US20140158769A1 - Bar code-reading capabilities of a portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera - Google Patents
Bar code-reading capabilities of a portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera Download PDFInfo
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- US20140158769A1 US20140158769A1 US13/708,835 US201213708835A US2014158769A1 US 20140158769 A1 US20140158769 A1 US 20140158769A1 US 201213708835 A US201213708835 A US 201213708835A US 2014158769 A1 US2014158769 A1 US 2014158769A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- attachment
- camera
- camera device
- bar code
- illumination
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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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
- 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
- G06K7/10821—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 further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
- G06K7/10831—Arrangement of optical elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors, prisms
-
- 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
- G06K7/10712—Fixed beam scanning
- G06K7/10722—Photodetector array or CCD scanning
- G06K7/10732—Light sources
-
- 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
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
- H04M1/0264—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a camera module assembly
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K2207/00—Other aspects
- G06K2207/1011—Aiming
Definitions
- Smartphones and other types of portable, hand-held computing devices, such as tablet computers
- smartphones are in widespread use today, most often in connection with entertainment, communications and office productivity.
- Most smartphones include a camera. Therefore, with appropriate software, such smartphones can be used to read bar codes.
- smartphones typically have poor bar code reading capability.
- This patent specification relates generally to improving the bar code-reading capabilities of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or any other portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera (hereinafter, “camera device”). More specifically, this patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device.
- the attachment comprises at least one of a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination that is optimized for bar code reading, optics that provide an alternative optical path to the camera device, and a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.
- FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment that includes a target generating mechanism.
- FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be projected by the target generating mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A-1B .
- FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment that includes a proximity sensor.
- FIG. 6 illustrates one way that a camera device may utilize distance information provided by the proximity sensor shown in FIGS. 5A-5B .
- FIG. 7 illustrates another way that a camera device may utilize distance information provided by the proximity sensor shown in FIGS. 5A-5B .
- FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading.
- FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a camera device attachment that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment that includes a mirror that changes the optical path to the camera device.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment that includes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment that automatically activates the components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device in response to a detectable signal provided by the camera device.
- the term “camera device” will be used to describe a portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera.
- a camera device is a smartphone.
- a camera device is a tablet computer.
- the term “camera” refers to an apparatus for capturing digital images.
- a camera that is included in a digital computing device typically comprises a lens and an image sensor.
- the attachment may include one or more components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device.
- the attachment may include a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination optimized for bar code reading, optics that change the optical path to the camera device, a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading, etc.
- FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment 100 that includes a target generating mechanism.
- the target generating mechanism may be utilized to facilitate rapid and optimal positioning of a camera device 102 with respect to a bar code 104 that the camera device 102 is attempting to read. This is especially useful when the camera device 102 does not have a display, or the display is dimmed or turned off to conserve the battery power, or the display is difficult to be viewed when the device 102 is operated as a bar code reader.
- the target generating mechanism may include multiple targeting structures 106 a, 106 b. These targeting structures 106 a, 106 b may project non-parallel targeting beams 108 a, 108 b, each of which form a point or a pattern on the target area 110 .
- the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b may be configured so that (1) at the optimal distance from the camera 112 , the targeting beams 108 a, 108 b converge so that the projected patterns and/or points meet at the center of the camera's field of view 114 , and (2) at any distance from the camera 112 other than the optimal distance, the projected patterns and/or points do not meet.
- the user may move the camera device 102 until the projected patterns and/or points meet, indicating that the camera device 102 is at the optimal distance from the bar code 104 and that the bar code 104 is positioned within the center of the camera's field of view 114 .
- the targeting structure 106 a includes a light source 116 a, a prism 118 a, a collimating lens 120 a, and a pattern generating surface 122 a.
- the targeting structure 106 b includes a light source 116 b, a prism 118 b, a collimating lens 120 b, and a pattern generating surface 122 b.
- the light sources 116 a, 116 b may be laser diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.
- Each of the pattern generating surfaces 122 a, 122 b may be an interference pattern generating element or a diffractive element, such as a holographic element that may include one or more diffractive gratings.
- each of the pattern generating surfaces 122 a, 122 b may be a Fresnel type element that has been fabricated with the desired pattern in mind.
- FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be projected by the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b.
- one possible targeting pattern 224 that may be projected by the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b is a circle 226 with a dot 228 in the center.
- One targeting structure 106 a may generate the circle 226
- the other targeting structure 106 b may generate the dot 228 .
