A bar code reading module with dual imaging assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of bar code reading module with double imaging components. Double lens components and double circuit board overlapping layout are used, so that the range of readable depth of field is expanded, the space utilization is maximized, and the volume of module is reduced. The size and proportion of aiming pattern emitted by aiming component in imaging are used to obtain the distance between the collected object and the bar code reading module, and the corresponding illumination light source is turned on for supplementary lighting and the image sensor is used for bar code image acquisition. The illumination scheme of secondary light distribution is adopted to realize good uniformity of large-angle close-range illumination. Imaging glass is matched with imaging gasket to avoid the influence of image sensor on imaging due to dust, and to provide buffer to reduce damage to equipment caused by external force during assembly or collision. Imaging lens assembly is connected with imaging assembly sleeve on the periphery, so that the axial displacement of imaging lens assembly can be realized, which is helpful for lens adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image acquisition device for barcode reading, specifically to a barcode reading module with dual imaging components. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of barcode technology in production and daily life, the tiny barcode is appearing more and more frequently in production materials. Inventory management, transportation transfer, and classification in logistics; checkout and payment in supermarkets; traceability of parts and management of material entry and exit during production—all rely heavily on barcodes. Barcodes have natural advantages in data collection and transmission. First, barcodes have a large data storage capacity; QR codes and PDF417 codes easily exceed several hundred bytes, effectively storing information about goods / items. Second, because barcodes, especially high-level QR codes, employ advanced error correction algorithms, even if the outer packaging is damaged, causing partial damage to the barcode itself, the original data information can still be completely restored using these algorithms. Using barcodes as a carrier of information in logistics and supply chains not only effectively avoids errors that may occur with manual input but also greatly improves the efficiency of goods / item circulation and distribution.

[0003] With the diversification of barcode application scenarios, different forms of barcode reading devices have been gradually developed for different application scenarios, such as barcode scanners and platform barcode scanning devices for supermarkets; and wearable barcode scanning devices and handheld smart terminals (PDAs) for logistics. In some large-space barcode applications, such as large stacked environments, where items and equipment are large, or where barcodes are stacked at height, far away, or small, ordinary barcode reading devices may have difficulty decoding. The main reasons are: the imaging distance exceeds the effective distance, and the distance is too long, resulting in insufficient supplementary lighting. Although some existing technologies use dual-camera modules, each with a different effective focal length, typically a combination of telephoto and short-focal-length lenses. However, the method of switching between the two camera modules is still not intelligent enough. Generally, both camera modules capture images, which are then sent to the decoder for testing. The process stops when one decodes successfully, resulting in long barcode decoding times. Furthermore, the supplementary lighting is insufficient for distant barcodes, easily causing the barcode image to be dark and blurry, thus affecting the barcode decoding processing unit's ability to decode the image smoothly. In addition, the lighting schemes of dual-camera systems generally have two problems: first, near-field lighting results in a bright center and dark edges, leading to a contrast deviation in the barcode image; second, far-field lighting has a large angle and dispersed illumination, resulting in insufficient brightness in the barcode image. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a barcode reading module with dual imaging components. The module utilizes an aiming component to determine the distance between the object being collected and the barcode reading module, activates a corresponding illumination source for supplementary lighting, and uses an image sensor to collect images.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] The housing has several openings extending through the front and rear of the housing. A cover installed at the front of the housing has windows corresponding to several openings. A corresponding lens or component is installed inside or behind the opening. The matching installation of the opening, lens or component is at least within the incident light area of ​​their respective windows.

[0007] The circuit board assembly further includes: a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board is mounted at the rear of the housing and has an aiming component, a second image sensor, a first illumination source, and a second illumination source disposed on its front side facing the housing. The second circuit board is mounted behind the first circuit board and is communicatively connected to the first circuit board. The first image sensor is disposed on the front side of the second circuit board facing the first circuit board, and the installation of the first circuit board does not affect the image acquisition by the first image sensor. This dual-circuit board overlapping layout, with data transmission and signal control via connecting components, maximizes space utilization and reduces the module's size.

