Method and apparatus for providing omnidirectional lighting in a scanning device

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/693,626 filed Oct. 24, 2003 entitled “Light Pipe Illumination System and Method” which is hereby incorporated by reference

[0002] This invention relates to illuminators and more particularly to illuminators for image acquisition devices and machine vision systems.

[0003] Machine vision systems use image acquisition devices that include camera sensors to deliver information on a viewed subject. The system then interprets this information according to a variety of algorithms to perform a programmed decision-making and/or identification function. For an image to be most-effectively acquired by a sensor in the visible, and near-visible light range, the subject should be properly illuminated.

[0004] In the example of barcode scanning using an image sensor, good lighting is highly desirable. Barcode scanning entails the aiming of an image acquisition sensor (CMOS camera, CCD, etc.) at a location on an object that contains a bar code, and retrieval of an image of that barcode. The bar code contains a set of predetermined patterns that represent an ordered group of characters or symbols from which an attached data processor (for example a microcomputer) can derive useful information about the object (e.g. its serial number, type, model, price, etc.). Barcodes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Two of the most commonly employed barcode types are the so-called one-dimensional barcode, consisting a line of vertical stripes of varying width and spacing, and the so-called two-dimensional barcode consisting of a two-dimensional array of dots or rectangles.

[0005] In reading barcodes or other subjects of interest the type of illumination employed is of concern. Where barcodes and other viewed subjects are printed on a flat surface with contrasting ink or paint, a diffuse, high-angle “bright field” illumination may best highlight these features for the sensor. By high-angle it is meant, generally, light that strikes the subject nearly perpendicularly (normal) or at an angle that is typically no more than about 45 degrees from perpendicular (normal) to the surface of the item being scanned. Such illumination is subject to substantial reflection back toward the sensor. By way of example, barcodes and other subjects requiring mainly bright field illumination may be present on a printed label adhered to an item or container, or on a printed field in a relatively smooth area of item or container.

[0006] Conversely, where a barcode or other subject is formed on a more-irregular surface or is created by etching or peening a pattern directly on the surface, the use of highly reflective bright field illumination may be inappropriate. A peened/etched surface has two-dimensional properties that tend to scatter bright field illumination, thereby obscuring the acquired image. Where a viewed subject has such decidedly two-dimensional surface texture, it may be best illuminated with dark field illumination. This is an illumination with a characteristic low angle (approximately 45 degrees or less, for example) with respect to the surface of the subject (i.e. an angle of more than approximately 45 degrees with respect to normal). Using such low-angle, dark field illumination, two-dimensional surface texture is contrasted more effectively (with indents appearing as bright spots and the surroundings as shadow) for better image acquisition.

[0007] To take full advantage of the versatility of a camera image sensor, it is desirable to provide both bright field and dark field illumination for selective or simultaneous illumination of a subject. However, dark field illumination must be presented close to a subject to attain the low incidence angle thereto. Conversely, bright field illumination is better produced at a relative distance to ensure full area illumination.

[0008] In addition, a current-production sensor may have a resolution of 640×480 (over 300 K) or 1280×1024 (over 1.3 M) pixels within its native field of view. This resolution is desirable for attaining an accurate image of the subject. However, processing speed may be compromised by the need to acquire every pixel in the field of view even if the subject is a relatively small part of that field (for example, the narrow strip of a one-dimensional barcode). If the field of view is to be narrowed to only encompass an area of interest, then a system for aiming the camera onto that area of interest is desirable. Likewise, where a given field of view may contain multiple codes or subjects, the ability to focus upon particular parts of that field of view to discern the selected subject is also desirable.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a digital scanning device for decoding a digitally encoded symbol. The scanning device includes a light source comprising a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements for providing dark field illumination to an encoded data symbol, an image sensor for detecting light reflected from the encoded data symbol when illuminated by the light source, and a controller connected to each of the individually-controllable lighting elements. The controller is programmed to selectively activate the individually-controllable lighting elements to vary the lighting provided by the light source on the data encoded symbol and to process the collected data to decode the symbol.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a method for decoding an encoded data symbol is provided comprising the steps of arranging a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements around an encoded data symbol to provide at least one of a dark field and a bright field illumination on the symbol, illuminating the data encoded symbol with at least one of the individually-controllable lighting elements, and acquiring an image data set of the symbol. The image data set is evaluated to determine suitability for decoding, and, if the image data is not suitable for decoding, the lighting elements are selectively varied to change the level and direction of illumination, and the steps of acquiring and evaluating the image data acquired are repeated until the acquire image data is suitable for decoding the symbol.

