Handheld Imaging Reader Motion Sensor Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld imaging readers face challenges in capturing clear images of symbols due to operator movement and hand jitter, leading to blurred and noisy images, especially in dimly lit environments or at far ranges, as existing solutions rely on preset image capture parameters that are not optimal for all operators or applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, to dynamically adjust the illumination intensity and exposure time in real-time, using a light emitting diode (LED) for illumination, and a solid-state imager with a CCD or CMOS sensor to optimize image capture parameters based on detected motion, thereby reducing image blur and enhancing reading performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the exposure time period is extended to capture more return light in dimly lit environments or at far range, then the image brightness is improved, but the image blur increases due to operator motion and hand jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exposure time period variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the exposure time period based on real-time detection of reader motion, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions. When motion is detected, the exposure time is reduced to minimize blur; when motion is minimal, the exposure time can be extended to capture sufficient light, thus resolving the contradiction between brightness and clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of exposure time period from a fixed preset value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By modifying this temporal parameter based on motion conditions, the system optimizes the balance between capturing enough light for brightness and limiting motion-induced blur, directly addressing the technical contradiction
2Illumination intensity
If the illumination intensity is increased to compensate for motion blur, then the image brightness is improved, but the noise in the image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination intensity is made dynamic and adjusted in real-time based on motion detection. Rather than using a fixed high intensity that always produces noise, the system varies the illumination intensity according to actual motion conditions, optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining sufficient brightness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous adjustment of illumination intensity throughout the imaging process, rather than using discrete fixed levels. This continuous adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal brightness while minimizing noise by adjusting illumination levels based on real-time motion feedback
3Manufacturing precision
If preset fixed image capture parameter values are used to reduce image blur, then the image clarity is improved for some operators, but the parameters are not optimal for all operators or applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback by using a motion sensor to detect reader motion and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts image capture parameters based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to each operator's handling characteristics rather than relying on preset fixed values, thus achieving both clarity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of imaging parameters based on its own motion detection capabilities. Rather than requiring manual configuration for different operators or applications, the system automatically senses its own motion state and optimizes parameters accordingly, making the system universally adaptable without losing image quality
4Illumination intensity
If the illumination time period is extended to improve image brightness, then the reading performance is improved, but the susceptibility to motion-induced blur increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination time period is dynamically adjusted based on real-time motion detection rather than being fixed. This allows the system to extend illumination time when motion is minimal (improving brightness) and reduce it when motion is detected (maintaining reliability), thus resolving the contradiction between brightness and reading success rate across different operating 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
This approach effectively minimizes image blur and noise, ensuring optimal brightness and depth of field, thereby improving the reading performance of symbols, especially high-density codes located far from the reader, by dynamically adjusting image capture parameters in response to operator motion.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, to dynamically adjust the illumination intensity and exposure time in real-time
Implementation Method 2
using a light emitting diode (LED) for illumination
Implementation Method 3
a solid-state imager with a CCD or CMOS sensor to optimize image capture parameters
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
An arrangement for, and a method of, reducing image blur in response to motion of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, employs an illuminating light assembly (10) supported by the reader for illuminating a symbol with illumination light having an intensity level over an illumination time period, a solid-state imager (24) supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view over an exposure time period, a motion sensor (14), such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, supported by the reader for detecting the motion of the reader, and for generating a motion signal in response to the detected motion of the reader, and a controller (36) operatively connected to the motion sensor, for dynamically controlling at least one of the time periods and the intensity level in real time in response to the motion signal to optimally image the symbol.