Comparison of decoding performance and speed with one or more parameters for decoding damaged data matrix barcodes

Abstract

Imaging devices, systems and methods for acquiring image data for an object that appears in a field of view (FOV) are described here.An example device comprises: an imaging assembly; a decoding module; and a computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions that cause the imaging device to (i) detect an indication of a parameter change for one of the decoding parameters associated with the imaging device, wherein the decoding parameter indicates damage associated with the character; (ii) in response to the detection of the parameter change indication, transition from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the character at least on the basis of the damage associated with the character while operating in the second operating mode; (iii) receive image data of a character appearing in the field of view from the imaging assembly; and (iv) decode the character at the decoding module.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Barcode reading systems have long been used to capture barcode data, which is then used to look up information about the object in question. However, barcodes and / or other characters can become damaged (e.g., through normal wear and tear, weathering, malicious acts, printing problems, etc.), and conventional systems may be unable to successfully decode damaged barcodes and / or decode them efficiently. For example, a conventional system may attempt to decode the damaged barcode but fail or time out. Some conventional systems attempt to mitigate the risk of damaged barcodes by allowing the user to manually enter the information associated with the barcode, but this introduces the risk of human error.Alternatively, some conventional systems decode each element of a barcode individually to extract as much information as possible, especially with one-dimensional (1D) barcodes. However, these techniques slow down the operation of a barcode reading system because the system indiscriminately subjects each scanned character to such an examination. Therefore, a system capable of changing operating modes to decode a damaged barcode when a damaged barcode is being read is desired. DESCRIPTION

[0002] In one embodiment, an imaging device is provided. The imaging device comprises: an imaging assembly configured to capture image data of a character appearing in a field of view (FOV), and a decoding module configured to decode the character using the image data. The system further comprises a computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions which, when executed, cause the imaging device to (i) detect an indication of a parameter change for a decoding parameter associated with the imaging device, the decoding parameter indicating damage associated with the character;(ii) Transitioning from a first operating mode associated with decoding the character to a second operating mode associated with decoding the character in response to detection of the parameter change indication, wherein the decoding module is configured to decodecode the character at least based on the damage associated with the character, while operating in the second operating mode; (iii) Receiving image data of a damaged character appearing in the FOV from the imaging assembly, wherein the damaged character is representative of the character and the damage associated with the character; and (iv) Decoding the damaged character at the decoding module according to the second operating mode.

[0003] In one variant of this embodiment, the character is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode with a search pattern and / or a time pattern arranged along at least one edge of the 2D barcode.

[0004] In another variant of the embodiment, the computer-readable medium also stores additional instructions which, when executed, cause the imaging system to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode after decoding the damaged character.

[0005] In another variant of the embodiment, the decoding module is configured to decode the character without the damage associated with the character during operation in the first operating mode.

[0006] In another variant of the embodiment, the imaging device in the first operating mode has a first time-out period for decoding the character, the imaging device in the second operating mode has a second time-out period for decoding the damaged character, and the second time-out period is longer than the first time-out period.

[0007] In another variant of the embodiment, decoding the damaged character according to the second operating mode comprises: analyzing each of at least one of the (i) rows or (ii) columns of the damaged character.

[0008] In another implementation variant, the image data are initial image data, and capturing the parameter change indication includes: receiving second image data of a parameter character in the FOV from the imaging assembly; decoding the parameter character in the decoding module after receiving the second image data; and capturing the parameter change indication in response to the decoding of the parameter character.

[0009] In another variant of the embodiment, the image data are first image data, and the detection of the parameter change indication comprises: receiving second image data of a parameter character in the FOV from the imaging arrangement; decoding the parameter characters at the decoding module and after receiving the second image data; and detecting the parameter change indication in response to the decoding of the parameter character.

[0010] In another embodiment, detecting the parameter change indication comprises: receiving the decoding parameter from a user at the imaging device; and detecting the parameter change indication in response to receiving the decoding parameter.

[0011] In another variant, the switch to the second operating mode occurs in response to the determination that a switch parameter indicates that the imaging device is activated for damaged decoding operations.

