Registers – Coded record sensors – Particular sensor structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-21
2001-03-27
Lee, Michael G (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Particular sensor structure
C235S462160, C235S462410, C235S454000, C235S456000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206287
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for adaptively locating and reading an optical image bar code imprinted along an edge of a filmstrip and, in particular, to such a reader in which detection of an edge of the filmstrip is not feasible.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,049 describes a bar code reader of the type utilizing an illumination source and a linear array of CCD elements extending transversely from one side wall of the film transport path. When suitably clocked out, each CCD element provides a signal dependent on the intensity of the illumination received. The output signals from the CCD array are processed to detect an edge of the filmstrip by the contrast in signal amplitude due to attenuation of the transmitted light intensity by the filmstrip substrate at the junction of the filmstrip with a gap separating the filmstrip edge and the side wall of the transport path. The bar code pattern is in a fixed position relative to the edge of the filmstrip and, therefore, once the edge of the filmstrip is identified, the (bar code segments can be readily located relative to the film edge for sampling and digitizing to discern the bar code pattern and resultant code value irrespective of any sideways motion (“wander”) of the filmstrip through the reader. Location of the film edge and thus of the bar code pattern segments relies on the detection of the transition between light transmitted directly from the light source and light transmitted through the filmstrip.
This type of bar code location and reading apparatus, while effective, has a disadvantage that it is not readily adaptable to use in a compact film scanner as part of a film scanning gate in which both film image and marginal optical data is detected by a common CCD array. If unfiltered light outside the edge of the film is allowed to pass on to the CCD array, the unfiltered light introduces overall flare on the CCD in the image detection area and reduces the contrast of the image. Such unfiltered light can also create specular effects that can produce what is referred to as “hot spots” in the detected image. Additionally, filtered light, that is, light passing through the filmstrip, can bounce off the sides of the imaging channel housing which can produce ghost reflections in the detected image.
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a bar code image detection and reading method and apparatus utilizing a linear sensor array, such as a CCD, that does not rely on detection of the edge of the filmstrip on which the bar code pattern is imprinted.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a film scanning imaging channel that performs both image scanning and bar code reading through an imaging aperture using a common linear CCD array.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a bar code reader for reading a optical bar code image having parallel rows of clock and data elements extending longitudinally along the length of a filmstrip, the row of clock elements having at least one longitudinally extending edge transition, the reader. The reader comprises a film path, an illuminant source, a linear, pixel-by-pixel light sensor array for detecting illuminant from said source passing through said filmstrip in a region encompassing said bar code image, and a scanning aperture defining a window of exposure of said illuminant source through said bar code onto said light sensor array. The reader further includes a data processing controller responsive to output information from the light sensor array from within said bar code exposure window for locating said longitudinal edge transition of an element in the row of clock elements and for determining binary values of the clock and data elements from the sensor array output information at predetermined spaced locations relative to the located edge transition of the element in the row of clock elements.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method in a film scanner of adaptively locating and reading a bar code image imprinted adjacent an edge of a filmstrip, the bar code image having abutting rows of clock and data elements said clock elements having a line of edge transition extending longitudinally along the filmstrip, the film scanner having an illuminant source and a linear light sensor array for detecting light from the illuminant source transmitted through said bar code image. The method comprises passing said filmstrip bar code image over a bar code scanning aperture, transmitting said illuminant light through said bar code image and scanning aperture toward said light sensor array thereby defining a window of exposure of said illuminant light onto said linear light sensor array, processing output information from said light sensor array to determine lateral location of said clock element line of edge transition, and determining from light sensor array output information, at predetermined spaced locations from said line of clock edge transition, binary values of the clock and data elements in the bar code image. The line of edge transition used for locating the bar code may be either the line of transition between the clock and data elements or the clock element edge which extends in the longitudinal direction of the filmstrip which is remote from the data elements adjacent the image frame area of the filmstrip.
These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4903131 (1990-02-01), Lingemann et al.
patent: 4918484 (1990-04-01), Ujiie et al.
patent: 4965628 (1990-10-01), Olliver et al.
patent: 4994918 (1991-02-01), Lingemann
patent: 5122645 (1992-06-01), Saeki et al.
patent: 5128519 (1992-07-01), Tokuda
patent: 5164574 (1992-11-01), Ujiie et al.
patent: 5309199 (1994-05-01), Frick
patent: 5317139 (1994-05-01), Evans et al.
patent: 5353096 (1994-10-01), Frick et al.
patent: 5376780 (1994-12-01), Klueter
patent: 5402166 (1995-03-01), Mead et al.
patent: 5448049 (1995-09-01), Shafer et al.
patent: 5565912 (1996-10-01), Easterly et al.
patent: 5598249 (1997-01-01), Kuwayama et al.
patent: 5644376 (1997-07-01), Vetter
patent: 5665950 (1997-09-01), Rottner et al.
Bryant Steven M.
Wasula John L.
Boos, Jr. Francis H.
Eastman Kodak Company
Lee Michael G
Rodriguez Douglas X.
Schindler, II Roland R.
LandOfFree
Film optical image bar code reader does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Film optical image bar code reader, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Film optical image bar code reader will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2457923