U.S. patent application number 14/603695 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for terminal having illumination and exposure control.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hand Held Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alexey G. Chernyakov, Brian L. Jovanovski, Daniel Van Volkinburg.
Application Number | 20150178534 14/603695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45509214 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150178534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jovanovski; Brian L. ; et
al. |
June 25, 2015 |
TERMINAL HAVING ILLUMINATION AND EXPOSURE CONTROL
Abstract
There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having a
first illumination and exposure control configuration and a second
illumination and exposure control configuration, the first
illumination and control configuration having a first associated
illumination control and a first associated exposure control, the
second illumination and exposure control configuration having a
second associated illumination control and a second associated
exposure control, wherein with the first illumination control
active an average energization level of the illumination subsystem
during exposure of one or more frames is higher than with the
second illumination control active, and wherein with the first
exposure control active an average exposure period of the image
sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control
active.
Inventors: |
Jovanovski; Brian L.;
(Syracuse, NY) ; Chernyakov; Alexey G.; (Ithaca,
NY) ; Van Volkinburg; Daniel; (Clay, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hand Held Products, Inc. |
Fort Mill |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45509214 |
Appl. No.: |
14/603695 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12981793 |
Dec 30, 2010 |
8939374 |
|
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14603695 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/10752 20130101;
G06K 7/10851 20130101; G06K 7/10732 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An indicia reading terminal, comprising: an illumination
subsystem for projecting an illumination pattern; and an image
sensor array for capturing an image of a target; wherein the
indicia reading terminal has (i) a first illumination and exposure
control configuration having a first associated illumination
control and a first associated exposure control and (ii) a second
illumination and exposure control configuration having a second
associated illumination control and a second associated exposure
control; wherein, with the first illumination control active, an
average energization level of the illumination subsystem during
exposure periods of one or more frames is higher than with the
second illumination control active; wherein, with the first
exposure control active, an average exposure period of the image
sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control
active; and wherein the indicia reading terminal is operative to:
activate the first illumination and exposure control configuration
for capturing a first set of frames comprising one or more
successive frames; activate the second illumination and exposure
control configuration for capturing a second set of frames
comprising one or more successive frames; attempt to decode
decodable indicia utilizing a frame of the first set of frames;
attempt to decode a decodable indicia utilizing a frame of the
second set of frames; and switch between activation of the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and the second
illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed loop
basis responsively to a sensed condition, the sensed condition
being a measurement of motion of the indicia reading terminal.
22. The indicia reading terminal of claim 21, wherein the first
associated illumination control and/or the second associated
illumination control is a control for setting an energization level
of the illumination subsystem to a certain predetermined value for
each frame exposed during an activation period of the associated
illumination and exposure control configuration.
23. The indicia reading terminal of claim 21, wherein the first
associated exposure control and/or the second associated exposure
control is a control for setting the exposure period of the image
sensor array to a certain predetermined value for each frame
exposed during an activation period of the associated illumination
and exposure control configuration.
24. The indicia reading terminal of claim 21, wherein the first set
of frames and/or the second set of frames is a single frame.
25. The indicia reading terminal of claim 21, wherein each of the
first set of frames and the second set of frames is a plurality of
frames.
26. The imaging terminal of claim 21, wherein: the illumination
subsystem comprises a light source having a maximum continuous
operation energization rating; and an average energization level of
the light source during exposure periods of the image sensor array
with the first illumination and exposure control configuration
active exceeds the maximum continuous energization rating.
27. The imaging terminal of claim 21, wherein: the illumination
subsystem comprises a light source having a maximum continuous
operation energization rating; an average energization level of the
light source during exposure periods of the image sensor array with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active is
more than twice the maximum continuous energization rating; and the
average energization level of the light source during exposure
periods of the image sensor array with the second illumination and
exposure control configuration active does not exceed the maximum
continuous operation energization rating.
28. The indicia reading terminal of claim 21, wherein: an average
energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure
periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem during exposure periods with the second
illumination and exposure control configuration active exhibits a
ratio of greater than 3:1; and an average exposure period of the
image sensor array with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
the image sensor array with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active exhibits a ratio of less than 1:3.
29. An indicia reading terminal, comprising: an illumination
subsystem for projecting an illumination pattern; and an image
sensor array for capturing an image of a target; wherein the
indicia reading terminal has (i) a first illumination and exposure
control configuration having a first associated illumination
control and a first associated exposure control and (ii) a second
illumination and exposure control configuration having a second
associated illumination control and a second associated exposure
control; wherein, with the first illumination control active, an
average energization level of the illumination subsystem during
exposure periods of one or more frames is higher than with the
second illumination control active; wherein, with the first
exposure control active, an average exposure period of the image
sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control
active; and wherein the indicia reading terminal is operative to:
activate the first illumination and exposure control configuration
for capturing a first set of frames comprising one or more
successive frames; activate the second illumination and exposure
control configuration for capturing a second set of frames
comprising one or more successive frames; attempt to decode
decodable indicia utilizing a frame of the first set of frames;
attempt to decode a decodable indicia utilizing a frame of the
second set of frames; and switch between activation of the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and the second
illumination and exposure control configuration on an open loop
basis without the switching being responsive to a sensed
condition.
30. The indicia reading terminal of claim 29, wherein the first
associated illumination control and/or the second associated
illumination control is a control that allows an energization level
of the illumination subsystem to vary between frames exposed during
an activation period of the associated illumination and exposure
control configuration.
31. The indicia reading terminal of claim 29, wherein the first
associated exposure control and/or the second associated exposure
control is a control that allows an exposure period of the
illumination subsystem to vary between frames exposed during an
activation period of the associated illumination and exposure
control configuration.
32. The indicia reading terminal of claim 29, wherein the first set
of frames and/or the second set of frames is a plurality of
frames.
33. The imaging terminal of claim 29, wherein: the illumination
subsystem comprises a light source having a maximum continuous
operation energization rating; an average energization level of the
light source during exposure periods of the image sensor array with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active
exceeds the maximum continuous energization rating; and the average
energization level of the light source during exposure periods of
the image sensor array with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active does not substantially exceed the
maximum continuous operation energization rating.
