CA2156153C - Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surfaceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2156153C CA2156153C CA002156153A CA2156153A CA2156153C CA 2156153 C CA2156153 C CA 2156153C CA 002156153 A CA002156153 A CA 002156153A CA 2156153 A CA2156153 A CA 2156153A CA 2156153 C CA2156153 C CA 2156153C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- image
- illumination
- obtaining
- light
- shroud
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
- G06K7/10712—Fixed beam scanning
- G06K7/10722—Photodetector array or CCD scanning
- G06K7/10732—Light sources
Abstract
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes an apparatus for illuminating the surface, an apparatus for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image, and an apparatus for limiting the exposure time of the image-obtaining apparatus to a selected fast exposure time less than the video frame rate of the image-obtaining apparatus. The image-obtaining apparatus may be a CCD based camera (40). The CCD-based camera and the illumination apparatus may be mounted in a shroud (20) having an opaque side wall. A first polarizing film (100) may be provided intermediate the illumination apparatus and the surface, and a second polarizing film (102), having a polarization orientation orthogonal to that of the first polarizing film, may be provided intermediate the surface and the imageobtaining apparatus. Tip switches (130, 132) may be provided to prevent activation of the illumination apparatus and the image obtaining apparatus except when a lower edge of the shroud side wall is in contact with the surface.
Description
WO94/19766 21~ 3 PCT~S94/01803 METHOD AND APPA~ATUS FOR I~LUMINATION AND IMAGING OF A SURFACE
Backqround of the Invention.
This invention relates to methods and devices for illuminating a surface and obtaining an image of the surface, and particularly to hand-held illumination and imaging devices for the purpose of reading labels having information in a code, such as a bar code, or an alphanumeric format.
Devices for imaging of surfaces provide an electronic representation of an image of the surface of an object. The representation in electronic form is then stored or transmitted - to an appropriate data processing apparatus. If information is stored in the label in alphanumeric format, the image would be transmitted to a data processing apparatus having character recognition capacity. Typically, however, routine information is printed in a code format. A common example is a bar code label affixed to the surface of a package. The bar code label contains information about the package's origin, destination, order number, and the like. To retrieve the information from the bar code label, an appropriate imaging device electronically creates a digitized image of the bar code label. That image is then transferred to a processing computer. The processing computer deciphers the desired information from the digitized image.
An imaging device can be either machine-mounted or hand-held. Portable hand-held devices are especially useful when processing is required at remote locations. Such devices are WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 ~
215&~3 also useful when the objects to which labels have been applied may be in a variety of sizes or positions.
The ability to retrieve data from the surface of an object depends largely on the quality of the digital image obtained by the imaging device. Glares, shadows and non-uniformity in illumination on the surface during the imaging process result in degradation of the digital image. More speci-fically, image processing software may be unable to reliably identify the optical characteristics (such as color) of every portion of the label. As a result, data will be lost. Uniform illumination over a surface is especially important when reading information on an alphanumeric label or in a two-dimensional encoded format where there is a minimum of redundancy.
Non-uniform ambient light is one source of non-uniformity in illumination. A second problem, which is particu-larly common in shipping of packages and letters, results from the practice of placing a shiny protective layer, such as trans-parent tape, over the label. Such tape will cause specular reflection from the surface, which will obscure the image of the underlying label.
A desirable goal in obtaining images of labels is to obtain the image as quickly as possible. This goal makes it desirable to be able to capture the entire image of a two-dimensional label substantially instantaneously.
~ WO94/19766 2 1 ~ 6 15 ~ PCT~S94/01803 The use of charge-coupled device based cameras has been proposed for obtaining images of labels. However, CCD-based cameras are subject to the drawback that the photo-charges in the potential wells in the CCD array can exceed the capacity of the potential wells in the presence of intense illumination. Charges spill over into adjacent potential wells, which phenomenon is known as blooming. Blooming, of course, res~lts in loss of information.
Furthermore, relative motion of the camera and the substrate can cause blurring of the obtained image. For example, a normal video exposure time is 0.033 seconds. In that time, an object moving at 5 inches per second moves 0.165 inches, which, in lO0 dpi image resolution, is 16.5 pixel5. Such a pixel shift will provide a very blurred image, with resulting loss of data.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface which obtains accurate images in a short amount of time.
It is a particular object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus fox illumination and imaging of a surface which employs a CCD-based camera which is not subject to blooming or to blurring.
It is a further particular object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method for illumination and imaging of a WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -2~5G~i3 surface which is not subject to specular reflection from the surface.
Additiona-l objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a preferred em~odiment which follows.
SummarY of the Invention.
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes means for illuminating the surface, means for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image, and shutter means for limiting the exposure time of the image obtaining means to a selected fast exposure time less than the video frame rate.
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes a shroud having an opaque side wall, a lower edge of which side wall defines a bottom opening, means, mounted in the shroud, for illuminating the surface through the bottom opening, and means, comprising a CCD-based camera mounted in the shroud, for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes means for illuminating the surface, means for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image, first light ~ WO94/19766 21~ 6 l5 ~ PCT~S94/01803 polarizing means intermediate the illuminating means and the illuminated surface, and second light polarizing means, orthogo-nal to the first light polarizing means, intermediate the illumi-nated surface and the image obtaining means.