[0011] In still another aspect of the invention, a digital scanning device is provided including a ring light source providing dark field illumination to an adjacent surface including a symbol to be decoded, a controller connected to the ring light source for selectively varying the light projected from the light source onto the symbol, and an image sensor acquiring image data of the symbol. The controller is programmed to evaluate the acquired image data to determine whether the image data is sufficient to decode the symbol and to vary the light projected from the light source until the data is sufficient to decode the symbol.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a scanning system 100 adapted for handheld operation. An exemplary handheld scanning appliance or handpiece 102 is provided. It includes a grip section 104 and a body section 106. The sensor and other functional components described herein can be controlled and can direct image data to an onboard embedded processor 109. This processor can include a scanning software application 113 by which lighting is controlled, images are acquired and image data is interpreted into usable information (for example, alphanumeric strings derived from the barcode images). The decoded information can be directed via a cable 110 to a PC or other data storage device 112 having (for example) a display 114, keyboard 116 and mouse 118, where it can be stored and further manipulated using an appropriate application 120. Alternatively, the cable 110 can be directly connected to an interface in the scanning appliance and an appropriate interface in the computer 112. In this case the computer-based application 120 performs various image interpretation and lighting control functions as needed. The precise arrangement of the handheld scanning appliance with respect to an embedded processor, computer or other processor is highly variable. For example, a wireless interconnect can be provided in which no cable 110 is present. Likewise, the depicted microcomputer can be substituted with another processing device, including an onboard processor or a miniaturized processing unit such as a personal digital assistant or other small-scale computing device.

[0030] The scanning application 113 can be adapted to respond to inputs from the scanning appliance 102. For example, when the operator toggles a trigger 122 on the appliance 102, an internal camera image sensor (150, shown and described further below) acquires an image of a region of interest 130 on an item 132. The exemplary region of interest includes a two-dimensional bar code 134 that can be used to identify the part 132. Identification and other processing functions are carried out by the scanning application 113, based upon image data transmitted from the appliance 102 to the processor 109.

[0031] Simultaneously with, or in advance of acquisition of the image, the area of interest 130 is illuminated. In one embodiment, a switch 140 on the appliance 102 can be used to operate the illuminator, which consists of a novel light pipe arrangement 142 in accordance with this invention. Alternatively, as will be described below, the operation of the illuminator can be operated and controlled remotely by the scanning software application 120. The passive light pipe 142 consists of an extended barrel of light transmissive material terminating (in this embodiment) in an angled tip 144. As described further below, this tip is designed to cause internal reflection that projects a low-angle dark field illumination in the area of interest 130. As noted above, such dark field illumination is typically provided at an angle of no more than approximately 45 degrees with respect to the surface or more than 45 degrees normal to the optical axis. Extending through the center of the light pipe, which comprises a hollow tube, is a camera sensor 150 (shown in phantom and associated optics). The focal point of the camera is selected so that it is able to focus on the desired area of interest, as its field of view, in close proximity to the tip 144. In this manner, the tip can be placed very close to, or in contact with the area of interest for accurate viewing. As noted above, the bar code 134 in this embodiment is one that is best viewed using a dark field illumination. However, as will be described further below, the light pipes described in accordance with this invention also has the ability to provide bright field illumination for bar codes that are better suited to direct, high-angle illumination (for example, those printed with high contrast ink on a relatively smooth, matte surface).

