Barcode Reader Coplanar Linear Fields of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between close-up and far-away operations due to multiple imaging assemblies, which create difficulties in maintaining operability across a wide range of working distances.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader design incorporating multiple imaging assemblies with coplanar fields of view and a linear aiming light pattern, where each assembly is configured to capture data over specific distance ranges, with an aiming assembly to assist in alignment and visibility, ensuring smooth operation from near to far distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging assemblies are used to cover a wide working distance range, then the reading capability across different distances is improved, but the complexity of the device and the difficulty of seamless transition between assemblies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple imaging assemblies, each optimized for specific distance ranges (close-up, mid-range, far-away). This segmentation allows each assembly to have specialized optical characteristics while collectively covering the entire working distance range, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by organizing functionality into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging assemblies are positioned within a single housing structure, with each assembly nested within the same physical envelope. The assemblies share common mounting infrastructure and are integrated into a unified device architecture, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between different imaging configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging assemblies with different fields of view are used, then the coverage of working distances is improved, but the difficulty of aligning and transitioning between fields of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging assemblies are configured with asymmetric field of view characteristics, where each assembly has a linear FOV oriented at a specific angle relative to the housing. This asymmetric arrangement allows the fields of view to be positioned to overlap or abut each other in a controlled manner, facilitating seamless transitions while maintaining optimized performance for specific distance ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension for organizing the imaging assemblies. Rather than simply stacking assemblies along a single axis, they are arranged with different angular orientations of their linear fields of view. This dimensional approach allows for smoother transitions between assemblies by creating overlapping coverage zones and reducing abrupt changes in viewing geometry.
3Ease of operation
If aiming assistance is added to help with alignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An aiming assembly is introduced as an intermediary component that projects visual guides (such as laser lines or LED indicators) to help the operator align the imaging assemblies with the barcode. This mediator provides alignment assistance without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while adding only minimal complexity to the overall device.
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
Enhances the operability of barcode readers across the entire working range by ensuring seamless transitions and improved visibility of field boundaries, reducing operator confusion and increasing reading accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging assembly having a first linear imaging sensor and a first lens assembly
Implementation Method 2
an aiming illumination source
Implementation Method 3
an aiming beam shaper, the aiming assembly being configured to emit a linear aiming light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods associated with optical data capture. In some embodiments, the present invention is a barcode reader that includes a first linear imaging assembly, a second linear imaging assembly, and an aiming assembly configured to emit a linear aiming light pattern, where the aiming light pattern is planarly aligned with the fields of view of the first and second imaging assemblies.