Method for reading indicia off a display of a mobile device

Abstract

A method of scanning and reading indicia off a display is disclosed. The method may utilize a light sensor of a mobile device to improve the quality of reading indicia, such as a barcode, off a display. A scanner illuminates the mobile device in order to increase the backlight intensity and obtain a high contrast image on the display and then ceases illumination in order to scan the high contrast image without specular reflection caused by the scanner illumination. In one embodiment, the scanner illuminates the mobile device for a period of time to achieve the maximum level of brightness that the mobile device is capable of emitting on the display in the period of time before ceasing the illumination. In another embodiment, the scanner detects whether the change in brightness is greater than predefined level before ceasing the illumination.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to method of scanning and reading indicia of a display. More particularly, the present invention utilizing a light sensor of a mobile device to improve the quality of reading indicia, such as a barcode, on a display.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, traditional point of sales systems have the ability to read a barcode off the screen of a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The use cases may include reading mobile coupons, loyalty cards or other use cases. It may be difficult for traditional 1D or 2D barcode scanners to read barcodes off the screen of a smartphone, as these barcode scanners are not optimized these applications. For example, the illumination from a scanner can cause reflection on the screen that may make it difficult for the scanner to read the barcode. Moreover, the backlight intensity on the smartphone may be dimmed which may make it difficult to read due to a lack of contrast.

Therefore, a need exists to improve the ability of traditional scanners to read indicia from the screen of a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device, such as a smartphone. Indicia may be a barcode.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for scanning and reading indicia of a scanner comprises initiating a scan mode of the scanner to capture images presented on a display associated with a mobile device and to illuminate the mobile device for a period of time in order to cause backlight intensity of the display to increase in brightness. When the period of time ends, the illuminating of the mobile device ceases and the scanner continues to capture images presented on the display. At this point, the scanner attempts to decode the captured images.

In an aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the mobile device is a smartphone and the display is a screen of the smartphone. Moreover, a barcode may be the image presented on the display, and the captured images may comprise one or more frames of data. Additionally, when the mobile device is illuminated by the scanner, this causes a light sensor of the mobile device to increase the backlight intensity as compared to the backlight intensity prior to the illuminating of the mobile device.

In another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the scan mode is initiated in response to: receiving a command from a host application; decoding a programming barcode; activation of hardware on the scanner; receiving a signal from an inertial sensor on the scanner; and/or processing an image captured by the scanner; and wherein when the scan mode is enabled, the scanner performs the steps of illuminating, ceasing illuminating, capturing images, and attempting to decode the captured images. Also, the scanner performs image processing on a sensor video stream of the scanner in order to decode the captured images.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for scanning and reading indicia of a scanner comprises initiating a scan mode of the scanner to capture images presented on a display associated with a mobile device and attempting to decode a first set of captured images in a first time period, when the scanner is not illuminating the mobile device. If the decoding of the first set of captured images in the first time period is not successful: the scanner takes the steps of (1) illuminating the mobile device for a second time period, (2) attempting to decode a second set of captured images in a first portion of the second time period, (3) continuing to illuminating the mobile device, to increase backlight intensity of the display, associated with the mobile device, to a level of brightness if the attempt to decode the second set of captured images is not successful; (4) when the second time period ends, ceasing illuminating of the mobile device and then capturing a third set of captured images; and (5) attempting to decode the third set of captured images.

If decoding the third set of captured images is not successful, then the method repeats steps (1) to (5) disclosed in the previous paragraph for another second time period.

In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, if the decoding of the first set, second set or third set of captured images is successful, transfer a decoded image to a computer. Otherwise, terminate scanning at end of a timeout period or when prompted by the user.

In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the illuminating of the mobile device causes a light sensor of the mobile device to increase the backlight intensity as compared to the backlight intensity prior to the illuminating of the mobile device.

In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the scan mode is initiated in response to: receiving a command from a host application; decoding a programming barcode; activation of hardware on the scanner; receiving a signal from an inertial sensor on the scanner; and/or processing an image captured by the scanner; wherein when the scan mode is enabled, the scanner performs the steps of illuminating, ceasing illuminating, capturing images, and attempting to decode the captured images.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for scanning and reading indicia of a scanner comprises initiating a scan mode of the scanner to capture images presented on a display associated with a mobile device and attempting to decode a first set of captured images for a first time period, when the scanner is not illuminating the mobile device.