[0012] In another variant, the decoding parameters are representative of scenarios in which the damage includes at least: (i) that the character is missing part of a timing pattern, (ii) that the character is missing the entire timing pattern, (iii) that the character is missing part of a fixed edge indicating a character type, (iv) that the character is missing the entire fixed edge, (v) that the character is missing part of the fixed edge and part of the timing pattern, (vi) that the character is missing part of the fixed edge and the entire timing pattern, (vii) that the character is missing part of the timing pattern and the entire fixed edge, or (viii) that the character is missing the entire fixed edge and the entire timing pattern.

[0013] In another variant, a first time-out period, which is assigned to at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii), differs from a second time-out period, which is assigned to the remaining scenarios (i)-(vii).

[0014] In another variant, the indication of the parameter change is a decoding event that is associated with the decoding of a parameter character.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method is implemented in an imaging device comprising an imaging assembly configured to acquire image data of a character appearing in a field of view (FOV), and a decoding module configured to decode the character using the image data. The method comprises: (i) one or more processors of the imaging device detecting an indication of a parameter change for a decoding parameter associated with the imaging device, wherein the decoding parameter indicates damage associated with the character;(ii) Transition, by the one or more processors and in response to the detection of the parameter change indication, from a first operating mode associated with decoding the character to a second operating mode associated with decoding the character, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the character at least based on the damage associated with the character, while operating in the second operating mode; (iii) Receiving image data of a damaged character appearing in the FOV, by the one or more processors, wherein the damaged character is representative of the character and the damage associated with the character; and (iv) Decoding the damaged character by the one or more processors according to the second operating mode.

[0016] In one variant of the embodiment, the character is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode with a search pattern and / or a time pattern arranged along at least one edge of the 2D barcode.

[0017] In another variant of the embodiment, the method further comprises: after decoding the damaged character, switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode by the one or more processors.

[0018] In another embodiment, the image data are first image data, and the method further comprises: receiving second image data of an undamaged character by the one or more processors; and decoding the undamaged character by the one or more processors according to the first operating mode.

[0019] In another implementation variant, the decoding of the damaged character takes place during a second time-out period, which is longer than a first time-out period, which is assigned to a time period for decoding the character during the first operation.

[0020] In another variant of the embodiment, decoding the damaged character according to the second operating mode comprises: analyzing each of at least one of the (i) rows or (ii) columns of the damaged character.

[0021] In another variant of the embodiment, decoding the damaged character according to the second operating mode comprises: determining a character type for the damaged character; identifying corners of the character based on the character type; and decoding the damaged character within the corners.

[0022] In another variant of the embodiment, the image data are first image data, and the detection of the parameter change indication comprises: receiving second image data of a parameter character in the FOV from the imaging assembly; decoding the parameter character at the decoding module and after receiving the second image data; and detecting the parameter change indication in response to the decoding of the parameter character.

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

[0024] In another variant, the switch to the second operating mode occurs in response to the determination that a switching parameter indicates that the imaging device is activated for damaged decoding operations.

[0025] In another embodiment, the decoding parameters are representative of scenarios in which the damage includes at least: (i) that the character is missing part of a time pattern, (ii) that the character is missing the entire time pattern, (iii) that the character is missing a fixed edge indicating a tag type, (iv) that the character is missing the entire fixed edge, (v) that the character is missing part of the fixed edge and part of the time pattern, (vi) that the character is missing part of the fixed edge and the entire time pattern, (vii) that the character is missing part of the time pattern and the entire fixed edge, or (viii) that the character is missing the entire fixed edge and the entire time pattern.

[0026] In another variant of the embodiment, a first time-out period, which is associated with at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii), differs from a second time-out period, which is associated with the remaining scenarios (i)-(vii).