[0008] It employs a dual-lens assembly, which can be one or a combination of two types: wide-angle lens assembly, medium telephoto lens assembly, and telephoto lens assembly, thereby expanding the readable depth of field range. The second image sensor acquires image data through a second imaging lens assembly; the first image sensor acquires image data through a first imaging lens assembly; the effective pixel count of the second image sensor is no higher than that of the first image sensor.

[0009] The light emitted by the second and first lighting sources is projected onto the surface of the object being sampled through their respective lenses.

[0010] The aiming component is controlled to form an aiming pattern on the surface of the object being collected. The first image sensor is controlled to capture the aiming pattern. The distance between the object being collected and the barcode reading module is determined based on the size and proportion of the aiming pattern in the image. This information is then used by the barcode processing unit to make a decision, such as turning on the corresponding lighting source for supplementary lighting and having the image sensor collect the barcode image again.

[0011] Furthermore, the second circuit board is equipped with a barcode processing unit to control the operation of the second and first lighting sources, and to control the operation of the second image sensor (713) and the first image sensor, and to attempt to decode the input image data containing the barcode; the communication connection is achieved by transmitting signals through a connection component between a second connection port on the front of the second circuit board and a first connection port on the back of the first circuit board; the barcode processing unit generates any one of the following signals: illumination, aiming, or reading, and transmits it to the corresponding components on the first circuit board through the connection component, and receives image data generated by the first or second image sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the lens includes a first illumination lens, which is a lens with one side facing the first illumination source being flat and the other side being convex; a second illumination lens, which is a lens with one side facing the second illumination source being flat and the other side being concave; and a collimating lens, which is a lens with two optical lenses for focusing the light source, and is disposed behind the first illumination lens and the second illumination lens, wherein both optical lenses are lenses with one side being flat and the other side being convex.

[0013] The collimating lens converges the light from a large-angle illumination source to achieve collimated light output at a small angle; then, the collimated light emitted from the collimating lens is dispersed onto the surface of the object being sampled through the first and second illumination sources.

[0014] Furthermore, the optimal field of view of the second illumination source through the lens is 16°-20°; the optimal angle range of the first illumination source through the lens is 44°-50° horizontally and 28°-36° vertically.

[0015] Furthermore, the optimal field of view of the second illumination source through the lens is 16°-18°; the optimal angle range of the first illumination source through the lens is 45°-48° horizontally and 29°-31° vertically.

[0016] Furthermore, the faceplate window includes: a first imaging window corresponding to a first imaging lens assembly; a second imaging window corresponding to a second imaging lens assembly; a second illumination window corresponding to a second illumination source; a first illumination window corresponding to a first illumination source; and an aiming window corresponding to an aiming assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, the second imaging lens assembly is externally connected to a second imaging component sleeve, which enables axial displacement of the second imaging lens assembly and facilitates lens adjustment; the first imaging lens assembly is externally connected to a first imaging component sleeve, which enables axial displacement of the first imaging lens assembly and facilitates lens adjustment.

[0018] Furthermore, a second imaging glass is embedded at the rear end of the second imaging lens assembly, and a second imaging gasket is disposed around the second imaging glass; a first imaging glass is embedded at the rear end of the first imaging lens assembly, and a first imaging gasket is disposed around the first imaging glass. The imaging glass is used to prevent dust from entering the image sensor and affecting imaging. The imaging glass, together with the imaging gasket, provides cushioning to reduce damage to the device caused by external forces during assembly or collisions.

[0019] Furthermore, the second circuit board is connected to a memory to store the acquired barcode images, and the second circuit board is connected to a data transmission interface for communication with external devices.

[0020] Furthermore, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are mounted using fixing screws.

[0021] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. The barcode reading module with dual imaging components described in this invention adopts a dual-circuit board overlapping layout. The second circuit board is installed behind the first circuit board and is communicatively connected to the first circuit board. Furthermore, the installation of the first circuit board does not affect the image acquisition by the first image sensor, thereby maximizing space utilization and reducing the size of the module.

