Balancing decoding performance and speed using one or more parameters for decoding impaired data matrix barcodes

Abstract

Imaging devices, systems, and methods for capturing image data of an object appearing in a field of view (FOV) are described herein. An example apparatus includes an imaging assembly; a decoding module; and a computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions, the machine-readable instructions causing the imaging device to: (i) detect an indication associated with the imaging device for a parameter change in a decoding parameter, where the decoding parameter is indicative of an impairment associated with the indicia; (ii) transitioning from the first mode of operation to a second mode of operation in response to detecting the indication of the parameter change, where the decoding module is configured to decode the indicia based at least on a corruption associated with the indicia when operating in the second mode of operation; (iii) receiving, from the imaging assembly, image data of a marker appearing in the FOV; and (iv) at a decoding module, decoding the flag.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Barcode reading systems have long been used to capture barcode data and then to query relevant information about suspicious items. However, barcodes and / or other marks may be damaged (e.g., due to standard wear, weather, malicious behavior, printing problems, etc.), and traditional systems may not be able to successfully decode damaged barcodes and / or decode such damaged barcodes in an effective manner. Therefore, attempts to decode damaged barcodes by traditional systems may only result in failures or timeout events. Some traditional systems attempt to mitigate the risk of barcode damage by allowing users to manually enter information associated with the barcode, but this mitigation introduces the risk of human error. Alternatively, some traditional systems decode each element of the barcode separately to collect as much information as possible in the barcode in an attempt to perform a decoding operation, especially for one-dimensional (1D) barcodes. However, these techniques reduce the operating speed of the barcode reading system because the system indiscriminately subjects each scanned mark to such scrutiny. Therefore, a system that can change the operating mode to decode damaged barcodes when reading damaged barcodes is desired. Summary of the invention

[0002] In an embodiment, an imaging device is provided. The imaging device includes: an imaging component configured to capture image data of a marker appearing in a field of view (FOV), and a decoding module configured to decode the marker using the image data. The system includes a computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions, which when executed causes the imaging device to: (i) detect an indication of a parameter change for a decoding parameter associated with the imaging device, wherein the decoding parameter indicates damage associated with the marker; (ii) in response to detecting the indication of the parameter change, transition from a first operating mode associated with decoding the marker to a second operating mode associated with decoding the marker, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the marker based on at least the damage associated with the marker when operating in the second operating mode; (iii) receive image data of a damaged marker appearing in the FOV from the imaging component, wherein the damaged marker represents the marker and the damage associated with the marker; and (iv) decode the damaged marker at the decoding module according to the second operating mode.

[0003] In a variation of this embodiment, the indicia is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that includes a finding pattern and / or a timing pattern positioned along at least one edge of the 2D barcode.

[0004] In another variation of the embodiment, the computer readable medium further stores additional instructions that, when executed, cause the imaging system to: transition from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation after decoding the damaged indicia.

[0005] In another variation of the embodiment, the decoding module is configured to decode the indicia in the absence of corruption associated with the indicia when operating in the first operating mode.

[0006] In another variation of the embodiment, the imaging device in the first operating mode has a first timeout period for decoding indicia, the imaging device in the second operating mode has a second timeout period for decoding damaged indicia, and the second timeout period is longer than the first timeout period.

[0007] In yet another variation of the embodiment, decoding the damaged indicia according to the second mode of operation comprises analyzing at least one of each (i) row or each (ii) column of the damaged indicia.

[0008] In still yet another variation of the embodiment, the image data is first image data, and detecting an indication of a parameter change includes: receiving second image data with a parameter marker in the FOV from an imaging component; decoding the parameter marker at a decoding module after receiving the second image data; and detecting an indication of a parameter change in response to the decoded parameter marker.

[0009] In yet another variation of the embodiment, the image data is first image data, and detecting an indication of a parameter change includes: receiving second image data with a parameter marker in the FOV from an imaging component; decoding the parameter marker at a decoding module after receiving the second image data; and detecting an indication of a parameter change in response to the decoded parameter marker.

[0010] In another variation of the embodiment, detecting the indication of a parameter change includes: receiving, at the imaging device, decoded parameters from a user; and detecting the indication of a parameter change in response to receiving the decoded parameters.