- the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b may be configured so that when the camera device 102 is an optimal distance from the bar code 104 , the dot 228 is substantially in the center of the circle 226 to form the depicted pattern 224 .
- another possible targeting pattern 324 that may be projected by the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b is a cross comprising a horizontal bar 330 and a vertical bar 332 .
- One targeting structure 106 a may generate the horizontal bar 330
- the other targeting structure 106 b may generate the vertical bar 332 .
- the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b may be configured so that when the camera device 102 is an optimal distance from the bar code 104 , the horizontal bar 330 and the vertical bar 332 intersect each other to form the depicted pattern 324 .
- another possible targeting pattern 424 that may be projected by the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b is a circle 434 comprising an X 436 .
- One targeting structure 106 a may generate the circle 434
- the other targeting structure 106 b may generate the X 436 .
- the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b may be configured so that when the camera device 102 is an optimal distance from the bar code 104 , the circle 434 and the X 436 may intersect each other to form the depicted pattern 424 .
- Another possible targeting pattern may include one or more bars.
- the bar(s) may be, for example, blue LED bar(s).
- the length of the bar(s) may approximately coincide with the width of the field of view of the camera device 102 .
- Another possible targeting pattern may include multiple (e.g., two) circles.
- the circles may overlap at the optimal distance from the bar code 104 .
- FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment 500 that includes a proximity sensor 538 .
- the proximity sensor 538 may determine the distance 540 between the camera 512 and a bar code 504 that the camera device 502 is attempting to read. The proximity sensor 538 may then provide information 542 about this distance 540 to the camera 512 .
- the attachment 500 may include an interface 544 between the proximity sensor 538 and the camera 512 .
- the interface 544 may facilitate communication of the distance information 542 from the proximity sensor 538 to the camera 512 (e.g., to a control program 552 running on the camera 512 ). More specifically, the interface 544 may receive electrical signals 546 from the proximity sensor 538 .
- the electrical signals 546 may indicate the distance 540 between the camera 512 and the bar code 504 that the camera device 502 is attempting to read.
- the interface 544 may convert the electrical signals 546 into distance information 542 that is in a format that the camera 512 is capable of understanding.
- the electrical signals 546 from the proximity sensor 538 may be sent to the control program 552 using a connector supported by the camera device 502 or wirelessly.
- the attachment 500 may also include circuitry 548 that sends control signals 550 to the camera 512 .
- the control signals 550 may cause the camera 512 to use the distance information 542 from the proximity sensor 538 to assist with focusing appropriately.
- control signals 550 may cause the camera 512 to disable the camera's auto-focusing feature (step S 602 ) and set the camera's focus value based on the distance information 542 that is provided by the proximity sensor 538 (step S 604 ).
- control signals 550 may cause the camera 512 to temporarily disable the camera's auto-focusing feature (step S 702 ) and set the camera's focus value based on the distance information 542 that is provided by the proximity sensor 538 (step S 704 ). Then, the camera 512 may subsequently re-enable the camera's auto-focusing feature after the camera's focus value has been set based on the distance information 542 (step S 706 ).
- FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment 800 that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading.
- the attachment 800 may be used in connection with a camera device 802 that includes a light source 852 that provides white illumination. This light source 852 may be referred to herein as a white light source 852 .
- the camera device 802 may also include a lens 854 .
- the attachment 800 may include one or more single-color light sources 856 .
- the single-color light sources 856 may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
- the single-color light sources 856 may provide red illumination (i.e., illumination having a wavelength of about 650 nm).
- the attachment 800 may include circuitry 858 that activates and deactivates the single-color light sources 856 .
- This circuitry 858 may be referred to herein as activation/deactivation circuitry 858 .
- the attachment 800 may include circuitry 860 that detects when the white light source 852 of the camera device 802 is activated and when the white light source 852 of the camera device 802 is deactivated. This circuitry 860 may be referred to herein as illumination detection circuitry 860 .
- the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 may activate the single-color light sources 856 in response to the white light source 852 of the camera device 802 being activated. Similarly, the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 may deactivate the single-color light sources 856 in response to the white light source 852 of the camera device 802 being deactivated.
- the illumination detection circuitry 860 may send control signals 862 to the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 that cause the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 to activate the single-color light sources 856 .
- the illumination detection circuitry 860 may send control signals 862 to the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 that cause the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 to deactivate the single-color light sources 856 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a camera device attachment 900 that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading.
- the camera device 902 includes a white light source 952 .
