Dynamic Polarizer Barcode Decoding Through Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging scanners face challenges in reading barcodes through reflective surfaces like glass, plastic, or shrink wrap due to surface reflection, which can suppress the reflected signal, and require omni-directional capabilities to handle varying surface geometries, where single polarization may not adequately minimize reflections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dynamic linear polarizer in the imaging scanner that captures images with different polarization directions during each time period, allowing the scanner to adapt and reduce reflection by altering light polarization with every frame, and optionally using an auxiliary dynamic linear polarizer for illumination, enabling effective barcode decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single polarization direction is used for imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to minimize surface reflections and handle varying surface geometries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linear polarizer that can change its polarization direction over time, allowing the imaging scanner to adapt to different surface geometries and reflection angles. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to minimize surface reflections by orienting the polarization perpendicular to the reflection plane, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging scanner captures a sequence of images with the polarizer rotating through different polarization directions during the capture period. This periodic action allows the system to sample multiple polarization states, enabling effective barcode decoding through reflective surfaces by selecting the optimal polarization angle that minimizes reflection interference.
2Reliability
If images are captured with multiple polarization directions, then surface reflection is minimized and barcode decoding reliability is improved, but the loss of time for capturing and processing multiple images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures multiple images with different polarization directions in rapid succession during a single scanning operation. By using periodic action to rotate the polarizer and capture images at different polarization states, the system achieves reliable barcode decoding through reflective surfaces while minimizing the total time required, as all images are captured in one continuous operation rather than requiring separate scanning passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple polarization-state images into a single decoded result by processing the sequence of images captured during the scanning operation. This merging approach allows the system to leverage information from multiple polarization directions simultaneously, improving decoding reliability without requiring sequential processing of separate image sets, thereby reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the polarizer is rotated to different directions during image capture, then the ability to read barcodes through reflective surfaces is enhanced, but the device complexity and control synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic linear polarizer that rotates to different directions during the image capture sequence, enabling the system to adapt to varying surface geometries and minimize reflections. This dynamic control mechanism, while increasing device complexity, provides the necessary adaptability to handle diverse reflective surfaces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to synchronize the polarizer rotation with the image capture and processing operations. By monitoring the polarization state during capture and coordinating the processing sequence accordingly, the system manages the increased complexity through automated feedback mechanisms, ensuring proper timing and synchronization without requiring manual intervention.
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 scanner's ability to read barcodes through reflective surfaces by minimizing surface reflection and accommodating varying surface geometries, ensuring reliable barcode decoding by capturing and processing images with multiple polarization settings.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic linear polarizer (110) positioned in the optical path of the imaging sensor. The dynamic linear polarizer (110) is configured to block light with polarization perpendicular to a defined polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
an imaging sensor (62) positioned behind an imaging lens arrangement (60)... The imaging sensor generally includes a plurality of photosensitive elements or pixels
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary dynamic linear polarizer (120), and an imaging sensor (62)... projecting illumination light on the target object through the auxiliary dynamic linear polarizer (120)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of decoding one or more barcodes on a target object with an imaging scanner is described. The imaging scanner comprises an image sensor and a dynamic linear polarizer. The method includes the following: (1) capturing at least one image of the target object through the dynamic linear polarizer with the imaging sensor while the dynamic linear polarizer is set to a different defined polarization during each of N time periods; and (2) processing at least N images of the target object to decode the one or more barcodes on the target object. At least one image that is captured during each of the N time periods. Here, N is an integer that can be three, four, five, six, or other natural numbers.