[0011] In yet another variation, in response to determining that the switch parameter indicates that the imaging device has enabled impaired decoding operations, transitioning to the second mode of operation is performed.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the decoding parameters represent the following situations, in which the damage includes at least: (i) the mark is missing a portion of the timing pattern, (ii) the mark is missing the entire timing pattern, (iii) the mark is missing a portion of the solid edge indicating the type of mark, (iv) the mark is missing the entire solid edge, (v) the mark is missing a portion of the solid edge and a portion of the timing pattern, (vi) the mark is missing a portion of the solid edge and the entire timing pattern, (vii) the mark is missing a portion of the timing pattern and the entire solid edge, or (viii) the mark is missing the entire solid edge and the entire timing pattern.

[0013] In still yet another variation, the first timeout period associated with at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii) is different from the second timeout period associated with the remainder of the scenarios (i)-(vii).

[0014] In another variant, the indication of a parameter change is a decode event associated with a decode parameter flag.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method is implemented in an imaging device including an imaging component configured to capture image data of a marker appearing in a field of view (FOV) and a decoding module configured to decode the marker using the image data. The method includes: (i) detecting, by one or more processors of the imaging device, an indication of a parameter change for a decoding parameter associated with the imaging device, wherein the decoding parameter indicates damage associated with the marker; (ii) transitioning, by the one or more processors and in response to detecting the indication of the parameter change, from a first operating mode associated with decoding the marker to a second operating mode associated with decoding the marker, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the marker based on at least the damage associated with the marker when operating in the second operating mode; (iii) receiving, by the one or more processors, image data of a damaged marker appearing in the FOV, wherein the damaged marker represents the marker and the damage associated with the marker; and (iv) decoding the damaged marker according to the second operating mode, by the one or more processors.

[0016] In a variation of the embodiment, the indicia is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that includes a finding pattern and / or a timing pattern positioned along at least one edge of the 2D barcode.

[0017] In another variation of the embodiment, the method further comprises, after decoding the damaged indicia, transitioning, by the one or more processors, from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

[0018] In yet another variation of the embodiment, the image data is first image data, and the method further includes: receiving, by the one or more processors, second image data of the intact indicia; and decoding, by the one or more processors, the intact indicia according to the first operating mode.

[0019] In still another variation of the embodiment, decoding the damaged flag occurs during a second timeout period that is longer than a first timeout period associated with a time period during which the flag is decoded while in the first operation.

[0020] In still yet another variation of the embodiment, decoding the damaged indicia according to the second mode of operation comprises analyzing at least one of each (i) row or each (ii) column of the damaged indicia.

[0021] In another variation of the embodiment, decoding the damaged mark according to the second mode of operation includes: determining a mark type of the damaged mark; identifying a corner of the mark based on the mark type; and decoding the damaged mark within the corner.

[0022] In yet another variation of the embodiment, the image data is first image data, and detecting an indication of a parameter change includes: receiving second image data with a parameter marker in the FOV from an imaging component; decoding the parameter marker at a decoding module after receiving the second image data; and detecting an indication of a parameter change in response to the decoded parameter marker.

[0023] In still another variation of the embodiment, detecting the indication of a parameter change includes: receiving, at the imaging device, a decoded parameter from a user; and detecting the indication of a parameter change in response to receiving the decoded parameter.

[0024] In still yet another variation of the embodiment, in response to determining that the switch parameter indicates that the imaging device has enabled impaired decoding operations, transitioning to the second operating mode is performed.

[0025] In another variation of the embodiment, the decoding parameters represent multiple scenarios in which the damage includes at least: (i) a timing pattern in which a portion of the mark is missing, (ii) a timing pattern in which the mark is missing, (iii) a solid edge in which a portion indicating the mark type is missing, (iv) a solid edge in which a portion of the mark is missing, (v) a solid edge in which a portion of the mark is missing and a portion of the timing pattern, (vi) a solid edge in which a portion of the mark is missing and the entire timing pattern, (vii) a timing pattern in which a portion of the mark is missing and the entire solid edge, or (viii) a solid edge in which a portion of the mark is missing and the entire timing pattern.

[0026] In yet another variation of the embodiment, the first timeout period associated with at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii) is different from the second timeout period associated with the remainder of the scenarios (i)-(vii).

[0027] In still another variation of the embodiment, the indication of the parameter change is a decode event associated with a decode parameter flag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same or functionally similar elements throughout the different views, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of the specification and are used to further illustrate embodiments of the concepts of the claimed invention and to explain the various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1A shows a front perspective view of a first example handheld barcode reader;

[0030] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A rear perspective view of a handheld barcode reader in FIG.

