may further include step 5014 of verifying the decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 based on the size of the decodable indicia determined from the captured three-dimensional image from stereoscopic imager 2000 .

[0060] In other selected embodiments, step 5004 of capturing a stereoscopic image of illuminated decodable indicia using stereoscopic imager 2000 may include step 5016 of simultaneously capturing an illuminated image and a non-illuminated image using global shutter sensor 2010 in conjunction with the stereoscopic imager. In these embodiments, step 5008 of decoding decodable indicia based on image data may include the steps of: step 5018 of decoding normally printed decodable indicia 15 based on the illuminated image; and step 5020 of decoding electronically displayed decodable indicia 115 based on the non-illuminated image. Additionally, step 5002 of illuminating decodable indicia 15 and / or 115 may include pulsed LED illumination 500 controlled by LED driver 1206.

[0061] Other embodiments may include devices without a sight or projected lighting and / or without both sights and projected lighting, thereby relying on screen feedback and or ambient lighting to create images. Typical devices that operate without sights and / or projected lighting include some barcode scanners, cell phones, tablet devices, personal assistants, and the like.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 5 , depicts a block diagram of one embodiment of a tag reading device such as tag reading device 1000, 1001, or 1002. In general, the tag reading device may include an illumination subsystem 800, an aimer subsystem 600, a handheld housing 1014, 1015, or 1016, a memory 1065, and a processor 1060. As described in more detail below, stereoscopic imager 200 allows scene S ( Figure 1 ) is captured onto the sensor array 1033. For example, the stereoscopic imager 200 may include a main lens 200 and a microlens array 250. The microlens array may include thousands of microlenses and the microlens array may be disposed between the main lens and the image sensor array. The analog signal of the scene or portion thereof read out from the image sensor array 1033 may be amplified by a gain block 1036, converted into digital form by an analog-to-digital converter 1037, and sent to a DMA unit 1070. The DMA unit 1070 may then transfer the digitized image data to a volatile memory 1080. The processor 1060 may address one or more image data frames maintained in the volatile memory 1080 for processing the frames, as described below for tag decoding. Images captured by stereoscopic vision are referred to as stereoscopic images. Data captured on an image sensor by a stereoscopic imaging optical device is referred to as stereoscopic image data.

[0063] Refer again Figure 5 , devices 1000, 1001, 1002, and 5000 may include an image sensor 1032 including a plurality of pixel image sensor arrays 1033 having pixels arranged in rows and columns of pixels, associated column circuits 1034, and row circuits 1035. Associated with the image sensor 1032 may be amplifier circuits 1036 (amplifiers), and analog-to-digital converters 1037 that convert image information in the form of analog signals read out from the image sensor array 1033 into image information in the form of digital signals. The image sensor 1032 may also have associated timing and control circuits 1038 for use in controlling, for example, an exposure period of the image sensor 1032, a gain applied to the amplifier 1036, and the like. The mentioned circuit components 1032, 1036, 1037, and 1038 may be packaged into a common image sensor integrated circuit 1040. The image sensor integrated circuit 1040 may incorporate fewer than the mentioned number of components. Image sensor integrated circuit 1040 including image sensor array 1033 and imaging lens assembly 200 may be incorporated into a handheld housing.

[0064] In one embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit 1040 may be provided by, for example, an MT9V022 (752×480 pixel array) or MT9V023 (752×480 pixel array) image sensor integrated circuit available from Micro Technology, Inc. In one example, the image sensor array 1033 may be a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor array having a first subset of monochrome pixels without color filter elements and a second subset of color pixels with color sensitive filter elements. In one example, the image sensor integrated circuit 1040 may incorporate a Bayer pattern filter such that defined at the image sensor array 1033 are: red pixels at red pixel locations, green pixels at green pixel locations, and blue pixels at blue pixel locations. A frame provided using such an image sensor array incorporating a Bayer pattern may include red pixels at red pixel locations, green pixels at green pixel locations, and blue pixels at blue pixel locations. In an embodiment incorporating a Bayer pattern image sensor array, the processor 1060 may interpolate pixel values ​​at frame pixel locations intermediate the green pixel locations using green pixel values ​​before subjecting the frame to further processing for developing a monochrome image data frame. Alternatively, the processor 1060 may interpolate pixel values ​​intermediate red pixel locations using red pixel values ​​before subjecting the frame to further processing for developing a monochrome image data frame. The processor 1060 may alternatively interpolate pixel values ​​intermediate blue pixel locations using blue pixel values ​​before subjecting the frame to further processing. The imaging subsystem of the devices 1000 and 5000 may include an image sensor 1032 and a plenoptic lens assembly 200 for projecting a plenoptic image onto an image sensor array 1033 of the image sensor 1032.

