Dual Illumination Exposure Control for Indicia Reading Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading terminals face challenges in reading decodable indicia across a range of scanning environments, particularly in moderate to low ambient light conditions and varying depth of field, due to limitations in illumination and exposure control configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual illumination and exposure control configuration in an indicia reading terminal, where the first configuration optimizes for motion tolerance with higher average energization levels and shorter exposure periods, and the second configuration optimizes for depth of field with lower average energization levels and longer exposure periods, allowing the terminal to adapt to different environments through a trigger-activated switching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single illumination and exposure control configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different scanning environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two illumination and exposure control configurations based on detected motion conditions. The system transitions from a static single-configuration design to a dynamic multi-configuration system that adapts to varying environmental conditions, specifically switching between first and second configurations based on motion detection thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by implementing two distinct illumination and exposure control configurations with different characteristics. The first configuration uses higher average illuminator energization levels and shorter exposure periods, while the second configuration uses lower energization levels and longer exposure periods, allowing optimization for different scanning scenarios.
2Reliability
If higher average illuminator energization levels and shorter exposure periods are used, then motion tolerance is improved, but depth of field capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts illumination and exposure parameters based on detected motion conditions. When motion is detected above a threshold, the system switches to the first configuration optimized for motion tolerance. When motion is below the threshold, it switches to the second configuration optimized for depth of field, thereby dynamically resolving the contradiction between motion tolerance and depth of field capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements two distinct parameter sets: the first configuration uses higher average illuminator energization levels and shorter exposure periods for motion tolerance, while the second configuration uses lower energization levels and longer exposure periods for depth of field optimization. The system selects the appropriate parameter set based on environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If lower average illuminator energization levels and longer exposure periods are used, then depth of field capability is improved, but motion tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motion detection to dynamically select between configurations. When motion is detected below the threshold, the system activates the second configuration with lower energization levels and longer exposure periods to optimize depth of field. When motion exceeds the threshold, it switches to the first configuration, thereby dynamically resolving the contradiction between depth of field and motion tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by switching between two configurations: the second configuration uses lower average illuminator energization levels and longer exposure periods for depth of field optimization, while the first configuration uses higher energization levels and shorter exposure periods for motion tolerance. The appropriate parameters are selected based on detected motion conditions.
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 enables the terminal to read decodable indicia in an expanded range of scanning environments, improving motion tolerance and depth of field capabilities, thereby enhancing its operational flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging subsystem including an image sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor array
Implementation Method 2
an illumination subsystem for projection of an illumination pattern; the illumination subsystem having one or more light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having a first illumination and exposure control configuration and a second illumination and exposure control configuration, the first illumination and control configuration having a first associated illumination control and a first associated exposure control, the second illumination and exposure control configuration having a second associated illumination control and a second associated exposure control, wherein with the first illumination control active an average energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure of one or more frames is higher than with the second illumination control active, and wherein with the first exposure control active an average exposure period of the image sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control active.