WO2004057521A2 - Optical code reader having variable depth of field - Google Patents
Optical code reader having variable depth of field Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004057521A2 WO2004057521A2 PCT/US2003/040459 US0340459W WO2004057521A2 WO 2004057521 A2 WO2004057521 A2 WO 2004057521A2 US 0340459 W US0340459 W US 0340459W WO 2004057521 A2 WO2004057521 A2 WO 2004057521A2
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- optical
- image
- field
- assembly
- optical element
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/08—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
- G06K19/10—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
- G06K19/14—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by radiation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/0004—Hybrid readers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/0008—General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
- G06K7/10366—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications
- G06K7/10376—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications the interrogation device being adapted for being moveable
- G06K7/10386—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications the interrogation device being adapted for being moveable the interrogation device being of the portable or hand-handheld type, e.g. incorporated in ubiquitous hand-held devices such as PDA or mobile phone, or in the form of a portable dedicated RFID reader
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
- G06K7/10712—Fixed beam scanning
- G06K7/10722—Photodetector array or CCD scanning
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
- G06K7/10792—Special measures in relation to the object to be scanned
- G06K7/10801—Multidistance reading
- G06K7/10811—Focalisation
Definitions
- This invention relates to imaging in optical code reading devices. Aspects of the invention are particularly useful in solid state, area image sensor based, handheld code readers that are positioned at variable orientations and distances with respect to a target code.
- Optical code readers are used in fixed or portable installations in many diverse environments such as in stores for checkout services, in manufacturing locations for workflow and inventory control and in transport vehicles for tracking package handling.
- the optical code can be used as a rapid, generalized means of data entry, for example, by reading a target barcode from a printed listing of many barcodes.
- the optical code reader is connected to a portable data processing device or a data collection and transmission device.
- the optical code reader includes a handheld sensor that is manually directed at a target code.
- Most conventional optical scanning systems are designed to read one-dimensional barcode symbols.
- the barcode is a pattern of variable-width rectangular bars separated by fixed or variable width spaces. The bars and spaces have different light reflecting characteristics.
- One example of a one-dimensional barcode is the UPC/EAN code used to identify, for example, product inventory.
- An example of a two-dimensional or stacked barcode is the PDF417 barcode.
- Another conventional optical code is known as "MaxiCode.” It consists of a central finder pattern or bull's eye center and a grid of hexagons surrounding the central finder.
- Most conventional scanning systems generate one or more beams of laser light, which reflects off a barcode symbol, and back to the scanning system.
- the system obtains a continuous analog waveform corresponding to the light reflected by the code along one or more scan lines of the system.
- the system then decodes the waveform to extract information from the barcode.
- a system of this general type is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,798, assigned to Symbol Technologies, Inc.
- a beam scanning system for detecting and decoding one and two- dimensional barcodes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,283 also assigned to Symbol Technologies, Inc.
- Barcodes can also be read employing imaging devices.
- an image sensor may be employed which has a two dimensional array of cells or photo sensors which correspond to image elements or pixels in a field of view of the device.
- Such an image sensor may be a two- dimensional or area charge coupled device (CCD) and associated circuits for producing electronic signals corresponding to a two-dimensional array of pixel information for a field of view.
- CCD area charge coupled device
- Such scanning systems are deployed in handheld units that may be manually pointed at the target. Often an individual scanner is a component of a much larger system including other scanners, computers, cabling, data terminals, etc. Such systems are frequently designed and constructed based on mechanical and optical specifications for the scanning engine, sometimes called "form factors.”
- One such form factor is the SE1200 form factor designed by Symbol Technologies, Inc.
- Optical codes can also be read by employing optical code readers having an imaging engine.
- An imaging engine includes an image sensor having a two-dimensional array of cells or photo sensors, such as an area charge coupled device (CCD), which correspond to image elements or pixels in a field of view of the imaging engine.
- the imaging engine further includes a lens assembly for focusing light incident on the image sensor and associated circuitry coupled to the image sensor.
- the associated circuitry produces electronic signals corresponding to a two-dimensional array of pixel information for the field of view.