- the attachment 900 includes a light pipe 964 that redirects white illumination 966 provided by the white light source 952 of the camera device 902 .
- Single-color filters 968 a, 968 b e.g., red filters
- within the light pipe 964 filter the redirected white illumination 966 , so that single-color illumination 970 a, 970 b (e.g., red illumination) is directed toward the target area 910 .
- the light pipe 964 may be configured so that the single-color illumination 970 a, 970 b is offset from the camera's image sensor 972 in order to prevent glare.
- the single-color illumination 970 a, 970 b may be directed toward the target area 910 from locations that are not directly in front of the camera's image sensor 972 .
- the focusing lens for the image sensor is located on the back side of the camera device. Therefore, in order to attempt to read a bar code, the camera device must be positioned so that the back side of the camera device is aimed at the bar code.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment 1000 that includes a mirror 1074 that changes the optical path to the camera device 1002 .
- the attachment 1000 permits a user of the camera device 1002 to attempt to read a bar code 1004 by aiming the top side 1076 of the camera device 1002 at the bar code 1004 .
- Light 1078 is reflected from the bar code 1004 and redirected by the mirror 1074 toward the camera device's focusing lens 1054 , which focuses the reflected light 1078 onto the camera device's image sensor 1072 .
- the mirror 1074 is positioned so that the reflected light 1078 is redirected by 90°. Alternatively, however, the mirror 1074 may be positioned so that the reflected light 1078 is redirected by a different angle.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment 1100 that includes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.
- the supplementary lens system may include an aperture 1180 .
- the aperture 1180 limits the amount of light that reaches the camera's image sensor 1172 . This may improve the depth of field of the camera 1112 . With enhanced depth of field, the need for auto-focusing is reduced and decode response is improved.
- the supplementary lens system may include a lens 1182 that is optimized for bar code reading.
- the lens 1182 may minimize distortion.
- the lens 1128 can produce images having a relatively small field of view and a relatively large bar code element size, thus making it easier to read bar codes with small printing size (e.g., between 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters).
- the supplementary lens system may include a single-color filter 1184 (e.g., a red filter).
- the filter 1184 may be positioned in front of the lens 1182 that is optimized for bar code reading.
- this patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device, wherein the attachment includes one or more components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device.
- An attachment as described herein may be configured to automatically activate the components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device in response to a detectable signal provided by the camera device. This signal may include, for example, a recognizable illumination pattern of the camera device.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an attachment 1200 for a camera device 1202 .
- the attachment 1200 may include one or more targeting structures 1204 .
- the targeting structure(s) 1204 may be similar to the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b shown in FIG. 1B .
- the targeting structure(s) 1204 may produce targeting beams, which may be similar to the targeting beams 108 a, 108 b shown in FIG. 1B .
- the attachment 1200 may also include one or more illumination sources 1206 .
- the illumination source(s) 1206 may be similar to the single-color light sources 856 shown in FIG. 8A .
- the attachment 1200 may also include a photo-detector 1208 .
- the photo-detector 1208 may be an image sensor.
- the camera device 1202 may include one or more white illumination sources 1210 .
- the camera device 1202 may include a bar code reading application 1212 .
- the camera device 1202 may be used to attempt to read a bar code (such as the bar code 104 shown in FIG. 1A ).
- the bar code reading application 1212 may receive user input to begin attempting to read the bar code. For example, the user may press a “scan” button that is displayed via a user interface 1214 of the camera device 1202 .
- the white illumination source(s) 1210 of the camera device 1202 may be activated and deactivated in accordance with a pattern that is recognizable to the photo-detector 1208 in the attachment 1200 . For example, the white illumination source(s) 1210 of the camera device 1202 may be briefly turned on and then turned off again.
- the photo-detector 1208 in the attachment 1200 may detect this pattern.
- the targeting structure(s) 1204 and the illumination source(s) 1206 of the attachment 1200 may be activated for a defined time period 1216 .
- This time period 1216 may be configurable. During this time period 1216 , the user can aim the targeting beams at the bar code and use the camera device 1202 to attempt to read the bar code.
- the attachment 1200 may include its own battery 1218 to power the photo-detector 1208 , the targeting structure(s) 1204 and the illumination source(s) 1206 .
- an “attachment” for a camera device may include just a single component that improves the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device.
- an attachment may include multiple components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device.
- an attachment for a camera device may provide additional functionality that is unrelated to improving the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device.
- An attachment for a camera device may cover a relatively small portion of the camera device.
