Bioptic barcode reader with multiple imaging devices

Abstract

Bioptic barcode readers are described here. An exemplary bioptic barcode reader (100) comprises a housing with a generally horizontal window and a vertical window, a barcode reading device positioned inside the housing, a first imaging device positioned inside the housing, and a second imaging device positioned inside the housing below the first imaging device. The first imaging device has a first field of view directed out of the vertical window, the second imaging device has a second field of view directed out of the vertical window, and a first central imaging axis of the first field of view intersects a second central imaging axis of the second field of view at an angle of intersection that is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees.The second central imaging axis of the second field of view extends upwards above the generally horizontal window at a second angle that is greater than 0 degrees. Figure: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Bioptic barcode reader with multiple imaging devices. Background

[0001] Typical bioptic barcode readers that include imaging capabilities usually use a single imaging device, such as a color camera, which is positioned on top of the bioptic barcode reader and directed downwards through the vertical window. However, having a single imaging device with a single field of view presents various limitations, such as limited views of presented objects, a limited view or lack of view of users' faces, etc.

[0002] In an effort to address some of the limitations of a single imaging device, some bioptic barcode readers have added a second imaging device, directed vertically out of the horizontal window, in addition to a first imaging device directed out of the vertical window, to capture an alternating angle for objects in order to provide stronger object identification. However, the use of a second imaging device directed out of the horizontal window also has various limitations. For example, the typically small size of the horizontal window in standard bioptic barcode readers necessitates a narrow field of view for the second imaging device, thus limiting its use. Summary

[0003] In one embodiment, the present invention is a bioptic barcode reader comprising a housing with a generally horizontal window and a vertical window, a barcode reading device positioned inside the housing, a first imaging device positioned inside the housing, and a second imaging device positioned inside the housing, below the first imaging device. The barcode reading device has a barcode reading field of view directed out of the vertical window and / or the generally horizontal window. The first imaging device has a first field of view directed out of the vertical window, and the second imaging device has a second field of view directed out of the vertical window.A first central imaging axis of the first field of vision intersects a second central imaging axis of the second field of vision at an intersection angle that is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees, and the second central imaging axis of the second field of vision extends upwards above the generally horizontal window at a second angle that is greater than 0 degrees.

[0004] In one embodiment, a window is generally horizontal.

[0005] In a variant of the present embodiment, the first central imaging axis and the second central imaging axis intersect at a point positioned vertically above the generally horizontal window.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention is a bioptic barcode reader comprising a housing including a generally horizontal window and a vertical window, a first imaging device positioned inside the housing, and a second imaging device positioned inside the housing, below the first imaging device. The first imaging device has a first field of view directed out of the vertical window along a first central image axis that extends downwards at a first angle below the horizontal and is positioned and configured to view the generally horizontal window in the first field of view.The second imaging device has a second field of view directed out of the vertical window along a second central imaging axis that extends upwards at a second angle above the horizontal and is positioned and configured to see the face of a user of the bioptic barcode reader.

[0007] In a variant of the present embodiment, the first central imaging axis intersects the second central imaging axis at an intersection angle that is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees.

[0008] In another variant of the present embodiment, the first central imaging axis and the second central imaging axis intersect at a point positioned vertically above the generally horizontal window.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention is a bioptic barcode reader comprising a housing having a generally horizontal window and a vertical window, a support frame positioned inside the housing, a first imaging device mounted on the support frame, and a second imaging device mounted on the support frame. The first imaging device has a first field of view directed out of the vertical window and the second imaging device has a second field of view directed out of the vertical window.

[0010] In a variant of the present embodiment, the support frame is a single, integral unit part.

[0011] In another variant of the present embodiment, a first central imaging axis of the first field of vision intersects a second central imaging axis of the second field of vision at an intersection angle that is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present design, a first central imaging axis of the first field of vision and a second central imaging axis of the second field of vision intersects at a point positioned vertically above the window, which is usually horizontal. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] The accompanying figures, in which the same reference numbers relate to identical or functionally similar elements on all separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated herein and form part of the disclosure, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of the concepts which comprise the claimed invention, and to explain various principles and advantages of these embodiments.

