公开(公告)号：US07668406B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-23

申请号：US11653788

申请日：2007-01-16

Applicant: Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Carl Harry Knowles

Inventor： Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Carl Harry Knowles

IPC: G06K9/22 ,  H04N1/46

CPC classification number: G06K9/2009 ,  H04N1/193 ,  H04N2201/04703 ,  H04N2201/04712 ,  H04N2201/04734 ,  H04N2201/04743

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics that provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. At least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. Image processing circuitry performs image-based velocity estimation operations, which analyzes pixel data values of a plurality of composite 2-D images each derived from sequential image capture operations of a corresponding one linear imaging array to derive velocity data that represents an estimated velocity of the imaging device with respect to at least one target object disposed in the fields of view. Preferably, the image processing circuitry also produces a first image of portions of the target object(s), the first image having substantially constant aspect ratio, utilizing image transformation operations (or camera control operations) that are based upon the velocity data, to thereby compensate for aspect ratio distortions that would otherwise result from variations in velocity of the imaging device with respect to the target object(s). In addition, the image processing circuitry preferably carries out image-based horizontal jitter estimation and compensation operations, which estimate the horizontal jitter of the imaging device relative to the target object(s) over the image capture operations from which the first image is derived and transform the first image utilizing shift operations that are based upon such estimated horizontal jitter to produce a second image of portions of the target object(s) which compensates for horizontal jitter distortion that would otherwise result therefrom. The first image or second image (or image derived from sharpening the first or second images) is preferably subject to image-based bar code detection operations and/or OCR operations, or output for display to a display device.

公开(公告)号：US20080156882A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-03

申请号：US11821940

申请日：2007-06-26

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Allan Wirth ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Steve Y. Kim ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Patrick A. Giordano ,  Jeffery Yorsz ,  Mark S. Schmidt ,  Stephen J. Colavito ,  David M. Wilz ,  Ka Man Au ,  William Svedas ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  C. Harry Knowles

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Allan Wirth ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Steve Y. Kim ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Patrick A. Giordano ,  Jeffery Yorsz ,  Mark S. Schmidt ,  Stephen J. Colavito ,  David M. Wilz ,  Ka Man Au ,  William Svedas ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  C. Harry Knowles

IPC: G06K7/01

CPC classification number: G02B19/0066 ,  B82Y15/00 ,  G02B19/0014 ,  G02B19/0028 ,  G02B19/0057 ,  G02B19/009 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B26/105 ,  G02B27/0961 ,  G02B27/0966 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10554 ,  G06K7/10683 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  G06K7/10861 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system. Preferably, each planar laser illumination beam component is focused so that the minimum beam width thereof occurs at a point or plane which is the farthest or maximum object distance at which the system is designed to acquire images, thereby compensating for decreases in the power density of the incident planar laser illumination beam due to the fact that the width of the planar laser illumination beam increases in length for increasing object distances away from the imaging optics. Advanced high-resolution wavefront control methods and devices are disclosed for use with the PLIIM-based systems in order to reduce the power of speckle-noise patterns observed at the image detections thereof. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to use both VLDs and high-speed CCD-type image detectors in conveyor, hand-held and hold-under type imaging applications alike, enjoying the advantages and benefits that each such technology has to offer, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks hitherto associated therewith.

公开(公告)号：US20080135621A1

公开(公告)日：2008-06-12

申请号：US11980081

申请日：2007-10-30

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  C. Harry Knowles ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Ka Man Au ,  Allan Wirth ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Robert Blake ,  William Svedas ,  Shawn Defoney ,  Edward Skypala ,  Pirooz Vatan ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  George Kolis ,  Mark C. Schmidt ,  Jeffery Yorsz ,  Patrick A. Giordano ,  Stephen J. Colavito ,  David W. Wilz ,  Barry E. Schwartz ,  Steven Y. Kim ,  Dale Fisher ,  Jon Van Tassell