[0023] 2. The barcode reading module with dual imaging components described in this invention employs a dual-lens assembly, which acquires image data through the first and second imaging lens assemblies, and the effective pixels of the second image sensor are not higher than the effective pixels of the first image sensor, thereby expanding the readable depth of field range.

[0024] 3. The barcode reading module with dual imaging components described in this invention determines the distance between the object being collected and the barcode reading module by measuring the size and proportion of the aiming pattern emitted by the aiming component in the image. This information is then used by the barcode processing unit to make decisions, such as activating the corresponding illumination source for supplementary lighting and enabling the image sensor to collect the barcode image.

[0025] 4. The barcode reading module with dual imaging components described in this invention employs two sets of secondary light distribution illumination schemes. First, the illumination source undergoes initial light distribution through a focusing collimating lens, converging the large-angle illumination source to achieve a small-angle and collimated light output effect. Second, the small-angle and collimated light is further distributed and diffused onto the surface of the object being scanned, achieving both near-field and far-field illumination. Near-field illumination utilizes a diverging near-field lens to expand the light beam and redistribute brightness, achieving large-angle and uniform near-field illumination, solving the problems of poor contrast and insufficient illumination angle in near-field barcode imaging. Far-field illumination utilizes a converging far-field lens to focus the light beam and redistribute brightness, achieving a small-angle and uniform illumination effect, solving the problem of insufficient illuminance in far-field barcode imaging.

[0026] 5. The barcode reading module with dual imaging components described in this invention has an imaging glass embedded at the rear end of the imaging lens component, which can prevent dust from entering the image sensor and affecting the imaging. An imaging gasket is set around the imaging glass to provide buffering and reduce damage to the device caused by external forces during assembly or collision. An imaging component sleeve is connected around the imaging lens component, which can realize the axial displacement of the imaging lens component and help adjust the lens. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a rear schematic diagram of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit board assembly for a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first circuit board of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the first circuit board of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second circuit board of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the second circuit board of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a planar schematic diagram of the first illumination lens of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first illumination lens of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the collimating lens of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the collimating lens of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second illumination lens of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the second illumination lens of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a test diagram of the first illumination source of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 16 This is an illustration of the illumination effect of the first illumination source of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a test diagram of the second illumination source of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 18 This is an illustration of the illumination effect of the second illumination source of a barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to the present invention.

[0045] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1-Housing; 11-Face cover; 12-Collimating lens; 2-First imaging window; 21-First imaging lens assembly; 211-First imaging assembly sleeve; 212-First imaging gasket; 213-First imaging glass; 3-Second imaging window; 31-Second imaging lens assembly; 311-Second imaging assembly sleeve; 312-Second imaging gasket; 313-Second imaging glass; 4-Second illumination window; 41-Second illumination lens; 5-First illumination window; 51-First illumination lens; 6-Aiming window; 61-Aiming assembly; 7-Circuit board assembly; 71-First circuit board; 711-First illumination source; 712-Second illumination source; 72-Second circuit board; 713-Second image sensor; 714-First connection port; 721-First image sensor; 722-Second connection port; 723-Memory; 724-Barcode processing unit; 725-Data transmission interface; 73-Connection assembly; 74-Fixing screw. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0047] like Figure 1-18 A barcode reading module with dual imaging components includes:

[0048] The housing 1 has several openings that penetrate from the front to the back of the housing 1. The front cover 1 has several windows corresponding to the openings. A corresponding lens or component is installed inside or behind the opening. The matching installation of the opening, lens or component is at least within the incident light area of ​​their respective windows.

[0049] The circuit board assembly 7 further includes a first circuit board 71 and a second circuit board 72. The first circuit board 71 is mounted at the rear of the housing 1, and an aiming assembly 6, a second image sensor 713, a first illumination source 711, and a second illumination source 712 are arranged on the front facing the housing 1. The second circuit board 72 is mounted behind the first circuit board 71 and is communicatively connected to it. The first image sensor 721 is arranged on the front facing the first circuit board 71 of the second circuit board 72, and the installation of the first circuit board 71 does not affect the image acquisition by the first image sensor 721. This dual-circuit board overlapping layout, with data transmission and signal control via the connecting assembly 73, maximizes space utilization and reduces the module's size.

