Barcode Reading System Using Multi-Band Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices with cameras lack efficient barcode reading capabilities due to suboptimal illumination and image processing techniques, leading to difficulties in accurately decoding barcodes in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading system for mobile devices that includes a processor, memory, a camera with a color image capture system, and a white light source generating multiple bands of illumination. This system uses an optic system with an optical filter and collimating optics to create a targeting illumination pattern, and a barcode reading application that captures and processes images to generate a grayscale composite image for improved barcode decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a white light source generates multiple bands of illumination for barcode reading, then the adaptability to different barcode types and environments is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for optical filters and collimating optics
Solution Approach 1:
The white light source is divided into multiple discrete wavelength bands (first band, second band, third band, and fourth band), each targeted by specific optical filters. This segmentation allows the system to selectively illuminate different barcode types (colorful, black-and-white, fluorescent) with appropriate wavelength ranges, improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular filter design
Solution Approach 2:
Optical filters serve as intermediaries between the white light source and the barcode target, selectively transmitting specific wavelength bands. The collimating optics act as another intermediary to shape and direct the illumination. These intermediary components enable multi-band illumination without requiring separate light sources for each band, thus improving versatility while controlling overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If an optical filter passes a fourth band of illumination and a collimating optic narrows the field of illumination, then the measurement precision of barcode decoding is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to filtering and collimation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is designed to pass the fourth band of illumination (to which a specific portion of the image sensor array is most sensitive) while blocking other bands. This local quality approach ensures that energy is concentrated in the most useful wavelength range for barcode detection, improving measurement precision. The collimating optic similarly concentrates illumination energy into a narrowed field, reducing waste and improving precision at the target area
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectral parameters of the illumination by using optical filters to select specific wavelength bands. The collimating optic changes the spatial parameters by narrowing the field of illumination. These parameter changes optimize the energy distribution to match the sensor's sensitivity profile, improving decoding precision while managing energy loss through targeted illumination
3Reliability
If the barcode reading application creates a grayscale composite image by combining sub-images with different weights, then the reliability of barcode decoding is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple sub-images (first sub-image, second sub-image, third sub-image) corresponding to different wavelength bands before composite image creation. Each sub-image is pre-processed and weighted according to its contribution to the final grayscale composite. This preliminary segmentation and weighting approach improves decoding reliability by allowing selective emphasis on the most informative wavelength bands while managing processing time through efficient algorithms
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of barcode reading by optimizing illumination and image processing, allowing for reliable decoding of barcodes in different conditions and enabling remote data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The optic system may include an optical filter for passing a fourth band of illumination generated by the white light source
Implementation Method 2
The optic system may also include a collimating optic for narrowing the field of illumination of the white light source to produce a targeting illumination pattern of the fourth band of illumination passed by the optical filter within the target area
Implementation Method 3
a camera including a color image capture system including an image sensor array for generating a color image of a target area
Data Source
AI summary
This patent specification describes a barcode-reading system for a mobile device. The mobile device includes a camera and a white illumination source on the backside of the mobile device. The system includes a barcode reading accessory with at least one reflective surface folding both the field of view of the camera and the field of illumination of the mobile device towards a target area beyond the top side of the mobile device.