Abstract:
The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The imaging system also includes a moveable prism mounted for movement along a path of travel to transmit light passing through the focusing lens onto the pixel array. A drive motor moves the prism relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the object formed at the pixel array.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a focusing system for an imaging-based bar code reader. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various electro-optical systems have been developed for reading optical indicia, such as bar codes. A bar code is a coded pattern of graphical indicia comprised of a matrix or series of bars and spaces of varying widths, the bars and spaces having differing light reflecting characteristics. Systems that read and decode bar codes employing CCD or CMOS-based imaging systems are typically referred to as imaging-based bar code readers or bar code scanners. 
         [0003]    Imaging systems include CCD arrays, CMOS arrays, or other imaging pixel arrays having a plurality of photosensitive elements or pixels. Light reflected from a target image, e.g., a target bar code is focused through a lens of the imaging system onto the pixel array. Output signals from the pixels of the pixel array are digitized by an analog-to-digital converter. Decoding circuitry of the imaging system processes the digitized signals and attempts to decode the imaged bar code. 
         [0004]    The ability of an imaging system to successfully decode an imaged bar code is dependent upon the ability to satisfactorily capture a clear image of the target bar code that is focused onto the pixel array. Generally imaging scanners do not have movable lenses. They depend on using a small aperture such that mildly out-of-focus objects (barcodes) do not appear excessively blurred. A class of scanners or bar code readers sold by the assignee of the present invention use a bi-focal system, in which the lens is driven by an electro-magnetic motor, to one of two stable positions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,955 describes such a bi-focal system and is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0005]    While auto-focus in a bar code reader is a desirable feature, commercially available auto-focus sub-systems, such as those commonly used in digital cameras and camcorders, suffer from large size, slow action, and/or high power requirement. 
         [0006]    Whether the imaging system is housed in a handheld, portable bar code reader or a permanently mounted reader, the user of the device cannot be expected to manually focus the imaging system by moving the lens, thus, there is a need for an automatic focusing system or auto focus system for an imaging system. 
         [0007]    Bar code imaging systems require a variable focus optical system to maximize barcode reading range and deliver high quality images over a range of distances. The high scan rate for barcode reading imposes a high-speed requirement on the auto focusing technique to be used in the imaging system. 
         [0008]    A typical two-dimensional barcode imaging scanner has an aiming pattern generator for the user to aim the scanner at the target and a separate illuminating system for illuminating the entire two-dimensional field of view. One auto-focusing technique that uses this aiming pattern is described in U.S. published patent application 2006:0038017 published on Feb. 23, 2006, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0009]    This above published application improves imaging quality through use of an auto-focus mechanism. Use of a moving lens tends to increase the device size. It is therefore desirable to create a compact auto-focus mechanism that does not appreciably increase device dimensions in relation to existing fixed focus imaging devices. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,068 is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference. The &#39;058 patent describes focusing an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by moving one prism relative to another prism. An outgoing laser beam directed to indicia has a return image focused by the moving prism. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    An exemplary system is used with an imaging based barcode reader for imaging a target and has an imaging system that includes a light monitoring pixel array and an optical system having one or more focusing lenses fixed with respect to the pixel array to transmit an image of a target object toward said pixel array from a focusing lens which includes a curved exit surface facing the pixel array. 
         [0012]    A single prism moves along a path of travel to control a path length of light passing through the lens to the pixel array. A drive coupled to the prism moves the prism relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the target object formed at the pixel array. 
