Bioptic Barcode Reader Dual Imaging Axis Intersection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bioptic barcode readers with a single imaging device have limited views of objects and users, while adding a second imaging device with a narrow field-of-view due to the small horizontal window restricts its effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A bioptic barcode reader design featuring two imaging devices positioned within the housing, with one imaging device directed downward through the upright window and the second imaging device directed upward through the same window, allowing their central imaging axes to intersect at an angle between 15 and 55 degrees, providing a wider field-of-view and enabling better object and user facial recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single imaging device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but field-of-view coverage and object identification capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield-of-view coverageVSAvoidnumber of imaging devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging function is segmented into multiple specialized imaging devices, each with a specific field-of-view orientation. The first imaging device captures images through the upright window, while the second imaging device captures images through the horizontal window, dividing the overall imaging task into complementary segments that together provide comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a second imaging dimension by introducing a horizontal window and a second imaging device oriented differently from the first. This dimensional addition transforms the single-plane imaging approach into a multi-plane imaging system, enabling views of objects from both upright and horizontal perspectives simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second imaging device is added to capture alternate angles, then object identification robustness is improved, but the narrow field-of-view due to small horizontal window limits its effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification robustnessVSAvoidfield-of-view area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each imaging device is optimized for its specific function and viewing angle. The first imaging device is optimized for upright window views, while the second imaging device is optimized for horizontal window views. This local optimization ensures that each device performs its specific imaging task effectively, with the second device providing valuable supplementary views despite the smaller horizontal window area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning and orientation of the two imaging devices. Rather than using two identical devices in symmetric positions, the imaging devices are placed at different locations (upright window versus horizontal window) and oriented at different angles, creating an asymmetric imaging architecture that maximizes the unique contribution of each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Measurement precision

If imaging devices are positioned to intersect at specific angles, then facial recognition and object identification are improved, but device positioning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacial recognition accuracyVSAvoidpositioning configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the imaging device configuration, including the intersecting angle between central imaging axes (15-55 degrees) and the upward angle of the second axis (greater than 0 degrees). By defining these parameter ranges, the patent optimizes facial recognition and object identification performance while providing guidance for implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12260288B2Bioptic barcode reader with imaging devices

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Bioptic barcode readers with multiple imaging devices are disclosed herein. An example bioptic barcode reader includes a housing with a generally horizontal window and an upright window, a barcode reading device positioned within the housing, a first imaging device positioned within the housing, and a second imaging device positioned within the housing below the first imaging device. The first imaging device has a first field-of-view directed out of the upright window, the second imaging device has a second field-of-view directed out of the upright window, and a first central imaging axis of the first field-of-view intersects a second central imaging axis of the second field-of-view at an intersecting angle that is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 55 degrees. The second central imaging axis of the second field-of-view extends upward above the generally horizontal window at a second angle that is greater than 0 degrees.