[0027] In another embodiment, the indication of the parameter change is a decoding event that is associated with the decoding of a parameter character. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying figures, in which identical reference numerals denote identical or functionally similar elements in the individual views, are incorporated into the disclosure together with the following detailed description and form an integral part of the disclosure and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts comprising the claimed invention described herein and to explain various principles and advantages of these embodiments. Fig. 1A shows a perspective front view of a first example of a handheld barcode reader; Fig. 1B shows a perspective rear view of the handheld barcode reader from Fig. 1A; Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example imaging device such as the exemplary handheld barcode reader from Fig. 1A; Fig. 3A shows an exemplary character, where the exemplary character is undamaged and is shown by an imaging device such as a handheld barcode reader. Fig. 1A, which is to be decoded; Fig. 3B shows an example of a character to be decoded, which corresponds to the one from Fig. 3A is similar, but the exemplary character is so damaged that each exemplary character is damaged in at least part of a time pattern; Fig. 3C shows an example of a character to be decoded, which corresponds to the one from Fig. 3B is similar, but the exemplary character is so damaged that the entire time pattern is damaged; Fig. 3D shows an example of a character to be decoded, which corresponds to the one from Fig. 3A is similar, but the exemplary character is so damaged that each exemplary character is damaged in at least part of a search pattern; Fig. 3E shows an example of a character to be decoded, which corresponds to the one from Fig. 3D similar, but the example character is so damaged that the entire viewfinder pattern is damaged; Fig. 3F shows an example of a character to be decoded, which corresponds to the one from Fig. 3A is similar, but the exemplary character is so damaged that each exemplary character is damaged in at least part of a timing pattern and a search pattern; Fig. 3G shows an example of a character to be decoded, which corresponds to the one from Fig. 3F is similar, but the example character is so damaged that the entire timing pattern and the viewfinder pattern are corrupted; and Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an example procedure for transitioning to an operating mode for decoding a damaged character in an imaging device such as the handheld barcode reader of Fig. 1A is to be implemented.

[0029] Experts will recognize that elements in the figures are shown for the sake of simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve the understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Where appropriate, the apparatus and process components have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the field who refer to the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The example imaging devices disclosed here employ operating-mode switching techniques to change the operating modes depending on whether a character is damaged, flagged, or otherwise corrupted, thus requiring the use of different decoding techniques. By operating in a first mode for normal decoding operations and switching to a second mode for decoding damaged characters, the imaging device is able to improve overall operation by reducing the total computation time (e.g., by a factor of 2 or 3, depending on the implementation) and computational resources, while still being able to decode damaged characters.By using techniques for decoding characters by scanning them line by line or column by column in conjunction with different time-out periods, the imaging device is also able to decode characters with different degrees of damage.

[0032] The Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary handheld imaging device 100 comprising a housing 102 with a grip 104, also referred to as the handle 104, and a head 106, also referred to as the scan head 106. The head 106 includes a window 108 and is configured to be positioned on top of the grip 104. The grip 104 is configured to be grasped by a user of the reader and includes a trigger 110 for activation by the user. Optionally, in one embodiment, a base (not shown), also referred to as the base part, is included, which can be attached to the grip 104 opposite the head 106 and is configured to rest on a surface and hold the housing 102 in a generally upright position.The handheld imaging device 100 can be used in hands-free mode as a stationary workstation when placed on a work surface or other work area. The handheld imaging device 100 can also be used in handheld mode when removed from the work surface or base station and held in the operator's hand. In hands-free mode, products can be pushed, pulled, or presented past the window 108 so that the reader can initiate the barcode reading process. In handheld mode, the barcode reader 100 can be moved to a barcode on a product, and the trigger 110 can be manually pressed to start capturing the barcode.

[0033] Other implementations may only offer handheld or only freehand configurations. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B The handheld imaging device 100 is ergonomically configured for the user's hand, although other configurations can also be used, as is understandable to a person skilled in the art. As shown, the lower handle 104 extends below and rearward away from the body 102 along a center-of-gravity axis that is oblique relative to a central FOV axis of an imaging assembly within the scam head 102.

[0034] In some embodiments, an imaging assembly comprises a light-detecting sensor or imager that is operationally coupled to or mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the handheld imaging device 100, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. In further embodiments, the portable imaging device 100 also incorporates an illumination light assembly. The illumination light assembly can comprise an illumination light source and at least one illumination lens configured to produce a substantially uniform illumination light pattern on and along an object to be read by image acquisition, as shown below with reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example architecture for an imaging device such as the handheld imaging device 100. For at least some of the reader implementations, an imaging assembly 245 comprises a light-sensing sensor or imager 241 that is operationally coupled to, or mounted on, a printed circuit board (PCB) 242 in the imaging device 200, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. Figure 2 shows. In one embodiment, the image sensor 241 is a solid-state device, e.g., a CCD or CMOS image sensor, with 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 serves to detect returning light captured by an imaging assembly 245 across a field of view along an imaging axis 246 through the window 208. The image sensor 241 may also include and / or function as a monochrome sensor and, in further embodiments, a color sensor. The terms "image transmitter," "image sensor," and "imaging sensor" are used interchangeably here. Depending on the embodiment, the image transmitter 241 may include a color sensor, such as a view camera, in addition to and / or as an alternative to the monochrome sensor.In some implementations, the image sensor 241 is or includes a barcode reading module (e.g., a monochrome imaging sensor). In other implementations, the image sensor 241 is or includes an image processing camera (e.g., a color image sensor). It is understood that, although the image sensor 241 is in . Fig. 2 is represented as a single block, the image transmitter 241 can consist of several sensors distributed at different locations on the imaging device 200.

