US 12,450,453 B2 · Apparatus and methods utilizing multiple modes to synchronize image acquisition by multiple linear scanners

Abstract

A system including at least one linear scanner. The system utilizes multiple modes to synchronize image acquisition of the at least one linear scanner. A first mode directly triggers image acquisition by the at least one linear scanner based on a distance a conveyor of the object carrying a machine-readable symbol has advanced. A second mode includes sending a speed value for the conveyor. The system transitions between the first mode and the second mode based on an operating parameter of the system to optimize performance of the system. The first mode is more accurate at slower conveyor speeds, for example during stop and go events, and the second mode uses less bandwidth at higher speeds, for example during steady-state operation.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system comprising:

at least one linear scanner having a field of view, wherein the at least one linear scanner acquires images of machine-readable symbols within the field of view, the linear scanner positionable relative to a conveyor such that an object transported by the conveyor passes through the first field of view;
a controller that receives data as input that indicates movement of the object, the controller calculates the speed of the object, and the controller is communicatively coupled to the at least one linear scanner and sends an output to the at least one linear scanner,
wherein when the calculated speed of the object is below a threshold value the output includes a line trigger that initiates acquisition of an image by the at least one linear scanner, and when the calculated speed of the object is at or above the threshold value the output includes the calculated speed of the object.

A method of acquiring images of a machine-readable symbol, the method comprising:

recording a series of pulses that correspond to a conveyor advancing a unit of distance, and sending the recorded series of pulses to a controller;
calculating a speed at which the conveyor is advancing;
measuring a period between adjacent ones of the series of pulses;
if the period is at or above a threshold value, sending instructions to a linear scanner to acquire an image line of a machine-readable symbol carried by an object supported by the conveyor every time a specific number of pulses are received by the controller, and after receiving the instructions, acquiring an image line of the machine-readable symbol carried by the object when the machine-readable symbol is within a field of view of the linear scanner;
and
if the period is below a threshold value, sending the calculated speed value to the linear scanner when the calculated speed changes by a threshold amount, and after receiving the calculated speed value, acquiring an image of the machine-readable symbol carried by the object when the machine-readable symbol is within the field of view of the linear scanner.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and methods utilizing multiple modes to synchronize image acquisition by multiple linear scanners

Life of this patent

Apparatus and methods utilizing multiple modes to synchronize image acquisition by multiple linear scanners

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20