Dynamic Illumination Control for Barcode Image Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image identification apparatuses face issues with blown-out highlights due to excessive brightness, leading to defective image pickup of code symbols like barcodes, as existing systems lack effective control over illumination conditions during image capture.
Innovation Solution
An image identification apparatus with an illumination control unit that adjusts the light irradiation conditions by changing the position and number of LEDs turned on, synchronizing with image pickup timing to prevent blown-out highlights by determining and mitigating excessive white pixels in the acquired image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is irradiated from a light source to the code symbol to guarantee the brightness needed for image pickup, then the brightness for image pickup is improved, but blown-out highlights occur leading to defective image pickup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination unit adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the irradiation conditions (position and number of LEDs turned on) based on the image pickup timing and detected brightness levels, allowing the system to adapt to different code symbol brightness requirements while preventing blown-out highlights
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the illumination system by adjusting which LEDs are turned on and their irradiation intensity. The control unit modifies the illumination parameters (position, number of active LEDs) based on detected brightness levels, transforming the static illumination system into a variable one that optimizes brightness without causing blown-out highlights
2Measurement precision
If the position and number of LEDs turned on are adjusted to control illumination, then the precision of image pickup is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the image pickup unit and control unit to automatically detect brightness levels and adjust the illumination unit accordingly. The system self-regulates the illumination conditions based on the actual brightness requirements, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining simple operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit detect the brightness of the code symbol and use this information to adjust the illumination unit's irradiation conditions. The system continuously monitors the brightness level and modifies the LED configuration based on the detected values, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes image pickup precision
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
Effectively prevents blown-out highlights by dynamically adjusting the light distribution, ensuring accurate image capture of code symbols and preventing defective image pickup.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit configured to irradiate light towards the image pickup area of the image pickup unit
Implementation Method 2
a CCD (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor) image pickup element pickups the image of a code symbol
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image identification apparatus comprises an image pickup unit, an illumination unit, an illumination control unit and an identification unit. The image pickup unit configured to pickup an image of an identified object. The illumination unit configured to irradiate light towards the image pickup area of the image pickup unit. The illumination control unit configured to change the irradiation condition of the illumination unit in accordance with the image pickup timing of the image pickup unit. The identification unit configured to identify the identified object according to the image picked-up by the image pickup unit.