Bioptic Reader Camera Layout for Wider Scan Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioptic indicia reader assemblies with overhead cameras are not compatible with all furniture layouts, necessitating a solution that provides expanded vision capabilities within the standard footprint.
Innovation Solution
A bioptic indicia reader assembly with internal cameras positioned in protrusions on the housing, allowing for expanded vision capabilities without external cameras, covering the product scanning area, user's face, and conveyor areas from multiple angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If overhead cameras are used to provide expanded vision capabilities, then vision coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple individual cameras positioned in protrusions on the housing, each capturing a specific portion of the scene. This segmentation allows expanded vision coverage while keeping each individual camera unit simple and manageable, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single overhead camera view to a multi-dimensional perspective by positioning cameras at different locations and angles on the housing. This dimensional distribution of camera views enables expanded vision coverage without requiring a single complex overhead system, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If overhead cameras are installed to expand vision capabilities, then scanning coverage is improved, but adaptability to existing furniture layouts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera system with the existing bioptic indicia reader housing structure. By integrating cameras into protrusions on the housing rather than adding separate overhead components, the system maintains compatibility with existing furniture layouts while achieving expanded scanning coverage. This merging approach preserves adaptability to various installation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the traditional bioptic indicia reader functionality while simultaneously serving as a mounting structure for the camera system. This multi-functionality ensures that the system can be installed in existing furniture layouts without requiring specialized overhead mounting structures, thereby maintaining broad adaptability.
3Area of moving object
If multiple cameras are positioned in protrusions within the standard footprint, then vision capabilities are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into discrete camera units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the housing protrusions. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing parallel production of individual camera components, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-camera configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cameras are positioned within protrusions that extend from the housing, creating a nested structure where each camera is housed within its own protrusion. This nesting approach simplifies assembly by providing pre-formed housing structures for each camera, reducing the complexity of integrating multiple cameras into the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
An example bioptic indicia reader assembly includes: a housing having an upper housing portion and a generally upright window positioned in the upper housing portion; and a platter having a proximal edge adjacent the upper housing portion. The upper housing portion comprises a first protrusion located on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the bioptic indicia reader assembly and a second protrusion located on a second side of the longitudinal centerline. The first protrusion comprises a first camera having a first field-of-view (FOV) having an inner first lateral boundary that extends behind and at an angle to the proximal edge of the platter and the second protrusion comprises a second camera having a second FOV having an inner third lateral boundary that extends behind and at an angle to the proximal edge of the platter.