34. The imaging terminal of claim 29, wherein: an average
energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure
periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem during exposure periods with the second
illumination and exposure control configuration active exhibits a
ratio of greater than 2:1; and an average exposure period of the
image sensor array with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
the image sensor array with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active exhibits a ratio of less than 1:2.
35. An indicia reading terminal, comprising: an illumination
subsystem for projecting an illumination pattern; and an image
sensor array for capturing an image of a target; wherein the
indicia reading terminal has (i) a first illumination and exposure
control configuration having a first associated illumination
control and a first associated exposure control and (ii) a second
illumination and exposure control configuration having a second
associated illumination control and a second associated exposure
control; wherein, with the first illumination control active, an
average energization level of the illumination subsystem during
exposure periods of one or more frames is higher than with the
second illumination control active; wherein, with the first
exposure control active, an average exposure period of the image
sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control
active; wherein the indicia reading terminal is operative to:
activate the first illumination and exposure control configuration
for capturing a first set of frames comprising one or more
successive frames; activate the second illumination and exposure
control configuration for capturing a second set of frames
comprising one or more successive frames; attempt to decode
decodable indicia utilizing a frame of the first set of frames;
attempt to decode a decodable indicia utilizing a frame of the
second set of frames; wherein an average energization level of the
illumination subsystem during exposure periods with the first
illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average energization level of illumination
subsystem during exposure periods with the second illumination and
exposure control configuration active exhibits a ratio of greater
than 2:1; and wherein an average exposure period of the image
sensor array with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
the image sensor array with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active exhibits a ratio of less than 1:2.
36. The indicia reading terminal of claim 35, wherein the indicia
reading terminal is operative to switch between activation of the
first illumination and exposure control configuration and the
second illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed
loop basis responsively to a sensed condition.
37. The indicia reading terminal of claim 35, wherein the indicia
reading terminal is operative to switch between activation of the
first illumination and exposure control configuration and the
second illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed
loop basis responsively to a sensed condition, the sensed condition
being an ambient light level.
38. The indicia reading terminal of claim 35, wherein the indicia
reading terminal is operative to switch between activation of the
first illumination and exposure control configuration and the
second illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed
loop basis responsively to a sensed condition, the sensed condition
being a terminal range.
39. The indicia reading terminal of claim 35, wherein the indicia
reading terminal is operative to activate and deactivate the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and/or the second
illumination and exposure control configuration a plurality of
times in response to activation of a trigger signal.
40. The indicia reading terminal of claim 35, wherein the indicia
reading terminal is operative to activate the second illumination
and exposure control configuration prior to activating the first
illumination and exposure control configuration in response to
activation of a trigger signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/981,793 for a Terminal Having Illumination
and Exposure Control filed Dec. 30, 2010 (and published Jul. 5,
2012 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0168507), now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,939,374. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/047,896 for a Terminal Having Illumination and Exposure Control
filed Oct. 7, 2013 (and published Jun. 26, 2014 as U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0175172) also claims the benefit
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/981,793. Each of the
foregoing patent applications, patent publications, and patent is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to optical based
registers, and particularly is related to an image sensor based
indicia reading terminal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Indicia reading terminals for reading decodable indicia are
available in multiple varieties. For example, minimally featured
indicia reading terminals devoid of a keyboard and display are
common in point of sale applications. Indicia reading terminals
devoid of a keyboard and display are available in the recognizable
gun style form factor having a handle and trigger button (trigger)
that can be actuated by an index finger. Indicia reading terminals
having keyboards and displays are also available. Keyboard and
display equipped indicia reading terminals are commonly used in
shipping and warehouse applications, and are available in form
factors incorporating a display and keyboard. In a keyboard and
display equipped indicia reading terminal, a trigger button for
actuating the output of decoded messages is typically provided in
such locations as to enable actuation by a thumb of an operator.
Indicia reading terminals in a form devoid of a keyboard and
display or in a keyboard and display equipped form are commonly
used in a variety of data collection applications including point
of sale applications, shipping applications, warehousing
applications, security check point applications, and patient care
applications, and personal use, common where keyboard and display
equipped indicia reading terminal is provided by a personal mobile
telephone having indicia reading functionality. Some indicia
reading terminals are adapted to read bar code symbols including
one or more of one dimensional (1D) bar codes, stacked 1D bar
codes, and two dimensional (2D) bar codes. Other indicia reading
terminals are adapted to read OCR characters while still other
indicia reading terminals are equipped to read both bar code
symbols and OCR characters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The features described herein can be better understood with
reference to the drawings described below. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like
numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various
views.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic physical form view of an indicia
reading terminal in one embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an indicia reading terminal in
one embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly perspective view of an
imaging module;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an imaging module;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method which can be
performed by an indicia reading terminal;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a method which can
be performed by an indicia reading terminal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having
a first illumination and exposure control configuration and a
second illumination and exposure control configuration, the first
illumination and exposure control configuration having a first
associated illumination control and a first associated exposure
control, the second illumination and exposure control configuration
having a second associated illumination control and a second
associated exposure control, wherein with the first illumination
control active an average energization level of the illumination
subsystem during exposure of one or more frames is higher than with
the second illumination control active, and wherein with the first
exposure control active an average exposure period of the image
sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control
active.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, there is set forth herein an indicia
reading terminal 1000 having a first illumination and exposure
control configuration and a second illumination and exposure
control configuration, the first illumination and exposure control
configuration having a first associated illumination control and a
first associated exposure control, the second illumination and
exposure control configuration having a second associated
illumination control and a second associated exposure control,
wherein with the first illumination control active an average
energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure of
one or more frames is higher than with the second illumination
control active, and wherein with the first exposure control active
an average exposure period of the image sensor array is shorter
than with the second exposure control active.
[0013] Operational as described, the indicia reading terminal 1000
can be rendered able to read decodable indicia in an expanded range
of scanning environments, including moderate to low ambient light
environments. In the development of terminal 1000, it was
determined that the first illumination and exposure control
configuration can optimize terminal 1000 for motion tolerance while
the second illumination and exposure control configuration can
optimize terminal 1000 for depth of field. By adapting terminal
1000 so that each of the first and second illumination and exposure
control configurations can be made active responsively to an
activation of a trigger signal, terminal 1000 can be rendered
better suited for reading of decodable indicia in an expanded range
of operating environments.