- the electrical signals are processed for extracting information indicative of the focus quality of an image corresponding to the field of view.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a more versatile optical code reader than prior art optical code readers.
- the present invention provides several embodiments of optical systems for imaging engines of imaging optical code readers.
- Each optical system includes the ability to change the depth of field of the imaging field and to adjust focus quality of the imaging field.
- a processing unit that determines which, if any, of theses measures need to be taken in real-time.
- the present invention relates to an imaging engine for optical code readers, especially imaging optical code readers having a hard- wired or wireless connection to a base terminal or other computing device.
- the imaging engine includes an optical system and structure for changing the depth of field of the optical system.
- the disclosed stractures for changing the depth of field of the optical system allow for the automatic or manual selection of one of a plurality of depths of field.
- a processor that is operatively coupled to an image focusing assembly and/or an image modification assembly may be included for determining and selecting the desired depth of field and focus quality of the image.
- an imaging engine for an optical code reader includes an image modification assembly having an optical wedge moveably positioned between an object to be imaged and an optical lens assembly of the imaging engine.
- the optical wedge includes two or more thicknesses each corresponding to a different depth of field when aligned with an input optical axis of the lens assembly.
- the optical wedge is automatically or manually moveable in a transverse or crosswise direction with respect to the input optical axis of the lens assembly for aligning a particular thickness of the wedge with the input optical axis of the lens assembly.
- the optical wedge is preferably moveable by a manual action, such as depression of the trigger of the imaging optical code reader, or the use of a depth of field selector switch mechanically connected to the optical wedge.
- an imaging engine for an optical code reader includes an adjustable aperture assembly having a central axis of an adjustable aperture in alignment with the input optical axis of an optical lens assembly of the imaging engine.
- the diameter of the aperture is automatically or manually changeable for selecting a different depth of field. The smaller the diameter of the aperture, the longer the depth of the field, and vice versa.
- the diameter of the aperture is smaller, more illumination is required for producing the desired image.
- the diameter is preferably changeable by a manual action, such as depression of the trigger of the imaging optical code reader, or the use of a diameter selector switch mechanically associated with the adjustable aperture assembly.
- an imaging engine for an optical code reader includes first and second lens assemblies, each lens assembly having a different depth of field.
- the lens assemblies may be compound lenses made up of multiple lens elements aligned on the same optical axis.
- the lenses themselves may include inexpensive molded plastic spherical lens elements.
- the lens elements may be snap fit in an alignment tube or barrel to maintain the lenses in position on a common optical axis in back-to-back relationship.
- This embodiment further includes an electronic mirror or optical element for selectively providing an image to the image sensor through one of the first or the second lens assemblies.
- the electronic mirror is positioned in a first input optical axis and is controlled by a voltage control signal.
- the electronic mirror When the voltage control signal is at a first voltage, the electronic mirror is in a transmissive state for providing the image to the image sensor through the first lens assembly. Accordingly, when the voltage control signal is at a second voltage, the electronic mirror changes into a reflective state for providing the image to the image sensor through the second lens assembly.
- a further embodiment includes two electronic mirrors controlled by control and logic circuitry. Both electronic mirrors change state simultaneously from a transmissive state to a reflective state in response to changes in the control voltage from the control and logic circuitry.
- FIGS, la, lb, lc and Id depict top plan views of components of an imaging engine in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. le depicts a plan view of a circular optical element having a plurality of portions having different thicknesses in accordance with the present invention
- FIGS. 2a and 2b depict top plan views of components of an imaging engine in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 3 a depicts a front view of a multi-diameter aperture in a first position in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3b depicts a front view of a multi-diameter aperture in a second position in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 4a illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a switchable lens assembly in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 4b illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of a switchable lens assembly in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate sectional views of handheld imaging optical code readers showing the imaging engine and other internal components in accordance with the present invention.
- each of the embodiments of the subject invention may be adapted to substitute for a scanning engine having a predetermined form factor, such as the SE900 and SE1200 form factor scanning engines.