A method for illumination and imaging of a surface includes the steps of illuminating the surface, obtaining an image of the illuminated surface while selectively limiting the exposure time to a selected fast exposure time less than the video frame rate and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
A method for illumination and imaging of a surface, includes the steps of providing a shroud having an opaque side wall, a lower edge of which defines a bottom opening, employing a light source mounted in the shroud to illuminate the surface through the bottom opening, and employing a CCD-based camera mounted in the shroud for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
A method for illumination and imaging of a surface includes the steps of illuminating the surface with light polar-ized in a first direction, polarizing light reflected from the surface in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, obtaining an image of the illuminated surface from the polarized WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -21~61~ ~
reflected light and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
~3rief DescriPtion of the Fiqures.
Figure l is a perspective view with partial cutaway of an apparatus of the invention in use.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an appara-tus according to the invention.
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a shutter circuit in an apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a controller, and signal processor as used with an apparatus according to the invention.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment.
Referring now to Figure l, there is depicted an illuminating and imaging apparatus lO according to the invention in use illuminating and imaging a label 14 applied to a planar upper surface of a package 12. Referring to Figure 2, apparatus lO includes shroud 20, camera 40, handle 60, and illumination apparatus 80. Shroud 20 has an opaque, vertical sidewall 22.
Vertical sidewall 22 has a lower edge which defines a bottom opening 24, and has a top opening 26. In the embodiment ~ WO94/19766 21~ 6 ~ ~ 3 PCT~S94/01803 illustrated in the figures, sidewall 22 includes four planar panels, so as to provide a square cross-section. It will be understood that the form of vertical sidewall 22 may be selected as desired. For example, the vertical sidewall 22 may be rectan-gular, or cylindrical in plan. Ordinarily, vertical sidewall 22 will be selected so that the shape of bottom opening 24 is the same as the shape of a surface to be illuminated. The shape of the bottom opening 24 may also be selected so as to be the same as the shape of the array of an imaging device. It will also be appreciated that vertical sidewall 22 need not be precisely vertical.
Camera 40, which in the illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical housing, is disposed through top opening 26 in shroud 20. Camera 40 is mounted in an upper portion of shroud 20 by bracket 42 on the side of the housing of camera 40. Camera 40 is secured to shroud 20 by a fastener 44 disposed through hole 28 through sidewall 22. Camera 40 is an apparatus that obtains an image of a surface, such as the surface of package 12 illustrated in Figure l, and produces a signal representative of the obtained image of the surface. Camera 40 may be, for example, a CCD-based camera. An example of a suit-able CCD-based camera is a Pulnix TM-7X, with a Tamron 6.5 mm.
lens. Appropriate power and signal lines are provided through cable 70 to an external power supply (not shown), controller ll0 and signal processor 120 (shown schematically in Figure 4). The WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -21~Gl~i3 power supply provides electrical power for operation of camera 40 and illumination apparatus 80. The signal lines in cable 70 transmit control signals from controller llO to camera 40 and trigger 85, and transmit from camera 40 to signal processor 120 an output signal representative of the image obtained by camera 40.
Referring again to Figures l and 2, handle 60 is mounted on the upper face of the housing of camera 40. Handle 60 is generally cylindrical, and provides a convenient hand grip for an operator. Preferably, there is provided a hand switch 62, which an operator can use for providing a signal to controller to begin the sequence of illuminating the surface and obtaining the image. Hand switch 62 may be an omnidirectional switch.
Illumination apparatus device 80 is mounted in an upper portion of shroud 20, mounted on horizontal plate 72, which is preferably mounted within an upper portion of shroud 20 about a lens of camera 40. In the illustrated embodiment, lighting apparatus 80 is a linear xenon flash lamp or strobe light.
Illumination apparatus 80 includes a flash lamp tube 82, which is mounted in a reflector 84. Reflector 84 may have a surface of bubble alzac, or reflective aluminum. Suitable electrical connections (not shown) provide current to cause the flash lamp tube 82 to flash. Horizonal planar support plate 72 is provided with an aperture 74 therethrough for permitting light from the WO94/19766 21~ 6 l 3 3 PCT~S94/01803 surface to pass through to camera 40. Suitable conventional fixtures may be provided for mounting flash tube 82 in reflector 84.
There are further provided first polarizing film, or po~arizer, 100 and second polarizing film, or analyzer, 102.
First polarizing film 100 is provided beneath illumination apparatus 80. First polarizing film 100 is so positioned that all light emitted by illumination apparatus 80 is transmitted through first polarizing film 100 before reaching an illuminated surface through bottom opening 24 of shroud 20. Second polariz-ing film 102 is mounted on the aperture of camera 40. Second polarizing film 102 is thus so mounted that light reflected from a surface will pass through second polarizing film 102 before entering camera 40. First polarizing film loO has a first selected polarization orientation, and second polarizing film 102 has a second selected polarization orientation, 90- from the polarization orientation of first polarizing film 100. The use of the combination of first polarizing film 100 in the path of light from illumination apparatus 80 to the surface, and second polarizing film 102, having a polarization orientation at a 90 angle from the polarization orientation of first polarizing film 100, in the path of light reflected from the illuminated surface to the camera 40, eliminates the effect of specular reflection of light from the surface. The use of first polarizing film 100 and second polarizing film 102 is particularly advantageous where WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -21~6153 apparatus 10 is used to read labels that may be covered with a shiny coating such as a transparent tape.
Tip switches 130, 132 are provided at two Opposite points on the lower edge of shroud 20. Tip switches 130, 132 are cl~sed when the respective points on the lower edge of shroud 20 engage a surface. As shown in Figure 4, tip switches 130, 132 are connected in series with hand switch 62. The signal from hand switch 62 will only be transmitted when both lower edges of shroud 20 are in contact with a surface, such as the surface of package 12 of Figure 1. As a result, tip switches 130, 132 serve to prevent activation of illumination device 80 and of camera 40, except when the lower edge of shroud 20 is in contact with the surface.
