Optical Code Scanner Stability Determination Using Contrast Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical information reading systems face challenges in accurately determining reading stability due to factors like contamination and print quality deterioration, which can lead to unintended unreadability of optical codes.
Innovation Solution
An optical information reading apparatus and method that utilize a code scanner with a CMOS image sensor and processor to perform a reading stability determining process by calculating contrast or correction levels, and output predictive maintenance information to ensure accurate stability assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional reading stability measurement processes are used, then predictive maintenance information can be output, but reading stability determination accuracy is insufficient due to contamination and print quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the optical code at multiple different positions and orientations before the actual reading operation. These preliminary images are used to calculate reference values for contrast and correction levels, which serve as baseline data for subsequent stability determination. This advance preparation enables more accurate comparison with images captured during actual reading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by capturing images at multiple different positions and orientations, then uses these varied parameters to calculate reference values for contrast and correction levels. During operation, images captured at different positions are compared against these reference values to determine reading stability, accounting for variations in print quality and contamination.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capture positions and orientations are used to improve stability determination, then reading stability accuracy improves, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a preliminary reference image capturer and as an operational reading device. The same hardware components (illumination device, image sensor) are used for both capturing reference images at multiple positions and for capturing images during actual code reading operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the optical code at multiple different positions and orientations before the actual reading operation. These preliminary images are used to calculate reference values for contrast and correction levels, which serve as baseline data for subsequent stability determination. This advance preparation enables more accurate comparison with images captured during actual reading operations.
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
The solution enables precise determination of reading stability, allowing for timely countermeasures to prevent code unreadability, thereby enhancing the reliability of optical code reading processes.
Implementation Method 1
an image-capturing unit for capturing the image of a medium that is an object to be image-captured
Implementation Method 2
a processor configured to perform a prescribed process on the image captured by the image-capturing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical code reading process and a reading stability determining process are performed while suppressing an increase in the cost of a transfer system and avoiding a decrease in work efficiency. CMOS (112) performs imaging. Processor (122) reads an optical code contained in image data taken by CMOS (112) and outputs a signal upon success of reading of the optical code. Further, processor (122) calculates a first contrast at the time of teaching and a second contrast at the time of reading success, and determines reading stability based on a decrease rate of the second contrast with respect to the first contrast.