- an optical system 10 of an imaging engine includes an image modification assembly having an optical wedge 12 having two different thicknesses disposed between the image sensor 18 and the optical element 16.
- An optical beam path 22 or input optical axis defines a longitudinal axis of the optical system.
- the optical wedge 12 is moveable in a transverse direction with respect to the optical beam path 22 between at least two positions for defining the depth of field of the imaging field.
- Each selectable position corresponds to a particular thickness of the optical wedge 12 and aligns the selected thickness of the optical wedge 12 with the optical beam path 22. More specifically, the first thickness (“Tl") of the optical wedge 12 corresponds to a first position and defines a near depth of field, while the second thickness (“T2”) of the optical wedge 12 corresponds to a second position and defines a far depth of field.
- each position of the optical wedge 12 changes the magnification of the imaging field relative to its particular thickness.
- FIG. lb illustrates a similar embodiment as the embodiment of FIG. la, except that a wedge 12' substitutes the wedge 12.
- the wedge 12' has a plurality of thicknesses each corresponding to a different depth of field for switching between one of a plurality of depths of field for readily imaging and decoding an optical code.
- an actuator 14 is adapted to move the optical wedge 12, 12' to change the position of the optical wedge 12, 12' in relation to the optical beam path 22.
- the actuator 14 enables selection of one of the thicknesses of the optical wedge 12, 12' at any given time.
- the actuator 14 is preferably moveable automatically or by a manual action.
- the actuator 14 is the optical code reader's trigger or a component in operative communication with the trigger, such that depression of the trigger of the imaging optical code reader causes the optical wedge 12, 12' to move, if so desired.
- the actuator 14 can further be a depth of field selector switch, as described below with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, mechanically connected to the optical wedge 12, 12'.
- light reflected from an external optical code defines an image that passes through the optical element 16 to define an imaging field.
- the light also passes through the optical wedge 12, 12' that changes the depth of field of the imaging field according to the selected operating thickness of the optical wedge 12, 12'.
- the image modification assembly 10 focuses the image on the image sensor 18.
- the optical element 16 is a lens assembly and the image sensor 18 is preferably a CCD. Placing the optical wedge 12, 12' between the lens assembly 16 and the CCD 18 changes the focal length and depth of field of the optical system.
- the optical wedge 12 has two distinct thicknesses where the preferred difference between the thicknesses is approximately 0.7mm.
- the optical wedge 12, 12' is moved in an east-west transverse direction with respect to the optical beam path 22.
- the disclosed embodiments may be modified such that the optical wedge 12, 12' moves in a north-south transverse direction, diagonal direction, or rotational direction with respect to the optical beam path 22.
- FIG. le depicts a plan view of a circular optical element capable of being substituted for the wedge 12, 12' and rotated by the actuator 14 in FIGS, la and lb.
- the circular optical element is designated generally be reference numeral 50 and it includes a plurality of portions A A n each having a different thickness corresponding to a different optical property, such as a different depth of field and focal length. As each portion is aligned with the optical beam path 22, the optical property of the optical system 10 changes accordingly.
- FIG. lc illustrates an embodiment where an image focusing assembly 20 is integrated with the optical system 10.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is operatively coupled to the lens assembly 16 and to the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 automatically and/or manually (via control switches) adjusts a focus quality of the image by adjusting the position and/or orientation of the lens assembly 16 and/or the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is operatively coupled to the lens assembly 16 and moves the lens assembly 16 longitudinally along the optical beam path 22 to adjust a focus quality of an image impinged on the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is also operatively coupled to the image sensor 18 for moving the image sensor 18 longitudinally along the optical beam path 22 and/or for adjusting the orientation of the image sensor 18 to change a focus quality of the image impinged on the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is operatively coupled to the actuator 14 of the image modification assembly 10 for automatically and/or manually controlling the depth of field and focus quality of the optical system 10.
- a processing unit of a decoding board within an optical code reader or an external processing unit, for example, within a host terminal, monitors the image produced on the image sensor 18.