[0014] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a set of code readers exemplary bioptic bars;

[0015] [Fig.2] Fig.2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the barcode reader assembly bioptic of the [Fig.l], taken on line 2-2 of the [Fig.l];

[0016] [Fig.3] Fig.3 illustrates a perspective view of the entire code reader assembly bioptic bars of [Fig.1] with the tray removed;

[0017] [Fig.4] Figure [Fig.4] illustrates a perspective view of a barcode reader exemplary bioptic of the entire bioptic barcode reader set of [Fig.1];

[0018] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the bioptic barcode reader of the [Fig.4];

[0019] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the bioptic barcode reader of the [Fig.4];

[0020] [Fig.7] Fig.7 illustrates a top view of the bioptic barcode reader of the [Fig.4];

[0021] [Fig.8] Fig.8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bioptic barcode reader of the [Fig. 4], taken from line 8-8 of [Fig. 7]; and

[0022] [Fig.9] Fig.9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary support frame of the bioptic barcode reader of the [Fig.4].

[0023] Those skilled in the art will note that the elements in the figures are illustrated for the sake of simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The apparatus and process components have been represented where appropriate with conventional symbols on the drawings, representing only those specific details which are relevant for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the description with details which will stand out more clearly to the person skilled in the art by taking advantage of the description. Detailed description

[0025] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a bioptic barcode reader assembly 10 is shown, comprising a bioptic barcode reader 100. The bioptic barcode reader assembly 10 may also include a perimeter frame 15 that supports the bioptic barcode reader 100 and, depending on the application and installation, a sheet metal frame 20 and a weighing assembly 25, each of which may be attached to and supported by the perimeter frame 15. The perimeter frame 15 is preferably metallic and may be rectangular or generally U-shaped, and provides structure and support along the sides and front of the bioptic barcode reader 100. The sheet metal frame 20 may be a single, integral unit or may comprise several parts that are assembled, as shown.A platform 30 having a platform window 35 can also be positioned on the perimeter frame 15 and the balance assembly 25, if used, so that the platform window 35 is generally aligned with a generally horizontal window 115 of a housing 105 of the bioptic barcode reader 100. Furthermore, when used as part of the bioptic barcode reader assembly 10, the balance assembly 25 can be positioned between the bioptic barcode reader 100 and the sheet metal frame 20 and can engage the platform 30 to allow objects placed on the platform 30 to be weighed by the balance assembly 25.

[0026] With reference to Figures 4 to 8, a 100-copy bioptic barcode reader is shown comprising two imaging devices (e.g., cameras) that can be used to capture images, in addition to one or more barcode reading devices that are used to capture and decode barcodes. The two imaging devices are directed out of a vertical window in a portion of the upper housing or tower of the bioptic barcode reader, which allows the two cameras to have the widest possible field of view so that both cameras can see substantially both sides of a tray. Furthermore, the cameras are aligned substantially vertically with the upper camera facing downwards towards the tray and the lower camera facing upwards, as described in more detail below.

[0027] In the example shown, the bioptic barcode reader 100 comprises the housing 105, which has a lower housing portion 110 that can be made of plastic or any other acceptable material, an upper housing portion 125, a generally horizontal window 115, and a vertical window 140. The upper housing portion 125 extends upwards from the lower housing portion 110 and is attached to the lower housing portion 110, for example, by threaded elements. The upper housing portion 125 may be a single, integral unit or may include a central housing portion extending parallel to the lower housing portion 110 and comprising a generally horizontal window 115 and a tower portion, fixed to the central housing portion, extending perpendicularly to the lower housing portion 110 and comprising the vertical window 140. A barcode reader device 160 is positioned inside the housing 105 and has a barcode reading field of view 165 which is divided by a separating mirror and is directed out of the vertical window 140 and the generally horizontal window 115.Alternatively, rather than sharing the barcode reading field of view 165, the entire barcode reading field of view 165 can be directed out of the vertical window 140 or the generally horizontal window 115 and a second barcode reading device can be positioned inside the housing with a second barcode reading field of view which is directed out of the other between the vertical window 140 or the generally horizontal window 115.

[0028] The first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300 are also positioned inside the housing 105, with the second imaging device preferably positioned below the first imaging device 200.

[0029] The first imaging device 200 is preferably positioned in the upper third 130 ([Fig. 6]) of the upper housing portion 125 and has a first field of view 205 which is directed out of the vertical window 140 along the first central imaging axis 210. The first central imaging axis 210 is preferably directed out of the upper half 145 ([Fig. 5]) of the vertical window 140 and extends downwards below a first plane 225 which is parallel to the generally horizontal window 115 (typically horizontal) at a first angle 230. The absolute value of the first angle 230 is greater than 0 degrees, so that the first imaging device 200 is positioned and configured to observe the generally horizontal window 115 in the first field of view 205.With the first field of view 205 of the first imaging device 200 directed downwards, the first field of view 205 typically does not provide a view of the face of an average-sized user. This can address potential privacy concerns for some users and also allows for more complete illumination of the first field of view without the problem of bright lights in a user's eyes. Furthermore, since the first field of view 205 is usually too low to see a user's face, if a user's face is identified in both the first field of view 205 and a second field of view 305 of the second imaging device 300 (directed upwards, as discussed below), the illumination can be dimmed or switched off to avoid eye discomfort for the user. This can be advantageous in situations where... Children approach the 100-digit bio-optical barcode scanner.

