Optical Indicia Reader Single-Frame Multi-Illumination Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-based barcode readers require multiple frames and distinct illumination conditions to reliably read both printed and digital barcodes, leading to slower scanning speeds due to the need for off-loading and evaluating multiple images.
Innovation Solution
An optical indicia reader with an image sensor and illuminator that allows for separate exposure and illumination settings for different pixel groups within a single frame, enabling the capture of independent partial frames optimized for either printed or digital barcodes, thereby reducing the number of frames needed to obtain a decodable image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple frames are used to capture both printed and digital barcodes under different illumination conditions, then the reliability of reading both barcode types is improved, but the scanning speed deteriorates due to the need to process multiple frames
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group can be independently exposed and illuminated. This segmentation allows different regions of the sensor to capture images under different illumination conditions (e.g., one pixel group with active illumination for printed barcodes, another without illumination for digital barcodes) simultaneously within a single frame time, thereby maintaining reliability for both barcode types while improving scanning speed by eliminating the need to process multiple sequential frames
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a temporal dimension approach (capturing multiple frames sequentially in time) to a spatial dimension approach (capturing multiple illumination conditions simultaneously across different pixel groups within a single frame). This dimensional change allows the system to maintain both reliability and speed by parallelizing the capture process across spatial regions rather than sequential time steps
2Manufacturing precision
If separate illumination conditions are applied for printed and digital barcodes, then the quality of captured images is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple illumination and exposure settings
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group can be independently exposed and illuminated. This segmentation allows different regions of the sensor to capture images under different illumination conditions (e.g., one pixel group with active illumination for printed barcodes, another without illumination for digital barcodes) simultaneously within a single frame time, thereby maintaining reliability for both barcode types while improving scanning speed by eliminating the need to process multiple sequential frames
Solution Approach 2:
Different pixel groups are assigned different illumination and exposure settings optimized for specific barcode types. For example, pixel groups capturing printed barcodes use active illumination with shorter exposure times, while pixel groups capturing digital barcodes use no active illumination with longer exposure times. This local differentiation of imaging parameters improves image quality for each barcode type without requiring complex global control, as each pixel group operates independently with its own optimized settings
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
Enables faster barcode scanning by allowing the reader to process images under multiple conditions within a single frame, improving the likelihood of successful decoding and reducing scan time for both printed and digital barcodes.
Implementation Method 1
The intensity of the light reflected back from the barcode symbol is captured via one or more photodiodes as a waveform
Implementation Method 2
The readers have an illuminator, typically one or more LEDs
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention embraces an optical indicia reader, e.g., barcode scanner, that captures images of optical indicia under multiple imaging conditions within the span of a single frame. The reader includes an image sensor having selectively-addressable pixels that can be divided into groups having regions of interest (ROIs) within the reader field of view. Each pixel group is shuttered separately to obtain independent partial frame images under separate imaging conditions.