Method for increasing brightness in barcode reader

Abstract

Systems and methods for adjusting an illumination intensity of a data capture device having an illumination assembly and an imaging assembly are disclosed. An example method includes detecting a lighting level of an environment and operating a lighting assembly in a first mode for a first time period, in a second mode for a second time period, and in a third mode for a third time period. The method further comprises: (i) in the first mode, providing a first illumination having a first intensity, (ii) in the second mode, storing energy in the energy storage element, and (iii) in the third mode, providing a third illumination at a third intensity higher than the first intensity. The controller controls the lighting assembly based on the lighting level to configure the lighting assembly for use in a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Imaging devices, such as barcode readers, often include illumination sources to provide light for imaging or for performing barcode decoding. Successful and efficient barcode decoding requires specific lighting conditions that depend on several factors, including the type of barcode, resolution requirements, and environmental conditions. Therefore, providing adequate illumination can be a complex process, and considering these factors, most barcode readers are not robust enough to provide sufficient illumination. Typically, barcode readers that include an illumination system are limited in providing a single type of illumination (such as flash or constant illumination) to the field of view. Consequently, objects far from the barcode reader or in dark environments may not be properly illuminated, and the barcode reader may not be able to properly capture an image and decode the barcode of a distant object. The brightness of these illumination systems is often limited by the number of illumination sources in the system, and this number is not easily increased. Additionally, the number of light sources may not be sufficient to further increase the brightness of handheld systems, as power considerations also limit the amount of light the system can provide.

[0002] Therefore, there is a need to improve systems for dynamically changing lighting, provided by an illumination system, to capture images and perform barcode reading and decoding. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for adjusting the illumination intensity of a data capture device having an illumination component and an imaging component. The method includes detecting the ambient illumination level of the imaging-based data capture device and the image brightness of a barcode; operating at least one of the illumination component and the imaging component in a first mode during a first time period, in a second mode during a second time period, and in a third mode during a third time period; providing a first illumination with a first intensity through the illumination component operating in the first mode; storing energy in an energy storage element when the illumination component operates in the second mode; providing a third illumination with a third intensity, higher than the first intensity, through the illumination component operating in the third mode; and controlling the illumination component via a controller to configure a self-test of the illumination in the first, second, or third mode based on the illumination level.

[0004] In a variant of the present embodiment, the method further includes: capturing an image at a first frame rate by an imaging component operating in a first mode; and capturing an image at a second frame rate by an imaging component operating in a second mode, the second frame rate being a reduced frame rate compared to the first frame rate.

[0005] In further variations, storing energy includes redirecting energy from at least one of the imaging component and the illumination component to a capacitor electrically coupled to a light source of the illumination component. In some variations, the method further includes not providing illumination from the illumination component when the illumination component is operating in a second mode, and wherein storing energy includes redirecting energy from the illumination component to an energy storage element.

[0006] In further variations, the method includes providing an aiming pattern to the field of view of the imaging component via an aiming component; performing range detection and determining the distance to a target object using the aiming pattern; and controlling the mode of the illumination component via a controller and based on the distance to the target object.

[0007] In an additional variation, the method further includes controlling the mode of at least one of the imaging assembly and the illumination assembly via a controller and based on the energy level of the energy storage element.

[0008] In a further variation, detecting the lighting level includes: detecting the lighting level via a dedicated brightness sensor configured to receive lighting from the environment and provide a signal indicating the lighting to the controller.

[0009] In some variations, detecting the illumination level involves capturing an image of the field of view of the imaging component via the imaging component; and determining the illumination level based on the captured image of the field of view.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention is a data capture device. The data capture device includes an imaging component having an imaging sensor configured to capture an image of the field of view of the imaging component; an illumination component having one or more illumination sources configured to provide illumination to at least a portion of the field of view of the imaging component; a controller configured to control an operating mode of the illumination component in a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode; and one or more processors and machine-readable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to: detect the illumination level of the device's environment; provide first illumination of a first intensity for a first time period via the illumination component in the first mode; store energy in an energy storage element in the case of the illumination component in a second mode; provide third illumination of a third intensity at a third intensity for a third time period via the illumination component in the third mode, the third intensity being higher than the first intensity; and control the illumination component based on the illumination level to configure it in the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode.

[0011] In a variant of the present embodiment, the machine-readable instructions further cause the device to capture an image at a first frame rate in a first mode via the imaging component; and to capture an image at a second frame rate in a second mode via the imaging component, the second frame rate being a reduced frame rate compared to the first frame rate.

[0012] In the successive variant, in order to store energy, machine-readable instructions cause the device to redirect energy from at least one of the imaging and lighting components to a capacitor electrically coupled to the lighting source of the lighting component.

[0013] In an additional variant, machine-readable instructions further enable the device to not provide illumination from the lighting component in the second mode, and to store energy by redirecting energy from the lighting component to the energy storage element.

[0014] In some variations, the device further includes an aiming component configured to provide a visual indicator of the field of view of the imaging component, wherein machine-readable instructions further cause the device to: provide a visual indicator of the field of view of the imaging component via the aiming component; perform range detection and determine the distance to a target object using the visual indicator; and control the mode of at least one or more of the imaging component and the illumination component via a controller and based on the distance to the target object.

[0015] In further variations, machine-readable instructions enable the device to further control the mode of at least one of the imaging and illumination components based on the energy level of the energy storage element.