[0036] The returning light is scattered and / or reflected by an object 118 across the field of view. The imaging lens 244 serves to focus the returning light onto the array of image sensors so that the object 118 can be imaged. Specifically, the light striking the pixels is captured, and the output of these pixels generates image data associated with the environment appearing within the field of view (which may include the object 118). This image data is typically processed by a controller (usually by forwarding it to a decoder), which identifies and decodes the decodable characters captured in the image data. Once the decoding has been successfully performed, the reader can signal a successful "read" of the object 118 (e.g., a barcode). The object 118 can be located within any working range between a near working distance (WD1) and a far working distance (WD2).In one implementation, WD1 is about half an inch away from window 208, and WD2 is about thirty inches away from window 208.

[0037] An illumination light assembly can also be installed in, attached to, or connected to the imaging device 200. The illumination light assembly comprises 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 sources and illumination lenses configured to produce a substantially uniform illumination light pattern on and along the object 118 to be imaged. Although in Fig. While Figure 2 shows a single illumination light source 251, the illumination light source 251 can of course also comprise multiple light sources. At least part of the scattered and / or reflected backlight is derived from the illumination pattern of the light on and along the object 118.

[0038] A targeting light assembly can also be mounted in, attached to, or connected to the imaging device 200 and preferably comprises a targeting light source 223 (e.g., one or more targeting LEDs or laser light sources) and a targeting lens 224 for generating and directing a visible targeting light beam from the imaging device 200 away from the object 118 in the direction of the field of view (FOV) of the image sensor 241. It is understood that, although the targeting light assembly and the illumination light assembly both provide light, a targeting light assembly differs from the illumination light assembly at least in the type of light that the component provides. For example, the illumination light assembly provides diffuse light to adequately illuminate an object 118 and / or a feature of the object 118 (e.g., for image capture). A targeting light assembly, on the other hand, provides a defined illumination pattern (e.g.,(to assist the user in visualizing part of the field of view). Similarly, in some implementations, the illumination light source 251 and the target light source 223 are active at different, non-overlapping times. For example, the illumination light source 251 may be active when image data is being acquired, and the target light source 223 may be active when no image data is being acquired (e.g., to avoid disturbing the content of the image data).

[0039] In further embodiments, the imaging device 200 can additionally emit an acoustic signal, e.g., a gong, a beep, a message, etc., when decoding a hint or reading an object 118. In still further embodiments, the imaging device 200 can additionally or alternatively provide haptic feedback to the user, e.g., by vibration (e.g., a single vibration, vibration in a predefined pattern, vibration synchronized with flashing, etc.).

[0040] Furthermore, the image sensor 241, the illumination source 251, and the target source 223 are operationally 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) to control the operation of these components. In some embodiments, the controller 258 functions as a processor for an image processing application for receiving, processing, and / or analyzing the image data acquired by the image sensor 241 or is communicatively coupled to it.

[0041] A memory 260 is connected to and accessible from the controller 258. Preferably, the controller 258 is the same as the one used to process the light returning from the illuminated object 118 in order to obtain data about the object 118. Although not shown, additional optical elements such as collimators, lenses, apertures, compartment walls, etc., may be provided in the housing. Fig. Since the image sensor 241, the illumination source 251, and the target source 223 are shown on the same circuit board 242, these components can be accommodated on separate circuit boards or in different combinations on separate circuit boards in various embodiments of the imaging device 200. In one implementation of the imaging device 200, for example, the illumination LED source is provided as off-axis illumination (i.e., it has a central illumination axis that is not coaxial with the central FOV axis).

[0042] Referring to the Fig. 3A-3G is in Fig. 3A shows an example of an undamaged sign 300. Fig. Figures 3B-3G each show one or more examples of damaged characters 310-370, which are to be decoded by an imaging device (e.g., a handheld imaging device 100, an imaging device 200, etc.) according to the techniques described herein.

