Imaging Workstation Code Reading Specular Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging workstations face challenges in reading electronic codes due to specular reflection of illumination light from glass panes of mobile electronic devices, which blinds the image sensor and compromises reading performance.
Innovation Solution
The workstation employs an adjustable frame rate imager with separate exposure times for printed and electronic codes, illuminating printed codes briefly and reading electronic codes without illumination to prevent specular reflection interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If illumination light is used to read electronic codes on display screens, then the image sensor can capture the code, but specular reflection from the glass pane blinds the image sensor and compromises reading performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination light system adjustable and controllable. The controller selectively activates the illumination light system only when reading printed codes, and deactivates it when reading electronic codes on display screens. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different reading scenarios, enabling reliable reading of electronic codes without specular reflection interference while maintaining the ability to read printed codes with illumination when needed.
2Reliability
If illumination light system is continuously activated to ensure reading capability, then reading reliability is maintained, but energy is wasted and component lifetime is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the illumination light system to operate only during specific periods when printed codes need to be read. The controller activates the illumination light system intermittently based on detection of the target type, rather than keeping it continuously on. This periodic operation maintains reading capability for printed codes while significantly reducing energy consumption and extending component lifetime compared to continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If illumination light is used for all code reading operations, then printed codes can be read effectively, but electronic codes suffer from specular reflection that blinds the image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying different illumination conditions to different reading scenarios. The controller detects the type of target (printed code vs. electronic code on display screen) and selectively applies illumination light only to printed codes while excluding electronic codes from illumination. This localized application of illumination quality ensures high reading accuracy for printed codes without introducing specular reflection interference for electronic codes.
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 fast and robust reading of printed codes while effectively avoiding the deleterious effects of specular reflection, ensuring successful reading of electronic codes without the need for repeated attempts or manual data entry.
Implementation Method 1
sensing return light returning through a window of the workstation from a target being imaged
Implementation Method 2
an illuminating light system for illuminating the target with illumination light from an illumination light source, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), through the window of the workstation
Implementation Method 3
capturing return ambient and/or illumination light scattered and/or reflected from the target through the window
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for, and method of, imaging printed and electronic codes associated with transactions or objects to be processed, support a window on a housing, illuminate the codes through the window with illumination light from an energizable illumination system, capture return illumination light from the illuminated codes through the window with an array of light sensors looking at a field of view of a solid-state, exposable imager, and process the captured return illumination light. A printed code is read by exposing the imager for a first exposure time and by also energizing the illumination system during the first exposure time. An electronic code is read by exposing the imager for a second exposure time that is longer than the first exposure time and by also deenergizing the illumination system during the second exposure time.