[0016] In even more variations, the device further includes a brightness sensor configured to detect the ambient lighting level and provide a signal to the controller indicating the lighting level for controlling the mode of one or more of the imaging and lighting components.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed via one or more processors, cause one or more systems to: detect the ambient lighting level of a device; provide first lighting of a first intensity for a first time period via a lighting component in a first mode; store energy in an energy storage element in a second mode, wherein the lighting component is in a second mode; provide third lighting of a third intensity at a third intensity for a third time period via a lighting component in a third mode, the third intensity being higher than the first intensity; and control the lighting component via a controller to configure the controller to be in the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode based on the lighting level. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings (in which the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements throughout the different views) together with the following detailed description are incorporated into and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments including the concepts of the claimed invention, and to explain the various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example scanning device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of another example imaging device 200 according to the embodiments described herein.

[0021] Figure 3 This indicates that the embodiments described herein can achieve, for example... Figure 1 Example imaging devices or Figure 2 A block diagram of an example logic circuit for the device.

[0022] Figure 4 An example power control circuit for adjusting the illumination intensity for imaging and barcode reading operations, according to an embodiment described herein, is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 Example methods for adjusting the illumination intensity of a lighting component based on detected illumination of the environment or a target object, according to various embodiments and examples provided herein, are illustrated.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding embodiments of the invention.

[0025] The apparatus and method configurations have been indicated in appropriate places in the accompanying drawings by conventional symbols, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the invention, so as not to obscure this disclosure with details that would be obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Imaging devices, such as barcode scanners, can scan and image objects in a wide range of environments and conditions. Handheld scanners are typically used to scan very close objects within a few inches, but can also be used to scan objects a foot or more away. Ambient brightness, or illumination provided to the target object, is essential for efficient scanning and imaging. Insufficient light can lead to erroneous scanning operations or even prevent barcode scanning from being performed at all. Additionally, handheld barcode readers and imaging devices have portable power supplies, thus limiting the amount of illumination that can be provided by the device itself. Therefore, handheld devices are generally not suitable for imaging and performing barcode readings in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments.

[0027] An example imaging apparatus and method are provided, enabling the imaging apparatus to provide variable illumination based on the brightness or lighting of an object or environment. The method includes operating the apparatus in multiple modes based on the required amount of illumination for performing imaging to reserve power in an energy storage element for later provision to a lighting source. The described method can be implemented in handheld devices as well as point-of-sale systems and other fixed or installed systems and apparatus.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example imaging device 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The example imaging device 100 includes an example housing 102 comprising a generally elongated handle or lower grip portion 116 and an upper body portion 118 having a front side 112 with a forward opening or window 110 located on the front side 112. The cross-sectional dimensions and overall size of the handle portion 116 allow the example imaging device 100 to be conveniently held in the operator's hand during operation. When the user holds the example imaging device 100 in a handheld position, the forward opening or window 110 is configured to generally face away from the user. Portions 116 and 118 may be constructed from a lightweight, resilient, impact-resistant, self-supporting material (such as synthetic plastic materials). The housing 102 may be injection molded, but may also be vacuum-formed or blow-molded to form a thin, hollow housing defining an internal space with a volume sufficient to contain the various components of the handheld scanner device 100. Although housing 102 is shown as a portable, point-of-sale, gun-shaped, or handheld housing, any other configuration, including a hands-free configuration, can be used.

[0029] The example imaging device 100 also includes an imaging assembly 106 disposed within an example housing 102. The imaging assembly 106 captures image data representing a target in a field of view 108, which is at least partially defined by a forward-facing opening or window 110 (also referred to herein as an "optical window") on the front side 112 of the example imaging device 100. The example imaging device 100 also includes an imaging shutter 122 configured to actuate the imaging assembly 106 and expose it to the external environment, a portion of which is included within the FOV 108.

[0030] More specifically, the example imaging device 100 may also include a manually actuated trigger 120 mounted in a movable relationship on a handle portion 116 in a forward region of the handle portion 116, the handle portion 116 being configured to actuate the imaging shutter 122. Once a target falls within the imaging FOV 108, an operator's finger can be used to actuate (e.g., press) the trigger 120, thereby actuating (e.g., opening) the imaging shutter 122 and exposing the imaging assembly 106 to capture an image of the target. As a result of actuating the trigger 120, the example imaging device 100 may generate an aiming pattern 109 that can visually indicate the FOV 108 of the example imaging device 100 to an operator using the device 100, and more specifically, indicate an area within the FOV 108 in which the device 100 can successfully scan and / or otherwise interpret markings within the FOV 108. In some instances, imaging component 106 may be configured to capture an image during image capture, during which imaging shutter 122 is actuated and exposes imaging component 106 to the external environment. Example imaging device 100 also includes a tag decoder 114 that communicates with imaging component 106 and is configured to receive image data including the image and decode tags represented in the image data.

[0031] The example imaging device 100 also includes an illumination component 123 configured to emit illumination. Generally, the illumination component 123 may be configured to output illumination in response to receiving a positive voltage from a battery (not shown) due to operator-actuated trigger 120. The illumination component 123 may be or include a light-emitting diode (LED), which may be configured to output illumination at various wavelengths or patterns. For example, the illumination component 123 may generate an aiming pattern 109. In any case, the illumination component 123 may be and / or include a single LED, multiple LEDs configured in series, multiple LEDs configured in parallel, multiple LEDs configured in series / parallel, and / or any other suitable number and / or configuration of LEDs or lighting sources or combinations thereof.

[0032] Figure 2This is a perspective view of another example imaging device 200 according to the embodiments described herein. Imaging device 200 includes a housing 202, an imaging aperture 204, a user interface label 206, a dome switch / button 208, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 210, and mounting points(s) 212. The imaging assembly captures an image of the FOV of imaging device 200 through imaging aperture 204. The FOV of imaging device 200 extends along one or more horizontal planes passing through imaging aperture 204. Of course, when the imaging assembly is a two-dimensional imaging assembly, the FOV also extends along one or more vertical planes passing through the imaging aperture. For example, the FOV of the imaging assembly may be designed to fill imaging aperture 204.