[0014] An exemplary hardware platform for support of operations
described herein with reference to an image sensor based indicia
reading terminal 1000 is shown and described with reference to FIG.
2.
[0015] Indicia reading terminal 1000 can include an image sensor
1032 comprising a multiple pixel image sensor array 1033 having
pixels arranged in rows and columns of pixels, associated column
circuitry 1034 and row circuitry 1035. Associated with the image
sensor 1032 can be amplifier circuitry 1036 (amplifier), and an
analog to digital converter 1037 which converts image information
in the form of analog signals read out of image sensor array 1033
into image information in the form of digital signals. Image sensor
1032 can also have an associated timing and control circuit 1038
for use in controlling e.g., the exposure period of image sensor
1032, gain applied to the amplifier 1036. The noted circuit
components 1032, 1036, 1037, and 1038 can be packaged into a common
image sensor integrated circuit 1040. Image sensor integrated
circuit 1040 can incorporate fewer than the noted number of
components. In one example, image sensor integrated circuit 1040
can be provided e.g., by an MT9V022 (752.times.480 pixel array) or
an MT9V023 (752.times.480 pixel array) image sensor integrated
circuit available from Micron Technology, Inc. In one example,
image sensor array 1033 can be a hybrid monochrome and color image
sensor array having a first subset of monochrome pixels without
color filter elements and a second subset of color pixels having
color sensitive filter elements. In one example, image sensor
integrated circuit 1040 can incorporate a Bayer pattern filter, so
that defined at the image sensor array 1033 are red pixels at red
pixel positions, green pixels at green pixel positions, and blue
pixels at blue pixel positions. Frames that are provided utilizing
such an image sensor array incorporating a Bayer pattern can
include red pixel values at red pixel positions, green pixel values
at green pixel positions, and blue pixel values at blue pixel
positions. In an embodiment incorporating a Bayer pattern image
sensor array, CPU 1060 prior to subjecting a frame to further
processing can interpolate pixel values at frame pixel positions
intermediate of green pixel positions utilizing green pixel values
for development of a monochrome frame of image data. Alternatively,
CPU 1060 prior to subjecting a frame for further processing can
interpolate pixel values intermediate of red pixel positions
utilizing red pixel values for development of a monochrome frame of
image data. CPU 1060 can alternatively, prior to subjecting a frame
for further processing interpolate pixel values intermediate of
blue pixel positions utilizing blue pixel values. An imaging
subsystem of terminal 1000 can include image sensor 1032 and a lens
assembly 200 for focusing an image onto image sensor array 1033 of
image sensor 1032.
[0016] In the course of operation of terminal 1000, image signals
can be read out of image sensor 1032, converted, and stored into a
system memory such as RAM 1080. A memory 1085 of terminal 1000 can
include RAM 1080, a nonvolatile memory such as EPROM 1082 and a
storage memory device 1084 such as may be provided by a flash
memory or a hard drive memory. In one embodiment, terminal 1000 can
include CPU 1060 which can be adapted to read out image data stored
in memory 1080 and subject such image data to various image
processing algorithms. Terminal 1000 can include a direct memory
access unit (DMA) 1070 for routing image information read out from
image sensor 1032 that has been subject to conversion to RAM 1080.
In another embodiment, terminal 1000 can employ a system bus
providing for bus arbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus) thus
eliminating the need for a central DMA controller. A skilled
artisan would appreciate that other embodiments of the system bus
architecture and/or direct memory access components providing for
efficient data transfer between the image sensor 1032 and RAM 1080
are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.
[0017] Referring to further aspects of terminal 1000, imaging lens
assembly 200 can be adapted for focusing an image of a decodable
indicia 15 located within a field of view 1240 on a substrate, T,
onto image sensor array 1033. A size in target space of a field of
view 1240 of terminal 1000 can be varied in a number of alternative
ways. A size in target space of a field of view 1240 can be varied,
e.g., by changing a terminal to target distance, changing an
imaging lens assembly setting, changing a number of pixels of image
sensor array 1033 that are subject to read out. Imaging light rays
can be transmitted about imaging axis 25. Lens assembly 200 can be
adapted to be capable of multiple focal lengths and multiple planes
of optimum focus (best focus distances).
[0018] Terminal 1000 can include an illumination subsystem 800 for
illumination of target, T, and projection of an illumination
pattern 1260. Illumination pattern 1260, in the embodiment shown
can be projected to be proximate to but larger than an area defined
by field of view 1240, but can also be projected in an area smaller
than an area defined by a field of view 1240. Illumination
subsystem 800 can include a light source bank 500, comprising one
or more light sources. A physical form view of an example of an
illumination subsystem is shown in FIGS. 3-4. As shown in FIGS.
3-4, an imaging module 400 can be provided having a circuit board
402 carrying image sensor 1032 and lens assembly 200 disposed in
support 430 disposed on circuit board 402. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 3 and 4, illumination subsystem 800 has a light source bank
500 provided by single light source 502. In another embodiment,
light source bank 500 can be provided by more than one light
source. Terminal 1000 can also include an aiming subsystem 600 for
projecting an aiming pattern (not shown). Aiming subsystem 600
which can comprise a light source bank can be coupled to aiming
light source bank power input unit 1208 for providing electrical
power to a light source bank of aiming subsystem 600. Power input
unit 1208 can be coupled to system bus 1500 via interface 1108 for
communication with CPU 1060.