[0030] The second imaging device 300 is preferably positioned in the lower third 135 ([Fig. 6]) of the upper housing portion 125 and has a second field of view 305 which is directed out of the vertical window 140 along the second central imaging axis 310. The second central imaging axis 310 is preferably directed out of a lower half 150 ([Fig. 5]) of the vertical window 140 and extends upward over an upper surface 40 of the generally horizontal window 115 (typically horizontal) at a second angle 315, which is greater than 0 degrees, so that the second imaging device 300 is positioned and configured to see a face 500 of a user of the bioptic barcode reader 100. A center 335 of the second imaging device 300 can also be positioned along a plane 45 which extends along an upper surface 40 of the plateau 30 (as can be seen in the [Fig.2) with a lower border 330 of the second field of view 305 parallel to an upper surface 120 of the window, generally horizontal 115, and preferably within 0.5 inches of the upper surface 120. With the second field of view 305 of the second imaging device 300 directed upwards, the second field of view 305 typically has a good view of the face of a user of average height, and the second angular width 320 of the second field of view 305 allows the second field of view 305 to see the user's face even if the user is standing significantly to the left or right of center. This feature can be beneficial for a number of applications, such as facial recognition, mask detection, etc.In addition to being optimized for facial views, directing the second field of view 305 of the second imaging device 300 upwards also allows the second field of view 305 to see very large objects (e.g., greater than 11 inches tall in the middle of the typically horizontal window 115) for even better object recognition performance.

[0031] With both the first field of view 205 of the first imaging device 200 and the second field of view 305 of the second imaging device 300 directed forward out of the vertical window 140, the first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300 can detect a feature on a user or an object, and by using a known parallax between the first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300, a distance of the user or the object from the upper part of the housing 125 can be calculated.This determination of the distance of a user or object from the upper part of the housing 125 can be used to implement a number of features, such as changing the scanning settings to improve barcode reading at different distances, turning on the system when a user approaches within a predetermined distance, waking up the system when a user. approaches within a predetermined distance, differentiates between similar-looking objects of different sizes, determines the dimensions of an item and compares those dimensions to a known database or helps generate said database (useful for preventing ticket switching), improves object recognition by differentiating background features from features on a user or object, determines the distance of a part of an object crossing a tray threshold to determine if the object is off the tray during a weighing event, etc. As used here, starting up the system means preparing the system for use by a user, such as activating a screen, displaying user instructions, etc.Waking up the system means preparing it to scan after it has been powered on, such as activating the barcode reader. Once the system has been powered on and woken up, it is then ready for decoding, which means actually taking the image and decoding the barcodes in the captured images.

[0032] Furthermore, since the first field of view 205 of the first imaging device 200 and the second field of view 305 of the second imaging device 300 are directed out of the vertical window 140 at substantially different angles (first field of view 205 directed downwards and second field of view 305 directed upwards), it is possible to see more than one side of an object, which significantly complicates the attempt to deceive the system during ticket switching. In fact, at the extremities of the first field of view 205 and the second field of view 305 closest to the vertical window 140, the first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300 can view an object with an angular difference of 110 degrees near the vertical window 140.

[0033] In the example shown, the first field of vision 205 has a first angular width 215 ([Fig.7]) which is preferably greater than 80 degrees and is greater than a first angular height 220 ([Fig.8]) of the first field of vision 205 and the second field of vision 305 has a second angular width 320 ([Fig.7]) which is preferably greater than 80 degrees and is greater than a second angular height 325 ([Fig.8]) of the second field of vision 305. In the particular example shown, the first angular width 215 and the second angular width 320 are each 100 degrees and the first angular height 220 and the second angular height 325 are each 70 degrees.With the wide angular widths of both the first 205 field of view and the second 305 field of view, both the first 200 imaging device and the second 300 imaging device can substantially see the sides of the 30 tray, which can improve the view of objects during scan avoidance cases and can monitor the object and user activity before and. after the object has passed over the 30-meter platform, which also helps during scan avoidance scenarios. In particular, a small object concealed in a user's hand can be difficult to conceal compared to the first 200-meter imaging device and the second 300-meter imaging device simultaneously.