- an attachment for a camera device may be a protective case that covers a substantial portion of the camera device.
- Bar code verification is the process of measuring the print quality of a printed bar code to analyze how it will perform in different environments with different types of scanning equipment. The process of verification involves checking the visual aspects (for modulation, decodability and more) of printed bar codes against standards made by international organizations.
- An attachment that improves the bar code reading capabilities of a camera device may enable a camera device to be used for bar code verification, print verification, and/or other types of verification, and/or for reading direct part marks.
- the attachment For bar code print quality verification or general printing analysis, the attachment must provide fixed reading distance and ensure there is no distortion when capturing an image of the target to be verified.
- the camera device can be calibrated to remove lens distortion and establish a conversion factor between the number of pixels and the actual physical size.
- ambient lighting or LED lighting from the camera device is usually not suitable to create sufficient contrast for decoding the marks.
- a special lighting attachment that provides diffused on-axis illumination and/or low angle illumination is needed.
- An attachment as described herein may include an anti-microbial housing, i.e., a housing that includes one or more additives (e.g., a silver iodide additive) that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria on the surface of the housing.
- a housing that includes one or more additives (e.g., a silver iodide additive) that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria on the surface of the housing.
- additives e.g., a silver iodide additive
- This type of housing may be beneficial if a camera device is going to be used in a medical environment.
- Camera devices are often made with a housing of amorphous plastics, such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene (PC/ABS). Housings made of PC/ABS contain a loosely packed structure which makes it easier for chemicals to penetrate the plastic. Repeated use of chemical cleansers (e.g., cleansers that include isopropyl alcohol) may damage such housings. However, the use of chemical cleansers may be important. For example, if a camera device is going to be used as a bar code reader in a medical environment, it is important to frequently disinfect the camera device in order to try to prevent or limit the spread of infection.
- chemical cleansers e.g., cleansers that include isopropyl alcohol
- An attachment as described herein may include a housing that is designed to resist the harmful effects of chemical cleansers.
- a housing may be referred to as a “chemical-resistant” (or a “disinfectant-ready”) housing.
- a chemical-resistant housing may include one or more additives (e.g., silicone) that reduce the harmful effects of chemical cleansers.
Abstract
This patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device. The attachment comprises at least one of a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination that is optimized for bar code reading, optics that provide an alternative optical path to the camera device, and a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.
Description
- Smartphones (and other types of portable, hand-held computing devices, such as tablet computers) are in widespread use today, most often in connection with entertainment, communications and office productivity. Most smartphones include a camera. Therefore, with appropriate software, such smartphones can be used to read bar codes. However, smartphones typically have poor bar code reading capability.
- This patent specification relates generally to improving the bar code-reading capabilities of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or any other portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera (hereinafter, “camera device”). More specifically, this patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device. The attachment comprises at least one of a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination that is optimized for bar code reading, optics that provide an alternative optical path to the camera device, and a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.
-
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment that includes a target generating mechanism. -
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be projected by the target generating mechanism shown inFIGS. 1A-1B . -
FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment that includes a proximity sensor. -
FIG. 6 illustrates one way that a camera device may utilize distance information provided by the proximity sensor shown inFIGS. 5A-5B . -
FIG. 7 illustrates another way that a camera device may utilize distance information provided by the proximity sensor shown inFIGS. 5A-5B . -
FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a camera device attachment that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading. -
FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a camera device attachment that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment that includes a mirror that changes the optical path to the camera device. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment that includes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading. -
FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment that automatically activates the components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device in response to a detectable signal provided by the camera device. - As used in this patent specification and the accompanying claims, the term “camera device” will be used to describe a portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera. As indicated above, one example of a camera device is a smartphone. Another example of a camera device is a tablet computer.
- As used herein, the term “camera” refers to an apparatus for capturing digital images. A camera that is included in a digital computing device (such as a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.) typically comprises a lens and an image sensor.
- This patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device. The attachment may include one or more components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device. For example, the attachment may include a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination optimized for bar code reading, optics that change the optical path to the camera device, a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading, etc.