[0019] In one embodiment, illumination subsystem 800 can include,
in addition to light source bank 500, an illumination lens assembly
300, as is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2. In addition to or in
place of illumination lens assembly 300 illumination subsystem 800
can include alternative light shaping optics, e.g. one or more
diffusers, mirrors and prisms. In use, terminal 1000 can be
oriented by an operator with respect to a target, T, (e.g., a piece
of paper, a package, another type of substrate) bearing decodable
indicia 15 in such manner that illumination pattern 1260 is
projected on a decodable indicia 15. In the example of FIG. 2,
decodable indicia 15 is provided by a 1D bar code symbol. Decodable
indicia 15 could also be provided by a 2D bar code symbol or
optical character recognition (OCR) characters. Referring to
further aspects of terminal 1000, lens assembly 200 can be
controlled with use of electrical power input unit 1202 which
provides energy for changing a plane of optimum focus of lens
assembly 200. In one embodiment, an electrical power input unit
1202 can operate as a controlled voltage source, and in another
embodiment, as a controlled current source. Electrical power input
unit 1202 can apply signals for changing optical characteristics of
lens assembly 200, e.g., for changing a focal length and/or a best
focus distance of (a plane of optimum focus of) lens assembly 200.
Light source bank electrical power input unit 1206 can provide
energy to light source bank 500. In one embodiment, electrical
power input unit 1206 can operate as a controlled voltage source.
In another embodiment, electrical power input unit 1206 can operate
as a controlled current source. In another embodiment electrical
power input unit 1206 can operate as a combined controlled voltage
and controlled current source. Electrical power input unit 1206 can
change a level of electrical power provided to (energization level
of) light source bank 500, e.g., for changing a level of
illumination output by light source bank 500 of illumination
subsystem 800 for generating illumination pattern 1260.
[0020] In another aspect, terminal 1000 can include power supply
1402 that supplies power to a power grid 1404 to which electrical
components of terminal 1000 can be connected. Power supply 1402 can
be coupled to various power sources, e.g., a battery 1406, a serial
interface 1408 (e.g., USB, RS232), and/or AC/DC transformer
1410).
[0021] Further regarding power input unit 1206, power input unit
1206 can include a charging capacitor that is continually charged
by power supply 1402. Power input unit 1206 can be configured to
output energy within a range of energization levels. An average
energization level of illumination subsystem 800 during exposure
periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active can be higher than an average energization
level of illumination and exposure control configuration
active.
[0022] Terminal 1000 can also include a number of peripheral
devices including trigger 1220 which may be used to make active a
trigger signal for activating frame readout and/or certain decoding
processes. Terminal 1000 can be adapted so that activation of
trigger 1220 activates a trigger signal and initiates a decode
attempt. Specifically, terminal 1000 can be operative so that in
response to activation of a trigger signal, a succession of frames
can be captured by way of read out of image information from image
sensor array 1033 (typically in the form of analog signals) and
then storage of the image information after conversion into memory
1080 (which can buffer one or more of the succession of frames at a
given time). CPU 1060 can be operative to subject one or more of
the succession of frames to a decode attempt.
[0023] For attempting to decode a bar code symbol, e.g., a one
dimensional bar code symbol, CPU 1060 can process image data of a
frame corresponding to a line of pixel positions (e.g., a row, a
column, or a diagonal set of pixel positions) to determine a
spatial pattern of dark and light cells and can convert each light
and dark cell pattern determined into a character or character
string via table lookup. Where a decodable indicia representation
is a 2D bar code symbology, a decode attempt can comprise the steps
of locating a finder pattern using a feature detection algorithm,
locating matrix lines intersecting the finder pattern according to
a predetermined relationship with the finder pattern, determining a
pattern of dark and light cells along the matrix lines, and
converting each light pattern into a character or character string
via table lookup.
[0024] Terminal 1000 can include various interface circuits for
coupling various of the peripheral devices to system address/data
bus (system bus) 1500, for communication with CPU 1060 also coupled
to system bus 1500. Terminal 1000 can include interface circuit
1028 for coupling image sensor timing and control circuit 1038 to
system bus 1500, interface circuit 1102 for coupling electrical
power input unit 1202 to system bus 1500, interface circuit 1106
for coupling illumination light source bank power input unit 1206
to system bus 1500, and interface circuit 1120 for coupling trigger
1220 to system bus 1500. Terminal 1000 can also include a display
1222 coupled to system bus 1500 and in communication with CPU 1060,
via interface 1122, as well as pointer mechanism 1224 in
communication with CPU 1060 via interface 1124 connected to system
bus 1500. Terminal 1000 can also include range detector unit 1210
coupled to system bus 1500 via interface 1110. In one embodiment,
range detector unit 1210 can be an acoustic range detector unit.
Various interface circuits of terminal 1000 can share circuit
components. For example, a common microcontroller can be
established for providing control inputs to both image sensor
timing and control circuit 1038 and to power input unit 1206. A
common microcontroller providing control inputs to circuit 1038 and
to power input unit 1206 can be provided to coordinate timing
between image sensor array controls and illumination subsystem
controls.
[0025] A succession of frames of image data that can be captured
and subject to the described processing can be full frames
(including pixel values corresponding to each pixel of image sensor
array 1033 or a maximum number of pixels read out from image sensor
array 1033 during operation of terminal 1000). A succession of
frames of image data that can be captured and subject to the
described processing can also be "windowed frames" comprising pixel
values corresponding to less than a full frame of pixels of image
sensor array 1033. A succession of frames of image data that can be
captured and subject to the described processing can also comprise
a combination of full frames and windowed frames. A full frame can
be read out for capture by selectively addressing pixels of image
sensor 1032 having image sensor array 1033 corresponding to the
full frame. A windowed frame can be read out for capture by
selectively addressing pixels of image sensor 1032 having image
sensor array 1033 corresponding to the windowed frame. In one
embodiment, a number of pixels subject to addressing and read out
determine a picture size of a frame. Accordingly, a full frame can
be regarded as having a first relatively larger picture size and a
windowed frame can be regarded as having a relatively smaller
picture size relative to a picture size of a full frame. A picture
size of a windowed frame can vary depending on the number of pixels
subject to addressing and readout for capture of a windowed
frame.
[0026] Terminal 1000 can capture frames of image data at a rate
known as a frame rate. A typical frame rate is 60 frames per second
(FPS) which translates to a frame time (frame period) of 16.6 ms.
Another typical frame rate is 30 frames per second (FPS) which
translates to a frame time (frame period) of 33.3 ms per frame. A
frame rate of terminal 1000 can be increased (and frame time
decreased) by decreasing of a frame picture size.