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  C. Harry Knowles ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Ka Man Au ,  Allan Wirth ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Robert Blake ,  William Svedas ,  Shawn Defoney ,  Edward Skypala ,  Pirooz Vatan ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  George Kolis ,  Mark C. Schmidt ,  Jeffery Yorsz ,  Patrick A. Giordano ,  Stephen J. Colavito ,  David W. Wilz ,  Barry E. Schwartz ,  Steven Y. Kim ,  Dale Fisher ,  Jon Van Tassell

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10732

Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the buffered two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital linear image. During object illumination and imaging operations, a controller automatically controls the linear image formation and detection module, the PLIB producing device, the image frame grabber, and the image data buffer.

Abstract translation: 基于手持式平面激光照明和成像（PLIIM）的代码符号读取器包括：具有光传输孔径的手持式外壳; 具有线性图像检测阵列的线性图像形成和检测模块; 以及具有用于产生平面光照射光束（PLIB）的至少一个可见激光二极管（VLD）的平面激光照明光束（PLIB）产生装置。 代码符号读取器还包括用于抓取由图像形成和检测模块形成和检测的数字线性图像的图像获取器，用于缓冲由图像获取器抓取的数字线性图像并从一系列图像构建二维图像的图像数据缓冲器 缓冲线性数字图像，以及用于处理缓冲的二维数字图像以便读取在二维数字线性图像中图形表示的代码符号的图像处理计算机。 在物体照明和成像操作期间，控制器自动控制线性图像形成和检测模块，PLIB产生装置，图像帧抓取器和图像数据缓冲器。

公开(公告)号：US07143943B2

公开(公告)日：2006-12-05

申请号：US10639362

申请日：2003-08-12

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Carl Harry Knowles

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Carl Harry Knowles

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: B82Y15/00 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams (PLIBs) having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend throughout the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each PLIB is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising a plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD), a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged with each PLIM, which is adjustable relative to other PLIMs so as to permit precise positioning of each PLIM relative to the optical axis of the imaging optics of the image formation and detection module. The individual PLIB components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract translation: 使用平面激光照明光束（PLIB）照明物体的方法和系统，该平面激光照明光束（PLIB）具​​有延伸到在这种系统中使用的图像形成和检测模块的视场（FOV）中的基本上平面的空间分布特性。 每个PLIB由包括多个平面激光照明模块（PLIM）的平面激光照射束阵列（PLIA）产生。 每个PLIM包括可见激光二极管（VLD），聚焦透镜和布置有每个PLIM的圆柱形光学元件，每个PLIM可相对于其它PLIM调节，以便允许每个PLIM相对于成像光学器件的光轴精确定位 的图像形成和检测模块。 从每个PLIM产生的各个PLIB组件被光学组合以产生在其整个空间延伸上具有基本均匀的功率密度特性的复合的基本上平面的激光照明光束，并因此产生系统的工作范围。

公开(公告)号：US07131586B2

公开(公告)日：2006-11-07

申请号：US10730481

申请日：2003-12-08

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Carl Harry Knowles

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Carl Harry Knowles

IPC: G06K7/14

CPC classification number: B82Y15/00 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system. Preferably, each planar laser illumination beam component is focused so that the minimum beam width thereof occurs at a point or plane which is the farthest or maximum object distance at which the system is designed to acquire images, thereby compensating for decreases in the power density of the incident planar laser illumination beam due to the fact that the width of the planar laser illumination beam increases in length for increasing object distances away from the imaging optics. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to use both VLDs and high-speed CCD-type image detectors in conveyor, hand-held and hold-under type scanning applications alike, enjoying the advantages and benefits that each such technology has to offer, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks hitherto associated therewith.

