Bi-optic Barcode Reader Upright PCB Mirror Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-optic barcode readers have complex designs with numerous mirrors, leading to increased costs and potential damage, and existing simplified designs still rely on multiple mirrors to achieve sufficient field of view, necessitating a reduction in complexity and cost while enhancing robustness.
Innovation Solution
A bi-optic barcode reader design featuring a printed circuit board positioned upright with a mirror arrangement that splits and redirects the field of view through a minimal number of mirrors, using only one or two mirrors to redirect sub-fields of view through horizontal and upright windows, eliminating the need for additional printed circuit boards with imaging assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging sensors are positioned on multiple printed circuit boards with various mirrors redirecting fields of view, then field of view coverage is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple imaging sensors onto a single printed circuit board, merging what were previously separate imaging assemblies into one integrated unit. This reduces the number of mirrors needed and simplifies the overall optical path while maintaining the ability to capture images through both horizontal and vertical windows, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving field of view coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The single imaging assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images through both the horizontal window and vertical window using a minimized mirror arrangement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate imaging assemblies for each window orientation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors are used to redirect fields of view through windows, then appropriate field of view positioning is achieved, but reliability decreases due to increased potential for damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mirrors from the optical path, retaining only the minimum number of mirrors required to achieve proper field of view positioning. By removing redundant mirrors, the system maintains its ability to redirect fields of view appropriately while significantly reducing the components that could potentially be damaged, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple mirrors to achieve field of view positioning, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the imaging assembly and using a minimized mirror arrangement. This alternative configuration achieves the same positioning function with fewer components, reducing vulnerability to damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printed circuit boards with imaging assemblies are used, then imaging functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging assemblies that were previously distributed across multiple printed circuit boards into a single integrated imaging assembly on one printed circuit board. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full imaging functionality through both horizontal and vertical windows
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 design reduces complexity and cost while maintaining effective field of view coverage, enhancing reliability by minimizing the number of components and reducing the risk of damage from liquid spills, and allows for full-featured functionality with fewer parts.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror arrangement configured to split the first FOV into a first sub-FOV and a second sub-FOV, redirect the first sub-FOV through the generally horizontal window, and redirect the second sub-FOV through the generally upright window
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment of the present invention generally relate to bi-optic barcode readers. In an embodiment, the disclosure describes a barcode reader for use in a checkout workstation having a surface. The barcode reader includes: a lower housing portion having a top portion; a first optically transmissive window positioned in the top portion, a top surface of the first optically transmissive window defining a horizontal plane, the top portion of the lower housing being substantially parallel with the surface of the checkout workstation when the barcode reader is used in the checkout workstation; a raised housing portion having a second optically transmissive window, the raised housing portion extending at least partially above the top portion; and a PCB positioned substantially upright relative to the horizontal plane, the PCB having a first imaging assembly and a decode assembly, the barcode reader having no other printed circuit boards with another imaging assembly.