- the processing unit generates and transmits an output signal to the actuator 14 and/or the image focusing assembly 20 to automatically control the actuator 14 and/or the image focusing assembly 20 for automatically controlling the various parameters of the optical system 10, such as the focus quality of the image and the depth of field. It is contemplated that the processing unit adjust one or more parameters of the optical system in real-time according to the percentage of misreads or other factors.
- FIG. 1 an additional embodiment of the present invention illustrated by FIG.
- an adjustable aperture assembly 30 changes the depth of field of the imaging field without altering the focal length of the optical system 10a.
- the adjustable aperture assembly 30 substantially aligns a central point of an aperture 32 (see FIG. 3a) with the optical beam path 22.
- the diameter of the aperture 32 is changeable automatically or by a manual action, such as depression of a trigger of an imaging optical code reader, or the use of a diameter selector switch mechanically associated with the adjustable aperture assembly 30.
- the trigger and the diameter selector switch are preferably operatively coupled to an actuator 14a as known in the art.
- the actuator 14a in turn is operatively coupled to the adjustable aperture assembly 30 for changing the diameter of the aperture 32.
- the adjustable aperture 32 has a minimum diameter and a maximum diameter. With a small diameter aperture, the optical system 10a has a longer depth of field, and conversely, when the aperture 32 has a large diameter, the optical system 10a has a shorter depth of field. Further, when the aperture 32 has a small diameter (FIG. 3a), it transmits less light than when it has a large diameter (FIG. 3b).
- the adjustable aperture assembly 30 can have two different positions for defining corresponding first and second diameters of the aperture 32 and first and second depths of field.
- the adjustable aperture assembly 30 has a plurality of positions defining a plurality of aperture diameters and depths of field of the imaging field.
- the adjustable aperture assembly 30 has a first position with a relatively large diameter (see FIG. 3b), defining a near depth of field for the optical system 10a.
- the aperture 32 In a second position, the aperture 32 has a smaller diameter than the first position (see FIG. 3 a), thereby lengthening the depth of field of the optical system 10a to define a far depth of field.
- FIG. 2b illustrates an embodiment where an image focusing assembly 20 is integrated with an optical system 10b similar to optical system 10a.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is operatively coupled to the lens assembly 16 and to the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 automatically and/or manually (via control switches) adjusts a focus quality of the image by adjusting the position and/or orientation of the lens assembly 16 and/or the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is operatively coupled to the lens assembly 16 and moves the lens assembly 16 longitudinally along the optical beam path 22 to adjust a focus quality of an image impinged on the image sensor 18.
- the image focusing assembly 20 is also operatively coupled to the image sensor 18 for moving the image sensor 18 longitudinally along the optical beam path 22 and/or for adjusting the orientation of the image sensor 18 to change a focus quality of the image impinged on the image sensor 18. It is contemplated that the image focusing assembly 20 can also be operatively coupled to the actuator 14 for automatically and/or manually controlling the depth of field and focus quality of the optical system.
- a processing unit of a decoding board within an optical code reader or an external processing unit, for example, within a host terminal, monitors the image produced on the image sensor 18.
- the processing unit generates and transmits an output signal to the actuator 14 and/or the image focusing assembly 20 to automatically control the actuator 14 and/or the image focusing assembly 20 to control the various parameters of the optical systems 10a, 10b, such as the focus quality of the image and the depth of field. It is contemplated that the processing unit adjust one or more parameters of the optical systems 10a, 10b in real-time according to the percentage of misreads or other factors.
- the depth of field of the imaging field is changed automatically by a control circuit having a processing unit coupled to the optical system or manually by the user.
- manual mode the user selects the desired depth of field of the imaging field by either manually actuating a trigger assembly on the optical code reader or actuating a selector switch on the optical code reader.
- manual actuation of the trigger assembly 214 or the selector switch 216 enables the actuator 14 to move the optical wedge 12 from a first position to a second position, and vice versa.
- the optical wedge 12 will move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position.
- Manual actuation of trigger assembly 214 or selector switch 216 also moves the optical wedge 12' in FIG. lb from any starting position to another position.
- the optical wedge 12' in FIG. lb may initially be in the third position when the trigger assembly 214 or the selector switch 216 is actuated.