If decoding the first set of captured images in the first time period is not successful, the scanner takes the action of: (1) illuminating the mobile device; (2) attempting to decode a second set of captured images, (3) detecting whether backlight intensity of the display has increased by more than a predetermined level as compared with a previous measurement, if decoding the second set of captured images is not successful, (4) ceasing illuminating the mobile device, if the backlight intensity has increased more than the predetermined level and capturing a third set of captured images presented on the display; and (5) attempting to decode the third set of captured images.

If the decoding the third set of captured images is not successful, then the method repeats steps (1) to (5) disclosed in the previous paragraph.

In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, if the decoding of the first set, second set or third set of captured images is successful, transfer a decoded image to a computer.

Further, scanning is terminated at end of a timeout period or when prompted by the user.

In yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises continuing to illuminate the mobile device if the backlight intensity of the display has not increased by more than the predetermined level as compared with another previous measurement.

In yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the method further comprise performing image processing on a sensor video stream of the scanner in order to detect a change in backlight intensity of the display. The image processing determines the change in backlight intensity. As an example, the change in backlight intensity may be based on measurements of an average value of pixels in each frame.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically depicts a scanner and a mobile device, including where the scanner is scanning a barcode on a mobile device.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment for a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device.

FIG. 3 depicts flowchart of another exemplary embodiment for a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device.

FIG. 4A, 4B depict flowcharts of yet another exemplary embodiment for a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a method of scanning and reading indicia of a display. The present invention utilizing the light sensor of a mobile device to improve the quality of reading indicia on a display. In a typical application, the mobile device may be a smartphone and the indicia may be a barcode

A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) may be an electronic device that can read and output printed barcodes to a computer. It may consist of a light source, a lens, and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical pulses. Barcode readers may contain decoder circuitry that analyzes the barcode's image data provided by the sensor and sends the barcode's content to the scanner's output port.

A barcode may be used to encode information in a visual pattern readable by a machine. Barcodes may be used for a variety of reasons including tracking products, prices, and stock levels for centralized recording in a computer software system. There are two types of barcodes—linear and 2D.

Most barcode scanners may consist of three different parts: the illumination system, the sensor, and the decoder. In general, a barcode scanner “scans” black and white elements of a barcode by illuminating the code with a light, which is then converted into matching text. More specifically, the sensor in the barcode scanner may detect the reflected light from the illumination system and generate a sensor stream reflecting the captured image of the barcode. The sensor stream is sent to the decoder. The decoder processes the frames of the sensor stream, validates the barcode, and coverts it into text. This converted text may be delivered by the scanner to a computer software system holding a database of the maker, cost, and quantity of products sold.

The present invention may take advantage of the light sensor found on the front of many smartphones on the market. One traditional use of this sensor is to detect the amount of light in a room so that the backlight intensity of the smartphone may be adjusted accordingly to conserve battery. When in a brightly lit environment, the backlight intensity may be at full brightness to maximize readability and when the device is in a darker environment, the backlight intensity may be dimmed to conserve battery. The latter use case may usually be an auto-brightness setting on the smartphone that allows these operations. Auto-brightness may be on by default and this function helps to conserve battery life.

The present invention describes a scan mode that when enabled will turn on the illumination of the scanner for a period of time, for example 500 milliseconds. During this period, the scanner can flood the smartphone's light sensor with light, thus tricking the smartphone into thinking it is in a brightly lit environment. This action may cause the smartphone to increase its backlight intensity on its display to a maximum brightness level that the mobile device is capable of emitting during the period of time, thus maximize the contrast of the barcode on the screen. At this point the scanner may turn off illumination and read the high contrast barcode on the smartphone screen.

The scan mode may be enabled in a variety of ways such as via command from host application, a programming barcode, a double trigger pull, a hardware button on the scanner, an inertial sensor recognized gesture (e.g. shaking side to side) or by recognizing a smartphone in the field of view via image processing techniques. Once this scan mode is enabled, the scanner may try to first decode a few frames without any illumination. If this decoding is not successful, the scanner may turn on its illumination at full power for duration of time. This duration of time could be hardcoded to a set duration or could be left on until the software recognized a change in the brightness of the screen and then the illumination may be turned off. If a change in brightness is not detected, then a timeout period would also turn it off. The scanner may attempt to decode frames while the illumination is on, but the scanner most likely would have a better chance of reading the code when the illumination turned off and the backlight was fully lit. In this case, the screen may have a high contract that may improve the ability of the scanner to decode the captured frames (i.e. images). Another possible mode of operation may be the illumination staying on for duration of time and briefly turn off while a few frames are attempted to be decoded (only a few milliseconds). This cycle would continue until the code was decoded. This flicker would barely be visible to the user and to the light sensor but would allow us to constantly flood the light sensor with light while simultaneously attempting to decode the captured images. This case may be the optimal manifestation of the present invention. The invention assumes that the auto-brightness setting is enabled on the target device