[0032] FIG. 2 shows another implementation of the light pipe in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. An embedded processor 109 and/or computer 112 and associated applications 113 and/or 120 similar to those described above can be employed. An associated cable 210 interconnects the computer, via an interface, with a camera element 220. The camera element can be a conventional camera mounted on a fixed bracket 222. It includes a lens and electro-optical sensor assembly 224 (shown in phantom). The light pipe is removably mounted via a securing ring 226 with exemplary securing screws 228 in this embodiment. Note, while screws 228 are use, any fastener system can be substituted. A cable 230, shown in phantom, interconnects an internal ring illuminator, integral with light pipe, to either the processor 109 or the computer 112. This arrangement allows the light pipes of this invention to be secured as a retrofit to a variety of preexisting cameras. In any of the embodiments herein, the illuminator can be integrated with the camera's standard operating functions, such as its strobe and trigger mechanisms, or it can be controlled via the scanning application. Separate control circuitry (see FIGS. 14 and 15) can also be provided to modulate certain functions of the illuminator as described further below. In the example of FIG. 2, the illuminator is viewing parts or other items 260 moving along a conveyer 262. The area of interest 264 is a bar code that is best viewed using, for example, bright field illumination. As described below, the light pipe arrangement, in accordance with the various embodiments of this invention, can accommodate bright field illumination as well as dark field illumination. In both FIGS. 1 and 2, and other figures described herein, the image sensor is, typically, a commercially available CMOS or CCD image sensor with a resolution of, for example, 640×480 pixels or 1280×1024 pixels. Other resolutions and sensor types are expressly contemplated, however.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 3, a version of the light pipe 310 described in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown. This light pipe includes an outer tube 312 and a nested, inner tube 314. The innermost wall of the inner tube 314 defines, in this example, a circular lumen or channel. This channel is a path through which light can pass from the area of interest 320 to a board-mounted or separately placed sensor 330. The lumen has a diameter WL that is equal to or greater than the diameter of the optics of the camera sensor. In this embodiment, note that the sensor is mounted on a circuit board 332 that also includes the ring illuminator 334. This ring illuminator consists of an outer ring of LEDs or other appropriate light sources 336 and an inner ring 338 of LEDs or other appropriate light sources. The number of light sources, size of the rings and their shape are highly variable. Thus, the term “ring” should be taken broadly to describe a variety of regular and irregular curved (ovular, etc.) and/or polygonal (rectangular, square, etc.) perimeter shapes. For example, in some applications, a rectangular or oval illumination pipe can be used, providing a reader having a profile that is less tall than it is wide. In these types of configurations, and particularly in oval configurations, the dark field region extends to a distance from the end of the tube that is proportional to the width of the tube. When the pipe is twice as wide as it is tall, for example, the angle of illumination from the sides of the light pipe causes the light to meets at a distance further from the end of the pipe than the light from the top and bottom. Therefore the dark field illumination extends further from the pipe, providing an enhanced, larger field of dark field illumination. In addition to this advantage, the oval and rectangular shape can be advantageous as it reduces the overall size of the light pipe, and, further, can be stronger and more rugged in construction. Furthermore, the shape of the pipe can be selected based on the size and shape of the symbol to be decoded, as described with reference to FIG. 9, below.

[0034] In general, the ring illuminator's light sources are placed relatively close to the outer perimeter of the sensor and/or its optics and the number of sources is sufficient to fill in the illumination field and supply appropriate light to the subject. In general, any group of light sources or one or more continuous sources (e.g. tubes) arranged to light a perimeter of any size/shape can be broadly considered to be a “ring” light source herein.

[0035] Returning again to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the ring can define a circle that is approximately 2-3 inches in outer diameter. Each ring is aligned with respect to one of the light pipes 312 and 314. As described below, appropriate baffles separate the rings from each other so that light from one ring does not leak into the other ring. Referring still to FIG. 3, the outer LED ring 336 can also be divided into individually-controllable segments. Here, the illumination ring 336 is shown as having has four exemplary segments that represent the quadrants 380, 382, 384 and 386 of the overall circumference each of which are connected to a lighting controller 370. The ring 336, as well as other light ring components described below, can be segmented into any number of individually controllable elements to provide improved lighting conditions, also as described below.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3A, an alternative embodiment of an illuminator 100 having a light pipe 311 and an arcuate illuminator 383 which extends over only a portion of a full ring is shown. The partial ring arced light pipe 311 and arcuate illuminator 383 are particularly useful for illuminating small areas, where, for example, a full light pipe cannot be brought close enough to the symbol to be illuminated. Situations in which these types of light pipes are useful include, for example, where it is necessary to illuminate a symbol positioned on or near a corner, in a seam, or on a round or curved surface.

