Hybrid Fixed-Focus Barcode Reading with Ranging Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode reading systems often provide inaccurate distance information due to reflective surfaces, leading to out-of-focus images and unsuccessful barcode decoding, which wastes time and resources.
Innovation Solution
Implement a hybrid fixed focus method that compares ranging operation distance values with a threshold value, adjusting illumination and focus parameters accordingly to capture clear images, and includes bracketing and ramping operations to ensure successful decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a ranging operation is performed to determine distance for focus adjustment, then image capture speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to light reflection from glass surfaces, apertures, or suspended objects causing incorrect distance information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism between the ranging operation and focus adjustment. A validator component checks whether the measured distance is reasonable based on environmental context, object type, and historical data. This intermediary layer prevents incorrect distance measurements from directly causing wrong focus adjustments, resolving the contradiction by filtering out erroneous ranging data while maintaining fast capture speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the results of image capture and barcode decoding are fed back to validate the ranging operation. If the captured image is out-of-focus or barcode decoding fails, the system uses this feedback to adjust focus parameters or re-perform ranging, thereby correcting measurement errors while maintaining overall system efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple successive ranging operations and image captures are performed to obtain an in-focus image, then measurement accuracy is improved through validation, but time consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation of ranging operations before committing to full image capture sequences. The validator checks distance measurements against expected ranges and environmental conditions in advance. If the preliminary check passes, the system proceeds with confidence to capture images, avoiding unnecessary retry cycles and reducing time loss while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of retry attempts and validation strictness based on the situation. For critical applications or uncertain measurements, it performs more validation checks. For routine captures with high confidence measurements, it reduces validation overhead. This dynamic approach balances measurement accuracy with time efficiency adaptively.
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 reduces time and resource consumption by quickly capturing in-focus images, improving barcode decoding success rates and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
energizing an illumination assembly to provide illumination of the field of view
Implementation Method 2
capturing, by the imaging assembly, a first set of one or more images comprising image data of an environment appearing in the field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for providing a hybrid fixed focus during operation of an indicia reader. An example system includes at least one imaging assembly; controller; and one or more processors configured to (a) initiate a ranging operation; (b) determine a range value associated with a distance between the imaging assembly and an object; (c) retrieve a threshold range value from memory; (d) compare the range value to the threshold range value; (e) initiate a hybrid fixed focus operation comprising: (i) energizing an illumination assembly to provide illumination; and (ii) capturing a first set of images at a fixed focus position corresponding to the range value responsive to the range value not exceeding the threshold range value, and the fixed focus position corresponding to the threshold range value responsive to the range value exceeding the threshold value; and (f) terminate the hybrid fixed focus operation based upon a termination signal.