Abstract translation: 使用具有基本上平面的空间分布特性的平面激光照明光束照射物体的方法和系统，其延伸通过图像形成的视野（FOV）和在这种系统中使用的检测模块。 每个平面激光照明光束由包括多个平面激光照射模块（PLIM）的平面激光照射束阵列（PLIA）产生。 每个PLIM包括可见激光二极管（VLD，聚焦透镜和与其配置的圆柱形光学元件），由每个PLIM产生的各个平面激光照明光束分量被光学组合以产生具有基本上均匀功率密度的复合基本上平面的激光照明光束 优选地，每个平面激光照射光束分量被聚焦，使得其最小光束宽度发生在最远或最大物体距离的点或平面处，在该点或平面处， 系统被设计为获取图像，从而补偿入射的平面激光照明光束的功率密度的降低，这是由于平面激光照射光束的宽度在长度上增加以增加远离成像光学元件的物体距离 的本发明，现在可以使用两种VLD和高 在传送带，手持式和保持型扫描应用中，速度CCD型图像检测器同样享有每种这样的技术所提供的优点和好处，同时避免迄今为止的缺点和缺点。

公开(公告)号：US07070107B2

公开(公告)日：2006-07-04

申请号：US10156705

申请日：2002-05-24

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  C. Harry Knowles

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  C. Harry Knowles

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G02B19/0066 ,  B82Y15/00 ,  G02B19/0014 ,  G02B19/0028 ,  G02B19/0057 ,  G02B19/009 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B26/105 ,  G02B27/0961 ,  G02B27/0966 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10554 ,  G06K7/10683 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  G06K7/10861 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: A planar light illumination and imaging system for illuminating an object and forming an image thereof. The planar light illumination and imaging system which comprises an image formation and detection module having a field of view (FOV) focused at an image detecting array. A planar light illumination array (PLIA) constructed from an plurality of planar light illumination modules (PLIMs) is arranged in rectilinear manner. Each planar light illumination module comprises a visible light emitting diode (LED), a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith to produce a planar light illumination beam component; and wherein the individual planar light illumination beam components produced from the plurality of planar light illumination modules are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar light illumination beam having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of the image formation and detection module, so that light reflected off an object illuminated by the planar light illumination beam is focused along the field of view and onto the image detecting array to form an image of the illuminated object.

Abstract translation: 一种用于照亮物体并形成其图像的平面光照射和成像系统。 平面光照明和成像系统，其包括具有聚焦在图像检测阵列的视场（FOV）的图像形成和检测模块。 由多个平面光照射模块（PLIM）构成的平面光照射阵列（PLIA）以直线方式布置。 每个平面光照射模块包括可见光发光二极管（LED），聚焦透镜和与其配置的圆柱形光学元件，以产生平面光照射束分量; 并且其中从所述多个平面光照射模块产生的各个平面光照射光束分量被光学地组合以产生具有基本上平面的空间分布特征的复合的基本上平面的光照射束，所述光照射束延伸通过所述图像的视场（FOV） 形成和检测模块，使得由平面光照射光束照射的物体反射的光被聚焦在视场上并且到达图像检测阵列上以形成被照射物体的图像。

公开(公告)号：US07070106B2

公开(公告)日：2006-07-04

申请号：US09999687

申请日：2001-10-31

Applicant: C. Harry Knowles ,  Mark C. Schmidt ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Shawn Defoney ,  Edward Skypala ,  Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Ka Man Au ,  Barry E. Schwartz ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  George Kolis ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Robert Blake ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Jeffery Yorsz ,  Patrick A. Giordano ,  Stephen J. Colavito ,  David W. Wilz, Sr. ,  William Svedas ,  Steven Y. Kim ,  Dale M. Fischer ,  Jon Van Tassell

Inventor： C. Harry Knowles ,  Mark C. Schmidt ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Shawn Defoney ,  Edward Skypala ,  Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Ka Man Au ,  Barry E. Schwartz ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  George Kolis ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Robert Blake ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Jeffery Yorsz ,  Patrick A. Giordano ,  Stephen J. Colavito ,  David W. Wilz, Sr. ,  William Svedas ,  Steven Y. Kim ,  Dale M. Fischer ,  Jon Van Tassell