- the actuator 14 moves the optical wedge 12' to the fifth position.
- Other combinations of starting and ending positions are within the scope of this invention.
- the actuator 14 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b adjusts the diameter of the adjustable aperture assembly 30 to effect a change in the diameter of aperture 32 in response to actuation of the trigger assembly 214 or the selector switch 216.
- An illustration of the adjustable aperture assembly 30 is depicted by FIGS. 3a and 3b. Starting in the first position ("A"), the actuator 14 moves the adjustable aperture assembly 30 to the second position ("B") when the trigger assembly 214 is actuated by the user. Alternately, the actuation of the trigger assembly 214 may cause the actuator 14 to move the adjustable aperture assembly 30 from the second position ("B") to the first position ("A").
- Actuation of the actuator 14 will move the adjustable aperture assembly 30 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. It is within the scope of the invention that in either the manual or automatic modes of operation, the actuator 14 is capable of moving the adjustable aperture assembly 30 from a starting position to an ending position.
- the ending position defines a different diameter aperture than the starting position. Further, other positions besides the starting and ending positions define different-sized diameters for the aperture.
- FIG. 4a illustrates a block diagram of an additional embodiment in accordance with the present invention for changing at least the depth of field of an optical system.
- an optical system 150 having no moveable parts includes a first lens assembly 152 and a second lens assembly 154.
- Each of the lens assemblies 152, 154 preferably have different optical properties, such as different depths of field, fields of view and focal lengths.
- the lens assemblies 152, 154 include lenses manufactured in accordance with methods known to those of skill in the art, in order for the lens assemblies 152, 154 to have different optical properties.
- the first lens assembly 152 has a first input optical axis 156 that directly impinges on the CCD 18.
- a fixed mirror 160 and an electronic mirror 162 divert a second input optical axis 158 of the second lens assembly 154 and cause it to selectively impinge on the CCD 18.
- the electronic mirror 162 changes rapidly between transparent and non- transparent states in response to voltage signals generated and transmitted to the electronic mirror 162 by control and logic circuitry 164.
- the depth of field of the imaging field is changed selectively by switching between the two fixed lens assemblies 152, 154 oriented horizontally adjacent to each other, since each lens assembly provides a different imaging depth of field.
- the depth of field is selected to enable an optical code to be readily imaged and decoded.
- the electronic mirror 162 is positioned along a diagonal plane between the CCD 18 and the first lens assembly 152. If an imaging depth of field corresponding to the first lens assembly 152 is desired, the electronic mirror 162 is made transparent by transmitting a first voltage control signal from the control and logic circuitry 164 to the electronic mirror 162 via control path 166. Accordingly, the electronic mirror 162 becomes transparent and light passing through the first lens assembly 152 forms an image that is transmitted through the electronic mirror 162 and is impinged on the CCD 18.
- the electronic mirror 162 is made non-transparent by transmitting a second voltage control signal from the control and logic circuitry 164 via control path 166. Accordingly, light reflected from the optical code or other external target passes through the second lens assembly 154 to form an image that is reflected by the fixed mirror 160 and the electronic mirror 162 before being impinged on the CCD 18.
- the electronic mirror 162 When the electronic mirror 162 is in the reflective or non-transparent state, light passing through the first lens assembly 152 is reflected away from the CCD 18 and the fixed mirror 160. When the image formed by the second lens assembly 154 is desired, the electronic mirror 162 redirect incoming light from the first lens assembly 152 away from the image formed by the second lens assembly 154 to minimize degradation of the image.
- An automatic mode of operation includes providing a processor (not shown) electrically coupled to the control and logic circuit 164. Actuation of the control and logic circuitry 164 and the resultant change of state of the electronic mirror 162 is controlled by a control signal generated and transmitted from the processor to the control and logic circuitry 164, if a no read condition or a misread condition is detected by the processor.
- the processor could be an internal processing unit of the optical code reader shown by FIGS. 5a and 5b, or an external processing unit, such as a processing unit within a host terminal in operative communication with the optical code reader.
- a manual mode of operation is described below.