In summary, the present invention includes at least two scenarios. In one scenario, while flooding the smartphone with light the scanner may actually perform image processing on the sensor video stream to detect when there has been a change in backlight intensity. The scanner may do these functions by averaging the values of pixels in the frame and when the average rises by more than n from the previous frame(s) the scanner would stop flooding the smartphone with light and begin to decode. Another scenario may be that the scanner floods the smartphone with light for a period of time and then simply assumes that it has tricked the smartphone into turning up its backlight intensity. At this point it would stop illuminating, attempt to decode a few frames and if unsuccessful would repeat this cycle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a scanner 102 and a mobile device 104, where the scanner 102 is scanning a barcode on the mobile device 104. Scanner 102 includes the functions of illumination, a sensor, and a decoder. FIG. 1 also illustrates mobile device 106 that is in a fully backlit environment, resulting in a high contrast display. Alternatively, mobile device 108 illustrates a dimmed backlight environment that results in a low contrast display. Scanner 102 may have improved performance scanning a high contrast display such as shown in mobile device 106, as compared to a low contrast display as show in mobile device 108. Mobile devices 104, 106 and 108 determine the level of contrast based on the amount of light received by the light sensor. The sensor is depicted on mobile device 108. A light sensor may be located on many smartphone.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device. Starting at a scanner (step 202), a scan mode is initiated for capturing images on a display of a mobile device. (step 204) The scanner then illuminates the mobile device for a period of time. (step 210) As previously discussed, when the light sensor of the mobile phone is flooded with light, the backlight intensity of the display may increase in brightness, as compared to the backlight intensity prior to the illuminating of the mobile device, and eventually increase to a level of maximum brightness that the mobile device is capable of emitting during the time period. (step 212) When the period of time ends, the scanner ceases to illuminate the mobile device, and then captures images off the display, during a period of a high contrast display as illustrated on mobile device 106. The scanner then attempts to decode the captured images. (step 214). By scanning the display image immediately after the transition from a highly lit environment to a lowly lit environment, the images are captured from a high contract display which increases the probability of successfully decoding the captured images.

In another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device. Starting at a scanner (step 302), a scan mode is initiated for capturing images on a display of a mobile device. (step 304) The scanner then attempts to capture a first set of captured images in a first time period without illuminating the mobile device. (step 306) In these attempts, the hand-held scanner may be in motion, so the scanner may scan a few frames in order to optimize the possibility of obtaining an image that is in focus.

If the captured image is successfully decoded before the end of the first time period, then the decoded image is sent to a computer. If the captured image is not successfully decoded before the end of the first time period, then the scanner illuminates the mobile device for a second time period. (step 310) Next, while the mobile device is illuminated, the scanner attempts to decode a second set of captured images that were scanned during a first portion of the second time period. (step 311) If the decoding is successful, the decoded image is set to a computer. If the decoding is not successful, the method continues.

Since the scanner is illuminating the mobile device, including its light sensor, the brightness of the backlight intensity may continue to increase until the backlight intensity as compared to the backlight intensity prior to the illuminating of the mobile device, and may reach a maximum brightness level that the mobile device is capable of emitting in the second time period. (step 312) When the second time period ends, the scanner ceases to illuminate the mobile device. Without the illumination, the scanner captures a third set of images off the display and subsequently attempts to decode the third set of captured images. (step 316) If the third set of captured images is successfully decoded, the decoded image is sent to a computer.

If the decoding of the third set of captured images is not successful, the scanner illuminates the mobile device for another second time period. The method then repeats the steps of the second time period including steps 310, 311, 312, and 316.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrates a flowchart for a method of scanning and reading indicia on a display associated with a mobile device. Starting at a scanner (step 402), a scan mode is initiated for capturing images on a display of a mobile device. (step 404)

The scanner then attempts to decode a first set of captured images in a first time period without illuminating the mobile device. (step 406) In these attempts, the hand-held scanner may be in motion, so the scanner may scan a few frames in order to optimize the possibility of obtaining an image that is in focus.

