Asymmetric Optical Splitter for Full-coverage POS Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual window workstations with imager-based readers face challenges in providing full coverage scan zones due to symmetrical and twisted light collection regions, leading to dead areas and reduced reading performance, especially when trying to read indicia on three-dimensional products positioned at various angles and distances.
Innovation Solution
The workstation employs an optical system that asymmetrically splits the field of view of at least one imager into smaller and larger light collection regions, allowing for customized coverage of different product sides, with the optical splitter and fold mirrors configuring the light collection regions to pass through the windows without being clipped by workstation walls, thereby ensuring comprehensive scanning without dead areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical light collection regions are used to reduce cost, then the number of imagers is reduced, but the scan zone coverage becomes incomplete with dead areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring light collection regions with different sizes and shapes rather than using symmetrical regions. The first light collection region has a different configuration than the second light collection region, allowing each to be optimized for specific product sides. This asymmetric design enables complete scan zone coverage while using only one imager, thus reducing cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different light collection regions to different product sides based on their specific reading requirements. Each light collection region is optimized for its designated area, with the first region handling certain product sides and the second region handling other sides. This localized optimization ensures complete coverage without requiring multiple imagers.
2Area of stationary object
If light collection regions are twisted or skewed to increase coverage, then the field of view is expanded, but peripheral portions are clipped by workstation walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring light collection regions with non-uniform shapes that are optimized for their specific coverage areas. Rather than using twisted or skewed symmetrical regions that get clipped, the patent uses asymmetric regions with boundaries that naturally conform to the workstation geometry, eliminating clipping issues while maintaining expanded coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized light collection regions are used to read different product sides, then reading capability is improved, but symmetrical configuration cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different sized and shaped light collection regions for different product sides. The first light collection region is configured for reading certain product sides while the second region is configured for other sides. This asymmetric configuration provides the adaptability needed for versatile product reading while being implemented through a relatively simple optical system using one imager and beam splitting optics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces costs by using a single imager to derive multiple light collection regions, ensuring full coverage of the scan zone and minimizing dead areas, thus enhancing reading performance and efficiency across all sides of three-dimensional products.
Implementation Method 1
asymmetrically splitting the field of view of at least one imager into at least one smaller light collection region, and into at least another larger light collection region
Implementation Method 2
an optical splitter and fold mirrors configuring the light collection regions
Data Source
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AI summary
A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by asymmetrically splitting the field of view of at least one imager into light collection regions of different spatial volumes. The light collection regions fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. A smaller light collection region images one side of the product, while a larger light collection region images more than one side of the product. All sides of the product are imaged in the light collection regions. Twisting of the light collection regions relative to at least one of the windows is minimized so that the light collection regions fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Illumination light is directed away from a user's eyes.