Color Imager Optical Code Reader Wavelength Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical code readers using color imagers struggle with high-speed decoding and high-resolution imaging due to the limitations of monochrome imagers and the inefficiencies of color imagers in capturing optical codes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A color image sensor array with red, green, and blue sensor pixels is used, along with tailored illumination sources and a data processing system to optimize light sensitivity and efficiency, allowing for the selection of the most suitable image data for decoding optical codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monochrome imager is used to achieve uniform sensitivity for decoding optical codes, then decoding reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and availability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of imager type from monochrome to color, and introduces wavelength-selective illumination to compensate. By controlling the illumination wavelength to match the color imager's sensitivity peaks, the system achieves uniform effective sensitivity across the code area while using a more available and less expensive color imager.
2Ease of manufacture
If a color imager is used to reduce cost and improve availability, then manufacturing ease is improved, but decoding speed and imaging resolution are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter (wavelength) to match the color imager's spectral sensitivity characteristics. By illuminating at wavelengths where the color imager has peak sensitivity, the system maximizes the signal strength and contrast, enabling faster decoding speeds comparable to monochrome imagers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration to determine the optimal illumination wavelength for the specific color imager being used. This pre-determined wavelength information is stored and used during operation to ensure optimal performance without requiring real-time wavelength adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If a color imager is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing ease is improved, but imaging resolution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination wavelength parameter to align with the color imager's sensitivity peaks. This wavelength optimization enhances the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio of the captured image, thereby improving the effective imaging resolution and edge detection accuracy despite using a color imager.
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 light efficiency and sensitivity of optical code readers, enabling effective high-speed decoding and high-resolution imaging by selecting the appropriate color channel for optimal code recognition.
Implementation Method 1
light reflected off an optical code toward an optical system of the optical code reader
Implementation Method 2
A color image sensor array is provided which includes a first set and a second set of sensor pixels that are sensitive to light having wavelengths within, respectively, a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band
Implementation Method 3
The optical system focuses the reflected light to form an image of the optical code on the color image sensor array
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical code reader comprising:a color image sensor (102) array including:a first set of sensor pixels sensitive to a first wavelength of light, and a second set of sensor pixels sensitive to a second wavelength of light different from the first wavelength of light; and optics (1404) operable to form on the color image sensor array a first image of a first view of an object and a second image of a second view of the object, wherein the first image is formed by light of the first wavelength emanating from the first view and the second image is formed by light of the second wavelength emanating from the second view, the optics substantially excluding from the first image light of the second wavelength emanating from the first view and substantially excluding from the second image light of the first wavelength emanating from the second view to thereby enable the sensor pixels of the first set to sense the first image without substantially sensing the second image and the sensor pixels of the second set to sense the second image without substantially sensing the first image.