This configuration of tip switches 130, 132 serves both safety and image quality goals. First, illumination apparatus 80 cannot be inadvertently activated while directed at someone's eyes. Because the flash lamp intensity is high, eye discomfort could be caused if the device were activated while directed at someone's eyes. Second, the configuration of tip switches 130, 132 assumes that the camera cannot be activated while a gap exists between the points on the lower edge of shroud 20 where tip switches 130, 132 are located, and a surface. As a result, the quantity of ambient light reaching the surface will be minimized. If, as shown, the lower edge of shroud 20 lies in a ~ WO94/19766 21 S ~ PCT~S94/01803 plane, this conflguration of ~ip ~witche5 130, 132 as~ureS that ~ubstantially no ~mbient llght will ~ach ~ planar 8urface within thB chroud.
An electronic ~hutter is prefsrably ~rov~ded ~or control of ~he CCD-based c~mera. A CCD-ba8ed camer~ convention-a~ly allow~ charge to a~c~ lat~ in the poten~ Al w211s for a per~od o~ t~me equal to the video fr~e rate. ~t the end o~ this period of ti~e, the charqe is ~d out i~ accordance with conven-tional t~hnique~. The video frame r~te (or video frame length or video exposure ti~e) is conve~tionally 1/30 secon~. However, it has been ~ound by the inventors, in using device lO, that the ~llumination produced by illumination app~rztus 80 is ~o great that the photo-charqes in many o2 the potential well~ of a CCD
array will ~Y~ the capacity o~ the potential wells, if char~es arQ permitted to accumulate for a time equal to the video frame rate. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the Qxposure time as much as possible to prevent lo~s of clarity caused by relative movement of the camera and the label.
Re~erring now to ~igure 3, there is ~hown a flow chart illustrating the se~uence of operation o~ an electronic s;hutter accor~ing to the in~ention- The electronic ~hutter is preferably provi~ed in controller llO, either in softwars or hardware. At box 30~, label~d "START V~DEO FRAME (T~O)," a new ~ideo ~rame has WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -2 1 5 (~
started. At the start of the video frame, at time T = O, there is no charge stored in any of the elements of the CCD arr~y.
Immediately after time T = O, each element in the CCD
array is maintained in a shorted condition, so that no charge can accumulate in any of the elements of the CCD array. In other words, the electronic shutter is closed. This step is illustra-ted by box 310, laoeled MAINTAIN CCD SHORTED.
The time T from the beginning of the video frame is then continuously compared to a time equal to the length of a video frame less a selected fast exposure time. This is illus-trated by box 315, labeled T = VIDEO FRAME LENGT~ - SELECTED FAST
EXPOSURE TIME? If the time T is less than the video frame rate less the selected fast exposure time, the controller continues to maintain the elements in the CCD array shorted, as indicated by the arrow marked "NO" leading from box 315.
If the time T is equal to the video frame length less the selected fast exposure time, then, as indicated by box 320, labeled "ACTIVATE CCD ARRA~ AND ILLUMINATION APPARATUS," the controller provides a signal so that the elements of the CCD
array are no longer shorted, and the elements begin to accumulate charge. Simultaneously, illumination apparatus 80 is activated by a signal provided from the controller to trigger 8~. As a result, the elements in the CCD array will be exposed to light WO94/19766 21~ 3 PCT~S94/01803 reflected during illumination of the surface and will accumulate charge.
Time T is compared to the length of the video frame, as shown by box 325, labeled T = VIDEO FRAME LENGTH?. As long as the time T is less than the video frame length, the CCD array remains activated, and individual elements acc~ late charge as light impinges on them. T~ls is indicated by the arrow marked NO
from box 325 to box 320. As shown by the arrow marked YES from box 325 to box 330, when the time is equal to the video frame length, the CCD array is read out, as ifidicated by box 330, labeled READ OUT CCD ARRAY. The process is then at an end, as indicated by box 335.
It will be understood that by the foregoing process, the time that the elements in the CCD array are acc~lrlllating charge is maintained as short as possible. This will prevent blurring, due to relative movement of apparatus l0 and the surface, and will also prevent blooming due to excessive exposure time. The use of an electronic shutter provides precise control over the selected fast exposure time. In addition, the use of the electronic shutter, combined with activation of the illumina-tion apparatus simultaneously with the opening of the electronic shutter, assures that the light reflected from the surface is primarily light generated by the illumination apparatus. The use of an electronic shutter thereby minimizes the influence of WO94/19766 PCT~US94/01803 -~mbi~nt light. ~h$s in p~rt1~ r a~sure~ that, w$th the u~e of ~$r~t ~n~ e~ polarizing ~ilms ~OQ, 102, orient~d at a n$nety degree ~ngle to one ~not~er, as ~xplainsd above, ~8 glaro ~rom the ~ur~ac~ will ~e eliminated or ~n1~ized.
Tt i~ prGferred that the selected fa5t exposure t~e ~e su~tantially shorter than t~e video ~r~me rate, and pre~era~ly as fast ~s possi~le, prov~ded that the illu~nat$on intens$ty is great ~no~qh. In n te~ted ~ho~i~ent, a ~elected Sast exposure time of one milllsecond pro~ded good re5ult5. This 5elected fast exposure time is thus 1/33 the video fr me rate. The ~elected ~ast exposure time may ~e set, on ~n empirical ~2~is, by tho~e o~ skill in the art. I~, after using a ~elected fAst exposure time, bloomin~ or ~lurring are observed, then the selected fa5t expo6ure time should be shortened. I$ ~fter using a ~elected ~st exposure ti~e, o~t~in~ $ntensity levels were too low to dlstinquish di~ferent optical properties, the sele~ted fast exposure time should be increased.