[0031] Figure 2 An example imaging device such as Figure 1AA block diagram of an example handheld barcode reader in FIG.

[0032] Figure 3A An example mark is shown, where the example mark is not damaged and will be imaged by an example imaging device (such as Figure 1A Handheld barcode reader in the decoder) to decode;

[0033] Figure 3B Shown with Figure 3A Example marks to be decoded that are similar to the marks in, but the example marks are damaged so that at least part of the timing pattern of each example mark is damaged;

[0034] Figure 3C Shown with Figure 3B A sample mark to be decoded that is similar to the mark of , but the sample mark is damaged, so that the entire timing pattern is damaged;

[0035] Figure 3D Shown with Figure 3A Example marks to be decoded that are similar to the marks in, but the example marks are damaged so that at least part of the image-finding pattern of each example mark is damaged;

[0036] Figure 3E Shown with Figure 3D The sample mark to be decoded is similar to the mark of the sample mark, but the sample mark is damaged, so that the entire image-finding pattern is damaged;

[0037] Figure 3F Shown with Figure 3A Example marks to be decoded that are similar to the marks in, but the example marks are damaged, so that at least part of the timing pattern and the image-finding pattern of each example mark are damaged;

[0038] Figure 3G Shown with Figure 3F but the example mark is damaged, so that the entire timing pattern and the image-finding pattern are damaged; and

[0039] Figure 4 A flowchart showing an example method for transitioning to an operational mode for decoding damaged indicia is shown. The method is performed on an imaging device such as Figure 1A The invention is implemented in a handheld barcode reader in a computer.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Device and method construction have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols where appropriate, showing only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The example imaging devices disclosed herein utilize an operating mode switching technique to change operating modes depending on whether the indicia is damaged, marked, or otherwise defaced, thereby using different decoding techniques. By operating in a first operating mode for normal decoding operations, and switching to a second operating mode for decoding damaged indicia, the imaging device is able to improve overall operation by reducing overall computation time (e.g., by a factor of 2 or 3, depending on the implementation) and computational resources, while enabling the imaging device to decode damaged indicia. Furthermore, by utilizing an indicia decoding technique that scans the indicia row by row or column by column in conjunction with different timeout periods, as necessary, the imaging device is able to advantageously decode indicia with varying degrees of damage.

[0043] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary handheld imaging device 100 is shown having a housing 102 having a handle portion 104 (also referred to as the handle 104) and a head portion 106 (also referred to as the scanning head 106). The head portion 106 includes a window 108 and is configured at a location on top of the handle portion 104. The handle portion 104 is configured to be grasped by a reader user and includes a trigger 110 for activation by the user. In embodiments, a base (not shown), also referred to as a base portion, which can be attached to the handle portion 104 opposite the head 106, and the base is configured to stand on a surface and support the housing 102 in a generally upright position. When the handheld imaging device 100 is placed on a workbench or other workstation surface, the handheld imaging device 100 is used in a hands-free mode as a stationary workstation. The handheld imaging device 100 can also be used in a handheld mode when the handheld imaging device 100 is picked up from a workbench or base station and held in the operator's hand. In hands-free mode, the product can be swiped, swiped or presented to the window 108 so that the reader initiates a barcode reading operation. In handheld mode, the barcode reader 100 can be moved toward the barcode on the product and the trigger 110 can be manually depressed to initiate imaging of the barcode.

[0044] Other implementations may provide a hands-free only or hands-free only configuration. Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn the embodiment of the present invention, the handheld imaging device 100 is ergonomically configured to fit the hand of a user, but other configurations may be utilized as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As shown, the lower handle 104 extends downwardly and rearwardly away from the body 102 along a centroidal axis that is angled relative to a central FOV axis of the FOV of the imaging assembly within the scan head 102.

[0045] In some embodiments, the imaging assembly includes a light detection sensor or imager that is operatively coupled to or mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the handheld imaging device 100, such as Figure 2 In a further embodiment, a lighting assembly is also installed in the handheld imaging device 100. The lighting assembly may include an illumination light source and at least one illumination lens, which is configured to generate a substantially uniformly distributed lighting pattern on and along the object to be read by image capture, as described below with respect to Figure 2 described.

