Imaging Device Aimer Timing Control for Barcode Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indicia reading terminals face issues with the capture of aiming patterns in images, which interfere with barcode decoding due to the use of a single output signal controlling both illumination and aiming, and the metal mask in global shutter image sensors allowing light leakage, especially with bright laser aimers.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a controlled aimer subsystem and imaging subsystem to inhibit or remove the aiming pattern from captured images by adjusting the timing of the aimer relative to image exposure, and utilizes separate timing controllers for the aimer and illumination, and image processing to remove artifacts caused by the aiming pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single output signal is used to control both illumination light source and aimer, then device complexity is reduced, but the aiming pattern appears in captured images interfering with barcode decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate control signals: one for the illumination light source and another for the aimer. This segmentation allows independent timing control of each component, preventing the aimer pattern from being captured during image exposure while maintaining simplified overall device architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If a global shutter image sensor with metal mask is used, then motion blur artifacts are reduced, but light leaks onto storage node capacitor during readout time causing aimer pattern capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates the aimer after the image exposure is complete and before the next exposure begins. This preliminary timing arrangement ensures that when the metal mask is present during readout, the aimer is not active, preventing light leakage onto the storage node capacitor while maintaining the benefits of global shutter operation.
3Illumination intensity
If a bright laser aimer is used, then aiming visibility is improved, but light leakage through metal mask becomes significant causing pattern capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic activation of the laser aimer, turning it on only during specific intervals when the image sensor is not exposed and when the metal mask is not present. This periodic action maintains high visibility when needed while preventing light leakage during critical sensing periods.
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 solution effectively prevents the capture of aiming patterns during image exposure, enhancing the ability to decode decodable indicia across various environments and reducing light leakage issues, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of barcode reading.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor array and an imaging optics assembly operative for focusing an image onto the image sensor array
Implementation Method 2
an aimer subsystem operative for projecting an aiming pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining an image indicia includes performing one or more exposures of an imager to capture one or more images, and controlling active portions of an aiming pattern to inhibit capture of the aiming pattern in the one or more captured images or removing the aiming pattern from the one or more captured images. An attempted may be made to decode one or more decodable indicia utilizing the one or more captured images.