Synchronizing Global and Rolling Shutter Sensors for Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode scanning devices with visual imaging systems suffer from increased complexity and cost due to multiple global shutter imaging sensors, and their effectiveness is limited by the short combined exposure period of global shutters, leading to suboptimal performance in object recognition and imaging tasks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging system that combines a global shutter imaging sensor and a rolling shutter imaging sensor, allowing them to capture image data during overlapping but distinct periods, optimizing the use of illumination and reducing the need for multiple external processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple global shutter imaging sensors are used to perform both barcode scanning and visual imaging functions, then the device can achieve both functions, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple external imaging processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a global shutter imaging sensor and a rolling shutter imaging sensor into a single device, sharing common illumination sources and processing resources. This merging approach allows the device to perform both barcode scanning and visual imaging functions without requiring separate complete imaging systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality by enabling the global shutter sensor to handle barcode scanning tasks and the rolling shutter sensor to handle visual imaging tasks. This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices and lowering overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple global shutter imaging sensors are used to perform both barcode scanning and visual imaging functions, then the device can achieve both functions, but the cost increases due to requiring multiple external imaging processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barcode scanning and visual imaging functions into a single integrated device, allowing shared use of illumination sources, sensor arrays, and processing units. This consolidation reduces the total number of external imaging processors needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining both functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a universal architecture where a single imaging system performs multiple functions through coordinated operation of global shutter and rolling shutter sensors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices, reducing overall manufacturing costs while preserving dual functionality
3Device complexity
If global shutters are used for both barcode scanning and visual imaging, then the device structure is simplified, but the effectiveness of emitted illumination is limited because the combined exposure period is only a fraction of the period during which the illumination is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic exposure control where the global shutter sensor and rolling shutter sensor operate with different, optimized exposure timing. The global shutter captures brief snapshots for barcode scanning while the rolling shutter continuously accumulates light for visual imaging. This dynamic approach allows each sensor type to use illumination effectively for its specific purpose, maximizing overall illumination utilization without requiring complex mechanical shutters
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling shutter sensor provides continuous image capture throughout the illumination period, ensuring that illumination is continuously utilized for visual imaging. Meanwhile, the global shutter sensor takes periodic snapshots for barcode scanning. This continuous action approach maximizes the duration of useful illumination exposure, overcoming the limitation of brief global shutter exposure windows
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 configuration enhances the performance of barcode scanning and visual imaging functions by maximizing the exposure time to illumination, improving image quality and reducing device complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination source configured to emit illumination lasting a predetermined period
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging sensor configured to capture first image data representative of an environment appearing within a field of view (FOV) of the first imaging sensor during a first period, the first imaging sensor operating as a global shutter imaging sensor
Implementation Method 3
a second imaging sensor configured to capture second image data representative of an environment appearing within a FOV of the second imaging sensor during a second period, the second imaging sensor operating as a rolling shutter imaging sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for synchronizing rolling shutter and global shutter sensors is disclosed herein. An example imaging system includes an illumination source configured to emit illumination lasting a predetermined period, a first imaging sensor, and a second imaging sensor. The first imaging sensor is configured to capture first image data representative of an environment appearing within a field of view (FOV) of the first imaging sensor during a first period that overlaps at least partially with the predetermined period, and the first imaging sensor operates as a global shutter imaging sensor. The second imaging sensor is configured to capture second image data representative of an environment appearing within a FOV of the second imaging sensor during a second period that overlaps at least partially with the predetermined period and is different from the first period, and the second imaging sensor operates as a rolling shutter imaging sensor.