[0046] Next reference Figure 2 , a block diagram of an example architecture of an imaging device, such as the handheld imaging device 100, is shown. For at least some reader embodiments, the imaging assembly 245 includes a light detecting sensor or imager 241 operatively coupled to or mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 242 in the imaging device 200, such as Figure 2 As shown. In an implementation, the imager 241 is a solid-state device (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) having a one-dimensional array of addressable image sensors or pixels arranged in a single row, or a two-dimensional array of addressable image sensors or pixels arranged in mutually orthogonal rows and columns, and is operable to detect return light captured by the imaging assembly 245 through the window 208 along the imaging axis 246 on the field of view. The imager 241 may also include a monochrome sensor and / or be used as a monochrome sensor, and in further implementations, may also include a color sensor and / or be used as a color sensor. It should be understood that the terms "imager", "image sensor" and "imaging sensor" are used interchangeably herein. Depending on the implementation, the imager 241 may also include a color sensor (such as a visual camera) as a supplement and / or alternative to the monochrome sensor. In some implementations, the imager 241 is or includes a barcode reading module (e.g., a monochrome imaging sensor). In further implementations, the imager 241 is or includes a visual camera (e.g., a color imaging sensor) in addition or in lieu thereof. It will be appreciated that although the imager 241 is Figure 2 Although depicted as a single block, the imager 241 may be a plurality of sensors distributed at different locations of the imaging device 200 .

[0047] The return light is scattered and / or reflected from the object 118 on the field of view. The imaging lens 244 is operable to focus the return light onto an array of image sensors to enable imaging of the object 118. In particular, the light that strikes the pixels is sensed, and the output of these pixels generates image data associated with the environment that appears within the FOV (which may include the object 118). The image data is generally processed by a controller (usually by sending to a decoder), which identifies and decodes the decodable tags captured in the image data. Once the decoding is successfully performed, the reader can send a signal that successfully "reads" the object 118 (e.g., a barcode). The object 118 can be located anywhere within a working distance range, which is between a close working distance (WD1) and a long working distance (WD2). In a certain implementation, WD1 is about half an inch from the window 208, and WD2 is about 30 inches from the window 208.

[0048] An illumination light assembly may also be mounted on, attached to, or associated with the imaging device 200. The illumination light assembly includes an illumination light source 251 (such as at least one light emitting diode (LED) and at least one illumination lens 252, and preferably a plurality of illumination and illumination lenses) configured to generate a substantially uniformly distributed illumination light pattern on and along the object to be imaged 118 through image capture. Although Figure 2 A single illumination source 251 is shown, but it will be appreciated that the illumination source 251 may include more light sources. At least a portion of the scattered and / or reflected return light originates from the illumination pattern of the light on and along the object 118 .

[0049] An aiming light assembly may also be mounted on, attached to, or associated with the imaging device 200 and preferably includes an aiming light source 223 (e.g., one or more aiming LEDs or laser sources) and an aiming lens 224 for generating and directing a visible aiming beam from the imaging device 200 to the object 118 in the direction of the FOV of the imager 241. It will be appreciated that while both the aiming light assembly and the illuminator assembly can provide light, the aiming light assembly differs from the illuminator assembly at least in the type of light provided by the components. For example, the illuminator assembly provides diffuse light to adequately illuminate the object 118 and / or markings of the object 118 (e.g., for image capture). Alternatively, the aiming light assembly provides a defined illumination pattern (e.g., to assist a user in visualizing portions of the FOV). Similarly, in some implementations, the illumination light source 251 and the aiming light source 223 are activated at different, non-overlapping times. For example, illumination light source 251 may be activated during frames in which image data is captured, while aiming light source 223 may be activated during frames in which image data is not captured (eg, to avoid interfering with the content of the image data).

[0050] In further implementations, the imaging device 200 may additionally emit an auditory prompt (such as a ringtone, beep, message, etc.) when decoding a tag or otherwise reading an object 118. In further embodiments, the imaging device 200 may additionally or alternatively provide tactile feedback to the user, such as vibration (e.g., a single vibration, vibration in a predetermined pattern, vibration synchronized with flashing, etc.).

[0051] In addition, the imager 241, the illumination light source 251, and the aiming light source 223 are operatively connected to a controller or programmed controller 258 (e.g., a microprocessor that facilitates the operation of the other components of the imaging device 200) for controlling the operation of these components. In some implementations, the controller 258 functions as or is communicatively coupled to a vision application processor for receiving, processing, and / or analyzing image data captured by the imager 241.

