Code Reader Performing Coded Image Decoding Using Non-Dedicated Decode Processor

Abstract

A coded image capture and decoding system includes an image capture unit and a host unit which operate to capture image data, generate a plurality of coded images, and, thereafter, to decode the plurality of coded images with a non-dedicated host processing circuitry. The system comprises an image capture unit and a host unit which may be installed together or separately in one or more physical devices. The image capture unit includes an image processor, an image buffer, an optical unit, an image buffer and an interface module. The host unit includes a host processor, conventional hardware and software functions, and an interface module. During a capture cycle, the image capture unit repeatedly captures images from a coded target. When the capture cycle is complete, the image capture unit attempts to interrupt the host unit. The host unit responds to the interrupt when it is available, receives the plurality of coded images over a communication link, and performs decode processing of the coded images. A proximity detector and proximity screening rules may be employed within the image capture unit in an attempt to prevent non-code images from being delivered to the host processor. The host processor may also operate on a composite image and/or parallel process the plurality of coded images to achieve a valid decode.

1 . A coded image capture and decoding system comprising: 
 an optical system that captures image data from coded targets;    a first processing circuit, coupled to the optical system, that generates a plurality of images based on image data received from the optical system;    an image buffer, coupled to the first processing circuit, that stores the plurality of images generated by the first processing circuit; and    a second processing circuit, coupled to the image buffer, that, after the plurality of images are stored in the image buffer, attempts decode processing of the plurality of images.    
   
   
       2 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 1  wherein the second processing circuit constructs a composite image from the plurality of images for decode processing.  
   
   
       3 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of images constitutes a predetermined number of images.  
   
   
       4 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 1  wherein the first processing circuit performs proximity screening of the image data from the optical system.  
   
   
       5 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 1  wherein the first processing circuit converts the image data received from the optical system into a plurality of transition points.  
   
   
       6 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 1  further comprising a proximity circuit which detects the presence of the coded target and initiates capture cycling.  
   
   
       7 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 1  wherein the second processing circuit attempts parallel decode processing of the plurality of images.  
   
   
       8 . A coded image capture and decoding system comprising: 
 an image processing circuit that generates a plurality of coded images;    an image buffer, coupled to the image processing circuit, that stores the plurality of coded images generated by the image processing circuit;    a host processing circuit that performs decode processing of coded images; and    interface circuitry that assists in delivering the plurality of coded images to the host processing circuit for decoding after the plurality of coded images have been stored in the image buffer.    
   
   
       9 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 8 , further comprising an optical system operably coupled to the image processing circuit, wherein the optical system reads a target to produce image data and transmits the image data to the image processing circuit.  
   
   
       10 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 8  wherein at least one of the plurality of coded images constitutes a reference image and at least one other of the plurality of coded images constitutes a plurality of differences based on comparison with the reference image.  
   
   
       11 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 10  further comprising a proximity detector that enables operation of the coded image capture and decoding system whenever a target is detected.  
   
   
       12 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 8  wherein proximity screening rules are applied by the image processing circuit.  
   
   
       13 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 8 , further wherein the image processing circuit attempts to generate a predetermined number of coded images.  
   
   
       14 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 8  wherein at least one of the coded images comprises a plurality of values, and each value represents a transition point in the image.  
   
   
       15 . A coded image capture and decoding system comprising: 
 an image buffer that stores a plurality of images representative of a coded target;    a host processing circuit, operably coupled to the image buffer, that performs decode processing; and    code processing circuitry that selectively directs the host processing circuit to decode the plurality of coded images.    
   
   
       16 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 15  wherein the host processing circuit selectively responds to the code processing circuitry to control the time at which decode processing will be performed.  
   
   
       17 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 15  further comprising interface circuitry that assists in delivering the plurality of images to the host processing circuit for decoding after the plurality of images have been stored in the image buffer.  
   
   
       18 . The coded image capture and decoding system of  claim 17  wherein the interface circuitry utilizes wireless transmissions in the delivery of the plurality of images to the host processing circuit.