U.S. patent application number 13/708835 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for bar code-reading capabilities of a portable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE CODE CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is THE CODE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Mark Ashby, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, George Powell, Garrett Russell.
Application Number | 20140158769 13/708835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50879871 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140158769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powell; George ; et
al. |
June 12, 2014 |
BAR CODE-READING CAPABILITIES OF A PORTABLE, HAND-HELD COMPUTING
DEVICE THAT COMPRISES A CAMERA
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.
Inventors: |
Powell; George; (Sandy,
UT) ; Hoobler; Ryan; (Salt Lake City, UT) ;
Lei; Ming; (Princeton Junction, NJ) ; Russell;
Garrett; (Phoenixville, PA) ; Ashby; Mark;
(Taylorsville, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE CODE CORPORATION |
Bluffdale |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE CODE CORPORATION
Bluffdale
UT
|
Family ID: |
50879871 |
Appl. No.: |
13/708835 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/462.06 ;
235/462.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0264 20130101;
G06K 7/10722 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; G06K 7/10831
20130101; G06K 7/10811 20130101; G06K 7/10732 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/462.06 ;
235/462.21 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 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.
SUMMARY
[0002] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of a camera device
attachment that includes a target generating mechanism.
[0004] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be
projected by the target generating mechanism shown in FIGS.
1A-1B.
[0005] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a camera device
attachment that includes a proximity sensor.
[0006] FIG. 6 illustrates one way that a camera device may utilize
distance information provided by the proximity sensor shown in
FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0007] FIG. 7 illustrates another way that a camera device may
utilize distance information provided by the proximity sensor shown
in FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0008] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a camera device
attachment that includes illumination that is optimized for bar
code reading.
[0009] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a camera device
attachment that includes illumination that is optimized for bar
code reading.
[0010] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment
that includes a mirror that changes the optical path to the camera
device.
[0011] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment
that includes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar
code reading.
[0012] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
Target Generating Mechanism
[0016] 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.
[0017] The target generating mechanism may include multiple
targeting structures 106a, 106b. These targeting structures 106a,
106b may project non-parallel targeting beams 108a, 108b, each of
which form a point or a pattern on the target area 110. The
targeting structures 106a, 106b may be configured so that (1) at
the optimal distance from the camera 112, the targeting beams 108a,
108b 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. Thus, when the camera
device 102 is being used to read a bar code 104, 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.
[0018] The targeting structure 106a includes a light source 116a, a
prism 118a, a collimating lens 120a, and a pattern generating
surface 122a. The targeting structure 106b includes a light source
116b, a prism 118b, a collimating lens 120b, and a pattern
generating surface 122b. The light sources 116a, 116b may be laser
diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.
[0019] Each of the pattern generating surfaces 122a, 122b may be an
interference pattern generating element or a diffractive element,
such as a holographic element that may include one or more
diffractive gratings. Alternatively, each of the pattern generating
surfaces 122a, 122b may be a Fresnel type element that has been
fabricated with the desired pattern in mind.
[0020] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be
projected by the targeting structures 106a, 106b. As shown in FIG.
2, one possible targeting pattern 224 that may be projected by the
targeting structures 106a, 106b is a circle 226 with a dot 228 in
the center. One targeting structure 106a may generate the circle
226, while the other targeting structure 106b may generate the dot
228. The targeting structures 106a, 106b 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.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, another possible targeting pattern 324
that may be projected by the targeting structures 106a, 106b is a
cross comprising a horizontal bar 330 and a vertical bar 332. One
targeting structure 106a may generate the horizontal bar 330, while
the other targeting structure 106b may generate the vertical bar
332. The targeting structures 106a, 106b 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.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, another possible targeting pattern 424
that may be projected by the targeting structures 106a, 106b is a
circle 434 comprising an X 436. One targeting structure 106a may
generate the circle 434, while the other targeting structure 106b
may generate the X 436. The targeting structures 106a, 106b 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] Another possible targeting pattern may include multiple
(e.g., two) circles. The circles may overlap at the optimal
distance from the bar code 104.
Proximity Sensor
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
Alternatively, 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the control signals 550
may cause the camera 512 to disable the camera's auto-focusing
feature (step S602) and set the camera's focus value based on the
distance information 542 that is provided by the proximity sensor
538 (step S604).
[0029] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 7, the control signals 550
may cause the camera 512 to temporarily disable the camera's
auto-focusing feature (step S702) and set the camera's focus value
based on the distance information 542 that is provided by the
proximity sensor 538 (step S704). 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 S706).
Illumination Optimized For Bar Code Reading
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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).
[0032] 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. In addition, 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] For example, when the illumination detection circuitry 860
detects that the white light source 852 of the camera device 802
has been activated, 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. Conversely, when the
illumination detection circuitry 860 detects that the white light
source 852 of the camera device 802 has been 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 deactivate the
single-color light sources 856.
[0035] 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 968a, 968b (e.g., red
filters) within the light pipe 964 filter the redirected white
illumination 966, so that single-color illumination 970a, 970b
(e.g., red illumination) is directed toward the target area
910.
[0036] The light pipe 964 may be configured so that the
single-color illumination 970a, 970b is offset from the camera's
image sensor 972 in order to prevent glare. In other words, the
single-color illumination 970a, 970b may be directed toward the
target area 910 from locations that are not directly in front of
the camera's image sensor 972.
Optics That Change the Optical Path To the Camera Device
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] In the depicted example, the mirror 1074 is positioned so
that the reflected light 1078 is redirected by 90.degree..
Alternatively, however, the mirror 1074 may be positioned so that
the reflected light 1078 is redirected by a different angle.
Supplementary Lens System Optimized For Bar Code Reading
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera device attachment
1100 that includes a supplementary lens system that is optimized
for bar code reading.
[0041] 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.
[0042] The supplementary lens system may include a lens 1182 that
is optimized for bar code reading. For example, 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).
[0043] 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.
Activation of Components That Improve Bar Code Reading
Capabilities
[0044] 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.
[0045] An example will be described in relation to FIG. 12, which
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 106a, 106b shown in FIG. 1B. The targeting structure(s)
1204 may produce targeting beams, which may be similar to the
targeting beams 108a, 108b shown in FIG. 1B.
[0046] 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.
[0047] The attachment 1200 may also include a photo-detector 1208.
The photo-detector 1208 may be an image sensor.
[0048] The camera device 1202 may include one or more white
illumination sources 1210. In addition, the camera device 1202 may
include a bar code reading application 1212.
[0049] 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. In response, 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.
[0050] The photo-detector 1208 in the attachment 1200 may detect
this pattern. In response, 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.
[0051] 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.
Meaning of "Attachment"
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
Potential Uses
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
Anti-Microbial Housing
[0058] 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.
Chemical-Resistant Housing
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
* * * * *