[0027] Further aspects of terminal 1000 in one embodiment are
described with reference again to FIG. 1. Trigger 1220, display
1222, pointer mechanism 1224, and keyboard 1226 can be disposed on
a common side of a hand held housing 1014 as shown in FIG. 1.
Display 1222 and pointer mechanism 1224 in combination can be
regarded as a user interface of terminal 1000. Display 1222 in one
embodiment can incorporate a touch panel for navigation and virtual
actuator selection in which case a user interface of terminal 1000
can be provided by display 1222. A user interface of terminal 1000
can also be provided by configuring terminal 1000 to be operative
to be reprogrammed by decoding of programming bar code symbols. A
hand held housing 1014 for terminal 1000 can in another embodiment
be devoid of a display and can be in a gun style form factor.
Imaging module 400 including image sensor array 1033 and imaging
lens assembly 200 can be incorporated in hand held housing
1014.
[0028] A flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method herein
is set forth in FIG. 5. At block 4002, terminal 1000 can wait for
scanning to be initiated and at block 4006, scanning can be
initiated, e.g., by activation of a trigger signal via actuation of
trigger 1220. A trigger signal can also be activated, e.g., via
object detection, or a serial command from an external computer. At
block 4014, terminal 1000 can capture one or more frames of image
data utilizing a first illumination and exposure control
configuration. In the specific embodiment set forth with reference
to FIG. 5, the first illumination and exposure control
configuration can be characterized by a relatively high
illumination subsystem average energization level during exposure
periods and a relatively shorter average exposure period. At block
4018, terminal 1000 can attempt to decode a decodable indicia
represented in the one or more captured frames captured with the
first illumination and exposure control configuration active. At
block 4022 if decoding fails, terminal 1000 can activate a second
illumination and exposure control configuration and capture one or
more frames utilizing the second illumination and exposure control
configuration. At block 4026 terminal 1000 can attempt to decode a
decodable indicia represented in the one or more captured frames
captured with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active and, if decoding fails can return to block
4014. The second illumination and exposure control configuration
can be characterized by a relatively low illumination subsystem
energization level and a relatively longer exposure period. In one
embodiment, CPU 1060 can be operative to execute programming
instructions for execution of the method of FIG. 5.
[0029] A timing diagram illustrating operation of the terminal 1000
during performance of the method indicated by the flow diagram as
shown in FIG. 6. Referring to the timing diagram of FIG. 6, signal
5002 is a trigger signal which can be made active, e.g., via
actuation of trigger 1220. Signal 5102 is an illumination
energization level signal having varying energization levels.
Signal 5202 is an exposure control signal having active states
defining exposure periods and inactive states intermediate exposure
periods. Signal 5302 is a readout control signal. When readout
control signal 5302 is active, image signals can be read out of
image sensor array 1033. Further regarding the timing diagram of
FIG. 6, periods 5420-5444 are periods at which CPU 1060 can process
frames of image data, e.g., for attempting to decode for decodable
indicia. Terminal 1000 can be operative so that prior to exposure
period 5220 and after time t.sub.o, terminal 1000 can be capturing
"parameter determination" frames that are processed for parameter
determination and in some instances, not subject to decode attempt.
For capture of parameter determination frames, terminal 1000 can be
operating in other than a first or second illumination exposure
control configuration.
[0030] Referring to the timing diagram of FIG. 6, it is seen that
at time t.sub.N, terminal 1000 can switch an illumination and
exposure control configuration from a first configuration to a
second configuration. In the particular timing diagram of FIG. 6, a
first illumination and exposure control configuration is active
after time t.sub.K and prior to time t.sub.N and again after time
t.sub.M, and a second illumination and exposure control
configuration is active after time t.sub.N and prior to time
t.sub.M. In the particular embodiment illustrated with reference to
the timing diagram of FIG. 6, illumination energization level
E.sub.H of terminal 1000 with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active can have a first energization level
during exposure periods 5220-5230, 5244-5246, and exposure periods
5220-5230, 5244-5246 with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active can be of a first duration. Further in
the particular embodiment illustrated with reference to the timing
diagram of FIG. 6, illumination energization levels of terminal
1000 with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can have a second energization level E.sub.L
during exposure periods 5232-5242, and exposure periods 5232-5242
with the second illumination and exposure control configuration
active can be of a second duration. In one embodiment, one or more
light source of light source bank 500 can have a maximum continuous
operation energization rating (e.g., expressed as a maximum current
and/or voltage) and during exposure periods 5220-5230, 5244-5446,
can be driven in excess of the maximum continuous operation
energization rating. In the development of terminal 1000, it was
determined that such "over driving" can be accomplished safely
provided that illumination "on" times (which can coincide with
exposure periods 5220-5230, 5244-5246) are of sufficiently short
duration.
[0031] In the particular example of FIG. 6, the illumination and
exposure controls of terminal 1000 with the first and second
illumination and exposure control configurations active are
controls for control of the both illumination and exposure values
to be at certain fixed values through the time the illumination and
exposure control configuration is active resulting in the average
illumination energization level during exposure periods to be a
value coinciding with the fixed illumination energization level and
the average exposure period to be a duration coinciding with the
fixed exposure period duration.
[0032] However, different illumination energization level controls
and/or exposure controls can be associated to one or more of the
first illumination and exposure control configuration and second
illumination exposure control configuration but nevertheless the
result can be provided that an average illumination energization
level with the first configuration active can be greater than with
the second configuration and the average exposure period can be of
shorter duration with the first configuration active than the
second configuration active.
[0033] In one example of an alternative illumination control, an
illumination energization level during a succession of exposure
period can be controlled to be variable from exposure period to
exposure period but be restricted from exceeding a threshold, e.g.,
a relatively higher threshold with the first illumination and
exposure control configuration active and a relatively lower
threshold with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active. With or without the noted energization level
restricting, an illumination control can be characterized by an
initial illumination energization level (e.g., higher for the first
configuration lower for the second) for an initial frame after a
switch to a certain illumination and exposure control configuration
with subsequent frame illumination levels with the configuration
active being determined responsively to a determined brightness of
a recently captured frame (e.g., which can be determined by
averaging a sample of pixel values of a recently captured
frame).