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G02B26/0875 ,  B82Y15/00 ,  G02B19/0014 ,  G02B19/0028 ,  G02B19/0057 ,  G02B19/0066 ,  G02B19/0085 ,  G02B19/009 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B27/095 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: An Internet-based remote monitoring, configuration and service (RMCS) system capable of monitoring, configuring and servicing a planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based network. The network has one or more nodes and performs object identification and attribute acquisition functions. Each node is a PLIIM-based subsystem operably connected to a digital communications network interconnectable to the infrastructure of the Internet. The Internet-based RMCS system comprises a monitoring subsystem for remotely monitoring a set parameters associated with the PLIIM-based network. The set of parameters relate to network, system and/or subsystem characteristics of the PLIIM-based network. The RMCS also includes an analyzing subsystem for remotely analyzing the parameters to diagnose (i) performance failures in the PLIIM-based network, as well as (ii) the operation and performance of the PLIIM-based network. The RMCS also includes a control subsystem for remotely controlling one or more of the parameters so as to improve the performance of the PLIIM-based network and/or provide service thereto from a remote location.

Abstract translation: 基于互联网的远程监控，配置和服务（RMCS）系统，能够监控，配置和维护基于平面激光照明和成像（PLIIM）的网络。 网络具有一个或多个节点，并执行对象标识和属性获取功能。 每个节点是基于PLIIM的子系统，其可操作地连接到可互联网的基础设施的数字通信网络。 基于互联网的RMCS系统包括用于远程监视与基于PLIIM的网络相关联的设置参数的监视子系统。 这组参数与基于PLIIM的网络的网络，系统和/或子系统特性相关。 RMCS还包括分析子系统，用于远程分析参数以诊断（i）基于PLIIM的网络中的性能故障，以及（ii）基于PLIIM的网络的运行和性能。 RMCS还包括用于远程控制一个或多个参数的控制子系统，以便改进基于PLIIM的网络的性能和/或从远程位置向其提供服务。

公开(公告)号：US07028899B2

公开(公告)日：2006-04-18

申请号：US09990585

申请日：2001-11-21

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  C. Harry Knowles ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Ka Man Au ,  Sankar Ghosh

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  C. Harry Knowles ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Ka Man Au ,  Sankar Ghosh

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10 ,  G02B19/0014 ,  G02B19/0052 ,  G02B19/0085 ,  G02B19/009 ,  G02B19/0095 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B27/095 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10594 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/146 ,  G06K9/26 ,  G06K9/325 ,  H01S5/005 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLLIM) based camera system capable of producing digital images with reduced levels of speckle-pattern noise. The PLIIM based camera system comprises a planar laser illumination array (PLIA) including a plurality of laser diodes for producing and projecting a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB), so as to illuminate an object as it is moving past said PLIIM based camera system. An image formation and detection (IFD) module is provided having a image detection array and imaging forming optics for providing the image detection array with a field of view (FOV). The PLIB and FOV are arranged in a coplanar relationship along the working range of the PLIIM based camera system so that the PLIB illuminates primarily within the FOV of the IFD module. A speckle-pattern noise reduction subsystem is integrated with the PLIA, for reducing the temporal-coherence of said planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) before the PLIB illuminates a target object. The speckle-pattern noise reduction subsystem carries out a temporal phase modulation technique during the transmission of the PLIB towards the target, so that the object is illuminate with a temporally coherent-reduced planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) and numerous substantially different time-varying speckle-noise patterns are produced at the image detection array over the photo-integration time period thereof. The numerous substantially different time-varying speckle-noise patterns are detected at the image detection array over the photo-integration time period, and the detected speckle-noise patterns are temporally averaged at said image detection array during the photo-integration time period thereof. As a result of such temporal averaging, the RMS power of observable speckle-noise patterns is reduced at the image detection array. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to enjoy the benefits of using laser-based illumination during high-speed imaging operations, without the adverse effects associated with speckle-pattern noise.