[0065] In the operating process layer of the device, image signals can be read out from the image sensor 1032, converted and stored in a system memory such as RAM 1080. The memory 1085 of the device may include RAM 1080, non-volatile memory such as EPROM 1082, and storage memory device 1084 such as may be provided by flash memory or hard drive memory. In one embodiment, the device may include a processor 1060, which may be adapted to read out image data stored in the memory 1080 and subject such image data to various image processing algorithms. The device may include a direct memory access unit (DMA) 1070 for routing image information that has been converted and read out from the image sensor 1032 to RAM 1080. In another embodiment, the device may employ a system bus that provides a bus arbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus), thereby eliminating the need for a central DMA controller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of system bus architectures and / or direct memory access components that provide efficient data transfer between the image sensor 1032 and RAM 1080 are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0066] Still refer to Figure 5 And referring to further aspects of the apparatus, the imaging lens assembly 200 may be adapted to be used to position a light field or space S ( Figure 1 ) is projected onto the image sensor array 1033.

[0067] The device may include an illumination subsystem for illuminating a target and projecting an illumination pattern 1260. The illumination pattern 1260 in the illustrated embodiment may be projected to be close to but larger than an area defined by the field of view 1240, but may also be projected in an area smaller than an area defined by the field of view 1240. The illumination subsystem 800 may include a light source group 500, which includes one or more light sources. The light source assembly 800 may further include one or more light source groups, each of which may include, for example, one or more light sources. In an illustrative embodiment, such a light source may illustratively include a light emitting diode (LED). Any LED having a variety of wavelengths and filters or a combination of wavelengths or filters may be used in various embodiments. Other types of light sources may also be used in other embodiments. The light source may be illustratively mounted to a printed circuit board. This may be the same printed circuit board on which the image sensor integrated circuit 1040 having the image sensor array 1033 may be illustratively mounted.

[0068] The device may also include an aiming subsystem 600 for projecting an aiming pattern (not shown). The aiming subsystem 600, which may include a light source group, may be coupled to an aiming light source group power input unit 1208 for providing electrical power to the light source group of the aiming subsystem 600. The power input unit 1208 may be coupled to the system bus 1500 via the interface 1108 for communicating with the processor 1060.

[0069] In one embodiment, in addition to light source group 500, illumination subsystem 800 may include illumination lens assembly 300. In addition to or in place of illumination lens assembly 300, illumination subsystem 800 may include alternative light shaping optics, such as one or more diffusers, reflectors, and prisms. In use, devices such as devices 100, 1001, and 1002 may be oriented by an operator with respect to a target (e.g., a sheet of paper, a package, another type of substrate, a screen, etc.) bearing decodable indicia 15 in such a manner that illumination pattern 1260 is projected onto decodable indicia 15. Figure 1 In the example of , the decodable mark 15 is provided by a 1D bar code symbol. The decodable mark 15 can also be provided by a 2D bar code symbol, or an optical character recognition (OCR) character, or other encoding means such as Digimark®. The light source group electrical power input unit 1206 can provide energy to the light source group 500. In one embodiment, the electrical power input unit 1206 can be operated as a controlled voltage source. In another embodiment, the electrical power input unit 1206 can be operated as a controlled current source. In another embodiment, the electrical power input unit 1206 can be operated as a combined controlled voltage and controlled current source. The electrical power input unit 1206 can change the level of electrical power provided to the light source group 500 (the power-on level), for example, for changing the illumination level output by the light source group 500 of the illumination subsystem 800 for generating the illumination pattern 1260.

[0070] In another aspect, the device may include a power supply 1402 that provides power to a power grid 1404 to which the electrical components of the device 1000 may be connected. The power supply 1402 may be coupled to various power sources, such as a battery 1406, a serial interface 1408 (e.g., USB, RS232), and / or an AC / DC transformer 1410.

[0071] In addition, with respect to power input unit 1206, power input unit 1206 may include a charging capacitor that is continuously charged by power supply 1402. Power input unit 1206 may be configured to output energy within a range of power-on levels. During an exposure period in which the first illumination and exposure control configuration is effective, an average power-on level of illumination subsystem 800 may be higher than an average power-on level in which the illumination and exposure control configuration is effective.

[0072] The device may also include a plurality of peripheral devices, including, for example, a trigger 1220, which may be used to validate a trigger signal for activating frame readout and / or certain decoding processes. The device may be adapted such that activation of the trigger 1220 activates the trigger signal and initiates a decoding attempt. Specifically, the device 1000 may be operable such that, in response to activation of the trigger signal, a series of frames may be captured by reading out image information (typically in the form of an analog signal) from the image sensor array 1033, and then the converted image information may be stored in the memory 1080 (which may buffer one or more of the series of frames at a given time). The processor 1060 may be operable to subject one or more of the series of frames to a decoding attempt.