Referring now to ~lgure 4, there i8 illustrated a block dlagram of an apparatus according to the invention with its controller and signal proce~or. Controller llO provides control signals to camera 40 and illumination appara~us trigger circuit 85. Tip switches 130, 132, ~re disposed in the circult intermediate switch 62 and controller llO. As explained ~bove, the control 5ignals from controller 110 provide for n electronic shutter to time operation of camera 40,, as well as for ti~ing of W094/19766 PCT~S94/01803 ~ ~ 5 ~
the triggering of illumination apparatus 80. Trigger circuit 85 customarily includes an electrical energy storage device, such as one or more capacitors. Upon receipt of a signal from controller 110, trigger circuit 85 allows current to flow from such capaci-tors to illumination apparatus 80. Camera 40 provides a signal, representative of the light reflected from the surface, to signal processor 120.
Many variations are possikle within the scope of the invention. For example, the light source illumination apparatus 80 need not be a flash lamp. Illumination apparatus 80 may include, for example, an array of light-emitting diodes, a diffuse light source, or any other type of light source. An intense light source, such as a flash lamp, is advantageous in that it will tend to ~inimize the influence of ambient light on the total illumination of the surface. As a result, non-unifor-mities in ambient illumination will contribute relatively little to total illumination. Intense illumination, such as that from a flash lamp, also permits the aperture of the camera lens to be adjusted to a minimum, to provide the greatest depth of field.
Depth of field is particularly useful when a label is applied to a curved surface, such as a tube.
- Shroud 20, in combination with illumination apparatus 80 and camera 40, is highly advantageous. Shroud 20, is opaque, and in operation has only bottom opening 24. As a result shroud WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -2~5~
20 substantially eliminates the illuminatlon of the surface by ambient light. As a result, illuminatio~ of the surface will be substantially entirely as a result of lighting apparatus 80.
Thus, uniformity of illumination may be controlled. In addition, polarization of light illuminating the surface may be controlled, to reduce specular reflection. Control of the intensity of illumination is also achieved. This assures that the apparatus may successfully be used even where ambient illumination is very intense, such as in direct sunlight. The distance between the lens of camera 40 and the surface is maintained constant, thereby eliminating the need to refocus the camera. The device according to the invention can be implemented in a hand-held configuration.
It will also be appreciated that a CCD-based camera, while advantageous, is not necessarily required for practice of certain embodiments of the invention. Rather, other devices may be used which obtain an image of the illuminated surface and provides an electronic output signal representative of the obtained image. A vidicon or similar device may conceivably also be employed.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, given only by way of example, camera 40 is mounted three inches above the bottom edge of the shroud, and has a field of view 2.5 inches across. The shroud has dimensions of 3.75 inches in height. The reflector 84 has an inner diameter of 0.8 inches, and extends in WO94119766 PCT~S94/01803 5 ~
an arc of 225-. The axis of the lamp is mounted l.45 inches away from the camera optical center, and 0.234 inches radially from the axis of the reflector 80. The selected short exposure time may be about l millisecond.
It will be appreciated that there are considerable variations that can be accomplished in a method and apparatus of the invention without departing from its scope. As a result, al-though a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the invention has been described above, it is ~mph~sized that the invention is not limited to a preferred embodiment and there exist other alternative embodiments that are fully encompassed within the invention's scope, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Backqround of the Invention.
This invention relates to methods and devices for illuminating a surface and obtaining an image of the surface, and particularly to hand-held illumination and imaging devices for the purpose of reading labels having information in a code, such as a bar code, or an alphanumeric format.
Devices for imaging of surfaces provide an electronic representation of an image of the surface of an object. The representation in electronic form is then stored or transmitted - to an appropriate data processing apparatus. If information is stored in the label in alphanumeric format, the image would be transmitted to a data processing apparatus having character recognition capacity. Typically, however, routine information is printed in a code format. A common example is a bar code label affixed to the surface of a package. The bar code label contains information about the package's origin, destination, order number, and the like. To retrieve the information from the bar code label, an appropriate imaging device electronically creates a digitized image of the bar code label. That image is then transferred to a processing computer. The processing computer deciphers the desired information from the digitized image.
An imaging device can be either machine-mounted or hand-held. Portable hand-held devices are especially useful when processing is required at remote locations. Such devices are WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 ~
215&~3 also useful when the objects to which labels have been applied may be in a variety of sizes or positions.
The ability to retrieve data from the surface of an object depends largely on the quality of the digital image obtained by the imaging device. Glares, shadows and non-uniformity in illumination on the surface during the imaging process result in degradation of the digital image. More speci-fically, image processing software may be unable to reliably identify the optical characteristics (such as color) of every portion of the label. As a result, data will be lost. Uniform illumination over a surface is especially important when reading information on an alphanumeric label or in a two-dimensional encoded format where there is a minimum of redundancy.
Non-uniform ambient light is one source of non-uniformity in illumination. A second problem, which is particu-larly common in shipping of packages and letters, results from the practice of placing a shiny protective layer, such as trans-parent tape, over the label. Such tape will cause specular reflection from the surface, which will obscure the image of the underlying label.
A desirable goal in obtaining images of labels is to obtain the image as quickly as possible. This goal makes it desirable to be able to capture the entire image of a two-dimensional label substantially instantaneously.