[0033] Imaging device 200 may obtain a job file from a user computing device, and then imaging device 200 interprets and executes the job file. Instructions included in the job file may include device configuration settings (also referred to herein as “imaging settings”) that are operable to adjust the configuration of imaging device 200 before capturing an image of the target object.

[0034] For example, device configuration settings may include instructions to adjust one or more settings related to imaging aperture 204. As an example, suppose that at least a portion of the intent analysis corresponding to a machine vision job requires imaging device 200 to maximize the brightness of any captured image. To accommodate this requirement, the job file may include device configuration settings to perform the operations described herein to provide additional illumination to the object for image capture via imaging aperture 204. Imaging device 104 may interpret these instructions and accordingly control one or more operating modes of various components of the illumination and imaging components described herein (e.g., brightness of the illumination source, output illumination intensity, illumination duration, exposure time of the imaging sensor, frame rate of the imaging components, etc.). Thus, imaging device 200 may be configured to automatically adjust its own configuration to best suit a particular machine vision job or barcode scanning job. Additionally, the imaging device 200 may include, or may be otherwise adapted to include, for example, but not limited to, one or more bandpass filters, one or more polarizers, one or more DPM diffusers, one or more C-mount lenses, and / or one or more C-mount liquid lenses that affect the received illumination through the imaging aperture 204 above or otherwise influence the imaging aperture 204.

[0035] User interface label 206 may include dome switch / button 208 and one or more LEDs 210, thereby enabling various interactive and / or indicator features. Generally, user interface label 206 enables a user to trigger and / or adjust to the imaging device 104 (e.g., via dome switch / button 208) and to identify when one or more functions, errors, and / or other actions have been performed or occurred relative to the imaging device 104 (e.g., via one or more LEDs 210). For example, the triggering function of the dome switch / button (e.g., dome / switch button 208) allows the user to capture images using the imaging device 104 and / or display a trigger configuration screen for the user's application. The trigger configuration screen allows the user to configure one or more triggers for the imaging device 104, which may be stored in memory for later development of machine vision operations.

[0036] As another example, the adjustment function of the dome switch / button (e.g., dome / switch button 208) allows the user to automatically and / or manually adjust the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to a preferred / predetermined configuration and / or display an imaging configuration screen for the user application. The imaging configuration screen allows the user to configure one or more settings for the imaging device 104 (e.g., aperture size, exposure length, etc.), which can be stored in memory for later development of machine vision tasks. Additionally, the imaging configuration screen allows the user to control the operating modes of the imaging device 200, for tuning the provided illumination, for performing imaging in various environments and settings with different ambient light levels, and for scanning objects at various distances.

[0037] Multiple mounting points 212 allow users to attach and / or removably attach the imaging device 200 to mounting equipment (e.g., imaging tripods, camera mounts, etc.), structural surfaces (e.g., warehouse walls, warehouse ceilings, structural support beams, etc.), other accessories, and / or any other suitable connection devices, structures, or surfaces. For example, the imaging device 104 can be optimally placed on mounting equipment in distribution centers, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and / or other facilities to perform imaging, thereby monitoring the quality / consistency of products, packaging, and / or other items as they pass through the FOV of the imaging device 104. Furthermore, multiple mounting points 212 allow users to connect the imaging device 200 to a variety of accessories, including but not limited to one or more external lighting devices, one or more mounting devices / stands, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, the imaging device 200 may include several hardware components contained within the housing 202 that enable connection to a computer network. For example, the imaging device 200 may include a network interface that enables the imaging device 200 to connect to a network, such as a Gigabit Ethernet connection and / or a dual Gigabit Ethernet connection. Additionally, the imaging device 200 may include transceivers and / or other communication components as part of the network interface to communicate with other devices via, for example, Ethernet / IP, PROFINET, ModbusTCP, CC-Link, USB 3.0, RS-232 and / or any other suitable communication protocol or combination thereof.

[0039] Figure 3 It means that it is able to achieve, for example Figure 1 Example imaging device 100 or Figure 2 A block diagram of an example logic circuit for device 200. Figure 3 The example logic circuit is a processing platform 300 capable of executing instructions to, for example, implement the operation of the example methods described herein (as illustrated in the flowcharts of the accompanying drawings). Other example logic circuits capable of implementing the operation of the example methods described herein include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The processing platform 300 may be included in, respectively, a processing platform 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The methods may be used in devices 100 and 200, or included in another device for performing the methods described herein.

[0040] Figure 3 The example processing platform 300 includes a processor 302, such as, for example, one or more microprocessors, controllers, and / or any suitable type of processor. Figure 3 The example processing platform 300 includes a memory (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory) 304 accessible by a processor 302 (e.g., via a memory controller). The example processor 302 interacts with the memory 304 to obtain, for example, machine-readable instructions stored in the memory 304 corresponding to operations, for example, those represented by the flowchart(s) of this disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the machine-readable instructions corresponding to the example operations described herein may be stored on one or more removable media (e.g., optical disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), removable flash memory, etc.) that may be coupled to the processing platform 300 to provide access to the machine-readable instructions stored thereon. The processor 302 and memory 304 are disposed in a housing 301, which may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The casing is 102 or 202.

[0041] Figure 3The example processing platform 300 includes one or more communication interfaces disposed in housing 301, such as, for example, one or more network interfaces 306, and / or one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 308. The communication interfaces (multiple) can enable... Figure 3 The processing platform 300 communicates with, for example, another device, system, host system (e.g., inventory management system, POS station, etc.), data storage, database and / or any other machine.