-
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of acamera device attachment 100 that includes a target generating mechanism. The target generating mechanism may be utilized to facilitate rapid and optimal positioning of acamera device 102 with respect to abar code 104 that thecamera device 102 is attempting to read. This is especially useful when thecamera device 102 does not have a display, or the display is dimmed or turned off to conserve the battery power, or the display is difficult to be viewed when thedevice 102 is operated as a bar code reader. - The target generating mechanism may include
multiple targeting structures targeting structures targeting beams target area 110. Thetargeting structures camera 112, thetargeting beams view 114, and (2) at any distance from thecamera 112 other than the optimal distance, the projected patterns and/or points do not meet. Thus, when thecamera device 102 is being used to read abar code 104, the user may move thecamera device 102 until the projected patterns and/or points meet, indicating that thecamera device 102 is at the optimal distance from thebar code 104 and that thebar code 104 is positioned within the center of the camera's field ofview 114. - The
targeting structure 106 a includes alight source 116 a, aprism 118 a, acollimating lens 120 a, and apattern generating surface 122 a. Thetargeting structure 106 b includes a light source 116 b, aprism 118 b, a collimatinglens 120 b, and apattern generating surface 122 b. Thelight sources 116 a, 116 b may be laser diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. - Each of the
pattern generating surfaces pattern generating surfaces -
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be projected by thetargeting structures FIG. 2 , one possible targeting pattern 224 that may be projected by thetargeting structures circle 226 with adot 228 in the center. Onetargeting structure 106 a may generate thecircle 226, while theother targeting structure 106 b may generate thedot 228. Thetargeting structures camera device 102 is an optimal distance from thebar code 104, thedot 228 is substantially in the center of thecircle 226 to form the depicted pattern 224. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , anotherpossible targeting pattern 324 that may be projected by thetargeting structures horizontal bar 330 and avertical bar 332. Onetargeting structure 106 a may generate thehorizontal bar 330, while theother targeting structure 106 b may generate thevertical bar 332. Thetargeting structures camera device 102 is an optimal distance from thebar code 104, thehorizontal bar 330 and thevertical bar 332 intersect each other to form the depictedpattern 324. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , anotherpossible targeting pattern 424 that may be projected by thetargeting structures circle 434 comprising anX 436. Onetargeting structure 106 a may generate thecircle 434, while theother targeting structure 106 b may generate theX 436. Thetargeting structures camera device 102 is an optimal distance from thebar code 104, thecircle 434 and theX 436 may intersect each other to form the depictedpattern 424. - Another possible targeting pattern may include one or more bars. The bar(s) may be, for example, blue LED bar(s). The length of the bar(s) may approximately coincide with the width of the field of view of the
camera device 102. - Another possible targeting pattern may include multiple (e.g., two) circles. The circles may overlap at the optimal distance from the
bar code 104. -
FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of acamera device attachment 500 that includes aproximity sensor 538. Theproximity sensor 538 may determine thedistance 540 between thecamera 512 and a bar code 504 that thecamera device 502 is attempting to read. Theproximity sensor 538 may then provideinformation 542 about thisdistance 540 to thecamera 512. - The
attachment 500 may include aninterface 544 between theproximity sensor 538 and thecamera 512. Theinterface 544 may facilitate communication of thedistance information 542 from theproximity sensor 538 to the camera 512 (e.g., to acontrol program 552 running on the camera 512). More specifically, theinterface 544 may receiveelectrical signals 546 from theproximity sensor 538. Theelectrical signals 546 may indicate thedistance 540 between thecamera 512 and the bar code 504 that thecamera device 502 is attempting to read. Theinterface 544 may convert theelectrical signals 546 intodistance information 542 that is in a format that thecamera 512 is capable of understanding. Alternatively, theelectrical signals 546 from theproximity sensor 538 may be sent to thecontrol program 552 using a connector supported by thecamera device 502 or wirelessly. - The
attachment 500 may also includecircuitry 548 that sends control signals 550 to thecamera 512. The control signals 550 may cause thecamera 512 to use thedistance information 542 from theproximity sensor 538 to assist with focusing appropriately. - For example, referring to
FIG. 6 , the control signals 550 may cause thecamera 512 to disable the camera's auto-focusing feature (step S602) and set the camera's focus value based on thedistance information 542 that is provided by the proximity sensor 538 (step S604). - Alternatively, referring to
FIG. 7 , the control signals 550 may cause thecamera 512 to temporarily disable the camera's auto-focusing feature (step S702) and set the camera's focus value based on thedistance information 542 that is provided by the proximity sensor 538 (step S704). Then, thecamera 512 may subsequently re-enable the camera's auto-focusing feature after the camera's focus value has been set based on the distance information 542 (step S706). -
FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of acamera device attachment 800 that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading. Theattachment 800 may be used in connection with acamera device 802 that includes alight source 852 that provides white illumination. Thislight source 852 may be referred to herein as awhite light source 852. Thecamera device 802 may also include alens 854. - The
attachment 800 may include one or more single-color light sources 856. The single-color light sources 856 may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The single-color light sources 856 may provide red illumination (i.e., illumination having a wavelength of about 650 nm). - The
attachment 800 may includecircuitry 858 that activates and deactivates the single-color light sources 856. Thiscircuitry 858 may be referred to herein as activation/deactivation circuitry 858. In addition, theattachment 800 may includecircuitry 860 that detects when thewhite light source 852 of thecamera device 802 is activated and when thewhite light source 852 of thecamera device 802 is deactivated. Thiscircuitry 860 may be referred to herein asillumination detection circuitry 860. - The activation/
deactivation circuitry 858 may activate the single-color light sources 856 in response to thewhite light source 852 of thecamera device 802 being activated. Similarly, the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 may deactivate the single-color light sources 856 in response to thewhite light source 852 of thecamera device 802 being deactivated. - For example, when the
illumination detection circuitry 860 detects that thewhite light source 852 of thecamera device 802 has been activated, theillumination detection circuitry 860 may sendcontrol signals 862 to the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 that cause the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 to activate the single-color light sources 856. Conversely, when theillumination detection circuitry 860 detects that thewhite light source 852 of thecamera device 802 has been deactivated, theillumination detection circuitry 860 may sendcontrol signals 862 to the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 that cause the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 to deactivate the single-color light sources 856. -
FIG. 9 illustrates another example of acamera device attachment 900 that includes illumination that is optimized for bar code reading. Thecamera device 902 includes awhite light source 952. Theattachment 900 includes alight pipe 964 that redirectswhite illumination 966 provided by thewhite light source 952 of thecamera device 902. Single-color filters light pipe 964 filter the redirectedwhite illumination 966, so that single-color illumination target area 910. - The
light pipe 964 may be configured so that the single-color illumination color illumination target area 910 from locations that are not directly in front of the camera's image sensor 972. - With many camera devices, the focusing lens for the image sensor is located on the back side of the camera device. Therefore, in order to attempt to read a bar code, the camera device must be positioned so that the back side of the camera device is aimed at the bar code.
-
FIG. 10 illustrates an example of acamera device attachment 1000 that includes amirror 1074 that changes the optical path to thecamera device 1002. Theattachment 1000 permits a user of thecamera device 1002 to attempt to read abar code 1004 by aiming thetop side 1076 of thecamera device 1002 at thebar code 1004.Light 1078 is reflected from thebar code 1004 and redirected by themirror 1074 toward the camera device's focusinglens 1054, which focuses the reflected light 1078 onto the camera device'simage sensor 1072. - In the depicted example, the
mirror 1074 is positioned so that the reflected light 1078 is redirected by 90°. Alternatively, however, themirror 1074 may be positioned so that the reflected light 1078 is redirected by a different angle. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment 1100 that includes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading. - The supplementary lens system may include an
aperture 1180. Theaperture 1180 limits the amount of light that reaches the camera'simage sensor 1172. This may improve the depth of field of thecamera 1112. With enhanced depth of field, the need for auto-focusing is reduced and decode response is improved. - The supplementary lens system may include a
lens 1182 that is optimized for bar code reading. For example, thelens 1182 may minimize distortion. The lens 1128 can produce images having a relatively small field of view and a relatively large bar code element size, thus making it easier to read bar codes with small printing size (e.g., between 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters). - The supplementary lens system may include a single-color filter 1184 (e.g., a red filter). The
filter 1184 may be positioned in front of thelens 1182 that is optimized for bar code reading. - As indicated above, this patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device, wherein the attachment includes one or more components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device. An attachment as described herein may be configured to automatically activate the components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device in response to a detectable signal provided by the camera device. This signal may include, for example, a recognizable illumination pattern of the camera device.