[0037] Referring again also to FIG. 3, as noted, each passive light pipe is constructed from a light-transmissive material. This material can be acrylic, glass, or any other material capable of acting as a wave guide for visible and near-visible light. The wall thickness of each pipe may vary. In general, thicknesses are between approximately ⅛ inch and ¼ inch. However, larger or smaller thicknesses are expressly contemplated. The overall length of the outer light pipe is also highly variable. As noted above, it is set so that the focus on the desired field of view is attained near, but beyond, the end of the tip 340. In one embodiment, the outer light pipe has a length of approximately 3-4 inches. The inner light pipe 314 can be approximately the same length as the outer light pipe, but in this embodiment, the inner light pipe is recessed with respect to the outer, as shown, so that light can exit from the inner edge of the tip 340. The tip's light-transmissive region is shown by the dashed line 342. This inner edge light outlet can be formed by exposing and/or polishing a strip in the otherwise opaque overall surface of the outer light pipe 312. This light transmissive strip or region can extend (for example) ¼ inch, more or less, as shown by thickness T. The thickness T is variable. Due to internal reflection caused by the angled portion 350 of the tip 340, low angle illumination 352 exits from the open region 342. Similarly, the open tip 360 of the inner light pipe 314 facilitates direct, bright field illumination 362 on the area of interest 320. The mechanics of the nested light pipe 310 are described in further detail below. Reference will first be made to FIG. 4, which describes, more particularly, a dark field illuminator. Reference will also be made generally to the ring illuminator 334 and controller 370 of FIG. 3. Note that, while an opaque coating of paint or another acceptable material is used, to insulate the dark field light pipe against light leakage, it is contemplated that all or a portion of the light pipe can remain uncovered, particularly where the surface is sufficiently well-polished to cause near-total internal reflection along its length.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, a CMOS, CCD or other electro-optical sensor 414 is provided on a circuit board 412. A single ring illuminator of LEDs or other light sources 410 may also be provided on the board 412, or separately from the board. The electro-optical sensor and light sources 410 interconnect to a controller and/or image acquisition processor similar to those shown in FIG. 3. A dark field-illuminating light pipe 420 is shown in cross-section. This surrounds the image sensor 414 and its associated optics 422, and is aligned with the light sources 410 which are transmitted through the light pipe 420 to provide dark field illumination as described above. A transparent window 424 can be provided in front of the optics 422 to protect the circuitry. As noted above, the tip 430 of the light pipe 420 is angled at an angle A (approximately 45 degrees or more) so that light is reflected to pass through an exposed thickness T along the inner perimeter of the light pipe using internal reflection. The light transmits with the desired low-angle (or a high angle (over 45 degrees) respect to optical axis centerline CL) dark field illumination pattern 440 that, in this embodiment, is within a range DD of 0-1.25 inch. Note that the angle A of the tip (approximately 45 degrees in this example) determines the general angular range of light exiting the tip. There tends to be a spread of angles, in fact, and the prevailing angle of light may vary somewhat from the angle of the tip. The angle A of the tip may be altered to generate the best angle and spread for light based upon the material used for the light pipe and it's wall thickness.

[0039] As also shown in FIG. 4 an extended bright field range DB of 3-4 inches extends beyond the dark field range. In one embodiment, the bright field is not illuminated or can be illuminated by a variety of other external sources. To this end, in an alternate embodiment, the dark field light source may further include an external bright field illuminator 450 and/or 460. In one example, the bright field illuminator is a ring light source (with or without a light pipe) 450 that may or may not be mounted on the circuit board 412 (see board extensions shown in phantom). The radial spacing of the optional, external bright field ring is variable. It may closely abut the dark field light pipe 420, or may be spaced away from this light pipe as shown. According to another alternative, a bright field illuminator 460 may be provided at another external location or locations. Note that the term “external” as used herein should be taken broadly to include a location that is inside the lumen of the dark field light pipe, such as, for example at the base of the pipe (adjacent to the circuit board, for example). This illuminator can be provided as the only bright field illuminator, or in addition to the bright field ring 450.

