Imaging Module Parameter Setting via Preliminary Light Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems are inefficient in setting optimum imaging parameters for both far-out and close-in targets, requiring repetitive processes that slow down reader performance when using multiple imagers over varying working distances.
Innovation Solution
An imaging module with a control system that rapidly sets imaging parameters by capturing a minor portion of the image, determining light intensity, and automatically adjusting exposure and gain values for both near and far imagers based on previously set parameters, using a look-up table and known f-stop and light responsivity values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same reader uses multiple imagers for different working distances, then the reader can read both far-out and close-in targets, but the time required to set imaging parameters increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing a minor portion of the image (e.g., center region) to determine light intensity level before setting imaging parameters. This preliminary measurement allows the system to pre-determine appropriate exposure and gain values without waiting for complete image capture and analysis, significantly reducing parameter setting time while maintaining adaptability across different working distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image capture process by analyzing only a minor portion (segment) of the image to determine light intensity. This segmentation allows the system to obtain sufficient information for parameter setting without processing the entire image, thereby reducing the time required to set imaging parameters for multiple imagers
2Measurement precision
If the system captures entire images to analyze brightness for setting parameters, then accurate parameter setting is achieved, but the process becomes slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (light intensity level) from a minor portion of the image rather than analyzing the entire image. By taking out just the central region or selected segments for brightness analysis, the system maintains sufficient measurement precision for parameter setting while dramatically improving processing speed and productivity
3Reliability
If the system repeats the parameter setting process for each imager, then each imager is optimally configured, but reader performance becomes sluggish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the light intensity level determined from one imager's minor portion capture to set parameters for multiple imagers. The control system uses the determined light intensity level and known f-stop and light responsivity values to calculate appropriate parameters for other imagers, allowing a single measurement to serve multiple configuration purposes and eliminating repetitive analysis cycles
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 allows for rapid and efficient setting of imaging parameters, reducing the time needed to read targets successfully across a range of working distances, enhancing reader performance by minimizing the need for repetitive analysis and switching between imagers.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly having a solid-state imager or imaging sensor with an imaging array of photocells or light sensors, which correspond to image elements or pixels in an imaging field of view of the imager, and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged, and for projecting the return light onto the array to initiate capture of an image of the target
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging reader has near and far imagers for imaging targets to be read over a range of working distances. A default imager captures a minor portion of an image of the target, and rapidly determines its light intensity level. The exposure and/or gain values of the default imager are set to predetermined values based on the determined light intensity level. If the target is not decoded by the default imager, then the exposure and/or gain values of another imager are set to predetermined values based on the exposure and/or gain values that were previously set for the default imager.