[0073] In order to attempt to decode a bar code symbol (e.g., a one-dimensional bar code symbol), the processor 1060 may process the image data of a frame corresponding to a line of pixel locations (e.g., a row, column, or diagonal set of pixel locations) to determine a spatial pattern of dark and light cells, and each determined pattern of light and dark cells may be converted into a character or string via a table lookup. In the case where the decodable indicia representation is a 2D bar code symbology, the decoding attempt may include the steps of locating a viewfinder pattern using a feature detection algorithm, locating a matrix line that intersects the viewfinder pattern according to a predetermined relationship with the viewfinder pattern, determining a pattern of dark and light cells along the matrix line, and converting each light pattern into a character or string via a table lookup.

[0074] The device may include various interface circuits for coupling various peripheral devices to a system address / data bus (system bus) 1500 for communicating with a processor 1060 also coupled to the system bus 1500. The device may include an interface circuit 1028 for coupling an image sensor timing and control circuit 1038 to the system bus 1500, an interface circuit 1106 for coupling an illumination light source group power input unit 1206 to the system bus 1500, and an interface circuit 1120 for coupling a trigger 1220 to the system bus 1500. The device may also include a display 1222 coupled to the system bus 1500 and in communication with the processor 1060 via an interface 1122, and an indicator mechanism 1224 in communication with the processor 1060 via an interface 1124 connected to the system bus 1500. The device may also include a keyboard 1226 coupled to the system bus 1500 and in communication with the processor 1060 via an interface 1126. The device may also include a range detector unit 1210 coupled to the system bus 1500 via interface 1110. In one embodiment, the range detector unit 1210 may be an acoustic range detector unit. The various interfaces of the device may share circuit components. For example, a common microcontroller that provides control inputs to circuit 1038 and to power input circuit 1206 may be provided to coordinate the timing between image sensor array control and illumination subsystem control.

[0075] A series of image data that can be captured and subjected to the described processing can be a full frame (including pixel values ​​corresponding to each pixel of the image sensor array 1033 or the maximum number of pixels read out from the image sensor array 1033 during operation of the device). A series of image data frames that can be captured and subjected to the described processing can also be a "window frame" that includes pixel values ​​corresponding to less than a full frame of pixels of the image sensor array 1033. A series of image data frames that can be captured and subjected to the described processing can also include a combination of full frames and window frames. A full frame can be read out for capture by selectively addressing the pixels of the image sensor 1032 having the image sensor array 1033 corresponding to the full frame. A window frame can be read out for capture by selectively addressing the pixels or pixel ranges of the image sensor 1032 having the image sensor array 1033 corresponding to the window frame. In one embodiment, a certain number of pixels that are addressed and read out determine the picture size of the frame. Accordingly, the full frame can be viewed as having a first relatively large picture size, and the window frame can be viewed as having a relatively small picture size relative to the picture size of the full frame, and the picture size of the window frame can change depending on the number of pixels that are addressed and read out to capture the window frame.

[0076] The device can capture frames of image data at a rate known as a frame rate. A typical frame rate is 60 frames per second (FPS), which translates to a frame time (frame period) of 16.6 ms. Another typical frame rate is 30 frames per second (FPS), which translates to a frame time (frame period) of 33.3 ms per frame. The frame rate of the device 1000 can be increased (and the frame time reduced) by reducing the frame picture size.

[0077]

[0078] To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates by reference in its entirety the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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[0485] U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 748,446 (Xie et al.) filed on June 24, 2015 for “CORDLESS INDICIA READER WITH A MULTIFUNCTIONCOIL FOR WIRELESS CHARGING AND EAS DEACTIVATION”

[0486]

[0487] In the specification and / or drawings, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. The drawings are schematic representations and are therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise indicated, specific terms have been used in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A tag reading device, comprising: an imaging subsystem including a stereoscopic imager, wherein the stereoscopic imager is configured to capture a plurality of frames of image data to create depth information of a decodable indicia; a memory in communication with the stereoscopic imager and capable of storing the plurality of frames of image data representative of light incident on the stereoscopic imager; as well as a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is operative to: decoding a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the plurality of frames of image data; as well as The decodable indicia is filtered or sharpened in the plurality of frames of image data based on depth information of the decodable indicia.