         [0013]    These and other objects advantages and features of the invention will become further understood from reference to the accompanying description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of an imaging-based bar code reader of the present invention having an automatic focusing system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a depiction of a housing for supporting the components depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic illustrations of focus adjustment of the bar code reader caused by moving a single prism located in the optical path from a focusing lens and a pixel imaging array. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    A block diagram of an imaging-based bar code reader  10  is shown schematically in  FIG. 1 . The bar code reader  10 , in addition to imaging and decoding both  1 D and  2 D bar codes and postal codes, is also capable of capturing images and signatures. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bar code reader  10  is a hand held portable reader components of which are supported within a housing  11  ( FIG. 5 ) that can be carried and used by a user walking or riding through a store, warehouse or plant for reading bar codes for stocking and inventory control purposes. 
         [0018]    An auto-focus reader of the present invention, however, may be advantageously used in connection with any type of imaging-based automatic identification system including, but not limited to, bar code readers, signature imaging acquisition and identification systems, optical character recognition systems, fingerprint identification systems and the like. It is the intent of the present invention to encompass all such imaging-based automatic identification systems. 
         [0019]    The bar code reader  10  includes a trigger  12  coupled to bar code reader circuitry  13  for initiating reading of a target bar code  15  positioned on an object when the trigger  12  is pulled or pressed. The bar code reader  10  includes an imaging component  20  including imaging optics  21  and a CCD imager  24 . 
         [0020]    A fixed lens (described in greater detail below) focuses light reflected from the target bar code  15  onto an array of photosensors or pixels  28  of the CCD imager  24 . The pixels of pixel array  28  are read out generating an analog signal at an output  30  representative of an image of whatever is focused by the lens on the pixel array  28 , for example, an image of the bar code  15 . The analog image signal at the output  30  is then digitized by an analog-to-digital converter  70  and a digitized signal at an output  74  is decoded by decoder circuitry  80 . Decoded data  90 , representative of the data/information coded in the bar code  15  is then output via a data output port  100  and/or displayed to a user of the reader  10  via a display  108 . Upon achieving a good “read” of the bar code  15 , that is, the bar code  15  was successfully imaged and decoded, a speaker  120  is activated by the circuitry  13  to indicate to the user that the bar code has been successfully read. 
         [0021]    The reader  10  further includes an aiming pattern generator  40  that generates a visible aiming pattern  43  to aid the user in properly aiming the reader at the target bar code  15 . In one preferred embodiment, the aiming generator  40  is a laser aiming apparatus. Alternatively, the aiming apparatus  40  may utilize an LED or another source of illumination known to those of skill in the art. The pattern  43  may be a pattern comprising a crosshair formed from a thick horizontal line  43   a  and a perpendicular thin vertical line  43   b . In one preferred embodiment, the laser aiming apparatus  40  includes a laser diode  42  and a diffractive lens  44 . In one embodiment, in addition to the aiming pattern generator  40 , the reader  10  includes a separate illumination system  51  for shining illumination light onto the target bar code  15 . 
         [0022]    The CCD or CMOS sensors that make up the imager  24  sense light reflected back from the target surface and form pixel data corresponding to an image of the target. It is advantageous to use an array sensor that has the capability to output a portion of pixels upon request, so that the transfer time and processing time can be shortened when only a portion of the array is properly exposed. One such sensor is a CMOS array made by Micron having part number MT9M001. The pixel data from the array is converted into digital data by an A/D converter  70  that is decoded by decoding system  80 . An output port or display  108  provides the results of decoding to a peripheral device (not shown) or displays them to the user. The scanner  10  also includes an illumination source (not shown) that is capable, within a prescribed scanner range, of illuminating a portion of the target surface sufficient to fill the entire two-dimensional array of sensors with data. The scanner includes an aiming pattern generator  40  that includes one or more laser diodes  42  and a focusing lens  44  (see  FIG. 1 ) that is activated by a user actuated trigger  12 . 
       Imaging Optics 
       [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , In the exemplary embodiment, a single prism  150  is inserted between an optical system represented by a lens  160  and the imaging array  28 . A focus adjustment mechanism provides a linear shift of the prism as shown by the double headed arrow  170  in  FIG. 3A . In the Exemplary embodiment the prism is approximately triangular in plan and is moved back and forth along a path such that an angle at which light enters and exits its entrance and exit surfaces are equal angles  172 ,  174 . This is referred to as the angle of least deviation. Under this condition the angular change caused by the prism to an axial ray  162  is given by the equation: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             α 
             = 
             
