3D Aimer Graphic for Barcode Focus Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode scanning on smart devices often results in blurry images due to out-of-focus optics and excessive motion, making it difficult to accurately decode barcodes.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the distance to the focal plane and renders a 3D aimer graphic to assist in focusing, changing its appearance based on the object's distance and depth of field, allowing users to quickly align barcodes within the focal plane for accurate scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera system uses autofocus routine optimized for photography, then the general imaging capability is improved, but the barcode scanning focus accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and displays a 3D aimer graphic element at the expected focal plane position before the user completes focusing. This preliminary visual guide helps the user anticipate where the focal plane will be, enabling more accurate and faster focus acquisition for barcode scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously updates the position of the 3D aimer graphic element based on real-time focal plane calculations from the autofocus system. This dynamic feedback provides the user with visual information about current focus status and expected focal plane location, allowing precise adjustment to achieve sharp barcode images.
2Speed
If the camera system allows excessive motion during scanning, then the scanning speed is improved, but the image clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D aimer graphic element is displayed in advance at the predicted focal plane position, allowing the user to prepare for the exact moment when the barcode will be in focus. This reduces the time needed for focus adjustment and minimizes motion during the actual scanning capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with a computational approach, using real-time focal plane calculations and 3D graphic rendering to guide the user. This electronic/optical guidance system enables faster focusing without the mechanical delays and vibrations associated with traditional focus mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the camera system uses a fixed focal plane, then the device complexity is reduced, but the barcode scanning adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a dynamic focal plane indication system where the 3D aimer graphic element continuously updates its position based on real-time autofocus calculations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle varying barcode distances and orientations while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the Z-direction parameter of the 3D aimer graphic element to match the calculated focal plane distance. By dynamically adjusting this graphical parameter based on scene depth information, the system adapts to different scanning conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of assisting in focusing a three dimensional camera system on an object within a field of view is disclosed. The process involves at the camera system, determining a distance D in a z direction, within the field of view, to a current focal plane; and rendering to a display, an aimer graphic element with the Z direction distance equal to D in a manner that causes the aimer graphic element to move in the Z direction with changes in the focal plane.