[0043] In Fig. 3A shows an undamaged sign 300. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3A The undamaged character 300 is a 2D barcode (e.g., a data matrix barcode). In some embodiments, the undamaged character 300 includes a search pattern (e.g., the two solid lines on the undamaged character 300) and a zipper or timing pattern (e.g., the alternating black and white modules along two sides of the boundary). Depending on the embodiment, the search pattern is an L-shaped pattern that an imaging device uses to locate the position and orientation of the undamaged character 300 within a scanned image. The search pattern assists the imaging device in correctly decoding the undamaged character 300, even if it is tilted, rotated, mirrored, inverted, etc.In further embodiments, the timing pattern subdivides the undamaged character 300 into individual cells, which assists the imaging device in accurately interpreting the data contained within the undamaged character 300. The timing pattern also provides a clock signal for the barcode reader to start and stop reading each cell. In other words, the timing pattern assists and / or enables an imaging device to approximate the number of rows or columns in the characters. Damage to the search pattern and / or the timing pattern can then lead to errors or a failure to decode the character when a conventional system attempts to do so. Fig. Sections 3B-3G show possible scenarios for the damage of some such signs.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 3B shows the damaged characters 310 and 315, in each of which a part of the time pattern is damaged (e.g., a row or column of the time pattern is missing in the damaged characters 310 and 315, respectively). Similarly, Figure 3B shows... Fig. 3C shows a damaged character 320 with damage to the entire timing pattern. In conventional systems, damage to part or all of the timing pattern can cause problems when the imaging device attempts to detect individual cells and decode the associated information.

[0045] Similarly, in the Fig. 3D and Fig. Figure 3E shows the damaged characters 330, 335, and 340. Depending on the version, damaged character 330 affects a column of the viewfinder pattern, damaged character 335 affects a row of the viewfinder pattern, and damaged character 340 affects the entire viewfinder pattern. In conventional systems, damage to part or all of the viewfinder pattern can cause problems when the imaging device attempts to determine the position and / or orientation of the characters, leading to errors in the decoding process or no decoding at all.

[0046] In the Fig. 3F and Fig. Figure 3G shows the damaged characters 350, 355, 360, 365, and 370, in each of which at least part of the search pattern and the time pattern are damaged. Depending on the version, in damaged character 350, the entire search pattern and one column of the time pattern are damaged. Similarly, in damaged character 355, the entire search pattern and one row of the time pattern are damaged. In contrast, damaged character 360 shows damage to the entire time pattern and one column of the search pattern, while damaged character 365 shows damage to the entire time pattern and one row of the search pattern. Damaged character 370 shows damage to the entire time pattern and the search pattern.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an example procedure for transitioning to and operating in a mode for decoding damaged characters (e.g., as in the Fig. 3A-3G described above). Although the procedure 400 is described below with regard to the in Fig. Instead of the imaging device 200 and its components shown in section 2, other similarly suitable imaging devices and / or components may be used.

[0048] In block 402, the imaging device 200 detects an indication of a parameter change for a decode parameter. In some embodiments, the imaging device 200 detects an indication of an imaging assembly configured to acquire image data appearing in a field of view (FOV). In some embodiments, the decode parameter is an indication of damage associated with the character. In some embodiments, the decode parameter is a pair of decode parameters or includes them. In some such implementations, one of the decode parameters is a hard parameter; that is, if the parameter is enabled, then the imaging device 200 has activated the second operating mode (e.g., as described below), and if the parameter is disabled, then the imaging device 200 has not activated the second operating mode.In other implementations, a second decoding parameter of the pair of decoding parameters is representative of an arbitrary damage type, as described here.

