Barcode Scanner Multiple Fields of View Wavelength Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-aperture imaging barcode scanners split the camera's field of view into smaller areas, reducing scanning performance and requiring barcode stitching, which affects the ability to read barcodes from multiple directions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An imaging barcode scanner with multiple independent fields of view is achieved using light devices emitting different wavelengths of light, waveband mirrors that reflect specific wavelengths while transmitting others, and a controller to sequentially activate these components for decoding barcodes in separate images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imagers and mirrors are used to split the camera's field of view into several smaller fields of view, then the scanner can read barcodes from multiple directions, but the scanning performance is reduced due to reduced scan zone size and the need to stitch together pieces of barcodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple light sources (LEDs) positioned at different locations, each illuminating a different field of view. This allows the single imager to capture multiple barcode regions simultaneously without splitting the camera's field of view, thereby maintaining scanning performance while enabling multi-directional barcode reading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning multiple light sources at different locations around the imager. This creates multiple independent fields of view that can be captured simultaneously by the single imager, enabling multi-directional scanning without compromising the scan zone size or requiring image stitching
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imagers and mirrors are used to split the field of view, then multi-directional scanning is enabled, but the scan zone size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function across multiple light sources positioned at different locations, allowing each light source to illuminate a specific field of view. This segmentation enables the single imager to capture multiple barcode regions with full field of view, maintaining large scan zone size while enabling multi-directional scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by placing light sources at different positions around the imager, creating multiple independent fields of view. This dimensional approach allows the imager to capture barcode regions from multiple directions simultaneously without reducing the scan zone size, as each light source provides full-field illumination for its designated area
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 enhances scanning performance by maintaining a single imager's field of view, allowing for six-sided scanning without splitting, and provides improved barcode recognition and product identification.
Implementation Method 1
waveband mirrors each reflecting one of the different wavelengths of light from the light devices and transmitting other wavelengths of light
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode scanner which uses different wavelengths of light to produce different fields of view. An example barcode scanner includes a plurality of light devices each having a different wavelength of light and each associated with a different field of view for illuminating an item with a barcode, a plurality of waveband mirrors each reflecting one of the different wavelengths of light from the light devices and transmitting other wavelengths of light, an imager for receiving the different wavelengths of light reflected from the waveband mirrors and for producing corresponding images, and a controller configured to sequentially activate the light devices and the imager and to decode the barcode in an at least one of the images received from the imager.