Aiming Assistance via Auxiliary Sensor Virtual Viewport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data capture devices, such as handheld computers, face challenges in maintaining scan accuracy due to limitations in aiming assistance mechanisms, particularly when the laser dot is not visible beyond certain distances or under specific lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data capture device equipped with a primary image sensor and an auxiliary image sensor, where the auxiliary sensor captures a video stream and presents a virtual viewport of the primary sensor's field of view on the device's display, aiding the operator in aiming the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser emitter is used to project a dot for aiming assistance, then the operator can see the target position, but the laser dot becomes invisible beyond certain distances or under certain lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an auxiliary image sensor to capture and display a virtual viewport that replicates the primary sensor's field of view on the display. This visual copy provides aiming assistance without relying on a physical laser dot, thereby maintaining visibility under all lighting conditions and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary image sensor acts as an intermediary between the primary image sensor's field of view and the display. It captures the scene through the primary sensor's optics and presents it visually on the display, providing indirect visual feedback for aiming without requiring direct laser illumination.
2Measurement precision
If a laser dot is used for aiming, then the target position is indicated, but scan accuracy is reduced when the laser dot is not visible
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a virtual viewport that copies the primary sensor's field of view and displaying it in real-time, the system maintains continuous visual feedback for accurate aiming regardless of lighting conditions or distance, ensuring consistent scan accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary image sensor provides real-time visual feedback by displaying the current field of view on the display. This feedback loop allows the operator to continuously monitor and adjust aiming without interruption, maintaining scan accuracy under all conditions.
3Measurement precision
If an auxiliary image sensor is added to provide virtual viewport aiming assistance, then scan accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary image sensor serves multiple functions: it captures the video stream for the virtual viewport, provides real-time visual feedback for aiming, and can potentially be used for other imaging tasks. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by maximizing its utility across different operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A data capture device includes: a display, a primary image sensor having a primary field of view centered on a primary optical axis; an auxiliary image sensor having an auxiliary field of view centered on an auxiliary optical axis, wherein the auxiliary field of view is larger than the primary field of view; a memory storing offset data defining an offset between the primary field of view and the auxiliary field of view; a data capture controller connected to the primary image sensor, the auxiliary image sensor and the memory; wherein the data capture controller is configured to: responsive to activation of an aiming mode, control the auxiliary image sensor to capture a video stream; select, according to the offset data, a portion of the video stream corresponding to the primary field of view; and present the selected portion of the video stream on the display.