Barcode Scanner Camera Pointing Direction Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode scanners face challenges in accurately reading indicia on multi-sided products due to variable symbol locations, orientations, and user handling, which complicates the prediction and capture of bar code symbols across dual window or bi-optical workstations.
Innovation Solution
A dual window, bi-optical point-of-transaction workstation equipped with two solid-state imaging sensors and an optical system that splits the field of view into multiple subfields, allowing for redundant coverage and effective reading of indicia from various angles and orientations, combined with adjustable illuminators and a mechanism for precise camera pointing direction adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture indicia from various angles and orientations, then the coverage and reliability of reading multi-sided products is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of alignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into multiple subfields, each captured by a separate camera. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for specific angles and orientations, improving overall reading reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic adjustment of camera pointing directions through mechanisms that allow real-time repositioning of cameras. This enables the system to adapt to various product orientations and maintain optimal capture angles, resolving the alignment complexity issue
2Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view is split into multiple subfields with redundant coverage, then the ability to read indicia from various angles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system divides the field of view into multiple subfields, with each subfield captured by a dedicated camera. This segmentation enables the system to handle various angles and orientations effectively while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system and camera arrangement are designed to serve multiple functions - capturing indicia from different angles, providing redundant coverage, and maintaining focus across varying distances. This multi-functionality improves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
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
Ensures maximum performance in reading indicia on multi-sided products by providing redundant coverage and optimizing visibility across common orientations, ensuring accurate decoding even with unusual product presentations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that splits the field of view into multiple subfields
Implementation Method 2
when return light from a symbol is captured over a field of view by an imaging sensor in a reader
Data Source
AI summary
A workstation with a housing having a upright window and a horizontal window includes a printed circuit board having at least two imaging sensors thereon located in the housing, and a controller operative to read a barcode in a captured image. The workstation also includes a chassis firmly mounted on the printed circuit board, and two inserts each configured to hold steadily one of at least two lens assemblies. At least one of the two inserts includes multiple slots for attaching such insert to the chassis at a position that is laterally adjustable.