Wearable Imaging Reader Finger Obstruction Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld imaging readers are inefficient and unreliable for reading symbols when the user's finger obstructs the image, as they require one hand for operation and lack real-time obstruction detection, leading to partial concealment and unpredictable performance.
Innovation Solution
A wearable imaging system with a controller and drive mechanism that automatically adjusts the imaging assembly to move the imager and lenses to unobstruct the symbol, using motors for pan, tilt, and zoom, and detects the user's finger through image processing and optional identifiers to ensure clear image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user points their finger at the symbol to be read, then the user's hands are freed for other operations, but the finger obstructs the symbol in the captured image
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects the user's finger in the captured image and generates a control signal when the finger obstructs the symbol, creating a feedback loop that enables automatic correction of the obstruction problem
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and corrects finger obstruction without requiring user intervention, making the system self-correcting and maintaining reliability while keeping hands free
2Measurement precision
If the user holds and aims the handheld reader, then accurate symbol reading is achieved, but one hand is occupied preventing other operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aiming system (handheld reader positioning) with an automatic optical detection and adjustment system that uses image processing and motorized lens/imager movement to achieve accurate symbol capture without manual positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable reader automatically detects and positions itself to capture the symbol without requiring the user to manually aim or hold the device, making the system self-positioning and freeing both hands for other operations
3Measurement precision
If an aiming light assembly is used to project an aiming pattern, then accurate aiming is achieved, but electrical energy is consumed and people in the vicinity are bothered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the aiming light assembly from the imaging reader system entirely, replacing it with automatic image processing and motorized adjustment mechanisms that achieve accurate symbol capture without requiring visible aiming lights
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical aiming system (aiming light assembly) with an automatic detection and adjustment system using image processing algorithms and motorized imager/lens positioning to achieve accurate symbol reading without emitting aiming lights
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 efficient, rapid, and reliable image capture and reading of symbols by automatically adjusting the system to avoid finger obstruction, improving overall reading performance and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly that includes a solid-state imager or imaging sensor with an array of photocells or image sensors, which correspond to image elements or pixels in a field of view of the imager, and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from the symbol being imaged
Implementation Method 2
the imaging reader generally also includes an illuminating light assembly for illuminating the symbol with illumination light over an illumination field for reflection and scattering from the symbol
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging reader is worn by a user. The reader has an imaging assembly that has a solid-state imager with an array of image sensors and a lens assembly. In a reading mode, the imaging assembly captures and projects light as an image onto the array. A controller detects a user's finger pointing at a symbol proximal to a tip of the finger in the image, and generates a control signal when the finger obstructs the symbol in the image. Upon receipt of the control signal, the controller automatically controls a drive to move the imager and/or a lens of the lens assembly to an adjusted position in which the symbol in the image is unobstructed by the finger. The unobstructed image of the symbol is processed into identifying data, and the data is transmitted away from the housing to a remote host device.