Imaging Module with Dual Imagers and Range Finder for Fast Parameter Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face inefficiencies in rapidly and reliably setting imaging parameters and illumination levels for both far-out and close-in targets, leading to sluggish reader performance when trying to read targets over a range of working distances.
Innovation Solution
An imaging module with a near imager for wide fields and a far imager for narrow fields, along with a range finder and a main controller, captures a minor image portion to determine light intensity and distance, selects the appropriate imager, and adjusts exposure and gain values based on pre-stored look-up table values, allowing for rapid and efficient imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the imager captures and analyzes the entire image to set imaging parameters, then the imaging parameters can be optimized, but the process becomes very slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple zones (first zone and second zone) with different analysis priorities. The controller analyzes the first zone (containing the target) more thoroughly to set imaging parameters, while the second zone receives less intensive analysis, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining parameter optimization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by analyzing only the necessary portion of the image (the first zone containing the target) rather than the entire image. This selective analysis approach achieves sufficient imaging parameter optimization without the computational burden of processing all image data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imagers are used for different working distances, then targets at various distances can be read reliably, but the process of setting parameters for each imager becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores optimal imaging parameters for different zones and conditions in memory. When reading a target, the controller quickly retrieves pre-determined parameters based on the identified zone rather than performing time-consuming real-time optimization for each imager, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing parameter setting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a representative sample (minor portion of image in first zone) to determine lighting conditions and set parameters for the entire imaging process. This copying approach from a small representative sample to the whole system avoids repeated full-image analysis for each imager.
3Illumination intensity
If exposure and gain values are increased to improve image brightness, then the captured image brightness increases, but the signal-to-noise ratio may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different imaging parameters (exposure and gain values) to different zones based on their specific lighting conditions. The first zone (containing the target) receives optimized parameters tailored to its local lighting, while the second zone uses different parameters suited to its conditions, thereby achieving good image brightness without unnecessary noise amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure and gain parameters based on the analyzed lighting conditions of the target zone. Rather than using fixed high values, the controller selects from pre-stored parameter sets that match the actual lighting conditions, optimizing image brightness while maintaining acceptable signal-to-noise ratios.
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 enables rapid and efficient setting of imaging parameters, improving reader performance by allowing the same reader to reliably capture images of targets at varying distances with optimized illumination levels, reducing the need for repeated image capture and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged
Implementation Method 2
an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged
Implementation Method 3
the imaging module generally also includes an illuminating light assembly for illuminating the target with illumination light
Implementation Method 4
a one- or two-dimensional charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device and associated circuits for producing and processing electronic signals corresponding to a one- or two-dimensional array of pixel data
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging reader has near and far imagers for imaging illuminated targets to be read over a range of working distances. A range finder determines a distance to a target. A default imager captures a minor portion of an image of the target, and rapidly determines its light intensity level. At least one of the imagers is selected based on the determined distance and/or the determined light intensity level. The exposure and/or gain of the selected imager is set to a predetermined value, and an illumination level is determined, also based on the determined light intensity level and/or the determined distance. The selected imager, which has been set with the predetermined value, captures an image of the target, which has been illuminated at the illumination light level.