Imaging Reader Resolution Feedback via Aiming Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging readers lack feedback mechanisms to ensure sufficient scanning resolution for non-symbol targets like documents, leading to blurry or illegible images, especially when used at distances where the scanning resolution is low, which can impact image quality for recognition software applications.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the target distance and scanning resolution using an aiming light pattern and a solid-state imager, comparing it to pre-set resolution settings to provide user feedback and adjust image capture accordingly, either rejecting low-resolution images or up/down-sampling them to meet minimum quality standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the reader is used at greater distances to increase working range, then the coverage area is improved, but the scanning resolution deteriorates leading to blurry or illegible images
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the distance to the target using the aiming light pattern position in the captured image, calculates the scanning resolution based on the known field of view and sensor dimensions, compares the calculated resolution with pre-stored minimum resolution requirements, and provides feedback to the user through visual or audible signals when the resolution is insufficient, guiding the user to adjust the distance or reposition the target
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores minimum scanning resolution requirements for different application types (e.g., 300 ppi for OCR, 100 ppi for facial recognition) in the controller memory before operation, allowing real-time comparison and immediate feedback without requiring complex calculations during the reading process
2Ease of operation
If the target distance is increased to read documents from farther away, then the ease of operation is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to lower scanning resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides real-time feedback to the user by comparing the calculated scanning resolution (based on target distance and sensor parameters) with pre-stored minimum resolution requirements, displaying visual or audible signals that guide the user to adjust the distance or reposition the target to achieve acceptable image quality
3Productivity
If the reader processes images without resolution verification, then the productivity is improved by faster processing, but the reliability deteriorates due to poor image quality for recognition software
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs resolution verification as a preliminary check before full image processing by comparing the calculated scanning resolution with pre-stored minimum requirements, rejecting obviously poor quality images early to avoid wasting processing resources while maintaining high reliability for recognition software applications
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
Ensures that captured images of non-symbol targets meet minimum resolution requirements, providing clear and sharp images by alerting users to adjust distances and enhancing image quality for applications like OCR or facial recognition.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly for capturing an image of the target and of the aiming light pattern over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured image
Implementation Method 2
an illuminating light assembly for illuminating the target with illumination light from an illuminating light source, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 3
an aiming light assembly for projecting an aiming light pattern or mark, such as a 'crosshair' pattern, with aiming light from an aiming light source, e.g., an aiming laser
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a target by image capture, employ an aiming assembly for projecting an aiming light pattern on the target that is located within a range of working distances relative to a housing, an imaging assembly for capturing an image of the target and of the aiming light pattern over a field of view, and a controller for determining a distance of the target relative to the housing based on a position of the aiming light pattern in the captured image, for determining a scanning resolution based on the determined distance, for comparing the determined scanning resolution with a scanning resolution setting, and for processing the captured image based on the comparison.