公开(公告)号：US06830189B2

公开(公告)日：2004-12-14

申请号：US09883130

申请日：2001-06-15

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Steve Y. Kim ,  Timothy Good ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Carl Harry Knowles

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  Allan Wirth ,  Andrew Jankevics ,  Steve Y. Kim ,  Timothy Good ,  Thomas Amundsen ,  Charles A. Naylor ,  Russell Joseph Dobbs ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Carl Harry Knowles

IPC: G06K710

CPC classification number: B82Y15/00 ,  G02B26/106 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10 ,  G06K7/10564 ,  G06K7/10584 ,  G06K7/10594 ,  G06K7/10603 ,  G06K7/10663 ,  G06K7/10673 ,  G06K7/10693 ,  G06K7/10702 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10792 ,  G06K7/10801 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  G06K7/10851 ,  G06K7/10861 ,  G06K7/10871 ,  G06K7/10881 ,  G06K7/10891 ,  G06K7/109 ,  G06K7/14 ,  G06K17/0022 ,  G06K2207/1012 ,  G06K2207/1013 ,  G07G1/0054 ,  H01L21/28575 ,  H01L29/452 ,  H01S5/02248

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system. Preferably, each planar laser illumination beam component is focused so that the minimum beam width thereof occurs at a point or plane which is the farthest or maximum object distance at which the system is designed to acquire images, thereby compensating for decreases in the power density of the incident planar laser illumination beam due to the fact that the width of the planar laser illumination beam increases in length for increasing object distances away from the imaging optics. Advanced high-resolution wavefront control methods and devices are disclosed for use with the PLIIM-based systems in order to reduce the power of speckle-noise patterns observed at the image detections thereof. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to use both VLDs and high-speed CCD-type image detectors in conveyor, hand-held and hold-under type imaging applications alike, enjoying the advantages and benefits that each such technology has to offer, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks hitherto associated therewith.

公开(公告)号：US06830185B2

公开(公告)日：2004-12-14

申请号：US10155880

申请日：2002-05-23

Applicant: Constantine J. Tsikos ,  C. Harry Knowles ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Ka Man Au ,  Allan Wirth ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Thomas Amundsen

Inventor： Constantine J. Tsikos ,  C. Harry Knowles ,  Xiaoxun Zhu ,  Michael D. Schnee ,  Ka Man Au ,  Allan Wirth ,  Timothy A. Good ,  Sankar Ghosh ,  Thomas Amundsen

IPC: G06K710

CPC classification number: G06K7/10 ,  G02B19/0014 ,  G02B19/0052 ,  G02B19/0085 ,  G02B19/009 ,  G02B19/0095 ,  G02B26/10 ,  G02B27/095 ,  G02B27/48 ,  G06K7/10594 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/146 ,  G06K9/26 ,  G06K9/325 ,  H01S5/005 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/4025

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically producing digital images of an object having a substantially uniform white level independent of the velocity of the object. The method comprising determining the velocity of an object moving relative to a planar light illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based imaging system having a linear image detection array with a field of view (FOV), a planar light illumination array (PLIA) with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a linear array for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB) coplanar with the FOV, and a micro-controller for controlling the operation of the PLIIM based imaging system. The determined velocity is used to compute the optical power which each light emitting diode (LED) must produce in order that each digital image of the object, formed by illuminating the object with the computed optical power, will have substantially the same white intensity level independent of the velocity of the object relative to the PLIIM-based imaging system. The computed optical power value(s) are transmitted to the micro-controller, and the micro-controller uses the computed optical power value(s) to drive each light emitting diode so that it produces a planar light illumination beam having the computed optical power level with the FOV. By virtue of the present invention, the planar light illumination beam illuminates the object, and the PLIIM-based imaging system automatically produces a digital image of the moving object, with pixels having a substantially uniform white level, independent of the velocity of the object. Such image characteristics enables simpler and more reliable image processing in applications such as, for example, optical character recognition (OCR) processing, where image pixels having a substantially uniform white level, and a uniform aspect-ratio, are often desired or required.