Bioptic Scanner Optical Arrangement Single Sensor Split Four Ways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bioptic barcode readers are complex and costly due to the requirement of multiple image sensors and mirror arrangements, which affects their efficacy in reading barcodes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A bioptic barcode reader design that utilizes a single image sensor with a mirror arrangement to divide the field of view into multiple subfields, redirecting them through both horizontal and upright windows, eliminating the need for additional imaging assemblies and reducing overall complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple image sensors and mirror arrangements are used to provide a large scan area, then the barcode reader can effectively read barcodes on swiped products, but the overall complexity and cost of the barcode reader increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scan area into two distinct windows: a horizontal window for scanning barcodes on products moved horizontally and an upright window for scanning barcodes on products moved vertically. Each window has its own imaging assembly with image sensor and mirror arrangement. This segmentation allows the system to cover a large scan area while maintaining specialized optimized paths for each scanning direction, resolving the contradiction between large scan area and device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple image sensors and mirror arrangements are used to provide a large scan area, then the barcode reader can effectively read barcodes on swiped products, but the cost of the barcode reader increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scan area into two distinct windows: a horizontal window for scanning barcodes on products moved horizontally and an upright window for scanning barcodes on products moved vertically. Each window has its own imaging assembly with image sensor and mirror arrangement. This segmentation allows the system to cover a large scan area while maintaining specialized optimized paths for each scanning direction, resolving the contradiction between large scan area and device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the number of image sensors is reduced to lower cost and complexity, then the barcode reader becomes more economical, but the efficacy of reading barcodes may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single image sensor that serves dual functions by capturing images from both the horizontal window and the upright window through separate mirror arrangements. This multi-functional use of the image sensor allows the barcode reader to maintain efficacy in reading barcodes from both horizontal and vertical product movements while reducing the total number of sensors required, thus lowering cost and complexity without sacrificing reliability.
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
The design maintains the barcode reader's efficacy while reducing costs by using a single image sensor and simplifying the mirror arrangement, allowing for adjustable fields of view and optional larger upright windows for durability without the need for specialty glass.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror arrangement is positioned within the interior region and is configured to divide the primary FOV into a plurality of subfields. The mirror arrangement is further configured to redirect at least two of the plurality of subfields through the generally horizontal window, and to redirect at least another two of the plurality of subfields through the generally upright window.
Data Source
AI summary
A bioptic scanner optical arrangement with a single sensor split four ways is disclosed herein. An example bioptic scanner optical arrangement includes a housing, an imaging assembly having a primary FOV, a decode module, a generally horizontal window supported by the housing, a generally upright window supported by the housing, and a mirror arrangement positioned within the interior region. The mirror arrangement is configured to divide the primary FOV into a plurality of subfields, to redirect at least one of the plurality of subfields through the generally horizontal window, and to redirect at least another two of the plurality of subfields through the generally upright window. The bioptic barcode reader has no other imaging assembly communicatively coupled to the decode module and used to process images for decoding indicia.