Multi-Sensor Barcode Scanner Dummy Illumination Pulses for Flicker Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-sensor barcode scanners using global shutter sensors experience noticeable illumination flicker due to mismatched illumination pulses, particularly during transitions between imaging assemblies, leading to user annoyance and potential system faults.
Innovation Solution
Inserting dummy illumination pulses during transitions between sensor sequences to mitigate perceived illumination flicker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a global shutter sensor is used with pulsed illumination to capture frames in multi-sensor barcode scanners, then image capture capability is improved, but illumination flicker becomes noticeable to users during transitions between imaging assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by inserting dummy illumination pulses during transitions between sensor sequences and imaging assemblies. These dummy pulses are inserted before actual frame capture to ensure continuous illumination, preventing the flicker effect that would otherwise occur during sequence transitions and restarts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of illumination by ensuring that dummy illumination pulses bridge the gaps between actual illumination pulses during transitions. This creates a continuous illumination sequence that eliminates perceived flicker while maintaining the pulsed illumination mode required for global shutter sensor operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If illumination pulses are increased to maintain continuous lighting during transitions, then perceived flicker is reduced, but system delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by inserting only the necessary dummy illumination pulses during transitions rather than continuously. The dummy pulses are inserted selectively during transition periods between sensor sequences, providing just enough additional illumination to prevent flicker without unnecessarily extending the overall scanning time or introducing excessive delays.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dummy illumination pulses are inserted during transitions between sensor sequences, then perceived flicker is reduced, but illumination circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination circuitry serves itself by using the existing pulsed illumination infrastructure to generate both actual and dummy illumination pulses. The system leverages the already-present illumination LEDs and control circuitry to insert dummy pulses during transitions, rather than requiring separate dedicated illumination sources or complex additional circuitry specifically for flicker reduction.
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
Maintains consistent illumination patterns, reducing user-perceived flicker and avoiding system delays or faults by ensuring continuous illumination.
Implementation Method 1
each of these assemblies is commonly configured to operate with a respective illumination source like an LED or LED array
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for reducing perceived flickering in multi-sensor barcode scanners. The proposed solution introduces a dummy illumination pulse during transitions between sensors or frames, mitigating noticeable flicker. The timing, duration, and spacing of the dummy pulse are calculated based on factors such as the next expected exposure, frame rate, and/or previous exposure. This solution can be applied to a variety of barcode scanners, including those with different sensors for near and far scanning or those using different LEDs for capturing frames. The system also potentially includes an illumination boost circuitry that recharges during the generation of the dummy illumination pulse, preventing system faults. The method offers an effective solution to illumination flicker in multi-sensor barcode scanners without causing unnecessary delays or system errors.