Barcode Reader Illumination Adaptation and Pre-processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current barcode readers face challenges in efficiently processing images of barcodes, particularly in handling variations in surface types and distances, leading to suboptimal illumination and decoding accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader system incorporating multiple illumination systems and pre-processing circuits that perform functions like cropping, binning, subsampling, rotating, binarizing, and convolving to enhance image quality and decoding accuracy, with a processor and memory for executing decoding algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single illumination system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination quality varies for different surface types and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent illumination sources, each configured to illuminate different surface types (e.g., reflective, absorbent, transparent surfaces) or different distance ranges. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various barcode conditions without requiring a completely redesign for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system incorporates dynamically controllable parameters such as adjustable intensity, wavelength, and timing for each illumination source. The system can dynamically select and adjust the appropriate illumination characteristics based on the detected surface type and distance, enabling adaptability without physical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If no pre-processing circuits are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the decoding accuracy for varied barcode conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-processing circuits perform preliminary image processing operations such as noise reduction, contrast enhancement, and feature extraction before the main decoding process. This preliminary action prepares the image data to improve decoding accuracy for various barcode conditions without requiring complex post-processing or re-capture operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-processing circuits act as an intermediary between the image sensor and the decoder, transforming raw image data into optimized data formats that enhance decoding performance. These circuits mediate the transition from varied and potentially degraded image inputs to standardized, decoder-friendly data representations.
3Productivity
If multiple illumination systems and pre-processing circuits are implemented, then the reading efficiency for various barcode conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple illumination sources and pre-processing circuits are designed with universal functionality to handle various barcode types, surface conditions, and distances through a single integrated system. The system can universally adapt to different scenarios by selecting and combining appropriate illumination and processing functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system improves reading efficiency by dynamically changing parameters such as illumination intensity, wavelength, exposure time, and processing algorithms based on the detected barcode conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each specific scenario without requiring physical hardware changes for each condition.
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
The system improves barcode reading efficiency by providing optimal illumination and advanced image processing, enabling accurate decoding of barcodes on various surfaces and at different distances, enhancing overall reading performance.
Implementation Method 1
The camera includes a focusing lens that focuses light reflected from a target area onto a photo sensor array
Implementation Method 2
The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reader may include an image sensor array, an optic system, an image buffer, and a plurality of pre-processing circuits implemented in hardware. The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array. The plurality of pre-processing circuits may collectively implement a plurality of different image processing functions. Each pre-processing circuit may be configured to receive as input an image frame from the image sensor array or an image data record from the image buffer. The image data record may be derived from the image frame. Each pre-processing circuit may also be configured to perform an image processing function with respect to the image frame or the image data record, thereby generating a new image data record. A decoder may use at least one image data record to decode the barcode.