[0052] The memory 260 is connected to and accessible by the controller 258. Preferably, the controller 258 is the same processor used to process the captured return light from the illuminated object 118 to obtain data related to the object 118. Although not shown, additional optical elements such as collimators, lenses, apertures, partitions, etc. may be provided within the housing. Figure 2The imager 241, illumination light source 251, and aiming light source 223 are shown mounted on the same PCB 242, but it should be understood that different implementations of the imaging device 200 may mount these components on separate PCBs, or in different combinations on separate PCBs. For example, in an implementation of the imaging device 200, the illumination LED source is provided as off-axis illumination (i.e., with a central illumination axis that is not coaxial with the central FOV axis).

[0053] Next reference Figures 3A-3G , Figure 3A An example marking 300 is shown that represents an undamaged marking. Figure 3B-3G Depicted are one or more example damaged indicia 310 - 370 , respectively, that an imaging device (eg, handheld imaging device 100 , imaging device 200 , etc.) is to decode in accordance with the techniques described herein.

[0054] Figure 3A An intact mark 300 is depicted. Figure 3A In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the intact mark 300 is a 2D barcode (e.g., a data matrix barcode). Therefore, in some implementations, the intact mark 300 includes a finding pattern (e.g., two solid lines on the intact mark 300) and a zipper or timing pattern (e.g., alternating black and white modules along both sides of the border). Depending on the implementation, the finding pattern is an L-shaped pattern that the imaging device uses to locate the position and orientation of the intact mark 300 within the scanned image. The finding pattern assists the imaging device in correctly decoding the intact mark 300 even when tilted, rotated, mirrored, inverted, etc. In a further implementation, the timing pattern divides the intact mark 300 into individual cells, which assists the imaging device in accurately interpreting the data contained in the intact mark 300. The timing pattern further provides a clock signal for the barcode reader to start and stop reading each cell. In other words, the timing pattern assists the imaging device and / or enables the imaging device to approximately determine the number of rows or columns in the mark. When conventional systems attempt to decode the mark, corruption of the finding and / or timing patterns can result in errors or failure to decode. Figure 3B-3G Each of the images depicts some possible scenarios in which such markings could be damaged.

[0055] Figure 3B Depicted are damaged marks 310 and 315, each of which has a partial damage to the timing pattern (eg, damaged mark 310 and damaged mark 315 are missing a row or column of the timing pattern, respectively). Figure 3C Depicted is a damaged mark 320 showing that the entire timing pattern is damaged. In conventional systems, damage to part or all of the timing pattern can cause problems when an imaging device attempts to detect individual cells and decode information associated therewith.

[0056] Similarly, Figure 3D and Figure 3E Depicted are damaged marks 330, 335, and 340. Depending on the implementation, damaged mark 330 has columns of its finding pattern damaged, damaged mark 335 has rows of its finding pattern damaged, and damaged mark 340 has its entire finding pattern damaged. In conventional systems, damage to part or all of a finding pattern can cause problems when an imaging device attempts to locate the position and / or orientation of a mark, resulting in errors in the decoding process or inability to decode.

[0057] Figure 3F and 3G Depicted are damaged marks 350, 355, 360, 365, and 370, each of which has damage on at least a portion of the seeker pattern and the timing pattern. Depending on the implementation, the entire seeker pattern and the column of the timing pattern of damaged mark 350 are damaged. Similarly, the entire seeker pattern and the row of the timing pattern of damaged mark 355 are damaged. Conversely, the entire timing pattern and the column of the seeker pattern of damaged mark 360 are damaged, while the entire timing pattern and the row of the seeker pattern of damaged mark 365 are damaged. The entire timing pattern and the entire seeker pattern of damaged mark 370 are damaged.

[0058] Next reference Figure 4 , method 400 shows a flow chart of an example method for converting a decode-impaired tag (e.g., as described above Figures 3A-3G Although combined with Figure 2 The method 400 is described below with reference to the imaging device 200 and its components, but it should be understood that other similarly suitable imaging devices and / or components may be used instead.

[0059] At block 402, the imaging device 200 detects an indication of a parameter change for a decoding parameter. In some implementations, the imaging device 200 detects the indication via an imaging component configured to capture image data appearing in a field of view (FOV). In some implementations, the decoding parameter indicates damage associated with the mark. In some embodiments, the decoding parameter is or includes a decoding parameter pair. In some such implementations, one of the decoding parameters is a hard parameter, i.e., if the parameter indicates enable, the imaging device 200 enables a second operating mode (e.g., as described below), and if the parameter indicates disable, the imaging device 200 does not enable the second operating mode. In further implementations, the second decoding parameter of the decoding parameter pair represents any damage type as described herein.

