Imaging Barcode Scanner Multi-Angle Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging barcode scanners often have reduced resolution and limited field of view due to split fields of view caused by mirror assemblies, making them unsuitable for accurate document capture, and adding larger, higher-resolution sensors increases costs and computational burden, while using both imaging and document scanners leads to device crowding and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
An imaging barcode scanner with a housing supporting a first and second array of photosensitive elements at different angles, a processor to receive and register images from these arrays, and generate an enhanced image with higher pixel density by overlapping and interpolating pixel data from multiple fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mirror assemblies are used to split fields of view in imaging barcode scanners, then barcode capture capability is maintained, but image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging sensor array is divided into multiple segments, each capturing a different field of view at different angles. The first array captures a first field of view while the second array captures a second field of view, allowing the system to maintain barcode capture capability while collecting data from multiple angles for enhanced document capture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image arrays are combined through image processing to generate a single enhanced image. The processor receives images from both arrays, registers them to each other, and merges the data to produce an enhanced image with higher resolution than individual arrays could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If larger, higher-resolution image sensors are used, then document capture resolution is improved, but cost and computational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large high-resolution sensor, the system uses multiple smaller sensor arrays, each capturing a portion of the document at different angles. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution through combined data rather than requiring a single expensive high-resolution sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of angular variation by capturing images at multiple angles from different sensor arrays. This additional dimension of data (angular information) enables reconstruction of high-resolution document images without requiring proportionally larger or more expensive sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both imaging barcode scanner and document scanner are provided, then both barcode capture and document capture are enabled, but device crowding and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging barcode scanner is enhanced with multi-functionality by adding a second image array capable of capturing documents at different angles. This allows the single device to perform both barcode scanning and document capture operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated document scanners and reducing device crowding in point-of-sale environments.
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
The solution provides enhanced image resolution and accurate document capture without the need for additional scanners, reducing costs and device crowding while maintaining effective barcode capture capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of photosensitive elements having a first field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a first angle, and a second array of photosensitive elements having a second field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a second angle
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging barcode scanner and method are provided. The scanner includes a housing defining a work surface, a window supported by the housing, a first array of photosensitive elements having a first field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a first angle, and a second array of photosensitive elements having a second field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a second angle. The scanner also includes a processor connected to the first and second arrays of photosensitive elements, and configured to: receive a first image of the work surface from the first array of photosensitive elements, and a second image of the work surface from the second array of photosensitive elements; register the first image with the second image; and generate an enhanced image of the work surface based on the registered first image and second image, the enhanced image having a greater pixel density than the first image and the second image.