Barcode Scanner Swipe Focus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-focus imaging scanners struggle to quickly and accurately capture and decode barcodes in hands-free operation modes, especially when barcodes are swiped at high speeds and over varying distances, due to their shallow depth of focus and slow focusing times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that initiates a swipe decode phase focusing at a predetermined swipe focus distance, and if no barcode is decoded within an expected time, transitioning to a re-presentation decode phase with sequential focusing at pre-determined distances from longer to shorter, allowing for faster image capture and decoding across the working distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional auto-focus systems are used in hands-free operation mode, then the imaging scanner can focus on each barcode, but the focusing time is too slow to capture high-speed swiped barcodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal focus distances corresponding to different barcode swipe scenarios before operation. When a barcode is detected, the system quickly retrieves the pre-determined focus distance rather than performing real-time auto-focus calculation, significantly reducing focusing time and enabling capture of high-speed swiped barcodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focus distance parameter based on detected barcode characteristics and swipe patterns. By adjusting the focus distance to match the specific swipe scenario rather than using a fixed or slow-calculated focus point, the system optimizes image capture speed and quality for high-speed barcode scanning.
2Ease of operation
If the working distance is increased to allow hands-free operation, then the scanner can operate without contact, but the depth of focus becomes shallower making accurate focusing more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-determines optimal focus distances for various working distances and barcode positions before operation. This allows the system to quickly switch between different focus settings based on detected barcode location, maintaining focus accuracy at increased working distances without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment where the focus distance is actively changed based on real-time detection of barcode position and swipe characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain accurate focus across varying working distances and swipe speeds, enabling effective hands-free operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging scanner uses a larger lens aperture for auto-focus capability, then focusing flexibility is improved, but the depth of focus becomes shallower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates optimal focus distances for different aperture settings and barcode scenarios. By having these focus parameters prepared in advance, the system can quickly select the appropriate focus distance when a barcode is detected, eliminating the need for slow real-time auto-focus adjustment and maintaining image quality despite the shallower depth of focus from larger apertures.
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 approach enhances the ability to capture and decode barcodes by optimizing focus settings for typical swipe distances and speeds, reducing user frustration and checkout time by leveraging pre-determined focus distances and parameters for improved image quality and barcode detection.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an object... capturing one or more images of an environment appearing within a field of view (FOV)
Implementation Method 2
controlling one or more focus components to focus the imaging scanner at a pre-determined, expected swipe focus distance
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for scanning swiped barcodes are disclosed. An example method includes in response to detecting an object, capturing first images while focused at a swipe focus distance representing a pre-determined expected swipe distance range within which a scan target is expected to be swiped across a FOV. In response to a barcode decoded based upon the first images, exiting the swipe decode phase. In response to no barcode decoded during a time period representing an expected amount of time during which a scan target is expected to be swiped across the FOV, exiting the swipe decode phase and initiating a re-presentation decode phase including sequentially focusing the imaging scanner at a plurality of pre-determined, re-presentation focus distances, capturing one or more second images at each of the plurality of pre-determined, re-presentation focus distances, and, attempting to decode a barcode in one or more of the second images.