[0040] With reference now to FIG. 5, a light pipe having only a bright field illuminator is shown. A circuit board, 510, carries LEDs 512 surrounding a sensor 514 with associated optics 516 and a window 518 to protect them. A light pipe 520 communicates optically with the ring illuminator LEDs 512. The tip 522 of the light pipe 520 can be rounded or flat and can include a diffusing (frosted, for example) surface texture for enhanced scatter of bright field light. Note that other bright field light pipes described herein can have similar tip constructions and surfaces. The walls (inner and outer) of the light pipe 522 can be coated with an opaque, non-transmissive material or can remain transmissive. Surrounding the outer circumference of the light pipe 520 at various points are each of a set of individual directing rods/lenses 530 (shown in partial cross-section for clarity of rod-like structure) that each optically communicate with individual or clusters of LEDs 532. Because the field of view of the sensor is limited, and the subject must remain within the field of view to be properly read, the LEDs 532 project aiming points, typically of a different, noticeable color onto the item of interest. For example the aiming LEDs can project a prominent blue, red or green dot while the overall illumination is a whitish light. Note that the aiming point rods herein are circular in cross section. However, they may be triangular, square or any other shape that adequately denotes an aiming point.

[0041] Two exemplary illumination patterns obtained with the bright field illuminator of FIG. 5 are shown, respectively in FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, the field of view of the camera sensor, shown as a dashed line 602, is rectangular, while the circular bright field illuminator projects a circular illumination pattern 604. This may be desirable where the subject has a circular outline and the corners of the field of view are not needed, or where the symbol/subject orientation is unknown. The scanning application and/or image acquisition circuitry can be set to reject data within these corners to speed processing. To ensure that the user aligns the illuminator properly with respect to the subject, four aiming dots 610 are provided around the perimeter of the illumination field 604. These aiming dots give instant feedback to the user so that he or she properly aims the illumination and field of view of the appliance onto the subject. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, where a square light pipe is employed, a square illumination pattern 710 is provided. This falls within the relative field of view 602. Again, aiming dots 712 are used to ensure proper direction of the appliance by the user. In this embodiment, the dark field illumination range DB 1 spans generally between approximately 0 and 12 inches from the tip 522 of the light pipe. Other ranges are contemplated, of course.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows, in further detail, a nested light pipe arrangement in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of this invention. An inner ring of LEDs 802 and an outer ring of LEDs 804 are mounted on a circuit board 806 that also includes a sensor 810. Associated optics for the sensor 812 are provided within a window area 814. As noted above, the outer light pipe 820 includes a tip 822 that is angled so as to produce, through an opening, thickness T an internally reflected beam of dark field illumination with a span DD2 having a range of 0-1.25 inch in one embodiment. The walls of the light pipe 820 are coated with a non-transmissive, opaque coating and the LEDs 804 of the ring are sealed by baffles 830 that isolate this illumination source with respect to the inner LEDs 802 and associated inner bright field light pipe 840. The bright field light pipe is nested within the dark field light pipe 820 and its tips 842 are recessed so as not to interfere with the opening thickness T. The tips 842 can be rounded, angled or flat. They produce an appropriate bright field illumination pattern that, in this embodiment, can extend a distance DB2 from 0-6 inches with respect to the tip 822 of the dark field illuminator. In this manner, a bright field subject can be contacted by the appliance and still adequately illuminated. Though, for contact viewing of a subject, the inner diameter of the lumen formed by the light pipe assembly must be at least as large in diameter as the subject being viewed. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, it is contemplated that it is smaller and that the scanning application can include mechanisms for assembling portions of an image formed as the appliance is moved around the image to take in all aspects of it when it is larger than the maximum field of view afforded to the sensor. Again, as noted above, the controller can determine either automatically or manually, whether to activate the dark field illumination ring LEDs 804 or the bright field illumination ring LEDs 802 depending upon the subject and/or image quality obtained. A set of perimeter LEDs 850 communicate with lenses 852 in the form of rods that provide aiming dots as described above.