~ WO94/19766 2 1 ~ 6 15 ~ PCT~S94/01803 The use of charge-coupled device based cameras has been proposed for obtaining images of labels. However, CCD-based cameras are subject to the drawback that the photo-charges in the potential wells in the CCD array can exceed the capacity of the potential wells in the presence of intense illumination. Charges spill over into adjacent potential wells, which phenomenon is known as blooming. Blooming, of course, res~lts in loss of information.
Furthermore, relative motion of the camera and the substrate can cause blurring of the obtained image. For example, a normal video exposure time is 0.033 seconds. In that time, an object moving at 5 inches per second moves 0.165 inches, which, in lO0 dpi image resolution, is 16.5 pixel5. Such a pixel shift will provide a very blurred image, with resulting loss of data.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface which obtains accurate images in a short amount of time.
It is a particular object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus fox illumination and imaging of a surface which employs a CCD-based camera which is not subject to blooming or to blurring.
It is a further particular object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method for illumination and imaging of a WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -2~5G~i3 surface which is not subject to specular reflection from the surface.
Additiona-l objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a preferred em~odiment which follows.
SummarY of the Invention.
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes means for illuminating the surface, means for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image, and shutter means for limiting the exposure time of the image obtaining means to a selected fast exposure time less than the video frame rate.
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes a shroud having an opaque side wall, a lower edge of which side wall defines a bottom opening, means, mounted in the shroud, for illuminating the surface through the bottom opening, and means, comprising a CCD-based camera mounted in the shroud, for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface includes means for illuminating the surface, means for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image, first light ~ WO94/19766 21~ 6 l5 ~ PCT~S94/01803 polarizing means intermediate the illuminating means and the illuminated surface, and second light polarizing means, orthogo-nal to the first light polarizing means, intermediate the illumi-nated surface and the image obtaining means.
A method for illumination and imaging of a surface includes the steps of illuminating the surface, obtaining an image of the illuminated surface while selectively limiting the exposure time to a selected fast exposure time less than the video frame rate and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
A method for illumination and imaging of a surface, includes the steps of providing a shroud having an opaque side wall, a lower edge of which defines a bottom opening, employing a light source mounted in the shroud to illuminate the surface through the bottom opening, and employing a CCD-based camera mounted in the shroud for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
A method for illumination and imaging of a surface includes the steps of illuminating the surface with light polar-ized in a first direction, polarizing light reflected from the surface in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, obtaining an image of the illuminated surface from the polarized WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -21~61~ ~
reflected light and providing an output signal representative of the obtained image.
~3rief DescriPtion of the Fiqures.
Figure l is a perspective view with partial cutaway of an apparatus of the invention in use.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an appara-tus according to the invention.
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a shutter circuit in an apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a controller, and signal processor as used with an apparatus according to the invention.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment.
Referring now to Figure l, there is depicted an illuminating and imaging apparatus lO according to the invention in use illuminating and imaging a label 14 applied to a planar upper surface of a package 12. Referring to Figure 2, apparatus lO includes shroud 20, camera 40, handle 60, and illumination apparatus 80. Shroud 20 has an opaque, vertical sidewall 22.
Vertical sidewall 22 has a lower edge which defines a bottom opening 24, and has a top opening 26. In the embodiment ~ WO94/19766 21~ 6 ~ ~ 3 PCT~S94/01803 illustrated in the figures, sidewall 22 includes four planar panels, so as to provide a square cross-section. It will be understood that the form of vertical sidewall 22 may be selected as desired. For example, the vertical sidewall 22 may be rectan-gular, or cylindrical in plan. Ordinarily, vertical sidewall 22 will be selected so that the shape of bottom opening 24 is the same as the shape of a surface to be illuminated. The shape of the bottom opening 24 may also be selected so as to be the same as the shape of the array of an imaging device. It will also be appreciated that vertical sidewall 22 need not be precisely vertical.
Camera 40, which in the illustrated embodiment has a substantially cylindrical housing, is disposed through top opening 26 in shroud 20. Camera 40 is mounted in an upper portion of shroud 20 by bracket 42 on the side of the housing of camera 40. Camera 40 is secured to shroud 20 by a fastener 44 disposed through hole 28 through sidewall 22. Camera 40 is an apparatus that obtains an image of a surface, such as the surface of package 12 illustrated in Figure l, and produces a signal representative of the obtained image of the surface. Camera 40 may be, for example, a CCD-based camera. An example of a suit-able CCD-based camera is a Pulnix TM-7X, with a Tamron 6.5 mm.
lens. Appropriate power and signal lines are provided through cable 70 to an external power supply (not shown), controller ll0 and signal processor 120 (shown schematically in Figure 4). The WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -21~Gl~i3 power supply provides electrical power for operation of camera 40 and illumination apparatus 80. The signal lines in cable 70 transmit control signals from controller llO to camera 40 and trigger 85, and transmit from camera 40 to signal processor 120 an output signal representative of the image obtained by camera 40.
Referring again to Figures l and 2, handle 60 is mounted on the upper face of the housing of camera 40. Handle 60 is generally cylindrical, and provides a convenient hand grip for an operator. Preferably, there is provided a hand switch 62, which an operator can use for providing a signal to controller to begin the sequence of illuminating the surface and obtaining the image. Hand switch 62 may be an omnidirectional switch.
Illumination apparatus device 80 is mounted in an upper portion of shroud 20, mounted on horizontal plate 72, which is preferably mounted within an upper portion of shroud 20 about a lens of camera 40. In the illustrated embodiment, lighting apparatus 80 is a linear xenon flash lamp or strobe light.