               
                 2 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 
                   
                     sin 
                     
                       - 
                       1 
                     
                   
                   ( 
                   
                     
                       n 
                       
                         n 
                         0 
                       
                     
                      
                     sin 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     
                       δ 
                       2 
                     
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
               - 
               δ 
             
           
         
       
     
         [0024]    In this equation, δ is the prism angle (the ‘top corner’ angle, which is the corner shown to the left in  FIG. 3A ), n is the index of refraction of the prism material, and n 0  is the index of refraction of air. 
         [0025]    The light path inside of the prism D is proportional to the amount of prism inserted into the light path, h. This relationship is: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             D 
             = 
             
               2 
                
               h 
                
               
                   
               
                
               tan 
                
               
                   
               
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                 δ 
                 2 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0026]    and is illustrated in  FIG. 3B . When D changes, by the change of h due to controlled movement of the prism  150 , the optical path length changes. The larger the value for D, the greater the focal length at which the scanner or reader is focused. 
         [0027]    When the amount by which the prism is inserted into the optical path changes, the optical path difference (OPD) caused by it is given by: 
         [0000]      OPD=( n−n   0 )Δ D    
         [0028]    and the axial ray is shifted, relative to a stationary sensor location by: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             Δτ 
             = 
             
               D 
                
               
                   
               
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               cos 
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                 α 
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         [0029]    The combination of the last two equations results in a parallax. That is, with the focus adjustment comes a lateral shift of the center of the optical axis, as seen from the sensor. This fact could be used advantageously in an imaging scanner having a single, off-axis, aiming pattern generator. Prior art scanners include a laser aimer that is off-axis, creating parallax. Because there are two parameters that can be adjusted, namely n and δ it is possible within some range to choose the amount of parallax that is generated by this focus changing mechanism. 
       Laser Ranging 
       [0030]    One autofocus process involves a determination of the distance from the scanner to the object or target to which the bar code is affixed. The laser light emitted by the laser diode  42  that generates the laser aiming pattern  43  travels outwardly toward the target bar code  15 . The laser beam impacts the bar code  15  or the object the bar code is affixed to and is reflected back toward the reader where it is focused on the pixel array  28  by the lens  160 . Laser ranging utilizes the laser aiming apparatus  40  to determine an object distance u (shown in  FIG. 2 ) between a principal plane PP of the lens  160  and the object plane OP, that is, a surface of the target bar code  15 , along the optical axis OA. The object distance u is computed using a parallax distance algorithm. 
         [0031]    Using geometric relationships, a parallax distance algorithm determines the object distance u. Given that the object distance u has been determined and further given that the focal length f of the lens is known, the image distance v can be computed using the standard lens equation (Thin Lens law) 1/f=1/u+1/v. The image distance v is the distance between the principal plane PP of the lens  22  and a light receiving surface of the pixel array  28 . 
         [0032]    The automatic focusing component  50  moves the prism  150  along its path of travel in the direction of the arrow  170  to a suitable position such that a satisfactory image distance (including D, the path through the prism) of the laser aiming pattern  43  is focused onto the pixel array  28 . 
         [0033]    The goal of the auto focusing system  50  is to bring the image into focus prior to image capture of the entire bar code. A depth of field of the imaging system  20  permits a tolerance or imprecision in the range measurement. Laser ranging can also be used with a calibration process wherein the distance to the object is determined and a separation between this distance and a pre-measured or calibrated set of standard distances and prism locations is determined. By finding the closest calibrated object distance the prism is moved to the position corresponding to that distance and acceptable focus obtained. 
         [0034]    The essence of laser ranging is locating the center of the aiming pattern  43  which is located at the intersection of the thick horizontal line  43   a  and the thin vertical line  43   b  and monitor its movement as the mirror moves. Considering the image of the laser beam is highly blurred when the mirror position produces an out of focus image, it is necessary for the automatic focusing system  50  to identify a region of interest (ROI) of the laser spot, i.e., the region where the aiming pattern  43  lies and its blurred peripheral, and compute the center of mass (COM): X=i .times. i*I .function. (i) i .times. I .function. (i), (22) where i indicates the x coordinate of the pixels within the ROI and I(i) their corresponding intensity. The same applies to the Y coordinate. 
         [0035]    A detailed theoretical analysis of the COM computation is presented in an article entitled “Novel Denoising Algorithm for Obtaining a Superresolved Position Estimation” by Z. Zalevsky, et al., Opt. Eng., 41(6), pp. 1350-1357, June 2002. The foregoing article is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. The process used by the automatic focusing system  50  for locating the center of the aiming pattern is illustrated in the above two published patent applications. 
       Passive Focusing 
       [0036]    So called passive focusing is a technique wherein the object distance is not used to obtain acceptable optical system focus. During passive focusing different images of an aiming pattern  43  are obtained with different prism positions. The auto focusing system  50  determines a best focus by calculating the contrast of the image. Blurriness reduces contrast so that the best (in focus) image corresponds to the image having the greatest contrast. One patent that discusses the differences between active and passive focusing in the context of a camera is U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,808 which is assigned to Canon. 
         [0037]    While the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is the intent that the invention includes all modifications and alterations from the disclosed design falling with the spirit or scope of the appended claims.