[0043] As also described generally above, the light pipe can be used to restrict the native field of view of the sensor. FIG. 9 shows a scanning appliance 902 having a rectangular cross-section light pipe 904. This light pipe can either be a dark field or bright field (or combination) illuminator. In this example, an item 910 includes a long, narrow subject 912, namely a one-dimensional bar code. The illuminator projects a pattern similar in size and shape to the bar code itself. In this manner, when the user directs the illumination field to the item 910, he or she is naturally prompted to align the rectangular illumination pattern with the bar code. That is, the user receives immediate feedback as to the location of the reduced field of view, which appears as a bright area that generally conforms to the subject outline. The subject is better delineated by the reduced area, and any information outside this area can be omitted from the acquisition data stream, thus speeding image processing.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 10, the overall field of view of the camera, shown as dashed line 1002, is a large square while the illumination area is a substantially narrower rectangle 1004. Again, this rectangle conforms to the shape of a one-dimensional bar code in this example. A variety of other shapes and sizes can be provided for a selective illumination area with respect to the overall field of view. Small circles, ovals, squares and complex geometric patterns are all contemplated. Appropriately shaped light pipes are constructed to conform to these shapes. Likewise, these light pipes can include dark field, bright field or a combination of bright and dark field structures as described above. Similarly, the narrowed-field of view (or “reduced field of view”) illuminator can include aiming dots to further assist alignment on the subject.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 11, in the example of a bright field illuminator, a ring of LEDs 1102 is mounted on a circuit board 1104, which also includes a sensor 1106. The board is interconnected with a controller or image acquisition device that includes scanning software applications. A bright field illumination pattern extends a distance DB3 from the tip of the light pipe 1120. In this example the distance DB3 is approximately 6-8 inches. However other distances are expressly contemplated. The scanning software application is adapted to reject pixels outside of the desired field of view either through knowledge of pixel addresses that fall outside of the desired field or because these pixels are not appropriately illuminated and are therefore rejected (e.g. they are too dark). An appropriate optics 1110 and window 1112 is also provided as well as a light pipe 1120 that is shaped as an elongated rectangle.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternate embodiment of a scanning system 1200 including an active dark field illumination system is shown. Here, rather than providing the illumination ring at an end of a light pipe opposite the surface to be illuminated and directing the light through the pipe, as described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 8 above, an illumination ring 1202 is mounted inside of an opaque cover or receptacle 1204 at the end of a pipe 1206 adjacent the surface to be illuminated. The purpose of the pipe 1206 is to position the illumination ring 1202 near the surface to be illuminated, and the pipe 1206 therefore does not need to be constructed of a transmissive material as described above. However, transparent tube material aids in visually placing the reader over the code to be read The opaque cover 1204 is sized and dimensioned to receive the illumination ring 1202, and includes a top opaque surface 1220, and an outer opaque surface 1224. The inner surface 1226 is either left open, or includes a plurality of mounting holes for receiving individual lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) which form the illumination ring 1202. The opaque surfaces 1220 and 1224 prevent light from the illumination ring 1202 from being transmitted directly onto an underlying illumination surface adjacent the scanning system 1200, and directs light from the illumination ring 1202 instead inward, toward the center of the light pipe 1206. As shown in FIG. 13, as the light exits the light pipe 1206, it is therefore angled, providing dark field illumination to the surface to be illuminated. As described above, bright field illumination elements could also be provided in conjunction with the active dark field illumination pipe.