[0060] In further implementations, detecting an indication of a parameter change includes receiving second image data of a parameter marker in the FOV, decoding the parameter marker, and detecting an indication of a parameter change in response to the decoded parameter marker. Depending on the implementation, the parameter marker may indicate a specific type of damage. For example, the decoded parameters and / or parameter markers may represent multiple scenarios, and the damage in these scenarios includes at least: (i) a timing pattern in which a portion of the marker is missing, (ii) a timing pattern in which the marker is missing in its entirety, (iii) a solid edge in which a portion of the marker indicating the type of the marker is missing, (iv) a solid edge in which a portion of the marker is missing, (v) a solid edge in which a portion of the marker is missing and a portion of the timing pattern, (vi) a solid edge in which a portion of the marker is missing and the entire timing pattern, (vii) a timing pattern in which a portion of the marker is missing and the entire solid edge, (viii) a solid edge in which a portion of the marker is missing and the entire timing pattern, and / or (ix) any other such damage to the marker described herein. In some such implementations, the indication of a parameter change is a decode event associated with a decoded parameter marker (e.g., a barcode, QR code, etc. configured to modify the parameter after being scanned and decoded).

[0061] In further implementations, detecting an indication of a parameter change may include receiving a decode parameter from a user, and detecting an indication of a parameter change in response to receiving the decode parameter. For example, a user may indicate and / or input a decode parameter to the imaging device 200 (e.g., via an interface of the imaging device 200 and / or a computing device communicatively coupled to the imaging device 200) to indicate damage to the marking. In some implementations, the user indicates, configures, and / or otherwise inputs the decode parameter to the imaging device 200 via configuration software installed on a computing device communicatively coupled to the imaging device.

[0062] At block 404, in response to the detection in block 402, the imaging device 200 transitions from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. In some implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the indicia based at least on damage associated with the indicia when operating in the second operating mode. In further implementations, the decoding module of the imaging device 200 is configured to decode the indicia without damage when operating in the first operating mode. In further such implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the damaged indicia when operating in the second operating mode. In particular, the second operating mode may include one or more parameters and / or functions based on damage to the indicia and / or the decoding parameters indicated as described above with respect to block 402.

[0063] In a further implementation, the imaging device 200 has a timeout period associated with decoding the tag. Depending on the implementation, the timeout period may vary according to the operating mode. For example, the imaging device may have a first timeout period for decoding the tag when operating in the first operating mode, and may have a second timeout period for decoding the damaged tag in the second operating mode. In addition, in some implementations, the second timeout period is longer than the first timeout period to allow the imaging device 200 to have a longer time to decode the damaged tag. In a further implementation, the timeout period varies based on the damage scenario. For example, the timeout period of at least some of the scenarios (i)-(viii) listed with respect to block 402 is different from the timeout period of other scenarios in scenarios (i)-(viii). For example, some scenarios may have a timeout period of 100ms, while more complex scenarios (e.g., scenario viii) may have a higher (e.g., 250ms, 500ms, 1s, etc.) timeout period.

[0064] At block 406, the imaging device 200 receives image data associated with a damaged marker (e.g., this marker) that appears in the FOV. In some implementations, the marker is a 1D barcode (e.g., a linear barcode) or a 2D barcode (e.g., a data matrix barcode, a QR code, etc.). In further such implementations, the marker includes a finding pattern positioned along at least one edge of the 2D barcode and / or a timing pattern positioned along at least one edge of the 2D barcode, as described herein.

[0065] At block 408, the imaging device 200 decodes the damaged mark according to the second operating mode. In some implementations, decoding the damaged mark includes analyzing at least one of each (i) row or each (ii) column of the damaged mark. In further such implementations, the imaging device 200 analyzes the row, column, or both based on the damage to the mark (e.g., whether the damage is a row or column of the image-finding pattern and / or the timing pattern). Depending on the implementation, the imaging device 200 decodes the damaged mark in different ways based on the indication received at block 402. For example, the indication can be a parameter from 1 to 8 (based on Figure 3G , 1 for undamaged, 8 for damaged). The imaging device 200 may analyze each row for some parameter values, each column for other parameter values, and both for still other parameter values. In further implementations, the imaging device 200 may perform each analysis type when the parameter value is set to a maximum value.