[0034] In one example of an alternative exposure control, an
exposure period can be controlled to variable from frame to frame
but can be restricted from exceeding a threshold, e.g., a
relatively shorter threshold with the first illumination and
exposure control configuration active and a relatively longer
threshold with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active. With or without the noted exposure period
restricting, an exposure control can be characterized by an initial
exposure level for an initial frame after a switch to a certain
illumination and exposure control configuration with subsequent
frame exposure periods with the configuration active being
determined responsively to a brightness of a recently captured
frame.
[0035] It has been described that an average energization level of
illumination subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the first
illumination and exposure control configuration active can be
higher than an average illumination energization level during
exposure periods with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active. However, as can be observed with reference to
the timing diagram of FIG. 6, and noting that illumination on times
corresponding to exposure periods can be substantially shorter with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active
than with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active, an average energization level of illumination
subsystem 800 over time (considering exposure periods and periods
intermediate exposure periods) with the first illumination exposure
control configuration active can be lower than an average
energization level over time with the second illumination exposure
control configuration active.
[0036] In one embodiment, an average energization level of
illumination subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the first
illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average energization level of illumination
subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the second illumination
and exposure control configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a
dynamic range) of greater than 2:1. In another embodiment an
average energization level of illumination subsystem 800 during
exposure periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the
second illumination and exposure control configuration active can
exhibit a ratio (a dynamic range) of greater than 3:1. In another
embodiment an average energization level of illumination subsystem
800 during exposure periods with the first illumination and
exposure control configuration active in comparison to an average
energization level of illumination subsystem 800 during exposure
periods with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic range) of
greater than 4:1. In another embodiment an average energization
level of illumination subsystem 800 during exposure periods with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average energization level of illumination
subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the second illumination
and exposure control configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a
dynamic range) of greater than 5:1. In another embodiment an
average energization level of illumination subsystem 800 during
exposure periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the
second illumination and exposure control configuration active can
exhibit a ratio (a dynamic range) of greater than 10:1. In a
specific example an average energization level of illumination
subsystem 800 during exposure periods with the first illumination
and exposure control configuration active in comparison to an
average energization level of illumination subsystem 800 during
exposure periods with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic range) of about
6.67:1 (.about.1 Ampere, .about.N Volts continuous during exposure
periods with first illumination and exposure control configuration
active, .about.150 ma, .about.N Volts continuous during exposure
periods with second illumination and exposure control configuration
active).
[0037] In one embodiment an average exposure period of image sensor
array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range of less
than 1:2. In another embodiment an average exposure period of image
sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range of less
than 1:3. In another embodiment an average exposure period of image
sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range of less
than 1:4. In another embodiment an average exposure period of image
sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range of less
than 1:5. In another embodiment an average exposure period of image
sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average exposure period of
terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range of less
than 1:10. In another embodiment an average exposure period of
image sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active in comparison to an average exposure
period of terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range
of less than 1:20. In another embodiment an average exposure period
of image sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active in comparison to an average exposure
period of terminal 1000 with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range
of less than 1:50. In a specific example, an average exposure
period of image sensor array 1033 with the first illumination and
exposure control configuration active in comparison to an average
exposure period of terminal 1000 with the second illumination and
exposure control configuration active can exhibit a ratio (a
dynamic) range of about 1:16 (.about.500 .mu.s, first illumination
and exposure control configuration, 8000 .mu.s, second illumination
and exposure control configuration). In another specific example,
an average exposure period of image sensor array 1033 with the
first illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average exposure period of terminal 1000 with the
second illumination and exposure control configuration active can
exhibit a ratio (a dynamic) range of about 1:80 (.about.100 .mu.s,
first illumination and exposure control configuration, .about.8000
.mu.s, second illumination and exposure control configuration).
[0038] Further aspects of an indicia reading terminal 1000 are
described with reference to Table A, showing various possible user
selected modes of operation in which terminal 1000 can switch
between a first illumination and exposure control configuration and
a second illumination and exposure control configuration. In Table
A, frames captured utilizing the first illumination and exposure
control configuration are designated as "1.sup.st" frames, and
frames captured utilizing the second illumination and exposure
control configuration are designated as "2.sup.nd" frames.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1 and Table A herein below, indicia
reading terminal 1000 can have a plurality of different operator
selectable operating modes in which terminal 1000, responsively to
a trigger signal activation, can switch between a first
illumination and exposure control configuration and a second
illumination and exposure control configuration for capture of
frames that can be subject to a decode attempt. In one example, a
user interface display 1222 can display various buttons 6102, 6104,
6106, 6108, 6110, 6112 corresponding to various modes allowing an
operator to actuate one mode out of a plurality of modes.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A Frame Number Mode . . . N - 6 N - 5 N - 4 N
- 3 N - 2 N - 1 N N + 1 N + 2 N + 3 N + 4 N + 5 N + 6 N + 7 . . . A
. . . 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st
2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 1.sup.st
1.sup.st . . . B . . . 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd
2.sup.nd 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st
2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd . . . C . . . 2.sup.nd 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st
2.sup.nd 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd
1.sup.st 2.sup.nd 1.sup.st . . . D . . . 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd
2.sup.nd 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st
1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st . . . E . . . 1st 1.sup.st
1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd
2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd . . . F . . . 1.sup.st
1.sup.st 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd 3.sup.rd 3.sup.rd
3.sup.rd 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd 2.sup.nd . . .
[0040] Regarding Mode A, Mode A illustrates a mode corresponding to
the flow diagram of FIG. 6. In Mode A, terminal 1000 can
alternatively activate a first illumination and exposure control
configuration and a second illumination and exposure control
configuration on an open loop basis. In the illustrated Mode A,
terminal 1000 can be operative to alternatively activate a first
illumination and exposure control configuration for capture of N=6
frames and a second illumination and exposure control configuration
for capture of N=6 frames. The alternating between configurations
can be on an open loop basis, i.e., can be independent of a sensed
condition and can continue until a trigger signal deactivation,
e.g., responsively to release of trigger 1220 or a successful
decode of a decodable indicia.