If the first set of captured imaged is successfully decoded before the end of the first time period, then the decoded image is sent to a computer. If the first set of captured images is not successfully decoded before the end of the first time period, then the scanner illuminates the mobile device for a second time period. (step 410) Next, while the mobile device is illuminated, the scanner attempts to decode a second set of captured images that were scanned after the mobile device was illuminated. If the decoding is successful, the decoded image is sent to a computer (step 411).

If the decoding is not successful, the scanner monitors the change in the level of backlight intensity of the display of the mobile device. The scanner determines if the backlight intensity increases to a level greater than a predetermined level as compared to a previous measurement. (step 415) If the predetermined level is achieved, then the scanner ceases illuminating the mobile device. The scanner then captures images off the display and subsequently attempts to decode a third set of captured images. (step 416) If the decoding is successful, then the decoded image is sent to a computer.

If the decoding is not successful, the method repeats the steps 411, 414, 415, 416.

If the backlight intensity of the display in step 415 has not increased by more than the predetermined level as compared with another previous measurement, the scanner continues to illuminate the mobile device until the backlight intensity is greater than the predetermined level as compared with a previous measurement. (step 412)

FIG. 3 disclose a method where the decisions to attempt to decode captured images are based on certain time periods. Whereas, FIGS. 4A and 4B disclose a method where the decisions to attempt to decode captured images are based on a change in the level of brightness of the display. One skilled in the art may recognize that the methods described in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A and 4B may be combined.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A method comprising: initiating a scan mode of a scanner to capture images presented on a display of a mobile device;illuminating, with the scanner, the mobile device for a period of time causing a light sensor of the mobile device to increase a backlight intensity of the display;when the period of time ends, ceasing illuminating the mobile device and then capturing, with the scanner, images of the display when the display has the increased backlight intensity; andattempting to decode the captured images.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone and the display is a screen of the smartphone.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, a barcode is presented on the display.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the captured images comprise one or more frames of data scanned off the display.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the illuminating of the mobile device causes the light sensor of the mobile device to increase the backlight intensity of the display to a maximum level of brightness that the mobile device is capable of producing in the period of time.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the scan mode is initiated in response to: receiving a command from a host application;decoding a programming barcode;activation of hardware on the scanner;receiving a signal from an inertial sensor on the scanner; and/orprocessing an image captured by the scanner;wherein when the scan mode is enabled, the scanner performs the steps of illuminating, ceasing illuminating, capturing images, and attempting to decode the captured images.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising: performing image processing on a sensor video stream of the scanner in order to decode the captured images.

8. A scanner comprising: an illumination system;a sensor; anda decoder,

9. The scanner according to claim 8, wherein the scanner is further configured for: illuminating the mobile device if the attempting to decode the third set of captured images is not successful;attempting to decode another second set of captured images;detecting whether backlight intensity of the display has increased by more than the predetermined level as compared with another previous measurement, if decoding the another second set of captured images is not successful,ceasing illuminating the mobile device, if the backlight intensity has increased more than the predetermined level and then capturing the third set of captured images; andattempting to decode the third set of captured images.

10. The scanner according to claim 8, wherein the scanner is further configured for terminating scanning at end of a timeout period.

11. The scanner according to claim 8, comprising, if the decoding of the first set, second set or third set of captured images is successful, the scanner is further configured for transferring a decoded image to a computer.

12. The scanner according to claim 8, wherein the scanner is further configured for continuing to illuminate the mobile device until the backlight intensity is greater than the predetermined level as compared with another previous measurement, if the backlight intensity of the display has not increased by more than the predetermined level as compared with another previous measurement.

13. The scanner according to claim 8, wherein image processing is performed on a sensor video stream of the scanner in order to detect a change in backlight intensity of the display.

14. The scanner according to claim 13, wherein, the image processing determines the change in backlight intensity.

15. A scanner system comprising: a mobile device;an illumination system;a sensor; anda decoder;

16. The scanner system according to claim 15, wherein the illuminating of the mobile device increases the backlight intensity of the display to a maximum level of brightness that the mobile device is capable of producing in the period of time.

17. The scanner system according to claim 15, wherein the captured images comprise one or more frames of data scanned off the display.

18. The scanner system according to claim 15, wherein the scan mode is initiated in response to: receiving a command from a host application;decoding a programming barcode;activation of hardware on the scanner;receiving a signal from the sensor on the scanner; and/orprocessing an image captured by the scanner.

19. The scanner system according to claim 15, wherein image processing is performed on a sensor video stream of the scanner in order to detect a change in backlight intensity of the display.

20. The scanner system according to claim 19, wherein the image processing determines the change in backlight intensity.