[0050] A dual-lens assembly is employed to expand the readable depth of field. The second image sensor 713 acquires image data through the second imaging lens group 31; the first image sensor 721 acquires image data through the first imaging lens assembly 21; wherein, the effective pixels of the second image sensor 713 are no higher than the effective pixels of the first image sensor 721.

[0051] The light generated by the second illumination source 712 and the first illumination source 711 is projected onto the surface of the object being collected through their respective lenses;

[0052] The aiming component 6 is controlled to form an aiming pattern on the surface of the object being collected. The first image sensor 721 is controlled to capture the aiming pattern. The distance between the object being collected and the barcode reading module is determined based on the size and proportion of the aiming pattern in the image. This information is then used by the barcode processing unit 724 to make a decision, turn on the corresponding lighting source for supplementary lighting, and allow the image sensor to collect the barcode image again.

[0053] A barcode processing unit 724 is mounted on the back of the second circuit board 72 to control the operation of the second illumination source 712 and the first illumination source 711, and to control the operation of the second image sensor 713 and the first image sensor 721, attempting to decode the input image data containing barcodes. The communication connection is achieved through a connection component 73 between a second connection port 722 on the front of the second circuit board 72 and a first connection port 714 on the back of the first circuit board 71. The barcode processing unit 724 generates any one of the following signals: illumination, aiming, or reading, and transmits it to the corresponding components on the first circuit board 71 through the connection component 73, and receives image data generated by the first image sensor 721 or the second image sensor 713.

[0054] The lenses include a first illumination lens 51, which is a lens with one side flat and the other side convex, facing the first illumination source 711; a second illumination lens 41, which is a lens with one side flat and the other side concave, facing the second illumination source 712; and a collimating lens 12, which is a lens with two optical lenses for focusing the light source, positioned behind the first illumination lens 51 and the second illumination lens 41, where both optical lenses have one side flat and the other side convex; and a collimating lens 21, which converges the light from the large-angle illumination source to achieve collimated light output at a small angle; and then, the collimated light emitted from the collimating lens 21 is dispersed onto the surface of the object being collected through the first illumination source 711 and the second illumination source 712.

[0055] The second illumination source 712 has a field of view of 16° through the lens; the first illumination source 711 has an optimal angle of 46.9° horizontally and 29.7° vertically through the lens.

[0056] The faceplate 1 window includes: a first imaging window 2 corresponding to a first imaging lens assembly 21; a second imaging window 3 corresponding to a second imaging lens group 31; a second illumination window 4 corresponding to a second illumination source 712; a first illumination window 5 corresponding to a first illumination source 711; and an aiming window 6 corresponding to an aiming assembly 6.

[0057] The second imaging lens group 31 is externally connected to the second imaging component sleeve 311, which enables axial displacement of the second imaging lens group 31, facilitating lens adjustment; the first imaging lens component 21 is externally connected to the first imaging component sleeve 211, which enables axial displacement of the first imaging lens component 21, facilitating lens adjustment.

[0058] The rear end of the second imaging lens assembly 31 is inlaid with a second imaging glass 313, and a second imaging gasket 312 is disposed around the second imaging glass 313; the rear end of the first imaging lens assembly 21 is inlaid with a first imaging glass 213, and a first imaging gasket 212 is disposed around the first imaging glass 213. The imaging glass is used to prevent dust from entering the image sensor and affecting imaging. The imaging glass, together with the imaging gasket, provides cushioning to reduce damage to the equipment caused by external forces during assembly or collisions.

[0059] The back of the second circuit board 72 is connected to a memory 723 to store the acquired barcode images, and the back of the second circuit board 72 is connected to a data transmission interface 725 for communication with external devices.

[0060] The first circuit board 71 and the second circuit board 72 can be detached and installed using fixing screws 74.