Illumination apparatus 80 includes a flash lamp tube 82, which is mounted in a reflector 84. Reflector 84 may have a surface of bubble alzac, or reflective aluminum. Suitable electrical connections (not shown) provide current to cause the flash lamp tube 82 to flash. Horizonal planar support plate 72 is provided with an aperture 74 therethrough for permitting light from the WO94/19766 21~ 6 l 3 3 PCT~S94/01803 surface to pass through to camera 40. Suitable conventional fixtures may be provided for mounting flash tube 82 in reflector 84.
There are further provided first polarizing film, or po~arizer, 100 and second polarizing film, or analyzer, 102.
First polarizing film 100 is provided beneath illumination apparatus 80. First polarizing film 100 is so positioned that all light emitted by illumination apparatus 80 is transmitted through first polarizing film 100 before reaching an illuminated surface through bottom opening 24 of shroud 20. Second polariz-ing film 102 is mounted on the aperture of camera 40. Second polarizing film 102 is thus so mounted that light reflected from a surface will pass through second polarizing film 102 before entering camera 40. First polarizing film loO has a first selected polarization orientation, and second polarizing film 102 has a second selected polarization orientation, 90- from the polarization orientation of first polarizing film 100. The use of the combination of first polarizing film 100 in the path of light from illumination apparatus 80 to the surface, and second polarizing film 102, having a polarization orientation at a 90 angle from the polarization orientation of first polarizing film 100, in the path of light reflected from the illuminated surface to the camera 40, eliminates the effect of specular reflection of light from the surface. The use of first polarizing film 100 and second polarizing film 102 is particularly advantageous where WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -21~6153 apparatus 10 is used to read labels that may be covered with a shiny coating such as a transparent tape.
Tip switches 130, 132 are provided at two Opposite points on the lower edge of shroud 20. Tip switches 130, 132 are cl~sed when the respective points on the lower edge of shroud 20 engage a surface. As shown in Figure 4, tip switches 130, 132 are connected in series with hand switch 62. The signal from hand switch 62 will only be transmitted when both lower edges of shroud 20 are in contact with a surface, such as the surface of package 12 of Figure 1. As a result, tip switches 130, 132 serve to prevent activation of illumination device 80 and of camera 40, except when the lower edge of shroud 20 is in contact with the surface.
This configuration of tip switches 130, 132 serves both safety and image quality goals. First, illumination apparatus 80 cannot be inadvertently activated while directed at someone's eyes. Because the flash lamp intensity is high, eye discomfort could be caused if the device were activated while directed at someone's eyes. Second, the configuration of tip switches 130, 132 assumes that the camera cannot be activated while a gap exists between the points on the lower edge of shroud 20 where tip switches 130, 132 are located, and a surface. As a result, the quantity of ambient light reaching the surface will be minimized. If, as shown, the lower edge of shroud 20 lies in a ~ WO94/19766 21 S ~ PCT~S94/01803 plane, this conflguration of ~ip ~witche5 130, 132 as~ureS that ~ubstantially no ~mbient llght will ~ach ~ planar 8urface within thB chroud.
An electronic ~hutter is prefsrably ~rov~ded ~or control of ~he CCD-based c~mera. A CCD-ba8ed camer~ convention-a~ly allow~ charge to a~c~ lat~ in the poten~ Al w211s for a per~od o~ t~me equal to the video fr~e rate. ~t the end o~ this period of ti~e, the charqe is ~d out i~ accordance with conven-tional t~hnique~. The video frame r~te (or video frame length or video exposure ti~e) is conve~tionally 1/30 secon~. However, it has been ~ound by the inventors, in using device lO, that the ~llumination produced by illumination app~rztus 80 is ~o great that the photo-charqes in many o2 the potential well~ of a CCD
array will ~Y~ the capacity o~ the potential wells, if char~es arQ permitted to accumulate for a time equal to the video frame rate. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the Qxposure time as much as possible to prevent lo~s of clarity caused by relative movement of the camera and the label.
Re~erring now to ~igure 3, there is ~hown a flow chart illustrating the se~uence of operation o~ an electronic s;hutter accor~ing to the in~ention- The electronic ~hutter is preferably provi~ed in controller llO, either in softwars or hardware. At box 30~, label~d "START V~DEO FRAME (T~O)," a new ~ideo ~rame has WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -2 1 5 (~
started. At the start of the video frame, at time T = O, there is no charge stored in any of the elements of the CCD arr~y.
Immediately after time T = O, each element in the CCD
array is maintained in a shorted condition, so that no charge can accumulate in any of the elements of the CCD array. In other words, the electronic shutter is closed. This step is illustra-ted by box 310, laoeled MAINTAIN CCD SHORTED.
The time T from the beginning of the video frame is then continuously compared to a time equal to the length of a video frame less a selected fast exposure time. This is illus-trated by box 315, labeled T = VIDEO FRAME LENGT~ - SELECTED FAST
EXPOSURE TIME? If the time T is less than the video frame rate less the selected fast exposure time, the controller continues to maintain the elements in the CCD array shorted, as indicated by the arrow marked "NO" leading from box 315.
If the time T is equal to the video frame length less the selected fast exposure time, then, as indicated by box 320, labeled "ACTIVATE CCD ARRA~ AND ILLUMINATION APPARATUS," the controller provides a signal so that the elements of the CCD
array are no longer shorted, and the elements begin to accumulate charge. Simultaneously, illumination apparatus 80 is activated by a signal provided from the controller to trigger 8~. As a result, the elements in the CCD array will be exposed to light WO94/19766 21~ 3 PCT~S94/01803 reflected during illumination of the surface and will accumulate charge.