[0042] Figure 3 The example processing platform 300 may include multiple network interfaces 306 to enable communication with other machines (e.g., an inventory management system, a POS station, etc.) via, for example, one or more networks. The multiple example network interfaces 306 include any suitable type of communication interface (e.g., wired and / or wireless interface) configured to operate according to any suitable communication protocol. TM Transceiver (e.g., according to the IEEE 802.11x series of standards), Ethernet transceiver, cellular network radio, satellite network radio, or any other suitable interface based on any other suitable communication protocol or standard.

[0043] Figure 3 Example processing platform 300 may include (multiple) input / output (I / O) interfaces 308 (e.g., Interfaces such as near field communication (NFC) interface, universal serial bus (USB) interface, serial interface, infrared interface, etc., are used to (1) enable user input (e.g., from...) Figure 1 (1) receiving data from trigger 120, touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, touchpad, joystick, trackball, microphone, button, etc.; (2) transmitting output data (e.g., mode change confirmation, visual indicator, command, data, image, etc.) to the user (e.g., via output device 210, speaker, printer, haptic device, etc.); and / or (3) communicating with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device interacts with other components of the handheld scanner device 100 or device 200 (e.g., imaging component 106, output device 210, etc., tag decoder 114, illumination component 123, illumination control unit 124, etc.). Example output device 310 may include a sound generation device, a haptic device, etc.

[0044] To capture images of objects and / or barcodes on objects, the example processing platform 300 includes an imaging assembly 106 disposed within a housing. The imaging assembly 106 includes an image sensor 312B that, under the control of, for example, a processor 302, captures image frames representing a portion of the environment in which the example imaging device 100 is operating, falling within the imaging field of view 108 of the imaging assembly 106. The image sensor 312B includes a plurality of photosensitive elements forming a substantially flat surface. The processor 302 may be communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly 106 via a plurality of input / output (I / O) interfaces 308.

[0045] Imaging assembly 106 includes optical assembly 314 to form an image of an object in FOV 108 on the surface of image sensor 312B. Optical assembly 314 may include any number and / or multiple types of optical elements and / or components 314A, including, for example, one or more lenses, filters, focusing motors, apertures, lens holders, liquid lenses, or any other components and / or optical elements. Furthermore, to focus imaging assembly 106 onto the object, imaging assembly 106 may include a focus controller 312A, and optical assembly 314 may include any number and / or multiple types of focusing components 314B (e.g., motors, liquid lenses, etc.). In some examples, focus controller 312A is implemented by processor 302. In some examples, imaging assembly 106 is a fixed-focus scanner.

[0046] The example processing platform 300 also includes any number and / or (multiple) types of tag decoders 114 (e.g., Figure 1 A tag decoder 114 is used to detect tags and / or decode tags to determine the payload of the tag. In some examples, the tag decoder 114 is implemented by a processor 302. The tag decoder 114 (e.g., via processor 302) transmits the decoded tag payload to the host system via a communication interface (such as multiple network interfaces 306 and / or multiple I / O interfaces 308). Furthermore, to illuminate the target to be imaged, the example processing platform 300 may also include an illumination assembly 123. The illumination assembly 123 may emit illumination within the field of view 108 to, for example, facilitate autofocus and / or improve the quality of image frames captured by the image sensor of the imaging assembly 106.

[0047] The example processing platform 300 may also include a lighting control unit 124 having components configured to control the operating modes of the imaging assembly 106 and the lighting assembly 123 to control the power flow to various components and control the mode operation of the components of the platform 300, as described herein. For example, the lighting control unit 124 may include an energy storage element 318 for storing energy for supplying power to the lighting assembly, and a mode controller 316 for controlling various operating modes of the components of the processing platform 300 (e.g., energy storage element 318, lighting assembly 123, imaging assembly 106, etc.). More specifically, the lighting control unit 124 may include, or be in electrical communication with, the energy storage element 318 to supply power to the energy storage element 318 via current. In a further example, the lighting control unit 124 may communicate with one or more other components that can supply power to the energy storage element 318, and the lighting control unit may control various components to supply power to the energy storage element 318. For example, the lighting control unit 124 may not be in direct electrical communication with the energy storage element 318. However, the lighting control unit 124 may communicate with one or more electrical switches (e.g., transistors, MOSFETs, switching circuits, regulators, etc.) and may control the switches to provide power to the energy storage element 318 to store energy in the energy storage element 318. In this example, the energy storage element may include one or more batteries, capacitors, or other electrical components capable of storing energy. Additionally, energy may be transferred from other resources such as processors, network interfaces, imaging sensors, etc., to provide power.

[0048] The mode controller 316 can control various operating modes of the platform's components. For example, the mode controller can control the imaging component 106 and the illumination component to operate in various modes, each with varying parameters. For example, the controller can control the illumination component 123 to operate in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. In the first mode, the controller 316 can control the illumination component 123 to provide illumination of a first illumination intensity for a first time period, which is used to illuminate the object and capture an image of the object by the imaging component 106. The first time period may depend on the frame rate of image capture by the imaging component 106 and / or the type of image capture (e.g., rolling shutter, global shutter, etc.). The mode controller 316 can determine that more illumination is needed based on the ambient light level, the illumination of the environment, the illumination of the target object or image, and the determined brightness of the target object or image. For example, the illumination control unit 124 can communicate with an ambient light sensor that provides the illumination control unit with measurements of ambient light. In an embodiment, the imaging sensor of the imaging component can be used as a light detector to determine the brightness or darkness of the image. If the image is dark, it is determined that more light is needed and more energy is required for illumination. In some embodiments, a proximity sensor is used as an infrared wake-up system. This infrared sensor may have an integrated ambient sensor that can be used to determine the brightness or darkness of an image or environment for performing the described methods. The lighting control unit 124 can then determine that more illumination is needed to perform imaging and / or barcode reading, and the control unit 124 can control the lighting assembly 123 to operate in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the lighting assembly 123 may provide illumination at a second illumination intensity lower than the first illumination intensity, and in some embodiments, the lighting assembly 123 may not provide any illumination at all in the second mode. In the second mode, energy is transferred from the lighting assembly 123 to the energy storage element 318 to charge the energy storage element 318 and store power in it. Thus, the energy normally supplied to the lighting assembly 123 is reduced in the second operating mode, and the output illumination is reduced or completely stopped.

