Imager Segmentation for Reflective Surface Data Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
General-purpose data readers face difficulties in reliably reading optical codes on highly reflective surfaces due to saturation issues and inefficient resource allocation between reading modes for reflective and non-reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A data reader with an imager divided into portions for reading optical codes from highly reflective and non-reflective surfaces, controlled by a processor that manages illumination output and interleaves reading periods to minimize reflectivity issues and optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If artificial illumination is used to illuminate optical codes on reflective surfaces, then the image contrast is improved, but the image becomes saturated and all portions appear light or white
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is divided into multiple portions (e.g., first imager portion and second imager portion) that can operate independently. One portion is dedicated to reading non-reflective surfaces while another portion handles reflective surfaces, allowing each portion to be optimized for its specific surface type without causing saturation issues in the other
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the imager are assigned different reading modes optimized for specific surface types. The first imager portion uses settings optimized for non-reflective surfaces while the second imager portion uses settings optimized for reflective surfaces, allowing each local region of the imager to have the quality needed for its specific function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the data reader is configured to read both reflective and non-reflective surfaces, then the versatility is improved, but the resource allocation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is segmented into dedicated portions for different reading modes. The first imager portion is dedicated to non-reflective surfaces while the second imager portion is dedicated to reflective surfaces, allowing efficient resource allocation where each portion operates at full capacity for its specific function without wasting resources on incompatible surface types
Solution Approach 2:
The data reader system achieves universality by combining multiple specialized imager portions that can handle different surface types. While each portion is specialized, the overall system can read both reflective and non-reflective surfaces through the coordinated operation of its multi-functional components
3Device complexity
If the data reader uses a single imager for both reflective and non-reflective surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reading reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is divided into multiple portions that can operate independently for different surface types. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reading reliability by using optimized settings for each surface type while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The data reader dynamically switches between different imager portions based on the detected surface type. When a reflective surface is detected, the system activates the second imager portion with appropriate settings, while for non-reflective surfaces it uses the first imager portion, ensuring reliable reading across different 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
Enables efficient and versatile reading of optical codes from various surfaces, including highly reflective electronic devices and non-reflective items, by dynamically adjusting illumination and imager exposure to prevent saturation and ensure sufficient contrast.
Implementation Method 1
optical codes on, or under, a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface are typically difficult to decode using general-purpose data readers
Implementation Method 2
it may be advantageous to provide a source of illumination that illuminates the optical code or other scene being imaged, to provide the required signal response in the imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed systems and methods for a data reader operable to capture one or more images from items having a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface. The data reader includes a controller/processor in operative communication with an imager and an illumination system, where the controller/processor is programmed to selectively operate the imager and the illumination systems to interleave the data reader between a first reading period for reading items having a surface with little or no reflectivity and a second reading period for reading items having a surface with high reflectivity. In some embodiments, the items with highly reflective surfaces may include electronic devices, such as mobile phones.