Bioptic Data Reader Using Wide-Angle Imagers Without Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data reading systems, such as bioptic readers, require complex mirror arrangements and large housings to achieve wide fields-of-view, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, and often rely on multiple imagers to capture all sides of an object.
Innovation Solution
A compact, streamlined data reading system using a pair of imagers with wide-angle fields-of-view, positioned underneath a horizontal surface and behind a vertical section, captures all sides of an object without relying on mirrors or other optics to segment or redirect image views, allowing for a robust and efficient data reading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors or other optics are used to segment and redirect imager views through scanning windows, then the field-of-view can be directed to capture item views, but the device complexity and housing size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mirrors and other optical redirecting components from the system. Instead of using mirrors to segment and redirect imager views through scanning windows, the invention uses imagers with wide-angle fields-of-view that directly capture images of items passing through the read region, eliminating the complex mirror arrangement entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the field-of-view parameter of the imagers from narrow to wide-angle. By using imagers with wide-angle fields-of-view, the system can capture multiple views of items without requiring mirrors or optical redirecting components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors or other optics are used to redirect imager views, then the desired fields-of-view can be achieved, but the housing size and interior space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mirrors and other optical redirecting components from the system. Instead of using mirrors to segment and redirect imager views through scanning windows, the invention uses imagers with wide-angle fields-of-view that directly capture images of items passing through the read region, eliminating the complex mirror arrangement entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions imagers in three-dimensional space underneath a horizontal surface and behind a vertical section, using spatial dimensionality to achieve wide field-of-view coverage without requiring long optical pathways or large housing interior space
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imagers are used to capture all sides of an object, then complete object coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each imager multi-functional by using wide-angle fields-of-view that allow single imagers to capture multiple surfaces of items (front, back, and sides). This universality reduces the number of imagers needed while maintaining complete object coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple narrow-field imagers into fewer wide-angle imagers. By merging the coverage capabilities into wide-angle fields-of-view, the system achieves complete object coverage with minimal imagers, reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a data reading system including a platter having a generally horizontal surface and a bonnet extending perpendicularly from the platter. The platter and bonnet each include a scan window positioned thereon, through which an imager projects a field-of-view to capture encoded data from an item. The fields-of-view of the imagers are non-segmented and are not otherwise redirected by mirrors, prisms, or other optics components. The fields-of-view of the imagers may have sufficiently wide angles to ensure that the collective fields-of-view capture all side surfaces of the item as it passes across the read region of the data reading system.