Time T is compared to the length of the video frame, as shown by box 325, labeled T = VIDEO FRAME LENGTH?. As long as the time T is less than the video frame length, the CCD array remains activated, and individual elements acc~ late charge as light impinges on them. T~ls is indicated by the arrow marked NO
from box 325 to box 320. As shown by the arrow marked YES from box 325 to box 330, when the time is equal to the video frame length, the CCD array is read out, as ifidicated by box 330, labeled READ OUT CCD ARRAY. The process is then at an end, as indicated by box 335.
It will be understood that by the foregoing process, the time that the elements in the CCD array are acc~lrlllating charge is maintained as short as possible. This will prevent blurring, due to relative movement of apparatus l0 and the surface, and will also prevent blooming due to excessive exposure time. The use of an electronic shutter provides precise control over the selected fast exposure time. In addition, the use of the electronic shutter, combined with activation of the illumina-tion apparatus simultaneously with the opening of the electronic shutter, assures that the light reflected from the surface is primarily light generated by the illumination apparatus. The use of an electronic shutter thereby minimizes the influence of WO94/19766 PCT~US94/01803 -~mbi~nt light. ~h$s in p~rt1~ r a~sure~ that, w$th the u~e of ~$r~t ~n~ e~ polarizing ~ilms ~OQ, 102, orient~d at a n$nety degree ~ngle to one ~not~er, as ~xplainsd above, ~8 glaro ~rom the ~ur~ac~ will ~e eliminated or ~n1~ized.
Tt i~ prGferred that the selected fa5t exposure t~e ~e su~tantially shorter than t~e video ~r~me rate, and pre~era~ly as fast ~s possi~le, prov~ded that the illu~nat$on intens$ty is great ~no~qh. In n te~ted ~ho~i~ent, a ~elected Sast exposure time of one milllsecond pro~ded good re5ult5. This 5elected fast exposure time is thus 1/33 the video fr me rate. The ~elected ~ast exposure time may ~e set, on ~n empirical ~2~is, by tho~e o~ skill in the art. I~, after using a ~elected fAst exposure time, bloomin~ or ~lurring are observed, then the selected fa5t expo6ure time should be shortened. I$ ~fter using a ~elected ~st exposure ti~e, o~t~in~ $ntensity levels were too low to dlstinquish di~ferent optical properties, the sele~ted fast exposure time should be increased.
Referring now to ~lgure 4, there i8 illustrated a block dlagram of an apparatus according to the invention with its controller and signal proce~or. Controller llO provides control signals to camera 40 and illumination appara~us trigger circuit 85. Tip switches 130, 132, ~re disposed in the circult intermediate switch 62 and controller llO. As explained ~bove, the control 5ignals from controller 110 provide for n electronic shutter to time operation of camera 40,, as well as for ti~ing of W094/19766 PCT~S94/01803 ~ ~ 5 ~
the triggering of illumination apparatus 80. Trigger circuit 85 customarily includes an electrical energy storage device, such as one or more capacitors. Upon receipt of a signal from controller 110, trigger circuit 85 allows current to flow from such capaci-tors to illumination apparatus 80. Camera 40 provides a signal, representative of the light reflected from the surface, to signal processor 120.
Many variations are possikle within the scope of the invention. For example, the light source illumination apparatus 80 need not be a flash lamp. Illumination apparatus 80 may include, for example, an array of light-emitting diodes, a diffuse light source, or any other type of light source. An intense light source, such as a flash lamp, is advantageous in that it will tend to ~inimize the influence of ambient light on the total illumination of the surface. As a result, non-unifor-mities in ambient illumination will contribute relatively little to total illumination. Intense illumination, such as that from a flash lamp, also permits the aperture of the camera lens to be adjusted to a minimum, to provide the greatest depth of field.
Depth of field is particularly useful when a label is applied to a curved surface, such as a tube.
- Shroud 20, in combination with illumination apparatus 80 and camera 40, is highly advantageous. Shroud 20, is opaque, and in operation has only bottom opening 24. As a result shroud WO94/19766 PCT~S94/01803 -2~5~
20 substantially eliminates the illuminatlon of the surface by ambient light. As a result, illuminatio~ of the surface will be substantially entirely as a result of lighting apparatus 80.
Thus, uniformity of illumination may be controlled. In addition, polarization of light illuminating the surface may be controlled, to reduce specular reflection. Control of the intensity of illumination is also achieved. This assures that the apparatus may successfully be used even where ambient illumination is very intense, such as in direct sunlight. The distance between the lens of camera 40 and the surface is maintained constant, thereby eliminating the need to refocus the camera. The device according to the invention can be implemented in a hand-held configuration.
It will also be appreciated that a CCD-based camera, while advantageous, is not necessarily required for practice of certain embodiments of the invention. Rather, other devices may be used which obtain an image of the illuminated surface and provides an electronic output signal representative of the obtained image. A vidicon or similar device may conceivably also be employed.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, given only by way of example, camera 40 is mounted three inches above the bottom edge of the shroud, and has a field of view 2.5 inches across. The shroud has dimensions of 3.75 inches in height. The reflector 84 has an inner diameter of 0.8 inches, and extends in WO94119766 PCT~S94/01803 5 ~
an arc of 225-. The axis of the lamp is mounted l.45 inches away from the camera optical center, and 0.234 inches radially from the axis of the reflector 80. The selected short exposure time may be about l millisecond.
