System and method for reading optical codes on reflective surfaces while minimizing flicker perception of pulsed illumination

摘要

Methods and systems are disclosed for improved operation of readers of optical codes presented on electronic display screens or other highly reflective surfaces. Certain configurations include controlling image exposure and illumination pulse timing so as to avoid or minimize the perception of flicker of the pulsed illumination by a user or bystander while implementing methods for reading optical codes presented on electronic display screens or other highly reflective surfaces.

主权项

1. A method for data reading of an optical code being displayed on an electronic display, comprising the steps of:
(1) in standard reading mode, illuminating the field of view with one or more pulses of illumination; (2) capturing, via a data reader, a first two-dimensional image (or set of images) of the field of view being illuminated by the one or more pulses, in search of an optical code appearing therein; (3) processing the first image(s) in an attempt to decode the optical code; (4) analyzing the first image(s), that was/were captured while the field of view was being illuminated by the one or more pulses produced by at least one source of illumination, to determine whether an electronic display is in the field of view; (5) if it is determined, in step 4, that an electronic display is in the field of view, switching to electronic display reading mode; (6) in electronic display reading mode, for up to a given amount of second image capture/read attempts, capturing, via the data reader, a second two-dimensional image (or set of images) of the field of view without illumination from the one or more pulses, in search of an optical code appearing therein; (7) illuminating the field of view with one or more pulses of illumination at least one or both of before and after each second image capture/read attempt; (8) processing the second image(s) in an attempt to decode the optical code.