[0049] In the example, one or more targets or objects (e.g., screens, mobile phones, displays, etc.) that provide their own illumination may be present within the FOV of the imaging component, and the imaging component may acquire one or more images of the illuminated screen during a second operating mode. Thus, the illumination component may not provide light, and the imaging component may capture images of the screen, which may include images or markings (such as barcodes) presented on the screen, and the device may further provide images(s) of the screen(s) to be decoded or for additional machine vision operations. In such an example, the imaging sensor may be configured to continue capturing images, and the device may be configured to decode images while energy is stored in an energy storage element to further provide additional illumination during operation in a third operating mode.

[0050] In a particular example, energy storage element 318 may include a capacitor, and energy may be redirected to energy storage element 318, which may include redirecting current to the capacitor to charge the capacitor. In an implementation, the energy storage element may be configured to supply energy to the lighting assembly in one or more operating modes of the lighting assembly. Thus, the energy storage element may supply reduced energy to the lighting assembly to produce a lower level of illumination or for a shorter duration, and the energy storage element 318 may supply greater energy to the lighting assembly to produce higher power or light intensity and / or for a longer duration. Therefore, when supplying energy to energy storage element 318, energy may not need to be redirected to energy storage element 318, as energy can typically be supplied to energy storage element 318 in multiple operating modes, and in this example, more energy may be directed to the energy storage element to store more energy in energy storage element 318. The capacitor may be further electrically coupled to the lighting assembly to further supply the stored energy to the lighting assembly as needed, as controlled by mode controller 316.

[0051] After a given amount of time or after the energy storage element 318 has reached a certain amount of charge or power storage, the mode controller 316 can control the lighting assembly to operate in a third operating mode. In the third operating mode, the mode controller 316 can control the lighting assembly 123 to provide illumination at a third illumination intensity. The third illumination intensity can be higher than both the first and second illumination intensities. To provide the third illumination, power from a power source can be supplied back to the lighting assembly, and energy stored in the energy storage element 318 can be simultaneously supplied to the lighting assembly, enabling it to provide a higher third illumination intensity. In a particular example with a capacitor as the energy storage element 318, the lighting control unit can control an electrical switch to provide an electrical connection between the energy storage element 318 and the lighting assembly 123, and the capacitor can discharge stored energy to supply energy to the lighting assembly 123, enabling it to provide third illumination with the same or similar current but at a higher or similar illumination intensity over a longer period of time. In any example, more total energy is supplied to the lighting assembly for capturing a single frame of an image compared to other operating modes. The greater energy supplied to the illumination assembly allows for the generation of an ultra-bright light pulse or a smaller intensity pulse over a longer sensor exposure time. Thus, during the third operating mode, the illumination assembly 123 is able to provide enhanced illumination due to the additional power supplied by the energy stored in the energy storage element 318.

[0052] In the example, the lighting control unit can further control the amount of time that the lighting assembly 123 provides illumination in various operating modes. For example, the mode controller can control the lighting assembly 123 to provide first illumination for a first time period when operating in a first operating mode. Then, the mode controller 316 can control the lighting assembly to provide second illumination for a second time period in a second operating mode. The second time period can be shorter than the first time period to allow excess energy to be redirected from the lighting assembly 123 to the energy storage element 318. After energy has been stored in the energy storage element 318, the mode controller 316 can further control the lighting assembly 123 to provide third illumination for a third time period. The third time period can be shorter than the first and / or second time periods to provide short, high-intensity illumination pulses. In other examples, the third time period can be a longer period than either the first or second time period to provide continuous illumination for a longer period. In any example, the total optical power output by the lighting assembly 123 increases in the third operating mode, and / or provides illumination for a longer period compared to the first and second operating modes.

[0053] The mode controller 316 can further control the imaging assembly 106 to operate in various operating modes. For example, the mode controller 316 can control the imaging assembly 106 to operate in a first mode, wherein the imaging assembly 106 is configured to capture images at a first frame rate, a first exposure time, etc., using a set of first parameters for imaging to perform FOV 108. Then, the mode controller 316 can control the imaging assembly 106 to operate in a second operating mode having a second set of imaging parameters, including one or more of a second frame rate, a second exposure time, etc. In an example, the second frame rate may be a reduced frame rate compared to the first frame rate, causing the imaging assembly 106 to capture images at a slower rate than in the first operating mode. Thus, energy typically supplied to the imaging assembly 106 to support a higher image frame capture rate can be redirected from the imaging assembly 106 to the energy storage element 318 for storage. In a particular example, the second frame rate is half the frame rate of the first frame rate. Additionally, the mode controller 316 can cause the imaging component 106 to not capture any images when operating in the second mode, and additional energy can be redirected to the energy storage element 318 when the imaging component or a component of the imaging component is not active in acquiring images. The mode controller 316 can then control the imaging component 106 to operate in a third operating mode having a set of third parameters such as a third frame rate, a third exposure time, etc. The third frame rate can be the same as the first frame rate, or it can be a reduced frame rate compared to the first frame rate. Additionally, the third exposure time can be the same as the first exposure time, or a longer exposure time to capture more light for imaging an object or performing barcode reading.