[0041] Regarding Mode B, Mode B corresponds to Mode A except that
an order of the illumination and exposure control configurations is
reversed. Mode B illustrates that advantages can be yielded
irrespective of an ordering of the activation between the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and the second
illumination and exposure control configuration responsively to a
trigger signal activation.
[0042] Regarding Mode C, terminal 1000 with Mode C active
alternatingly activates the first illumination and exposure control
configuration and the second illumination and exposure control
configuration on a frame by frame based. Mode C illustrates that a
period of activation for the respective first and second
illumination and exposure control configuration can be changed.
[0043] In Modes A and B, the period of activation for both
illumination and exposure control configurations is P=6 frames,
wherein in Mode C, the period is N=1 frame.
[0044] Referring to Modes A, B, and C, terminal 1000 can alternate
the first and second illumination and exposure control
configurations on an open loop basis. Regarding Modes D and E,
Modes D and E illustrate modes in which terminal 1000 activates an
illumination and exposure control configuration responsively to a
sensed condition.
[0045] With Mode D active, terminal 1000 can be operative to
activate the first exposure and control configuration responsively
to a sensed motion of terminal 1000. Referring again to the block
diagram of FIG. 2, terminal 1000 can include an accelerometer 1252
which can be coupled to system bus 1500 for communication with CPU
1060 via interface 1152. Terminal 1000 can monitor an output of
accelerometer 1252 for determining a measure of motion of terminal
1000. Terminal 1000 can also compare pixel values of successive
frames for determining a measure of motion of terminal 1000 (with
an increase in motion the pixel values of corresponding pixel
positions of successive frames can be expected to increase).
Referring to Mode D, terminal 1000 can be operative so that
responsively to a determination that a measure of motion of
terminal 1000 exceeds a threshold measure, terminal 1000 activates
the first illumination and exposure control configuration, which as
set forth herein adapts terminal 1000 for motion tolerance.
[0046] Regarding Mode E, terminal 1000 with Mode E active can
monitor an ambient light level. A relatively low ambient light
level can indicate that terminal 1000 is located a substantial
distance from a target T. Terminal 1000 can be operative in Mode E
so that responsively to a determination that an ambient light level
has fallen below a threshold, terminal 1000 activates the second
illumination and exposure control configuration which as set forth
herein can well adapt terminal 1000 for decoding at longer reading
depths. An ambient light level can be determined by examining pixel
values of a captured frame of image data, e.g., by averaging a
frame's pixel values or a sample of such pixel values.
Alternatively with Mode E active, terminal 1000 can monitor an
output of range detector unit 1210. Terminal 1000 can be operative
in Mode E so that responding to a determination that a range of
terminal 1000 (its distance to a target) has exceeded a threshold,
terminal 1000 activates the second illumination and exposure
control configuration which as set forth herein can well adapt
terminal 1000 for decoding at longer reading depths.
[0047] Referring to Mode F, Mode F illustrates that terminal 1000
can have illumination and exposure control configurations other
that the first and second illumination and exposure control
configurations as set forth herein. In Mode F, terminal 1000 can be
operative to activate the first illumination and exposure control
configuration (frames N+3, N+4, N+5) subsequent to activating the
second illumination and exposure control configuration (frames N-3,
N-2, N-1) responsively to a trigger signal activation but the first
illumination and exposure control configuration is not activated
successively with respect to the second illumination and exposure
control configuration; rather a third illumination and exposure
control configuration is activated intermediate the activation of
the second and first illumination and exposure control
configurations.
[0048] A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are
described herein is as follows:
A1. An indicia reading terminal comprising:
[0049] an illumination subsystem for projection of an illumination
pattern, the illumination subsystem having one or more light
source;
[0050] an imaging subsystem including an image sensor array and an
imaging lens assembly for focusing an image of a target onto the
image sensor array;
[0051] a hand held housing incorporating the image sensor
array;
[0052] wherein the indicia reading terminal has a first
illumination and exposure control configuration and a second
illumination and exposure control configuration, the first
illumination and control configuration having a first associated
illumination control and a first associated exposure control, the
second illumination and exposure control configuration having a
second associated illumination control and a second associated
exposure control, wherein with the first illumination control
active an average energization level of the illumination subsystem
during exposure periods of one or more frames is higher than with
the second illumination control active, wherein with the first
exposure control active an average exposure period of the image
sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control
active;
[0053] wherein the indicia reading terminal is operative so that
responsively to a trigger signal activation the indicia reading
terminal activates the first illumination and exposure control
configuration for capturing of a first set of frames, the first set
of frames comprising one or more successive frames, and activates
the second illumination and exposure control configuration for
capturing of a second set of frames, the second set of frames
comprising one or more successive frames; and
[0054] wherein the indicia reading terminal is operative so that
responsively to the trigger signal activation the indicia reading
terminal attempts to decode decodable indicia utilizing one or more
frame of the first set of frames and further attempts to decode a
decodable indicia utilizing one or more frame of the second set of
frames.
A2. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein one or more of the
first associated illumination control of the first illumination and
exposure control configuration and the second associated
illumination control of the second illumination and exposure
control configuration is a control for setting an energization
level of the illumination subsystem to a certain predetermined
value for each frame exposed during an activation period of the
associated illumination and exposure control configuration. A3. The
indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein one or more of the first
associated illumination control of the first illumination and
exposure control configuration and the second associated
illumination control of the second illumination and exposure
control configuration is a control that allows an energization
level of the illumination subsystem to vary between frames exposed
during an activation period of the associated illumination and
exposure control configuration. A4. The indicia reading terminal of
A1, wherein one or more of the first associated exposure control of
the first illumination and exposure control configuration and the
second associated exposure control of the second illumination and
exposure control configuration is a control for setting exposure
period of the image sensor array to a certain predetermined value
for each frame exposed during an activation period of the
associated illumination and exposure control configuration. A5. The
indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein one or more of the first
associated exposure control of the first illumination and exposure
control configuration and the second associated exposure control of
the second illumination and exposure control configuration is a
control that allows an exposure period of the illumination
subsystem to vary between frames exposed during an activation
period of the associated illumination and exposure control
configuration. A6. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein the
indicia reading terminal is adapted so that the indicia reading
terminal is operative for switching between activation of the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and the second
illumination and exposure control configuration on an open loop
basis without the switching being responsive to a sensed condition.