- An example will be described in relation to
FIG. 12 , which illustrates anattachment 1200 for acamera device 1202. Theattachment 1200 may include one ormore targeting structures 1204. The targeting structure(s) 1204 may be similar to the targetingstructures FIG. 1B . The targeting structure(s) 1204 may produce targeting beams, which may be similar to the targetingbeams FIG. 1B . - The
attachment 1200 may also include one ormore illumination sources 1206. The illumination source(s) 1206 may be similar to the single-color light sources 856 shown inFIG. 8A . - The
attachment 1200 may also include a photo-detector 1208. The photo-detector 1208 may be an image sensor. - The
camera device 1202 may include one or morewhite illumination sources 1210. In addition, thecamera device 1202 may include a barcode reading application 1212. - The
camera device 1202 may be used to attempt to read a bar code (such as thebar code 104 shown inFIG. 1A ). The barcode reading application 1212 may receive user input to begin attempting to read the bar code. For example, the user may press a “scan” button that is displayed via a user interface 1214 of thecamera device 1202. In response, the white illumination source(s) 1210 of thecamera device 1202 may be activated and deactivated in accordance with a pattern that is recognizable to the photo-detector 1208 in theattachment 1200. For example, the white illumination source(s) 1210 of thecamera device 1202 may be briefly turned on and then turned off again. - The photo-
detector 1208 in theattachment 1200 may detect this pattern. In response, the targeting structure(s) 1204 and the illumination source(s) 1206 of theattachment 1200 may be activated for a definedtime period 1216. Thistime period 1216 may be configurable. During thistime period 1216, the user can aim the targeting beams at the bar code and use thecamera device 1202 to attempt to read the bar code. - The
attachment 1200 may include itsown battery 1218 to power the photo-detector 1208, the targeting structure(s) 1204 and the illumination source(s) 1206. - As used throughout this patent specification and the accompanying claims, an “attachment” for a camera device may include just a single component that improves the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device. Alternatively, an attachment may include multiple components that improve the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device. In addition, an attachment for a camera device may provide additional functionality that is unrelated to improving the bar code reading capabilities of the camera device.
- An attachment for a camera device may cover a relatively small portion of the camera device. Alternatively, an attachment for a camera device may be a protective case that covers a substantial portion of the camera device.
- Bar code verification is the process of measuring the print quality of a printed bar code to analyze how it will perform in different environments with different types of scanning equipment. The process of verification involves checking the visual aspects (for modulation, decodability and more) of printed bar codes against standards made by international organizations.
- An attachment that improves the bar code reading capabilities of a camera device, as described herein, may enable a camera device to be used for bar code verification, print verification, and/or other types of verification, and/or for reading direct part marks.
- For bar code print quality verification or general printing analysis, the attachment must provide fixed reading distance and ensure there is no distortion when capturing an image of the target to be verified. When the imaging distance is fixed, the camera device can be calibrated to remove lens distortion and establish a conversion factor between the number of pixels and the actual physical size.
- For reading direct part marks, ambient lighting or LED lighting from the camera device is usually not suitable to create sufficient contrast for decoding the marks. A special lighting attachment that provides diffused on-axis illumination and/or low angle illumination is needed.
- An attachment as described herein may include an anti-microbial housing, i.e., a housing that includes one or more additives (e.g., a silver iodide additive) that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria on the surface of the housing. This type of housing may be beneficial if a camera device is going to be used in a medical environment.
- Camera devices are often made with a housing of amorphous plastics, such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene (PC/ABS). Housings made of PC/ABS contain a loosely packed structure which makes it easier for chemicals to penetrate the plastic. Repeated use of chemical cleansers (e.g., cleansers that include isopropyl alcohol) may damage such housings. However, the use of chemical cleansers may be important. For example, if a camera device is going to be used as a bar code reader in a medical environment, it is important to frequently disinfect the camera device in order to try to prevent or limit the spread of infection.
- An attachment as described herein may include a housing that is designed to resist the harmful effects of chemical cleansers. Such a housing may be referred to as a “chemical-resistant” (or a “disinfectant-ready”) housing. A chemical-resistant housing may include one or more additives (e.g., silicone) that reduce the harmful effects of chemical cleansers.
- The claims are not limited to the specific implementations described above. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the implementations described herein without departing from the scope of the claims.
Claims (19)
1. An attachment for a camera device comprising a camera, wherein the attachment comprises at least one of:
a target generating mechanism;
a proximity sensor;
illumination that is optimized for bar code reading;
optics that provide an alternative optical path to the camera device; and
a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.
2. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the target generating mechanism facilitates optimal positioning of the camera device with respect to a bar code that the camera device is attempting to read.
3. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensor:
determines a distance between the camera and a bar code that the camera device is attempting to read; and
provides information about the distance to the camera.
4. The attachment of claim 3 , further comprising an interface that facilitates communication of the distance information from the proximity sensor to the camera.
5. The attachment of claim 3 , further comprising circuitry that sends control signals to the camera, wherein the control signals cause the camera to:
disable the camera's auto-focusing feature; and
set the camera's focus value based on the distance information that is provided by the proximity sensor.