[0049] In other implementations, detecting the parameter change indicator involves receiving a second image data set containing a parameter symbol in the field of view (FOV), decoding the parameter symbol, and recognizing the parameter change indicator as a result of this decoding. Depending on the implementation, the parameter symbol may indicate a specific type of damage.For example, the decoding parameters and / or parameter characters may be representative of scenarios in which the corruption includes at least (i) that the character is missing part of a timing pattern, (ii) that the character is missing the entire timing pattern, (iii) that the character is missing part of a fixed edge indicating a character type, (iv) that the character is missing the entire fixed edge, (v) that the character is missing part of the fixed edge and part of the timing pattern, (vi) that the character is missing part of the fixed edge and the entirety of the timing pattern, (vii) that the character is missing part of the timing pattern and the entirety of the fixed edge, (viii) that the character is missing the entirety of the fixed edge and the entirety of the timing pattern, and / or (ix) any other such corruption of the character as described herein.In some of these implementations, the parameter change indication is a decoding event associated with the decoding of a parameter character (e.g., a barcode, QR code, etc., configured to change parameters when scanned and decoded).

[0050] In further implementations, the detection of the parameter change indication can include receiving the decode parameter from a user and detecting the parameter change indication in response to receiving the decode parameter. For example, the user can view and / or input a decode parameter (e.g., via the Imaging Device 200 and / or an interface of a computer device communicatively coupled to the Imaging Device 200) to the Imaging Device 200 to indicate character corruption. In some implementations, the user views, configures, and / or otherwise inputs the decode parameter into the Imaging Device 200 via configuration software installed on a computer device communicatively coupled to the Imaging Device 200.

[0051] In Block 404, the imaging device 200 switches from a first operating mode to a second operating mode in response to the acquisition in Block 402. In some implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the character at least based on the damage associated with the character while operating in the second mode. In other implementations, the decoding module of the imaging device 200 is configured to decode the character without damage while operating in the first mode. In still other such implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the character with damage while operating in the second mode. In particular, the second mode of operation may include one or more parameters and / or functionalities based on the character damage and / or the specified decoding parameters, as described above with respect to Block 402.

[0052] In further embodiments, the imaging device 200 has a time-out period allocated for character decoding. Depending on the implementation, the time-out period may vary depending on the operating mode. For example, the imaging device may have a first time-out period for character decoding when operating in the first mode and a second time-out period for decoding the damaged character in the second mode. Furthermore, in some implementations, the second time-out period is longer than the first time-out period to allow the imaging device 200 more time to decode the damaged character. In other implementations, the time-out period varies depending on the damage scenario. For example, at least some of the scenarios (i)-(viii) listed with respect to Block 402 have a different time-out period than other 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 larger timeout period (e.g., 250ms, 500ms, 1s, etc.).

[0053] In block 406, the imaging device receives 200 image data points associated with a damaged character appearing in the field of view (e.g., the character). In some implementations, the character is a 1D barcode (e.g., a linear barcode) or a 2D barcode (e.g., a data matrix barcode, a QR code, etc.). In other such implementations, the character includes a search 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.

[0054] In block 408, the imaging device 200 decodes the damaged character according to the second operating mode. In some embodiments, the decoding of the damaged character includes the analysis of each of the (i) rows or (ii) columns of the damaged character. In other such implementations, the imaging device 200 analyzes the rows, the columns, or both, depending on the nature of the character damage (e.g., whether the damage affects a row or column of the seeker pattern and / or the time pattern). Depending on the embodiment, the imaging device 200 decodes the damaged character differently depending on the hint received in block 402. For example, the hint may be a parameter from 1 to 8 (where 1 is undamaged and 8 is damaged, as in Fig.(3G shown). The imaging device 200 can analyze each row for some parameter values, each column for other parameter values, and both for still other parameter values. In further embodiments, the imaging device 200 can perform each type of analysis when the parameter values ​​are set to a maximum.

[0055] In some implementations, the Imaging Device 200 analyzes the character by starting at a point and attempting to locate each corner of the character. The Imaging Device 200 then tries different types of character scanning (e.g., to determine if the character is a data matrix, QR code, linear barcode, etc.). In some such implementations, the Imaging Device 200 determines the shape, corner, type of character, etc., based on a stored database of codes (e.g., if there are no 19 x 19 data matrix barcodes, the Imaging Device 200 determines that the data matrix is ​​a damaged 20 x 20 data matrix).

[0056] In further implementations, decoding the damaged character involves determining the character type of the damaged character, identifying the corners of the character based on the character type, and decoding the damaged character within the corners. For example, if the character type is a data matrix barcode, the imaging device 200 can identify the corners of the character as the locations where the lookup pattern and / or the timing pattern are and / or should be. If the character type is a QR code, the imaging device 200 can identify the corners based on the lookup patterns located in the corners of the barcode.