[0047] As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the illumination ring 1202 of FIG. 13, as well as any of the dark field illumination rings and arcuate illuminators shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, and 8, can be segmented into individually-controllable segments. These illuminators are described collectively hereafter as “illumination rings”. However, the discussion below applies equally to both rings and arcuate lighting segments, as described above with reference to FIG. 3A. The individually-controllable segments can comprise four segments, such as the quadrants 380, 382, 384 and 386 shown in FIG. 3, or be segmented in a number of alternate ways. For example, in alternate embodiments, the ring illuminator may be divided into halves, or any larger number of segments can be employed, including segments comprising individual LEDs. Irrespective of the selected segmentation, the segments can be separately controlled or addressed by the controller 370 (FIG. 3) to attain a desired dark field illumination pattern, as described below. The controller 370 can further selectively activate or modulate the light emitted from any of these elements, vary the exposure time of the sensor 330, or vary the focal point of the camera, also as described below.

[0048] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and also to FIG. 14, a block diagram of a control system for use in controlling a ring illuminator as discussed with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 13 is shown. As described above, the scanning device (100, 200, or 1200) includes onboard processing 109 including a scanning application 113. The processor 109 includes a controller 370, connected to the ring illuminator 382 for controlling the activation of lighting elements 380, 382, 384, and 386. The controller 370 is further connected to an image sensor 330 for acquiring image data, to a memory 371 for storing and retrieving image data, as well as lighting selection data, as described below, and to a transmitter/receiver 372 for transmitting data to and receiving data from a host computer 112. A user select input 374 can also be connected to provide data to the controller 370 to provide a manual selection of lighting conditions or other parameters as described below.

[0049] In operation, the on-board processing board 109 can be operated to assure adequate or optimized lighting conditions based upon an evaluation of feedback data for both handheld (FIGS. 1 and 12) and fixed applications (FIG. 2). To achieve such conditions, the scan lighting is controlled by the scanning application 113 and controller 370 to individually control each of the light segments, such as the quadrants 380, 382, 384, and 386, to selectively activate or deactivate the individual segments, dim or brighten selected segments, or to vary the exposure time of the lighting on the illumination surface. Re-orienting the applied lighting can be useful, for example, when illuminating metallic or curved surfaces, or when illuminating highly reflective surfaces. When illuminating metallic or similar grained surfaces, for example, it has been observed that illumination is often more effective when oriented along the grain of the material. With the ability to dim or deactivate illumination across the grain, a significantly improved image can be attained. Furthermore, when illuminating curved surfaces, improved results can be attained by illuminating the surface in a selected direction. Similarly, varying lighting conditions can be beneficial when working with reflective surfaces.

[0050] The scanning application 113 can entail, for example an initialization process in which the individually-controlled light segments 380, 382, 384, and 386 are cycled through a variety of preset on/off combinations is performed until the quality of the image is determined to be sufficient for evaluating a bar code or other symbol, or to determine which of the settings provides the best image quality. In this process, feedback in the form of image data acquired by the sensor 330 is evaluated by the controller 370. For example, the image data acquired by the sensor 330 can be processed for each different available setting of the individual quadrants 380, 382, 384, and 386, and when an acceptable and/or optimal image is attained, that particular setting can be selected for on-going data acquisition. Image optimization can be based upon recognition of known fiducials or detection of maximum contrast over a sufficiently wide portion of the viewed area of interest.

[0051] In a fixed-camera arrangement, this adjustment process can typically be carried out once, and the selected setting can be applied to each successive acquired image. Alternatively, in handheld scanning applications, where angles and orientations of the appliance relative to the item are likely to change, the adjustments can also be made dynamically for each scan, or selectively performed by the operator who selects the initialization mode, for example, when environmental conditions change. Even in handheld operations, however, a fixed setting can be effective where the scan will always be taken from approximately the same location, and/or in the same environmental conditions, or in a known subset of available conditions.

[0052] In embodiments which include both bright and dark field illumination, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, the scan application 113 can also be programmed to select between dark field or bright field illumination depending on which type of illumination best suits a particular application. The selection between bright and dark field illumination can be made automatically by the image processor based feedback, as described above, or selected manually by the operator.

