OPTICAL READING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION
First Claim
1. A method of operating a sensor comprising:
- capturing a first image with a sensor having an array of pixels;
generating a first image value from said first image;
storing said first image value;
comparing said first image value to a threshold; and
,generating a signal if said first image value exceeds said threshold.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a CMOS sensor having an array of pixels that captures images in an area of interest. The system monitors the average pixel value for the array to define a first state. If the average pixel value changes beyond a defined threshold, the system defines a second state. For each change in state, a signal is generated. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is used with a meter having a dial with an indicator. The optical sensor generates a signal each time the indicator passes through the area of interest to allow for the remote monitoring of a consumable commodity.
66 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of operating a sensor comprising:
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capturing a first image with a sensor having an array of pixels; generating a first image value from said first image; storing said first image value; comparing said first image value to a threshold; and
,generating a signal if said first image value exceeds said threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of operating a system having a sensor capable of acquiring images in an area of interest, said method comprising:
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acquiring a first image with said sensor; determining a first image value for said first image; setting a previous-state variable to a first value if said first image value is above a threshold value; setting said previous-state variable to a second value if said first image value is at or below said threshold value; acquiring a second image with said sensor; determining a second image value for said second image; and
,setting a new-state variable to said first value if said second image value is above said threshold value; setting said new-state variable to said second value if said second image value is below said threshold value; and
,comparing said new-state variable to said present-state variable and generating a signal if said new-state variable is equal to said second value and said previous-state value is equal to said first value. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system comprising:
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an optical sensor; a lens adjacent said optical sensor and arranged to focus said optical sensor on an area of interest; a controller electrically coupled to said optical sensor, said controller having a first processor that is responsive to executable computer instructions for determining if an object is present in the area of interest in a first acquired image and not present in a second acquired image and transmitting a first signal in response to said object being present in said first acquired image and not present in said second acquired image, wherein said second acquired image is acquired later in time than said first acquired image. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification