Imaging Reader Controller Field of View Margin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging readers lack precise visual feedback for ensuring that the entire bar code symbol is within the field of view, leading to increased chances of short reads and mis-decodes, especially in weak symbologies, due to the passive nature of imagers and the inefficiency of existing aiming light pattern generators in high ambient light and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the imaging reader automatically determines whether the symbol image is entirely within the field of view by establishing predetermined margin distances between symbol boundaries and field boundaries, ensuring that the symbol is fully captured before processing, thereby preventing short reads and mis-decodes without the need for complex aiming light generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an imager-based reader is used to capture symbols, then the reader can capture images of symbols at various distances and orientations, but the user cannot tell whether the entire symbol is within the field of view, leading to short reads and mis-decodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual feedback mechanisms (aiming reticles, crosshairs, or framed patterns) that are superimposed on the captured image to indicate the field of view boundaries. This feedback loop allows users to adjust their positioning to ensure the entire symbol is captured within the field of view, thereby preventing short reads and mis-decodes while maintaining the versatility of the imager-based system.
2Ease of operation
If aiming light pattern generators are used to provide visual feedback, then users can see where the field of view is located, but the generators consume appreciable electrical power and occupy non-negligible volume
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical aiming light generators that emit light patterns, the patent creates a visual copy or representation of the field of view by superimposing graphical elements (reticles, crosshairs, or framed patterns) directly on the captured image display. This virtual aiming aid provides the necessary visual feedback without requiring additional light-emitting components, thereby eliminating the associated power consumption and volume constraints.
3Ease of operation
If aiming light pattern generators are used to provide visual feedback, then users can see where the field of view is located, but the generators are not well visible in high ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a display-based approach where the field of view is represented by graphical overlays (reticles, crosshairs, or framed patterns) superimposed on the captured image. These graphical elements are rendered on a display screen that can adjust its brightness and contrast independently of ambient light conditions, ensuring consistent visibility of the aiming feedback regardless of whether the user is operating in bright sunlight or dim lighting conditions.
4Area of stationary object
If the imager field of view is enlarged to capture more of the symbol, then more of the symbol can be captured, but the resolution of the captured image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic field of view adjustment mechanism that allows the imager to automatically or manually change its field of view size based on the detected symbol characteristics. When a symbol is detected, the system can zoom in to capture the entire symbol at high resolution, or adjust the field of view to accommodate symbols of varying sizes while maintaining adequate resolution through intelligent control of the imager's focal plane and sensor array.
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 reduces the occurrence of short reads and mis-decodes by ensuring the entire symbol is captured within the field of view, improving reading accuracy without the power and size burdens of traditional aiming light generators, especially in high ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state imager including an array of image sensors for capturing light from the target in the range of working distances over a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging reader for reading a coded symbol located in a range of working distances from the reader, a solid-state imager captures light from the symbol over a field of view, and a controller automatically determines whether an image of the symbol is located entirely within the field of view of the imager, and processes the symbol only when the symbol image is located entirely within the field of view of the imager.