[0061] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has several openings that penetrate the front and back of the housing (1) inside. The face cover (11) installed at the front of the housing (1) has several windows corresponding to the openings. A corresponding lens or component is installed inside or behind the opening. The matching installation of the opening, lens or component is at least within the incident light area of ​​their respective windows. The circuit board assembly (7) further includes: a first circuit board (71) and a second circuit board (72). The first circuit board (71) is mounted on the rear of the housing (1), and an aiming component (61), a second image sensor (713), a first illumination source (711), and a second illumination source (712) are disposed on the front of the housing (1). The second circuit board (72) is mounted behind the first circuit board (71) and is communicatively connected to the first circuit board (71). The second circuit board (72) is disposed on the front of the first circuit board (71), and the installation of the first circuit board (71) does not affect the image acquisition by the first image sensor (721). The second image sensor (713) acquires image data through the second imaging lens assembly (31); the first image sensor (721) acquires image data through the first imaging lens assembly (21); the effective pixels of the second image sensor (713) are not higher than the effective pixels of the first image sensor (721); The light generated by the second illumination source (712) and the first illumination source (711) is directed onto the surface of the object being collected through their respective lenses; The aiming component (61) is controlled to form an aiming pattern on the surface of the object being collected. The first image sensor (721) is controlled to capture the aiming pattern. The distance between the object being collected and the barcode reading module is determined based on the size and proportion of the aiming pattern in the image, so as to provide the barcode processing unit with a decision to turn on the corresponding lighting source for supplementary lighting and for the image sensor to collect the barcode image again.

2. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second circuit board (72) is equipped with a barcode processing unit (724) that controls the second illumination source (712) and the first illumination source (711) to work, controls the second image sensor (713) and the first image sensor (721) to work, and attempts to decode the input image data containing the barcode; the communication connection is through the second connection port (722) on the front of the second circuit board (72) and the first connection port (714) on the back of the first circuit board (71) to transmit signals through the connection component (73); the barcode processing unit (724) generates any one of the illumination, aiming, or reading signals, transmits them to the corresponding components on the first circuit board (71) through the connection component, and receives the image data generated by the first image sensor (721) or the second image sensor (713).

3. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lenses include a first illumination lens (51) which is a lens with one side facing the first illumination source (711) being flat and the other side being convex; a second illumination lens (41) which is a lens with one side facing the second illumination source (712) being flat and the other side being concave; and a collimating lens (12) which is a lens with two optical lenses for focusing the light source, and is positioned behind the first illumination lens (51) and the second illumination lens (41), wherein both optical lenses have one side being flat and the other side being convex. The collimating lens (12) converges the light from the large-angle illumination source to achieve collimated light output at a small angle; then, the collimated light emitted by the collimating lens (12) is dispersed onto the surface of the object being collected through the first illumination source (711) and the second illumination source (712).

4. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claims 1-3, characterized in that, The optimal field of view of the second lighting source (712) through the lens is 16°-20°; the optimal angle range of the first lighting source (711) through the lens is 44°-50° horizontally and 28°-36° vertically.

5. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claims 1-3, characterized in that, The faceplate (11) window includes: a first imaging window (2) corresponding to a first imaging lens assembly (21); a second imaging window (3) corresponding to a second imaging lens assembly (31); a second illumination window (4) corresponding to a second illumination source (712); a first illumination window (5) corresponding to a first illumination source (711); and an aiming window (6) corresponding to an aiming assembly (61).

6. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second imaging lens assembly (31) is connected to a second imaging assembly sleeve (311) to achieve axial displacement of the second imaging lens assembly (31); the first imaging lens assembly (21) is connected to a first imaging assembly sleeve (211) to achieve axial displacement of the first imaging lens assembly (211).

7. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rear end of the second imaging lens assembly (31) is inlaid with a second imaging glass (313), and a second imaging gasket (312) is provided around the second imaging glass (313); the rear end of the first imaging lens assembly (21) is inlaid with a first imaging glass (213), and a first imaging gasket (212) is provided around the first imaging glass (213).

8. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second circuit board (72) is connected to a memory (723) to store the acquired barcode image, and the second circuit board (72) is connected to a data transmission interface (725) to communicate with external devices.

9. A barcode reading module with dual imaging components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first circuit board (71) and the second circuit board (72) are mounted by fixing screws (74).

Images