Metanetics Corporation

Angi Ye

Ynjiun P Wang

C Jim Li

A portable data collection device is disclosed. The device includes an imaging assembly including a two dimensional (2D) photosensor array overlied by a RGB color filter. The imaging assembly is selectively actuatable with a first trigger for reading a dataform in the imaging assembly's target area and actuatable with a second trigger for capturing a color image of the target area. In one operating embodiment of the portable data collection device of the present invention, actuating the first trigger results in the imaging assembly capturing an image of the target area including a dataform and an associated image area of interest. The image area of interest is at a predetermined position with respect to the dataform. The imaging assembly decodes the dataform and outputs a compressed, digital representation of the image area of interest along with decoded data from the dataform. The position of the image area of interest is determined by a position of the dataform in the target area and data relating to the predetermined position of the image area of interest with respect to the dataform.

Portable data collection device with dataform decoding and image capture

Sub-pixel processing of image data representing a dataform, such as a 2D bar code, enables reading of dataforms including more data/smaller elements, without costly increases in sensor and memory capacity. Whole pixel processing is employed for pixel-per-element resolutions of two or better. Sub-pixel cell edge transition location in image data is enhanced by use of a dynamically implemented noise margin applied with bands of gray scale values designated within the envelope of applicable gray scale maximum and minimum values. Sub-pixel cell edge transition location employs selection of transition segments (subject to the noise margin) and determination of a dynamic threshold for each relevant transition segment. The intersection of the threshold and the transition segment is then indicative of the location of the cell edge transition along a sampling line crossing the dataform. The process is repeated for successive cell edges along image data sampling lines and for additional sampling lines crossing successive rows of dataform elements. Run length data representing cell edge transition locations is constructed and usable for dataform decoding.

Sub-pixel dataform reader with dynamic noise margins

Prior methods of reading MaxiCode dataforms have been subject to reduced resolution image scaling and processing and speed constraints of Fourier transform computations. Described spatial domain data extraction methods provide bull's eye center location by T-sequence pixel pattern analysis, axis identification by moment analysis of data cell pairs, and integral width square wave analysis of illumination transitions to avoid reading-line cell fragmentation. The center and top of a MaxiCode are identified in high-resolution pixel data, without scaling reduction or Fourier type frequency domain processing. Data is extracted serially from rows of data cells by sampling along lines of pixels aligned by fragmentation analysis so as to traverse complete rows of data cells. Dynamic thresholding accurately defines illumination value transitions between adjacent linear groups of data cells, each group consisting of one or more data cells of the same reflectivity. Application of disclosed methods to other types of dataforms is described.

Maxicode data extraction using spatial domain features exclusive of

Dataform readers using two-dimensional sensor array cameras provide image frames comprising successive first and second fields of image data. In hand-held operation, hand jitter results in image offset causing registration errors between fields. Resolution and decoding performance are enhanced by described readers and methods. Decoding is implemented first by use of image data of a first field and the results of such decoding are supplemented by results of decoding of remaining portions of the dataform by use of second field image data. Decoding may also be carried out by first determining the magnitude of a disparity vector extending in the direction of image offset. The disparity vector is then used to provide enhanced decoding by use of first field image data and registration-corrected second field image data.

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Fort Myers, FL, United States of America

Angi Ye