[0054] In the example, the lighting component 123 can provide an aiming pattern, such as Figure 1The aiming pattern 109. In some embodiments, device 100 may include an additional dedicated aiming component configured to provide the aiming pattern 109. In the device providing the aiming pattern, imaging component 106 may capture one or more images of the aiming pattern 109, and device 100 (e.g., via processor 302) may perform range detection of a target object based on the imaged aiming pattern 109. The mode controller 316 may then determine, based on the determined distance to the target object, to operate the illumination component 123 and / or the imaging component 106 in a first, second, or third operating mode. For example, illumination component 123 may provide sufficient illumination to a target object closer to device 100, and therefore, mode controller 316 may determine that imaging component 106 and illumination component 123 operate in a first operating mode to image and / or perform barcode reading of a nearby object. For a target object that is far from the device 100, the mode controller 316 can control the illumination assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly 106 to operate in a second mode to redirect energy to the energy storage element 318 and store the energy in the energy storage element 318, and then the mode controller 316 can control the illumination assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly to further operate in a third operating mode to provide additional illumination to the target object and to image the target object.

[0055] In an additional embodiment, the lighting control unit 124 may be in electrical communication with the energy storage element 318 and is configured to read or monitor the power level or the level of stored energy in the energy storage element 318. Thus, the mode controller 316 may control the operating mode of the lighting assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly 106 based on the level of energy stored in the energy storage element 318. For example, the mode controller 316 may control the lighting assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly 106 to operate in a second mode to store energy in the energy storage element 318 until a certain amount of energy, power, or charge is stored in the energy storage element 318. Then, the mode controller 316 may control the lighting assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly 106 to operate in a first or third mode to image a target object using additional illumination provided by the lighting assembly 123 and via discharge from the energy storage element.

[0056] In some embodiments, device 100 may include a dedicated brightness sensor configured to receive illumination and light from the environment, or more specifically, light from within the field of view (FOV) of the device's imaging assembly (e.g., the brightness of one or more objects in the imaging FOV, the brightness of a barcode or marker, etc.), and provide a signal to the lighting control unit 124 indicating the detected light. In such an example, mode controller 316 may determine, based on the signal indicating ambient light or illumination, which indicates the environment, in which operating mode to control the lighting assembly 123 and / or imaging assembly 106. The brightness sensor may include one or more of a photodiode, avalanche photodiode, photoresistor, phototransistor, or may include one or more imaging sensors or cameras of the imaging assembly, or other sensors or devices capable of detecting ambient light. In any embodiment, the brightness sensor detects the brightness of the FOV of the imaging assembly.

[0057] In an additional example, the imaging control unit 124 or another processor, such as processor 302, can determine the illumination level via an image captured by the imaging component 106. For example, the imaging component 106 can capture an image of an object in the FOV 108. The object can be a target object for performing imaging processing or for performing barcode reading, or the object can be an illumination tuning target or an object for performing ambient detection. The illumination control unit 124 or processor 302 can perform image processing and determine the illumination level from one or more objects in the captured image. For example, the illumination control unit 124 can determine the illumination level based on the brightness of the captured image. The mode controller 316 can then control the operating mode of the illumination component 123 and / or the imaging component 106 based on the illumination level determined via the brightness of the image. For example, it can be determined that the brightness of the captured image is below a threshold and that more illumination is needed to capture a sufficient image for performing additional image processing and / or barcode reading of the object. Therefore, the mode controller 316 can then control the mode of the illumination assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly 106 to store energy in the energy storage element 318, and further provide higher illumination intensity to the FOV 108 for imaging the target object and / or performing barcode reading.

[0058] Figure 4The figure illustrates an example power control circuit 400 for adjusting brightness intensity for imaging and barcode reading operations according to the systems and methods of this disclosure. Circuit 400 includes a power source 405 electrically coupled to an imaging assembly 106, an illumination assembly 123, and an energy storage element 318, and is configured to provide power to the imaging assembly 106, the illumination assembly 123, and the energy storage element 318. Power source 405 may be electrically coupled to additional components (e.g., a processor 302, an illumination control unit 124, etc.) to provide power to various components of device 100. In the described example, for simplicity and clarity, Figure 4 A power source 405 is shown that is coupled to the imaging assembly 106, the illumination assembly 123 and the energy storage element 318.

[0059] The arrows along the electrical lines illustrate the power flow from power source 405 to imaging assembly 106, illumination assembly 123, and energy storage element 318. Figure 4 In the example, voltage-controlled switch 408 is electrically coupled to electrical lines supplying power to each of the imaging assembly 106, illumination assembly 123, and energy storage element 318. Additionally, voltage-controlled switch 408 controls the current and power flow from energy storage element 318 to illumination assembly 123 to supply additional power from the discharge of energy storage element 318 to illumination assembly 123, as described herein. Mode controller 316 can be electrically communicated with each of the voltage-controlled switches at a control port “c” of each of the voltage-controlled switches 408 to control the power flow from power source 405 to each of the imaging assembly 106, illumination assembly 123, and energy storage element 318. Thus, mode controller 316 controls the current flow to each of the voltage-controlled switches 408. Figure 4 The power flow of the various components illustrated herein is further described, and the mode controller 316 is configured to redirect power and energy from the imaging assembly 106 and the illumination assembly 123 to the energy storage element 318 for energy storage. The mode controller 316 independently controls each of the voltage-controlled switches 408 to control the power flow in the circuit 400 and to control the operation of the imaging assembly 106, the illumination assembly 123, and the energy storage element 318. In addition to controlling the power flow, the mode controller 316 can further control various parameters of the imaging assembly 106 (e.g., frame capture rate, exposure time, etc.) and various parameters of the illumination assembly 123 (e.g., illumination intensity output, illumination duration, etc.) by communicating with the imaging assembly 106 and the illumination assembly 123 to perform the methods described herein.

