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US 10,896,304 B2Granted
Indicia reader having a filtered multifunction image sensor
AssigneeHand Held Products, Inc.
InventorsGennady Germaine, Erik Van Horn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An indicia reader that utilizes its image sensor for more than one function is disclosed. The image sensor's functionality is derived by designating areas on the image sensor according to function and then filtering the light focused onto each area according to the area's particular function. The data (i.e., pixel information) from each area may then be processed accordingly to facilitate a variety of functions such as image capture and object detection.
Claims20
An indicia reader comprising:
- an image sensor having an array of light sensitive pixels, the image sensor comprising:
- (i) a designated imaging area containing a first group of contiguous pixels for capturing an image, and
- (ii) at least one designated auxiliary area of a group of designated areas, each designated auxiliary area containing a second group of contiguous pixels for at least one auxiliary function, wherein the group of designated areas are positioned symmetrically around a center of the image sensor,
- wherein the at least one auxiliary function comprises object detection, wherein the object detection is performed based on a pixel reading of the at least one designated auxiliary area, the pixel reading comprising comparing an average pixel value to a threshold value and detecting a modulation signal based on the comparison, and
- wherein the designated imaging area is configured to capture the image in response to the object detection performed by the at least one designated auxiliary area;
- and
- a light filter positioned in front of the image sensor, the light filter comprising:
- a first area configured to pass a first spectral range to the designated imaging area, and
- (ii) at least one second area configured to pass a second spectral range to the at least one designated auxiliary area.
6 more elements
An indicia reader, comprising:
- an image sensor comprising:
- a designated imaging area for image capture;
- and
- at least one designated auxiliary area for object detection;
- a light filter comprising:
- a first area configured to pass a first spectral range to the designated imaging area;
- and
- at least one second area configured to pass a second spectral range to the at least one designated auxiliary area;
- and
- a processor configured to:
- read pixel values of pixels in the at least one designated auxiliary area;
- compare an average pixel value of the at least one designated auxiliary area with a threshold value;
- detect a modulation signal based on the comparison;
- and
- perform the object detection based on the modulation signal.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.