6. The attachment of claim 3 , further comprising circuitry that sends control signals to the camera, wherein the control signals cause the camera to:
temporarily disable the camera's auto-focusing feature;
set the camera's focus value based on the distance information that is provided by the proximity sensor while the camera's auto-focusing feature is disabled; and
subsequently re-enable the camera's auto-focusing feature after the camera's focus value has been set based on the distance information.
7. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the attachment comprises at least one single-color light source.
8. The attachment of claim 7 , further comprising activation/deactivation circuitry that activates and deactivates the at least one single-color light source.
9. The attachment of claim 7 , further comprising illumination detection circuitry that detects when a white light source of the camera device is activated and when the white light source of the camera device is deactivated.
10. The attachment of claim 9 , wherein:
the activation/deactivation circuitry activates the at least one single-color light source in response to the white light source of the camera device being activated; and
the activation/deactivation circuitry deactivates the at least one single-color light source in response to the white light source of the camera device being deactivated.
11. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the attachment comprises:
a light pipe that redirects white illumination that is provided by a white light source of the camera device; and
at least one single-color filter that filters the redirected white illumination, so that single-color illumination is directed toward a target area.
12. The attachment of claim 1 , further comprising a mirror that redirects reflected light toward a focusing lens of the camera device.
13. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the supplementary lens system comprises an aperture.
14. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the supplementary lens system comprises a lens that is optimized for bar code reading.
15. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the supplementary lens system comprises a single-color filter.
16. The attachment of claim 1 , further comprising an anti-microbial housing.
17. The attachment of claim 1 , further comprising a chemical resistant housing.
18. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the attachment automatically activates at least one of the target generating mechanism and the illumination that is optimized for bar code reading in response to a recognizable illumination pattern of the camera device.
19. A method comprising:
using a camera device equipped with an attachment as defined in claim 1 for at least one of bar code verification, print verification, and reading direct part marks.
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US14/527,645 US10192086B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-10-29 | Barcode-reading enhancement system for a computing device that comprises a camera and an illumination system |
US14/527,594 US9922221B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-10-29 | Barcode-reading attachment for focusing a camera of a mobile device |
US14/527,748 US10303910B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-10-29 | Apparatus comprising multiple sets of optics to facilitate capturing barcode and non-barcode images |
US14/527,735 US9710685B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-10-29 | Barcode-reading application for a mobile device with a high resolution color camera |
US14/581,821 US10248821B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-12-23 | Target generating structure for an accessory for a mobile device |
US14/799,464 US9858460B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2015-07-14 | Barcode-reading system having circuitry for generating a barcode read signal on a microphone input connector of a mobile device |
US14/799,431 US10223563B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2015-07-14 | Barcode reading system for a mobile device with a barcode reading enhancement accessory and barcode reading application |
US14/964,483 US9811703B2 (en) | 2012-12-07 | 2015-12-09 | Attachment including a targeting optic system that directs illumination from a white light source towards a target area |
US15/804,071 US10223564B2 (en) | 2012-12-07 | 2017-11-06 | Attachment for a smart phone including a targeting optic system that directs illumination from a white light source towards a target area |
US16/291,940 US11080497B2 (en) | 2012-12-07 | 2019-03-04 | Attachment including a targeting optic system that directs illumination from a white light source towards a target area |
US16/292,088 US10853603B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2019-03-04 | Barcode reading system for a mobile device with a barcode reading enhancement accessory and a barcode reading application having a relay function that can determine whether decoded data is intended for a legacy system or a non-legacy system |
US16/372,046 US11017191B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2019-04-01 | Accessory having a target generating structure for a mobile device |
US16/386,136 US10430625B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2019-04-16 | Barcode reading accessory for a mobile device having a one-way mirror |
US16/422,816 US10853604B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2019-05-24 | Attachment for a mobile device for reading barcodes and capturing non-barcode images |
US17/107,264 US20210165983A1 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2020-11-30 | Apparatus for reading barcodes and capturing non-barcode images |
US17/107,651 US11361179B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2020-11-30 | Barcode reading system having a legacy mobile client function, a non-legacy mobile client function, and a relay function |
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US10223564B2 (en) | 2019-03-05 |
US11080497B2 (en) | 2021-08-03 |
US9811703B2 (en) | 2017-11-07 |
US20180060627A1 (en) | 2018-03-01 |
US20160092711A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
US20190197270A1 (en) | 2019-06-27 |
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