A7. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein the indicia reading
terminal is adapted so that the indicia reading terminal is
operative for switching between activation of the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and the second
illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed loop
basis responsively to a sensed condition. A8. The indicia reading
terminal of A1, wherein the indicia reading terminal is adapted so
that the indicia reading terminal is operative for switching
between activation of the first illumination and exposure control
configuration and the second illumination and exposure control
configuration on a closed loop basis responsively to a sensed
condition, the sensed condition being an ambient light level. A9.
The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein the indicia reading
terminal is adapted so that the indicia reading terminal is
operative for switching between activation of the first
illumination and exposure control configuration and the second
illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed loop
basis responsively to a sensed condition, the sensed condition
being a terminal range. A10. The indicia reading terminal of A1,
wherein the indicia reading terminal is adapted so that the indicia
reading terminal is operative for switching between activation of
the first illumination and exposure control configuration and the
second illumination and exposure control configuration on a closed
loop basis responsively to a sensed condition, the sensed condition
being a measurement of motion of the indicia reading terminal. A11.
The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein one or more of the
first set of frames and the second set of frames is a single frame.
A12. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein one or more of the
first set of frames and the second set of frames is a plurality of
frames. A13. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein each of
the first set of frames and the second set of frames is a plurality
of frames. A14. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein the
indicia reading terminal is operative for activating and
deactivating one or more of the first illumination and exposure
control configuration and the second illumination and exposure
control configuration a plurality of times responsively to the
activation of the trigger signal. A15. The indicia reading terminal
of A1, wherein the indicia reading terminal is operative so that
responsively to activation of the trigger signal the indicia
reading terminal activates the second illumination and exposure
control configuration prior to activating the second illumination
and exposure control configuration. A16. The imaging terminal of
A1, wherein a light source of the illumination subsystem has a
maximum continuous operation energization rating, wherein an
average energization level of the light source during exposure
periods of the image sensor array with the first illumination and
exposure control configuration active exceeds the maximum
continuous energization rating. A17. The imaging terminal of A1,
wherein a light source of the illumination subsystem has a maximum
continuous operation energization rating, wherein an average
energization level of the light source during exposure periods with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active
exceeds the maximum continuous energization rating, and wherein the
average energization level of the light source during exposure
periods with the second illumination and exposure control
configuration active does not substantially exceed the maximum
continuous operation energization rating. A18. The imaging terminal
of A1, wherein a light source of the illumination subsystem has a
maximum continuous operation energization rating, wherein an
average energization level of the light source during exposure
periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active is more than twice the maximum continuous
energization rating, and wherein the average energization level of
the light source during exposure periods with the second
illumination and exposure control configuration active does not
exceed the maximum continuous operation energization rating. A19.
The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein an average energization
level of the illumination subsystem during exposure periods with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average energization level of illumination
subsystem during exposure periods with the second illumination and
exposure control configuration active exhibits a ratio (a dynamic
range) of greater than 2:1 and wherein an average exposure period
of the image sensor array with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active in comparison to an average exposure
period of terminal with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active exhibits a ratio (a dynamic range) of
less than 1:2. A20. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein an
average energization level of the illumination subsystem during
exposure periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem during exposure periods with the second
illumination and exposure control configuration active exhibits a
ratio (a dynamic range) of greater than 3:1 and wherein an average
exposure period of the image sensor array with the first
illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average exposure period of terminal with the
second illumination and exposure control configuration active
exhibits a ratio (a dynamic range) of less than 1:3. A21. The
indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein an average energization
level of the illumination subsystem during exposure periods with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average energization level of illumination
subsystem during exposure periods with the second illumination and
exposure control configuration active exhibits a ratio (a dynamic
range) of greater than 3:1 and wherein an average exposure period
of the image sensor array with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active in comparison to an average exposure
period of terminal with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active exhibits a ratio (a dynamic range) of
less than 1:10. A22. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein an
average energization level of the illumination subsystem during
exposure periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem during exposure periods with the second
illumination and exposure control configuration active exhibits a
ratio (a dynamic range) of greater than 5:1 and wherein an average
exposure period of the image sensor array with the first
illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average exposure period of terminal with the
second illumination and exposure control configuration active
exhibits a ratio (a dynamic range) of less than 1:5. A23. The
indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein an average energization
level of the illumination subsystem during exposure periods with
the first illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average energization level of illumination
subsystem during exposure periods with the second illumination and
exposure control configuration active exhibits a ratio (a dynamic
range) of greater than 3:1 and wherein an average exposure period
of the image sensor array with the first illumination and exposure
control configuration active in comparison to an average exposure
period of terminal with the second illumination and exposure
control configuration active exhibits a ratio (a dynamic range) of
less than 1:20. A24. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein an
average energization level of the illumination subsystem during
exposure periods with the first illumination and exposure control
configuration active in comparison to an average energization level
of illumination subsystem during exposure periods with the second
illumination and exposure control configuration active exhibits a
ratio (a dynamic range) of greater than 5:1 and wherein an average
exposure period of the image sensor array with the first
illumination and exposure control configuration active in
comparison to an average exposure period of terminal with the
second illumination and exposure control configuration active
exhibits a ratio (a dynamic range) of less than 1:50.
[0055] While the present invention has been described with
reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be
understood that the true spirit and scope of the invention should
be determined only with respect to claims that can be supported by
the present specification. Further, while in numerous cases herein
wherein systems and apparatuses and methods are described as having
a certain number of elements it will be understood that such
systems, apparatuses and methods can be practiced with fewer than
or greater than the mentioned certain number of elements. Also,
while a number of particular embodiments have been described, it
will be understood that features and aspects that have been
described with reference to each particular embodiment can be used
with each remaining particularly described embodiment.
* * * * *