[0066] In some implementations, the imaging device 200 analyzes the mark by starting from a point and trying to find each corner of the mark. The imaging device 200 then tries different types of mark scans (e.g., to determine whether the mark is a data matrix, a QR code, a linear bar code, etc.). For some such implementations, the imaging device 200 determines the shape, corners, mark type, etc. based on a stored database of codes (e.g., if there is no 19x 19 module data matrix bar code, the imaging device 200 determines that the data matrix is ​​a corrupted 20x 20 module data matrix).

[0067] In a further implementation, decoding the damaged mark includes determining a mark type of the damaged mark, identifying a corner of the mark based on the mark type, and decoding the damaged mark within the corner. For example, if the mark type is a data matrix barcode, the imaging device 200 can identify the corner of the mark as where the image finding pattern and / or timing pattern is and / or should be. As a further example, if the mark type is a QR code, the imaging device 200 can identify the corner based on the image finding pattern located on the corner of the barcode.

[0068] In some implementations, the imaging device 200 decodes the damaged indicia at the imaging device 200 (e.g., via a decoding module on an ASIC of the imaging device 200). In further implementations, the imaging device 200 decodes the damaged indicia by starting an analysis and / or decoding process at the imaging device 200 and then transmitting data to a communicatively coupled device to complete the decoding process. In still further implementations, the imaging device 200 performs a decoding operation by immediately transmitting the data and an indication of the decoded indicia (and / or an indication of how to decode the indicia) to the communicatively coupled device.

[0069] In further implementations, the imaging device 200 additionally transitions from the second operating mode to the first operating mode after decoding the damaged tag. In some such implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the tag without damage associated with the tag when operating in the first operating mode. In other such implementations, the first operating mode is an inactive mode in which the imaging device 100 does not decode the tag. In further implementations, the imaging device 200 transitions from the second operating mode to the third operating mode after decoding the damaged tag. In some such implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the tag without damage associated with the tag when operating in the third operating mode. In other such implementations, the third operating mode is an inactive mode in which the imaging device 100 does not decode the tag. In further implementations, the imaging device 200 shuts down after decoding the damaged tag. In still further implementations, the imaging device 200 remains in the second operating mode until scanning and / or receiving an indication to change the operating mode.

[0070] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide certain advantages over conventional approaches. For example, using multiple modes of operation reduces overall computing time and resource usage of the imaging device. Similarly, varying the techniques performed based on damage further enables the imaging device to decode a wider range of damaged markings, while further improving the improvements to computing time and resource usage described herein.

[0071] In the above description, specific embodiments have been described. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the description and the accompanying drawings are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, but should be understood as potentially combinable, if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0072] These benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more prominent are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The invention as claimed is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0073] In addition, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., may be used alone to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprises," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes, has, includes, or contains a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. An element beginning with "comprises," "has," "includes," "contains," does not, in the absence of more constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device that includes, has, includes, or contains the element. The terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially," "approximately," "approximately," "about," or any other version of these terms are defined as close as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, these terms are defined as within 10%, within 5%, within 1% in another embodiment, and within 0.5% in another embodiment. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain manner is configured in at least that manner, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0074] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the present technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above-mentioned specific implementations, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of integrating the present disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those explicitly stated in the claims. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may lie in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the specific implementations, wherein each claim represents itself as a subject matter claimed separately.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: an imaging assembly configured to capture image data of a marker appearing in a field of view (FOV); a decoding module configured to decode the indicia using the image data; and A computer readable medium storing machine readable instructions which, when executed, cause the imaging device to: detecting an indication of a parameter change for a decode parameter associated with the imaging device, wherein the decode parameter indicates damage associated with the marking; responsive to detecting the indication of a change in the parameter, transitioning from a first operating mode associated with decoding the indicia to a second operating mode associated with decoding the indicia, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the indicia based on at least damage associated with the indicia while operating in the second operating mode; receiving image data associated with the indicia from the imaging assembly; as well as At the decoding module, the indicia is decoded according to the second operating mode.

2. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the indicia is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode comprising at least one of a finding pattern or a timing pattern positioned along at least one edge of the 2D barcode.

3. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the computer readable medium further stores additional instructions that, when executed, cause the imaging system to: After decoding the tag, transition is made from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation.

4. The imaging device of claim 3, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the indicia in the absence of damage associated with the indicia when operating in the first operating mode.

5. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device in the first operating mode has a first timeout period for decoding the tag, the imaging device in the second operating mode has a second timeout period for decoding the tag, and the second timeout period is longer than the first timeout period.

6. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein decoding the indicia according to the second operating mode comprises: At least one of each (i) row or each (ii) column of the markings is analyzed.

7. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein decoding the indicia according to the second operating mode comprises: determining a marker type of the marker; identifying a corner of the mark based on the mark type; as well as The indicia is decoded within the corner.

8. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the image data is first image data, and detecting the indication of the parameter change comprises: receiving parameter-tagged second image data in the FOV from the imaging assembly; decoding the parameter tag at the decoding module after receiving the second image data; as well as The indication of the parameter change is detected in response to decoding the parameter flag.

9. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein detecting an indication of a change in the parameter comprises: receiving, at the imaging device, the decoding parameters from a user; as well as The indication of the parameter change is detected in response to receiving the decoded parameter.

10. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein transitioning to the second mode of operation is responsive to determining that a switch parameter indicates that the imaging device has impaired decoding operation enabled.

11. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the decoded parameters represent a plurality of scenarios in which the damage at least comprises: (i) the mark is missing part of the timing pattern, (ii) the mark is missing the entire timing pattern, (iii) the mark is missing a part of the solid edge indicating the mark type, (iv) the mark is missing the entire solid edge, (v) the mark is missing part of the solid edge and part of the timing pattern, (vi) the mark is missing part of the solid edge and the entire timing pattern, (vii) the mark is missing part of the timing pattern and the entire solid edge, or (viii) the mark is missing the entire solid edge and the entire timing pattern.

12. The imaging device of claim 11, wherein a first timeout period associated with at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii) is different from a second timeout period associated with the rest of the scenarios (i)-(vii).

13. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the indication of the parameter change is a decode event associated with a decode parameter flag.

14. A method implemented in an imaging device comprising an imaging component configured to capture image data of a marker appearing in a field of view (FOV) and a decoding module configured to decode the marker using the image data, the method comprising: detecting, by one or more processors of the imaging device, an indication of a parameter change for a decoding parameter associated with the imaging device, wherein the decoding parameter indicates damage associated with the marking; in response to detecting the indication of a change in the parameter, transitioning, by the one or more processors, from a first operating mode associated with decoding the indicia to a second operating mode associated with decoding the indicia, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the indicia based on at least damage associated with the indicia when operating in the second operating mode; receiving, by the one or more processors, image data associated with the indicia; as well as The indicia is decoded, by the one or more processors, according to the second mode of operation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the indicia is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode comprising at least one of a finding pattern or a timing pattern positioned along at least one edge of the 2D barcode.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: After decoding the indicia, transitioning, by the one or more processors, from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the image data is first image data, the method further comprising: Receiving, by the one or more processors, second image data of an undamaged mark; The uncorrupted indicia is decoded, by the one or more processors, according to the first mode of operation.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein decoding the indicia occurs during a second timeout period, the second timeout period being longer than a first timeout period, the first timeout period being associated with a time period for decoding the indicia while in the first operation.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein decoding the indicia according to the second mode of operation comprises: At least one of each (i) row or each (ii) column of the markings is analyzed.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein decoding the indicia according to the second mode of operation comprises: determining a marker type of the marker; identifying a corner of the mark based on the mark type; as well as The indicia is decoded within the corner.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the image data is first image data, detecting the indication of the parameter change comprises: receiving parameter-tagged second image data in the FOV from the imaging assembly; decoding the parameter marker at the decoding module after receiving the second image data; as well as The indication of the parameter change is detected in response to decoding the parameter flag.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting an indication of a change in the parameter comprises: receiving, at the imaging device, the decoding parameters from a user; as well as The indication of the parameter change is detected in response to receiving the decoded parameter.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein transitioning to the second mode of operation is responsive to determining that a switch parameter indicates that the imaging device has impaired decoding operation enabled.

24. The method of claim 14, wherein the decoding parameters represent a plurality of scenarios in which the impairments include at least: (i) the mark is missing part of the timing pattern, (ii) the mark is missing the entire timing pattern, (iii) the mark is missing a part of the solid edge indicating the mark type, (iv) the mark is missing the entire solid edge, (v) the mark is missing part of the solid edge and part of the timing pattern, (vi) the mark is missing part of the solid edge and the entire timing pattern, (vii) the mark is missing part of the timing pattern and the entire solid edge, or (viii) the mark is missing the entire solid edge and the entire timing pattern.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein a first timeout period associated with at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii) is different from a second timeout period associated with the remainder of the scenarios (i)-(vii).

26. The method of claim 14, wherein the indication of the parameter change is a decoding event associated with a decoding parameter flag.

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