[0057] In some implementations, the imaging device 200 decodes the corrupted character within the imaging device 200 (e.g., via a decoding module on an ASIC of the imaging device 200). In other implementations, the imaging device 200 decodes the corrupted character by initiating the analysis and / or decoding process within the imaging device 200 before transmitting the data to a communicatively coupled device to complete the decoding process. In still other embodiments, the imaging device 200 performs the decoding operation by transmitting data to a communicatively coupled device directly, along with a hint about the decoding of the characters (and / or a hint about how to decode them).

[0058] In further embodiments, the imaging device 200 transitions from the second operating mode to the first operating mode after decoding the damaged character. In some of these implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the character without the damage associated with the character while operating in the first operating mode. In other embodiments, the first operating mode is an inactive mode in which the imaging device 100 does not decode any characters. In further embodiments, the imaging device 200 transitions from the second operating mode to a third operating mode after decoding the damaged character. In some of these implementations, the decoding module is configured to decode the character without the damage associated with the character while operating in the third operating mode.In other embodiments, the third operating mode is an inactive mode in which the imaging device 100 does not decode any character. In still other embodiments, the imaging device 200 switches off after decoding the damaged character. In yet other implementations, the imaging device 200 remains in the second operating mode until it is scanned and / or receives a signal to change the operating mode.

[0059] Implementations of the present disclosure may have certain advantages over conventional approaches. For example, the use of multiple operating modes may reduce the overall computation time and resource consumption of an imaging device. Similarly, by varying the techniques performed depending on the type of damage, an imaging device may decode a wider range of damaged characters while further refining the computation time and resource consumption improvements described herein.

[0060] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing description. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the description and the figures should be considered illustrative rather than limiting, and all such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially combinable, provided such combinations are in any way permissive.In other words, any feature disclosed in one of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0061] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and all elements that may lead to the occurrence or enhancement of a benefit, advantage, or solution are not to be understood as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements in some or all of the claims. The invention is defined solely by the attached claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of these claims as granted.

[0062] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such an entity or action between such entities or actions. The expressions "includes," "comprising," "has," "have," "exhibits," "bear," "contains," "include," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, product, or device that includes, has, exhibits, or contains a list of elements may not only have those elements but may also have other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, product, or device. An element that "includes," "has," "bears," or "contains"The use of the term "a" does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, product, or device that comprises, has, features, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "a" are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "essentially," "generally," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof are defined in such a way as to be readily understood by a person skilled in the art in this field, and in one non-restrictive embodiment, the expression is defined as within 10%, in another embodiment as within 5%, in yet another embodiment as within 1%, and in yet another embodiment as within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is at least also constructed in that way, but may also be constructed in ways that are not listed.

[0063] The summary of the disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the essence of the technical disclosure. It is provided with the understanding that it is not intended to be used for interpreting or limiting the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, it can be inferred from the preceding detailed description that various features in different embodiments have been summarized for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This type of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, the inventive step lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment.The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