[0060] It should be understood that Figure 4Circuit 400 is an example of a power control circuit for performing the methods described herein, and is provided for clarity. It should be understood that example circuit 400 may include one or more other electronic components electrically coupled to example circuit 400. For example, circuit 400 may include additional voltage or power sources, additional current paths, additional regulators or switches, wireless power transfer transmitters, and / or any other suitable electronic components or combinations thereof. Additionally, example circuit 400 may also be electrically coupled to ground (not shown), such that example circuit 400 receives an input drive voltage from power source 405, which can discharge to ground regardless of whether current flows to each component of example circuit 400.

[0061] Figure 5 The figure illustrates an example method 500 for adjusting the illumination intensity of an illumination component based on detected ambient lighting or light, according to various embodiments and examples provided herein. It should be understood that in some embodiments, any of the blocks of method 500 may be performed by any of the example imaging device 100 or example imaging device 200, or by elements of the device (such as processor(s) 302, illumination control unit 124, imaging component 106, illumination component 123, etc.) and / or any other suitable device or combination thereof. For clarity and simplicity, reference will be made to… Figure 1 and Figure 3 Component description Figure 5 Method 500.

[0062] Method 500 includes detecting the illumination level or brightness of a captured image of the surrounding environment or a target object at block 502. Device 100 may detect the illumination level via a dedicated brightness detector, through image processing of the image captured by image assembly 106, via one or more cameras or sensors of image assembly 106, or via other means. At block 504, a controller, such as mode controller 316, controls the illumination assembly to operate in a first mode. In the first mode, illumination assembly 123 provides illumination at a first intensity to the FOV 108 of imaging assembly 106. The illumination assembly provides illumination for a first time period when operating in the first mode. The controller may further control imaging assembly 106 to operate in the first mode, wherein imaging assembly 106 captures images at a first frame rate or with a first exposure time.

[0063] Then, at block 504, mode controller 316 can control illumination assembly 123 and / or imaging assembly 106 to operate in a second operating mode to store energy in energy storage element 318. Controller 316 can determine that the illumination intensity is too low via an ambient light sensor, a dedicated brightness sensor, or by performing image processing on images captured by the imaging assembly, and controller 316 can control the operation and parameters of illumination assembly 123 and / or imaging assembly 106 to redirect power from illumination assembly 123 and / or imaging assembly 106 to energy storage element 318.

[0064] Then, the mode controller 316 can control the illumination assembly 123 and / or the imaging assembly 106 to operate in a third operating mode to provide energy from the energy storage element 318 to the illumination assembly 123, thereby increasing the illumination intensity and / or illumination duration provided by the illumination assembly 123. The illumination assembly 123 provides illumination at a stronger intensity, i.e., the third illumination intensity, and the imaging assembly 106 captures an image of the target object in the field of view 108 at frame 508.

[0065] The mode controller 316 can control the mode based on the detected ambient light level, the illumination level of the determined target object, the brightness level of the image, the energy level or power level of the energy storage element 318, the amount of time, the distance of the determined target object, etc., and accordingly control various operating parameters of the illumination component 123, the imaging component 106, and the energy storage element 318, as well as the power flow of the illumination component 123, the imaging component 106, and the energy storage element 318. Thus, the described example system and method provide the system with the ability to adjust the illumination output of the illumination component to provide sufficient illumination for performing imaging and barcode reading operations. The described system and method can be implemented in systems and devices with limited power or current capabilities (e.g., handheld devices, portable devices, devices with limited power or current, USB-powered devices, etc.) to achieve imaging and barcode reading in a wider range of applications and environments.

[0066] The above description may refer to the block diagrams in the accompanying drawings. Alternative implementations of the examples represented by the block diagrams include one or more additional or alternative elements, processes, and / or devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the example boxes in the figures may be combined, divided, rearranged, or omitted. Components represented by the boxes in the figures are implemented by hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. In some examples, at least one of the components represented by the boxes is implemented by logic circuitry. As used herein, the term "logic circuitry" is explicitly defined as a physical device comprising at least one hardware component configured (e.g., via operation based on a predetermined configuration and / or via execution of stored machine-readable instructions) to control one or more machines and / or perform operations on one or more machines. Examples of logic circuitry include one or more processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more hardware accelerators, one or more application-specific computer chips, and one or more system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. Some example logic circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs, are specially configured hardware for performing operations (e.g., one or more of the operations described herein and represented by flowcharts of this disclosure, if any). Some example logic circuits are hardware that executes machine-readable instructions to perform operations (e.g., one or more of the operations described herein and represented by flowcharts of this disclosure, if any). Some example logic circuits include a combination of specially configured hardware and hardware that executes machine-readable instructions.

[0067] As used herein, each of the terms “tangible machine-readable medium,” “non-transient machine-readable medium,” “computer-readable medium,” “computer-readable storage medium,” and “machine-readable storage device” is explicitly defined as a storage medium (e.g., a hard disk platter, a digital multifunction disk, an optical disk, flash memory, read-only memory, random access memory, etc.) on which machine-readable instructions (e.g., program code in the form of software and / or firmware) are stored for any suitable duration (e.g., permanently, for extended periods of time (e.g., while a program associated with the machine-readable instructions is being executed), and / or for short periods of time (e.g., when the machine-readable instructions are cached and / or during a buffering process)). Furthermore, as used herein, each of the terms “tangible machine-readable medium,” “non-transient machine-readable medium,” and “machine-readable storage device” is explicitly defined to exclude propagation signals. That is, as used in any claim of this patent, none of the terms “tangible machine-readable medium,” “non-transient machine-readable medium,” and “machine-readable storage device” should be construed as being implemented by propagation signals.