[0034] As shown in [Fig. 8], the first central imaging axis 210 of the first field of view 205 and the second central imaging axis 310 of the second field of view 305 intersect at a point 400 which is positioned vertically above the generally horizontal window 115 and at an intersection angle 405 which is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees, is preferably greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees, and is even more preferably 35 degrees. The first central imaging axis 210 and the second central imaging axis 310 are also preferably vertically aligned along a longitudinal centerline 155 ([Fig. 5]) of the housing 105.However, due to manufacturing tolerances and component positioning inside the housing 105, it may be impossible to perfectly align the first central imaging axis 210 and the second central imaging axis 310 along the longitudinal centerline 155, and some offset, preferably within 1 inch of the longitudinal centerline 155, is acceptable.

[0035] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 8 and 9, in the example shown, the barcode reading device 160, the first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300 are all removably mounted on a support frame 600 which is positioned inside the housing 105. The support frame 600 is preferably a single, integral part which is configured to be inserted and removed from the housing 105 as a single unit, with the barcode reading device 160, the first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300 to simplify the assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the bioptic barcode reader 100 and to allow easy field leveling for the first imaging device 200 and the second imaging device 300.

[0036] In the preceding specification, specific embodiments were described. However, those skilled in the art will note that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as presented in the claims below. Therefore, the specification and figures should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this specification. Furthermore, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, but rather should be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any characteristic The teristic described in any one of the embodiments / examples / implementations mentioned above may be included in any of the other embodiments / examples / implementations mentioned above.

[0037] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or be more pronounced, shall not be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the attached claims, including any amendments made during the proceedings of this application and all equivalents of those claims as granted.

[0038] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying a true relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "includes," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "containing," or any variant thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, includes, or contains a list of elements does not only include those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article, or apparatus.The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to what a person skilled in the art would understand. In one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as being at 10%, in another embodiment at 5%, in another embodiment at 1%, and in yet another embodiment at 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used here, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured at least in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0039] The disclosure summary is intended to enable the reader to quickly understand the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the agreement that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, it can be seen that different features are grouped into different embodiments in order to simplify the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly cited in each claim. Instead, as the following claims show, the subject matter of the invention may lie in fewer than the all the features of a single embodiment described. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim as such being a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

Demands

1. A bioptic barcode reader comprising: a housing including a generally horizontal window and a vertical window; a barcode reading device positioned in the housing and having a barcode reading field of view directed out of the vertical window and / or the generally horizontal window; a first imaging device positioned inside the housing and having a first field of view directed out of the vertical window; a second imaging device positioned inside the housing, below the first imaging device and having a second field of view directed out of the vertical window; wherein: a first central imaging axis of the first field of view intersects a second central imaging axis of the second field of view at an angle of intersection which is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees;and the second central imaging axis of the second field of view extends upwards above the generally horizontal window at a second angle that is greater than 0 degrees relative to the generally horizontal window.

2. Bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the intersection angle is greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees.

3. Bioptic barcode reader according to claim 2, wherein the intersection angle is 35 degrees.

4. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the first central imaging axis extends downwards below a first plane that is parallel to the generally horizontal window at a first angle that is greater than 0 degrees.

5. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the first central imaging axis and the second central imaging axis are vertically aligned along a longitudinal centerline of the housing.

6. A bioptic barcode reader assembly comprising the bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, the bioptic barcode reader assembly comprising: a tray having a tray window which is generally aligned with the window, generally horizontal; in which a center of the second imaging device is positioned along a plane that extends along a top surface of the tray.

7. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the first central imaging axis of the first field of view is directed out of an upper half of the vertical window and the second central imaging axis of the second field of view is directed out of a lower half of the vertical window.

8. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein a lower border of the second field of view of the second imaging device is parallel to an upper surface of the window, generally horizontal.

9. Bioptic barcode reader according to claim 8, wherein the lower border of the second field of view is within 0.5 inch of the upper surface of the generally horizontal window.

10. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the first central imaging axis and the second central imaging axis intersect at a point located vertically above the generally horizontal window.

11. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein a first angular width of the first field of view is greater than a first angular height of the first field of view and a second angular width of the second field of view is greater than a second angular height of the second field of view.

12. Bioptic barcode reader according to claim 11, wherein the first angular width is greater than 80 degrees and the second angular width is greater than 80 degrees.

13. A bioptic barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein: the housing comprises a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion fixed to and extending above the lower housing portion; the first imaging device is positioned in the upper third of the upper housing portion and the first central imaging axis extends downward below a first plane that is parallel to the generally horizontal window at a first angle that is greater than 0 degrees; and the second imaging device is positioned in the lower third of the upper casing portion and the second central imaging axis extend upwards above a generally horizontal upper window surface at a second angle that is greater than 0 degrees.

Images