It will be appreciated that there are considerable variations that can be accomplished in a method and apparatus of the invention without departing from its scope. As a result, al-though a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the invention has been described above, it is ~mph~sized that the invention is not limited to a preferred embodiment and there exist other alternative embodiments that are fully encompassed within the invention's scope, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. An apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface, comprising:
a. means for illuminating the surface;
b. means for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of said obtained image; and c. first light polarizing means, having a first selected polarization orientation, intermediate said illuminating means and the illuminated surface, and second light polarizing means, having a second selected polarization orientation, orthogonal to said first selected polarization orientation, intermediate the illuminated surface and said image obtaining means.
a. means for illuminating the surface;
b. means for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing an output signal representative of said obtained image; and c. first light polarizing means, having a first selected polarization orientation, intermediate said illuminating means and the illuminated surface, and second light polarizing means, having a second selected polarization orientation, orthogonal to said first selected polarization orientation, intermediate the illuminated surface and said image obtaining means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said image obtaining means comprises a CCD-based camera.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first light polarizing means comprises a polarizing film.
4. A method for illumination and imaging of a surface comprising the steps of:
a. illuminating the surface with light polarized in a first orientation;
b. polarizing light reflected from the surface in a second orientation, orthogonal to said first orientation;
c. obtaining an image of the illuminated surface from the polarized reflected light; and d. providing an output signal representative of said obtained image.
a. illuminating the surface with light polarized in a first orientation;
b. polarizing light reflected from the surface in a second orientation, orthogonal to said first orientation;
c. obtaining an image of the illuminated surface from the polarized reflected light; and d. providing an output signal representative of said obtained image.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of obtaining an image comprises employing a CCD-based camera.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of illuminating the surface with light polarized in a first direction comprises the steps of activating illumination means and, simultaneously with said activation step, providing a polarizing film intermediate said illumination means and the surface.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of providing a polarizing film intermediate said illumination means and the surface comprises permanently mounting the polarizing film intermediate said illumination means and the surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a shroud having an opaque side wall, a lower edge of said side wall defining a bottom opening, said illuminating means being positioned to illuminate the surface through said bottom opening, and said image obtaining means being positioned to obtain the image of the surface through said bottom opening.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for preventing activation of said illumination means and said image obtaining means except when said lower edge of said shroud side wall is in contact with the surface.
10. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of providing a shroud having an opaque side wall, a lower edge of said side wall defining a bottom opening, wherein in said step of illuminating the surface is illuminated through said bottom opening, and wherein the light reflected through said surface is received through said bottom opening.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of providing means for preventing carrying out of said steps (a) except when said lower edge of said side wall is in contact with the surface.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002190190A CA2190190C (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1994-02-18 | Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface |
| CA002190189A CA2190189C (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1994-02-18 | Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/020,295 | 1993-02-19 | ||
| US08/020,295 US5399852A (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1993-02-19 | Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface employing cross polarization |
Related Child Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002190190A Division CA2190190C (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1994-02-18 | Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface |
| CA002190189A Division CA2190189C (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1994-02-18 | Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2156153A1 CA2156153A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
| CA2156153C true CA2156153C (en) | 1999-04-13 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002156153A Expired - Lifetime CA2156153C (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1994-02-18 | Method and apparatus for illumination and imaging of a surface |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (3) | US5399852A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0685092B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2895236B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE180341T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU6269794A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2156153C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69418598T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0685092T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2134933T3 (en) |
| GR (1) | GR3030935T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994019766A2 (en) |
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1994
- 1994-02-18 DK DK94910141T patent/DK0685092T3/en active
- 1994-02-18 DE DE69418598T patent/DE69418598T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-18 CA CA002156153A patent/CA2156153C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-18 ES ES94910141T patent/ES2134933T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-18 EP EP94910141A patent/EP0685092B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-18 AU AU62697/94A patent/AU6269794A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-02-18 JP JP6519188A patent/JP2895236B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-18 WO PCT/US1994/001803 patent/WO1994019766A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 1994-02-18 AT AT94910141T patent/ATE180341T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1995
- 1995-02-09 US US08/386,155 patent/US5567934A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-02-09 US US08/385,799 patent/US5517018A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-08-10 GR GR990402016T patent/GR3030935T3/en unknown
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7874485B2 (en) | 2003-05-12 | 2011-01-25 | Hand Held Products, Inc. | Adaptive optical image reader |
| US7852519B2 (en) | 2007-02-05 | 2010-12-14 | Hand Held Products, Inc. | Dual-tasking decoder for improved symbol reading |
| US8628015B2 (en) | 2008-10-31 | 2014-01-14 | Hand Held Products, Inc. | Indicia reading terminal including frame quality evaluation processing |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0685092A1 (en) | 1995-12-06 |
| AU6269794A (en) | 1994-09-14 |
| WO1994019766A3 (en) | 1995-01-12 |
| US5399852A (en) | 1995-03-21 |
| ATE180341T1 (en) | 1999-06-15 |
| DE69418598D1 (en) | 1999-06-24 |
| DE69418598T2 (en) | 1999-11-18 |
| US5517018A (en) | 1996-05-14 |
| ES2134933T3 (en) | 1999-10-16 |
| CA2156153A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
| JPH08506678A (en) | 1996-07-16 |
| US5567934A (en) | 1996-10-22 |
| WO1994019766A2 (en) | 1994-09-01 |
| EP0685092B1 (en) | 1999-05-19 |
| JP2895236B2 (en) | 1999-05-24 |
| DK0685092T3 (en) | 1999-11-22 |
| GR3030935T3 (en) | 1999-11-30 |
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