[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 13 and particularly to FIG. 15, a flow chart illustrating a typical process for selecting lighting conditions is shown. As described above, the scanning system 100 can be initialized using a predetermined initial lighting configuration 1301, which can be, for example, a series of predetermined lighting variations, or, alternatively, a pre-selected general purpose setting, or a “cached” setting retrieved from the memory component 371. The stored setting can be, for example, the setting from the last successful or a previous successful decode attempt, a setting which has been determined statistically to be typically successful in the environment, or an average setting determined over a series of successful attempts. The initial setting can activate or deactivate various individually-controlled light segments such as the quadrants 380, 382, 384, and 386 of an illumination ring, activate or deactivate dark or bright field lighting, or modulate the brightness levels of any of these lighting elements by varying an analog signal applied to the light segments, applying a pulse-width modulated signal, or in various other ways which will be apparent to those of skill in the art. The exposure time of the sensor 330, and the focal length of the camera can also be varied to obtain optimal conditions.

[0054] After the symbol is illuminated, an image data set is acquired by the sensor 330 in step 1302, and this data set is evaluated in step 1303. Evaluation of the image data in step 1303 can comprise an attempt to decode the symbol, or, in the alternative, comprise a statistical evaluation of the acquired data set based on histograms or other statistical analyses known in the art to determine whether the contrast between white and black pixels in the acquired data is within an expected range. If the data set acquired in step 1302 is determined to be suitable for decoding, a “good read” has been established and, in step 1306, the symbol is decoded and the process is stopped. The settings established in step 1301 can also be stored or cached in the memory component 371 for later retrieval, as described above.

[0055] Data suitable for decoding can be based on a full read of the symbol, or on a partial read, in which data is reconstructed using error-correcting methods such as parity checks, check sums, and known symbol criteria such as the number of characters expected, or other parameters which will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0056] If the image data set is not suitable for decoding, in step 1304, the controller 370 changes the lighting settings by varying the selection of bright or dark field illumination, varying the set of individually-controllable light elements which are activated or deactivated, or by modifying the brightness of the light provided. These parameters can be determined, as described above, based on a pre-established set of parameters, by an analysis of the acquired data set, or by user selection. After new settings are selected in step 1305, a new image data set is acquired in step 1302, and steps 1303-1305 are repeated until a “good” data set is acquired, and the symbol is decoded.

[0057] Although the variation of lighting has been described above as an automatically-controlled process, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 370 can also receive manual commands from the user through a user select input 374. The user select input can receive, for example, an input signal from a single or multi-position switch provided on the scanning device, an input provided through other software or hardware-based user interfaces provided on the scanning device, or through software on a computer 112 connected to the controller through the transmitter/receiver 372. Various other ways for providing an interface for users to select lighting parameters will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Through the user select input 374, the user can manually choose, for example, to activate individual quadrants or segments in the illumination ring, select a predetermined sequence of segments, vary the brightness of the illumination, select between bright and dark field illumination, or re-start an initialization process which provides a predetermined set of variable illuminations, as described above. Other manual selections, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art, could be provided through a user input.

[0058] The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, although a block diagram comprising a specific configuration for the control system is shown, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that this is a simplified representation and that various methods of constructing the hardware can be used. Additionally, it is expressly contemplated that any of the features described in any of the above embodiments can be combined with other features to produce various light pipe arrangements. Likewise, a wide variety of data processing devices, scanning application programs and/or hardware systems can be incorporated to control illumination and acquire images. Finally, the light pipes described herein can be provided with integral illuminators on a circuit board that also includes a sensor and control functions that allow the sensor to communicate with the illuminator. Alternatively, the illuminator, light pipe and camera can all be separate components that are interconnected via one or more controllers, or all connected to a common computer or processor through appropriate interfaces. Various combinations of sensor, optics, illuminator and light pipes are all expressly contemplated. For example, sensors may be provided on the same circuit board as the processor and the light sources, or any/all of these components can be separate. Appropriate interfaces and attachment mechanisms, that should be clear to those of ordinary skill, can be provided to facilitate interaction between the various components described herein. In addition, while the bright field light pipe is described as nested within the dark field light pipe, it is expressly contemplated that these two pipes can be reversed by positioning the bright field illuminator outside the dark field light pipe. Likewise, either light pipe (or light source therefor) may be defined as a broken ring, with non-illuminated segments along their perimeters. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the invention.