[1] Imaging device comprising: an imaging assembly configured to acquire image data of a character appearing in a field of view (FOV); a decoding module configured to decode the character using the image data; and a computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the imaging device to: detecting a parameter change indication for a decoding parameter associated with the imaging device, the decoding parameter indicative of corruption associated with the character; Transitioning from a first operating mode associated with decoding the character to a second operating mode associated with decoding the character in response to detecting the indication of the parameter change, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the character based at least on the corruption associated with the character while operating in the second operating mode; Receiving image data associated with the character from the imaging assembly; and Decoding the character on the decoding module according to the second operating mode. [2] The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the character is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode including at least one of a viewfinder pattern or a timing pattern arranged 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: Transition from the second operating mode to the first operating mode after decoding the character. [4] The imaging device of claim 3, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the character without the corruption associated with the character during operation in the first mode of operation. [5] The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein in the first operation mode the imaging device has a first time-out period for decoding the character, in the second operation mode the imaging device has a second time-out period for decoding the character, and the second time-out period is longer than the first time-out period. [6] The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein decoding the character according to the second mode of operation comprises: Analyze each of at least one of (i) rows or (ii) columns of the character. [7] The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein decoding the character according to the second mode of operation comprises: Determining a type of character for the character; Identifying corners of the character based on the type of character; and Decoding the character in the corners. [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 second image data of a parameter character in the FOV from the imaging assembly; Decoding the parameter character at the decoding module after receiving the second image data; and Capturing the parameter change indication in response to decoding the parameter character. [9] The imaging device of claim 1, wherein detecting the indication of the parameter change comprises: Receiving the decoding parameter from a user at the imaging device; and Capturing the parameter change indication in response to receiving the decoding parameter. [10] The imaging device of claim 1, wherein transitioning to the second mode of operation occurs in response to determining that a switching parameter indicates that the imaging device is enabled for corrupted decoding operations. [11] The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the decoding parameters are representative of scenarios where the corruption includes at least: (i) the character missing part of a temporal pattern, (ii) the character missing an entire temporal pattern, (iii) the character missing part of a solid edge indicating a character type, (iv) the character missing an entire solid edge, (v) the character missing part of the solid edge and part of the temporal pattern, (vi) the character missing part of the solid edge and the entire temporal pattern, (vii) the character missing part of the temporal pattern and the entire solid edge, or (viii) the character missing the entire solid edge and the entire temporal pattern. [12] The imaging device of claim 11, wherein a first time-out period associated with at least some of the scenarios (i)-(vii) is different from a second time-out period associated with a remainder of the scenarios (i)-(vii). [13] The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the indication of the parameter change is a decoding event associated with the decoding of a parameter character. [14] A method implemented in an imaging device including an imaging assembly configured to acquire image data of a character appearing in a field of view (FOV) and a decoding module configured to decode the character 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, the decoding parameter indicative of corruption associated with the character; Transitioning, by the one or more processors and in response to detecting the indication of the parameter change, from a first mode of operation associated with decoding the character to a second mode of operation associated with decoding the character, wherein the decoding module is configured to decode the character based at least on the corruption associated with the character during operation in the second mode of operation; Receiving, by the one or more processors, image data associated with the character; and Decoding the character by the one or more processors according to the second mode of operation. [15] The method of claim 14, wherein the character is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode including at least one search pattern or a timing pattern arranged along at least one edge of the 2D barcode. [16] The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: Transitioning from the second operating mode to the first operating mode by the one or more processors after decoding the character. [17] The method of claim 16, wherein the image data is first image data, and the method further comprises: Receiving, by the one or more processors, second image data of an undamaged character; Decoding the undamaged character by the one or more processors according to the first mode of operation. [18] The method of claim 14, wherein decoding the character occurs during a second time-out period that is longer than a first time-out period associated with a time period for decoding the character in the first operation. [19] The method of claim 14, wherein decoding the character according to the second mode of operation comprises: Analyze each of at least one of (i) rows or (ii) columns of the character. [20] The method of claim 14, wherein decoding the character according to the second mode of operation comprises: Determining a character type for the character; Identifying corners of the character based on the type of character; and Decoding the character in the corners. [21] The method of claim 14, wherein the image data is first image data and detecting the indication of the parameter change comprises: Receiving second image data of a parameter character in the FOV from the imaging assembly; Decoding the parameter character at the decoding module after receiving the second image data; and Detecting the parameter change indication in response to decoding the parameter character. [22] The method of claim 14, wherein detecting the indication of the parameter change comprises: Receiving the decoding parameter from a user at the imaging device; and Detecting the parameter change indication in response to receiving the decoding parameter. [23] The method of claim 14, wherein transitioning to the second mode of operation occurs in response to determining that a switching parameter indicates that the imaging device is enabled for corrupted decoding operations. [24] The method of claim 14, wherein the decoding parameters are representative of scenarios where the corruption includes at least: (i) the character missing part of a temporal pattern, (ii) the character missing an entire temporal pattern, (iii) the character missing part of a fixed edge indicating a character type, (iv) the character missing an entire fixed edge, (v) the character missing part of the fixed edge and part of the temporal pattern, (vi) the character missing part of the fixed edge and the entire temporal pattern, (vii) the character missing part of the temporal pattern and the entire fixed edge, or (viii) the character missing the entire fixed edge and the entire temporal pattern. [25] The imaging device of claim 24, wherein a first time-out period associated with at least some of scenarios (i)-(vii) is different from a second time-out period associated with a remainder of scenarios (i)-(vii). [26] The imaging device of claim 14, wherein the indication of the parameter change is a decoding event associated with the decoding of a parameter character.

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