Indicia Reading Terminal Exposure Control via Decodable Region Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicia reading terminals face misreads and long trigger to read (TTR) times due to the prior art approach of averaging pixel values from a predetermined spatial distribution pattern, which is ineffective in handling large white or dark areas outside the decodable indicia region.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing image information to determine the location of decodable indicia, using autocorrelation scores to select relevant sampling paths, and adjusting exposure parameters based on these scores to capture subsequent frames of high visual quality, even in scenes with large white or dark areas outside the indicia region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pixel values from a predetermined spatial distribution pattern are averaged for exposure parameter determination, then the exposure parameter can be determined using a simple method, but misreads and long trigger to read (TTR) times occur due to large white or dark areas outside the decodable indicia region
Solution Approach 1:
The image frame is segmented into multiple regions including a decodable indicia region and non-decodable regions. Instead of averaging pixel values from a predetermined spatial distribution pattern across the entire frame, the patent processes pixel values specifically from the decodable indicia region to determine exposure parameters. This segmentation allows the system to ignore large white or dark areas outside the indicia region that would otherwise cause misreads and long TTR times, while maintaining a relatively simple exposure determination process.
2Device complexity
If pixel values from a predetermined spatial distribution pattern are averaged for exposure parameter determination, then the processing method remains simple, but the trigger to read (TTR) time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing to identify the decodable indicia region within the image frame before using pixel values from that region to determine exposure parameters. By pre-locating the indicia region and establishing a search window based on its position and size, the system avoids the time-consuming effects of averaging pixel values from predetermined spatial distribution patterns that include large white or dark areas. This preliminary action reduces TTR time while keeping the overall processing method relatively simple.
3Productivity
If exposure parameters are determined without considering the location of decodable indicia, then the processing is faster, but misreads occur due to large white or dark areas outside the indicia region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining exposure parameters based specifically on pixel values from the decodable indicia region rather than from a predetermined spatial distribution pattern across the entire frame. By focusing the exposure determination on the local characteristics of the indicia region (where actual decoding should occur), the system maintains fast processing speeds while eliminating misreads caused by large white or dark areas outside the indicia region. This local approach ensures that exposure parameters are optimized for the actual decoding area.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an indicia reading terminal is provided wherein image information can be processed for determining a location of a decodable indicia representation for a certain frame of image data, the result of the processing can be utilized for determination of an imaging parameter, the imaging parameter can be utilized for capture of a subsequent frame and the subsequent frame can be subject to image processing.