Barcode Reader Illumination Control via Decoder Trigger Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers using global shutter image sensors face increased complexity and power consumption due to dependency on flash signals for illumination control, and malfunctioning image sensors can disrupt timing, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading device with independent control circuitry that activates illumination sources based on a trigger signal, independent of the image sensor's exposure period, allowing for decimation of degraded frames to maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If illumination control circuitry is made dependent on flash signal from image sensor, then illumination timing can be coordinated with exposure period, but device complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the illumination control function from the image sensor's flash signal dependency. The illumination control circuitry operates independently by receiving trigger signals from the decoder, separating the illumination control path from the image sensor control path. This eliminates the need for flash signal processing while maintaining coordinated illumination timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control functions into independent modules: the decoder generates trigger signals, the illumination control circuitry independently processes these triggers to control illumination sources, and the image sensor operates separately. This segmentation allows each component to function independently without increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If illumination control circuitry is made dependent on flash signal from image sensor, then illumination timing can be coordinated with exposure period, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dependency on flash signals from the illumination control circuitry. By using independent trigger signals from the decoder, the system eliminates the need for continuous monitoring and processing of flash signals, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable illumination timing coordination.
3Reliability
If image sensor malfunctions and does not provide flash signal at proper time, then illumination timing is affected, but having dependency makes system more vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts illumination control from dependency on image sensor flash signals. The illumination control circuitry now uses trigger signals from the decoder as its timing reference, completely independent of image sensor status. This eliminates vulnerability to image sensor malfunctions while maintaining accurate illumination timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by having the illumination control circuitry use the decoder's trigger signals as a backup timing reference that does not depend on image sensor functionality. This ensures that even if the image sensor malfunctions, the illumination timing remains accurate and reliable.
4Reliability
If illumination sources are activated based on flash signal, then illumination timing matches exposure period, but prolonged illumination can degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of illumination sources based on real-time trigger signals from the decoder. The illumination control circuitry can independently adjust illumination duration and timing without being constrained by fixed flash signal cycles, allowing optimization of illumination to prevent prolonged exposure that would degrade image quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces complexity and power consumption while ensuring reliable illumination timing, improving the overall performance and image quality by decimating frames affected by prolonged illumination.
Implementation Method 1
one or more illumination sources configured to generate illumination for illuminating a target area
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that includes a photosensor array... Light is reflected from the barcode toward the barcode reader. One or more lenses within the barcode reader focus an image of the barcode onto an image sensor, which is a two-dimensional array of photosensors (i.e., detectors that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation)
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reading device includes an image sensor comprising a photosensor array and control circuitry configured to control an exposure period for the photosensor array. The barcode reading device also includes one or more illumination sources configured to generate illumination for illuminating a target area. The barcode reading device also includes circuitry that is configured to read out image data from the photosensor array in response to a trigger signal. The circuitry is also configured to, independent of controlling the exposure period for the photosensor array, illuminate a target area by activating the one or more illumination sources in response to the trigger signal.