- an optical system 150a is illustrated having the fixed reflective mirror 160 replaced by a second electronic mirror 162a operatively coupled to the control and logic circuitry 164.
- Stray light from the undesired image may adversely affect the image quality of the desired image.
- the control and logic circuitry 164 outputs a voltage signal that makes both electronic mirrors 162, 162a transparent. Therefore, the image formed by first lens assembly 152 passes through the electronic mirror 162 towards the CCD 18.
- the image formed by second lens assembly 154 passes through the other electronic mirror 162a and does not affect the image formed by the first lens assembly 152.
- the control and logic circuitry 164 changes the voltage control signal 166 to make both electronic mirrors 162, 162a non-transparent, thereby causing the image to reflect off the electronic mirror 162a in the direction of electronic mirror 162. Since electronic mirror 162 is also in a reflective or non- transparent state, the image from the second lens assembly 154 is transmitted towards the CCD 18, while the image from the first lens assembly 152 is reflected away from the CCD 18, thereby preserving the image quality and integrity of the desired image.
- control and logic circuitry 164 controls the optical systems 150, 150a of FIGS. 4a and 4b for rapidly switching between different focal distances and/or different fields of view.
- the optical systems 150, 150a when incorporated within an optical code reader, as shown by FIGS. 5a and 5b, the reader can read various sized codes located at different distances from the code reader.
- the code reader in one operative mode of the optical systems 150, 150a can be used to read high-density barcode, i.e., a code having a minimum feature size of 4 mils at a 3" medium working distance.
- the optical systems are controlled by the control and logic circuitry 164 to have a working depth of field of 1 1 Vz to 2".
- the reader may read low-density code, i.e., a code having a 15 mil minimum feature size.
- the optical systems are controlled to have a working depth of field of 1 3". By controlling the working depth of field, the code can be imaged and decoded.
- high-density barcode i.e., a code having a minimum feature size of 4 mils at a 3" medium working distance.
- the optical systems are controlled by the control and logic circuitry 164 to have a working depth of field of 1 1 Vz to 2".
- the reader may read low-density code, i.e., a code having a 15 mil
- the trigger assembly 214 is operatively coupled to the control and logic circuitry 164 whereby actuation of the trigger 214 causes one or both of the electronic mirrors 162, 162a depending on the particular embodiment to change from a reflective state to a transparent state or from a transparent state to a reflective state.
- a selector switch such as the selector switch 216, can also be used instead of the trigger assembly 214 for altering the state of the electronic mirrors 162, 162a.
- the depth of field can be changed by the user manually actuating either the trigger assembly 214 or the selector switch 216.
- such actuation causes the control and logic circuitry 164 to change an output voltage transmitted to the electronic mirrors 162, 162a via voltage control path 166, thereby causing a change of state of the electronic mirrors 162, 162a.
- the electronic mirrors 162, 162a are initially in the reflective state, thereby transmitting light from the second lens assembly 154 to the CCD 18 as discussed previously.
- FIG. 5a is a sectional view of a handheld optical code reader 210 in accordance with the present invention illustrating the internal components thereof.
- One main internal component is an imaging engine 234 located on a top or head portion of the reader 210.
- the imaging engine 234 includes one or more of the optics and/or additional components of the various embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein.
- a trigger circuit board 230 is located in the handle portion 218 of the handheld optical code reader 210.
- the trigger board 230 is electrically coupled and in electrical communication with switch means associated with the trigger assembly 214 of the handheld device. As a result the trigger board 230 receives and processes signals indicative of the operator depressing the trigger assembly 214 in order to initiate, or continue reading of optical codes.
- a decoding board 212 (including a processing unit as referenced to above) is also provided to the optical code reader 210 adjacent to the imaging engine 234.
- a selector switch 216 is provided to the reader 210 for selectively controlling the depth of field of the imaging engine 234.
- the handheld optical code reader 210 of FIG. 5a is to be retrofitted from a laser line scan engine to an optical imaging engine
- the imaging engine 234 and decoding board 212 are inserted in place of the line scan engine and associated circuit board in the handheld code reader 210.