[0068] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially composable if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0069] These benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements(s) that make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more prominent are not to be construed as key, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any modifications made during the pending examination of this application and all equivalents of those claims in the grant announcement.

[0070] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., may be used individually 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,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, includes, or contains a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element beginning with “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, includes, or contains that element, unless further constraints are imposed. Term A (“a / an”) is defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms “basically,” “approximately,” “about,” “approximately,” or any other version of these terms are defined as being as close as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, these terms are defined as being within 10%, in another within 5%, in yet another within 1%, and in yet another within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly connected or mechanically connected. A device or structure “configured” in a certain way is configured at least in this manner, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0071] This abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of making the disclosure coherent. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter may lie in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim represents itself as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the illumination intensity of a data capture device having an illumination component and an imaging component, the method comprising: Detect the ambient lighting level of the imaging-based data capture device; At least one of the illumination component and the imaging component is operated in a first mode during a first time period, in a second mode during a second time period, and in a third mode during a third time period. The lighting component, operating in the first mode, provides first illumination with a first intensity; When the lighting assembly operates in the second mode, energy is stored in the energy storage element; The lighting component operating in the third mode provides a third illumination at a third intensity, which is higher than the first intensity; as well as The lighting components are controlled by a controller to configure them in the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode based on the lighting level.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The imaging component, operating in the first mode, captures an image at a first frame rate. as well as The imaging component, operating in the second mode, captures images at a second frame rate, which is a reduced frame rate compared to the first frame rate.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, The second frame rate has a value that is half of the value of the first frame rate.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein storing energy includes redirecting energy from at least one of the imaging component and the illumination component to a capacitor electrically coupled to an illumination source of the illumination component.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, Providing the third illumination includes discharging the capacitor to provide the stored energy to the illumination source of the lighting assembly in the third mode of the lighting assembly.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The third time period is a longer time period than the first time period.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when the lighting assembly is operating in the second mode, not providing illumination from the lighting assembly, and wherein, Storing energy includes redirecting energy from the lighting component to the energy storage element.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: A targeting pattern is provided to the field of view of the imaging component via the targeting component; The aiming pattern is used to perform range detection and determine the distance to the target object; And a mode for controlling the lighting components via the controller and based on the distance to the target object.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the mode of at least one of the imaging assembly and the illumination assembly via the controller and based on the energy level of the energy storage element.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, Detecting the illumination level includes detecting the illumination level via a dedicated brightness sensor configured to receive illumination from the field of view of the imaging component and provide a signal indicating the illumination to the controller.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, Detecting the lighting level includes: The imaging component captures an image of its field of view. The illumination level is determined based on the image captured by the field of view.

12. A data capture device, comprising: An imaging assembly having an imaging sensor configured to capture an image of the field of view of the imaging assembly; An illumination assembly having one or more illumination sources configured to provide illumination to at least a portion of the field of view of the imaging assembly; and a controller configured to control the operating mode of the lighting component in a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode; as well as One or more processors and machine-readable instructions, which, when executed by said one or more processors, cause the device to: Detect the ambient lighting level of the environment in which the device is located; The lighting component in the first mode provides first illumination with a first intensity during a first time period; When the lighting assembly is in the second mode, energy is stored in an energy storage element; The lighting component in the third mode provides third lighting at a third intensity during a third time period, the third intensity being higher than the first intensity; as well as The lighting components are configured to a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode based on the lighting level.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising the machine-readable instructions causing the device to: The imaging component in the first mode captures an image at a first frame rate; and The imaging component in the second mode captures images at a second frame rate, which is a reduced frame rate compared to the first frame rate.

14. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, In order to store energy, the machine-readable instructions cause the device to redirect energy from at least one of the imaging component and the illumination component to a capacitor electrically coupled to the illumination source of the illumination component.

15. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The third time period is a longer time period than the first time period.

16. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The machine-readable instructions further cause the device to not provide illumination from the lighting component in the second mode, and to store energy by redirecting energy from the lighting component to the energy storage element.

17. The device of claim 12, further comprising an aiming component configured to provide a visual indicator of the field of view of the imaging component, wherein, The machine-readable instructions further enable the device to: The visual indicator that provides the field of view of the imaging component via the aiming component; The visual indicator is used to perform range detection and determine the distance to the target object; And a mode for controlling at least one or more of the imaging component and the illumination component via the controller and based on the distance of the target object.

18. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The machine-readable instructions further enable the device to control the mode of at least one of the imaging component and the illumination component based on the energy level of the energy storage element.

19. The device of claim 12, further comprising a brightness sensor configured to detect the illumination level of the environment and provide a signal to the controller indicating the illumination level for controlling a mode of one or more of the imaging assembly and the illumination assembly.

20. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed via one or more processors, cause one or more systems to: Detect the ambient lighting level of the environment in which the device is located; The lighting components in the first mode provide first illumination with a first intensity during a first time period; In the second mode of the lighting assembly, energy is stored in an energy storage element. The lighting component in the third mode provides third lighting at a third intensity during a third time period, the third intensity being higher than the first intensity; as well as The lighting components are controlled by a controller to configure them in the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode based on the lighting level.

Images