2. The indicia reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further operative to decode decodable indicia by using the three-dimensional image from the stereoscopic imager with depth information of the decodable indicia, the decodable indicia comprising geometric distortion, specular reflection, direct component marking, dot peen, laser etching, electronic display, and combinations of these of decodable indicia; The processor is further operative to decode geometric distortion using depth information from the captured three-dimensional image of the stereoscopic imager to obtain missing length and width information of the decodable indicia; The processor is further operative to determine absolute sizes of bar and space widths of a barcode using depth information from the captured three-dimensional image of the stereoscopic imager; The processor is further operative to verify the decodable indicia based on a size of the decodable indicia determined from the captured three-dimensional image from the stereoscopic imager; The processor is further operative to use the 3D depth information to decode the dot peen or laser etched marking; The processor is further configured to perform a three-dimensional scan of a scene based on the scene image from the stereo imager; The processor is further configured to perform object recognition based on the scanned three-dimensional scene image and to verify that the object is consistent with the decoded indicia; The processor is further configured to perform anti-counterfeiting by identifying object texture and / or specific labels; The processor is configured to model and / or size small objects in the scene; The processor is further configured to decode specular reflections using different viewing angles from the stereoscopic imager to reconstruct specular-free images from different viewing angles; as well as The processor is further configured to identify random indentations / protrusions, a metal microchip embedded in a polymer, or a stereoscopic view of a security hologram in the plurality of image data frames.

3. The indicia reading device of claim 1, wherein the indicia reading device is configured to decode decodable indicia in both normal printed form and electronically displayed form in a single mode.

4. The indicia reading device of claim 3, comprising a global shutter sensor, wherein the stereoscopic imager is configured to simultaneously acquire an illuminated image and a non-illuminated image with the aid of the global shutter sensor, wherein the processor is operative to decode decodable indicia in a normal printed form based on the illuminated image, and to decode decodable indicia in an electronically displayed form based on the non-illuminated image.

5. The indicia reading device according to claim 4, comprising: an illumination subsystem operative to project an illumination pattern, the illumination subsystem comprising pulsed LED illumination controlled by an LED driver; as well as A sight subsystem is operable to project a sight pattern, the sight subsystem comprising a sight and an object speckle projector and / or a diffractive optical element projector.

6. The indicia reading device of claim 1, wherein the stereoscopic imager comprises a left sensor and a right sensor separated by a baseline distance of at or equal to 2 cm, wherein the three-dimensional accuracy at a scanning angle of 36 degrees horizontal has a depth accuracy of: 62µm at 7cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 4.5cm field of view – 3.4cm baseline; 125µm at 10cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 6.5cm field of view – 4.8cm baseline; 0.50mm at 20cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 13cm field of view - 9.7cm baseline; and / or 1.12mm at 30cm with 1 / 4 pixel resolution and 19.5cm field of view - 14.5cm baseline, The barcode reading function has: 0.1mm or 4 mil resolution; Achieve a depth of field of 100% UPC of 34cm and / or greater than 40cm; Tolerance for motion less than 2.5 m / s or greater than 100 inches / s.

7. A method for decoding a decodable indicia, comprising: illuminated decodable markings; capturing a stereoscopic image of the illuminated decodable indicia using a stereoscopic imager; storing a frame of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager in a memory; decoding the decodable indicia based on image data stored in the memory via a processor, the processor operative to decode the decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data; capturing one or more images at separate baseline distances using the stereo imager; creating a three-dimensional image including depth information of the decodable indicia; as well as The decodable indicia is filtered or sharpened in the plurality of frames of image data based on depth information of the decodable indicia.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of decoding the decodable indicia comprises: decoding decodable indicia including geometric distortion, specular reflection, direct component marking, dot peen, laser etching, electronic display, and combinations of these decodable indicia by using a three-dimensional image from the stereoscopic imager including depth information of the decodable indicia; using depth information from the captured three-dimensional image of the stereo imager to decode geometric distortion to obtain missing length and width information of the decodable indicia; using depth information from the captured three-dimensional image of the stereo imager to determine absolute dimensions of bar and space widths of the barcode; performing a three-dimensional scan of a scene based on the scene image from the stereo imager; performing object recognition based on the scanned three-dimensional scene image and verifying that the object is consistent with the decoded indicia; Anti-counterfeiting by identifying object texture and / or specific labels; Modeling and / or sizing small objects in the scene; identifying in the plurality of frames of image data random indentations / protrusions, a metal microchip embedded in a polymer, or a stereoscopic view of a security hologram; decoding specular reflections using different viewing angles from the stereo imager to reconstruct specular-free images from different viewing angles; as well as The decodable indicia is authenticated based on a size of the decodable indicia determined from the captured three-dimensional image from the stereoscopic imager.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The step of capturing a stereoscopic image of the illuminated decodable indicia using a stereoscopic imager includes capturing an illuminated image and a non-illuminated image using a global shutter sensor working in conjunction with the stereoscopic imager; as well as The step of decoding the decodable indicia according to the image data comprises: decoding a normally printed decodable mark based on an illuminated image; as well as The electronically displayed decodable indicia is decoded based on the non-illuminated image.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of projecting an illumination pattern on the decodable indicia comprises pulsed LED illumination controlled by an LED driver.

Images