- previously designed toolings, housings and host devices may be employed and provide continuity in upgrading the code reading system.
- the handheld reader 210 communicates with a host terminal (not shown) via electrical cable 220.
- FIG. 5b is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a handheld optical code reader 210a in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention showing the location of the imaging engine 234 and the selector switch 216.
- This embodiment is battery powered and wireless.
- a handle circuit board 232 is located in the handle portion 218 of the handheld optical code reader 210a.
- the handle board 232 is electrically connected to the trigger assembly 214 associated with the handheld device for receiving and processing signals indicative of the operator depressing the trigger assembly 214.
- circuitry associated with the trigger assembly 214 and the selector switch In addition to circuitry associated with the trigger assembly 214 and the selector switch
- the handle portion 218 of the optical code reader 210a of FIG. 5b may contain a radio frequency board 226, including a transceiver and antenna, which provide a mobile radio link to one or more data terminals. Electrical power for the optical code reader may be provided by battery 224.
- An infrared data interface 222 (IRDA) or multi-contact shoe may also be provided to communicate data between the optical code reader 210a and an external receiver or docking device, respectively. Compressed image data may be transmitted to the host terminal via a radio frequency link, IR communication link, or direct contact with the docking device.
- IRDA infrared data interface
- the selector switch 216 is operatively coupled to the trigger circuit board 230 and the handle circuit board 232, or other internal components of the readers 210, 210a, for selecting the desired depth of field of the imaging field.
- the selector switch 216 is user actuated to choose between two or more different depths of field.
- All embodiments of the present invention may additionally include a means for determining the distance between the handheld optical code reader and the target bar code.
- An example of a range determining means is disclosed in US Patent No. 6, 123,264 to Li et al., the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference.
- all embodiments may advantageously include a means for auto-focusing the handheld optical code reader.
- auto-focusing means for handheld optical code readers are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,796,089 and 5,920,060 to Marom, the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference.
- the stractures disclosed in these two patents can be used to adjust the position and/or orientation of the image sensors of the embodiments described herein for adjusting the focus quality of the disclosed optical systems.
- Additional stractures for adjusting the position of the image sensors and structures for moving the optical element 16 may include the structures disclosed in a United States Provisional Application filed on December 18, 2002 and assigned United States Provisional Application No. 434,519, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002508602A CA2508602C (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-12-17 | Optical code reader having variable depth of field |
AU2003297990A AU2003297990B2 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-12-17 | Optical code reader having variable depth of field |
AT03797063T ATE456104T1 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-12-17 | OPTICAL CODE READER WITH VARIABLE DEPTH OF FOCUS |
EP03797063A EP1584061B1 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-12-17 | Optical code reader having variable depth of field |
DE60331105T DE60331105D1 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-12-17 | OPTICAL CODELESER WITH VARIABLE DEEP SHARP |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US43451902P | 2002-12-18 | 2002-12-18 | |
US60/434,519 | 2002-12-18 | ||
US10/405,812 | 2003-04-02 | ||
US10/405,812 US7025271B2 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-04-02 | Imaging optical code reader having selectable depths of field |
Publications (3)
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WO2004057521A2 true WO2004057521A2 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
WO2004057521A3 WO2004057521A3 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
WO2004057521B1 WO2004057521B1 (en) | 2004-12-16 |
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PCT/US2003/040459 WO2004057521A2 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-12-17 | Optical code reader having variable depth of field |
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US (1) | US7025271B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1584061B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE456104T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003297990B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2508602C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60331105D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004057521A2 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7025271B2 (en) | 2006-04-11 |
EP1584061B1 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
US20040118918A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
CA2508602A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
AU2003297990A1 (en) | 2004-07-14 |
EP1584061A2 (en) | 2005-10-12 |
ATE456104T1 (en) | 2010-02-15 |
AU2003297990B2 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
DE60331105D1 (en) | 2010-03-11 |
WO2004057521A3 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
WO2004057521B1 (en) | 2004-12-16 |
CA2508602C (en) | 2008-09-30 |
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