Hybrid Monochrome Color Image Sensor Pixel Array Logarithmic Response Curve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensor based terminals face challenges in efficiently decoding indicia and capturing color frames, particularly in varying illumination conditions, due to limitations in pixel array configurations and response curves.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array with a logarithmic output response curve, allowing for adaptive switching between linear and logarithmic response states based on sensed conditions or operator input, enhances decoding accuracy and visual quality in both indicia decode and picture taking modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional linear response curve is used in the image sensor pixel array, then the decoding speed is fast in high illumination conditions, but the decoding accuracy deteriorates in low illumination conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the response curve adjustable between linear and logarithmic patterns based on illumination conditions. The system dynamically switches between response characteristics to optimize performance: logarithmic pattern for low illumination (improving accuracy) and linear pattern for high illumination (maintaining speed), thus resolving the contradiction between decoding accuracy and decoding speed across varying lighting environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the response curve parameter from fixed linear to variable (linear or logarithmic) based on illumination level. By modifying the output response characteristic of the image sensor pixel array, the system adapts to different illumination conditions, improving decoding accuracy in low light while maintaining operational efficiency across all conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a hybrid monochrome and color pixel array is used, then the visual quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the image sensor pixel array to serve multiple functions: monochrome pixels for high-speed decoding and luminance detection, and color pixels for visual quality and color information. This multi-functional pixel array configuration allows the system to achieve both fast decoding and high visual quality without requiring separate sensor systems, thus managing complexity while enhancing performance.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor operates in logarithmic response state for all conditions, then the decoding accuracy is improved in low illumination, but the overall productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically selecting the response pattern based on actual illumination conditions. The system uses logarithmic response state only when low illumination is detected (improving decoding accuracy when needed), and switches to linear response state under high illumination conditions (maintaining overall processing speed). This dynamic adaptation prevents the productivity penalty of using logarithmic response universally while preserving its accuracy benefits in low light.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal having an image sensor pixel array incorporated therein, wherein the terminal is operative for decoding of decodable indicia and for providing color frames of image data for storage or transmission. An image sensor based terminal in one embodiment can include an image sensor having a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array wherein the image sensor pixel array includes a first subset of monochrome pixels and a second subset of color pixels. In one embodiment, an output response curve for the image sensor pixel array can include a logarithmic pattern.