Bioptical Barcode Reader With Independent Wide-View Surveillance Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-transaction workstations lack effective and cost-efficient means to implement operator surveillance without adding significant complexity or annoying the operator with bright, pulsed illumination light, while maintaining the primary function of symbol reading.
Innovation Solution
A field-installable camera module is integrated into the workstation to capture images of the operator's hands over a wide field of view, using ambient light during intervals without illumination, and is controlled independently from the symbol imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing solid-state imager is used for operator surveillance, then the surveillance function is added, but the image quality deteriorates due to unfocused images and improper exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate systems: the existing solid-state imager dedicated to symbol capture and a new camera module dedicated to operator surveillance. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, with the camera module providing proper focus, exposure, and field of view for surveillance while the imager maintains its symbol reading capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional workstation by adding the camera module that enables surveillance without compromising the primary symbol reading function. The workstation now serves dual purposes: traditional barcode/symbol scanning and operator behavior monitoring, with each function handled by specialized hardware components.
2Measurement precision
If bright pulsed illumination light is directed to the operator for surveillance, then the image capture capability is improved, but the operator comfort deteriorates due to annoyance and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination where the illuminator activates only during brief intervals when the camera module captures images, rather than continuously or frequently. This periodic action provides sufficient light for adequate image capture while minimizing operator exposure and discomfort, as the illumination is temporary and infrequent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary illuminator that provides ambient light for the camera module without directly affecting the operator. The illuminator is positioned and configured to illuminate the surveillance area adequately while avoiding direct exposure to the operator's eyes, serving as a mediator between the camera's lighting needs and operator comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the solid-state imager is used for surveillance, then the surveillance capability is added, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the surveillance function from the symbol reading system by using a separate, dedicated camera module. This extraction allows the existing solid-state imager and its complex mirror assembly to remain dedicated to symbol capture, while the simpler camera module handles surveillance, thereby adding functionality without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a relatively simple and cost-effective camera module for surveillance rather than utilizing the expensive, complex solid-state imager system. The camera module is a more economical component that suffices for surveillance purposes, reducing the overall cost and complexity increase while adding the desired capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror assembly is used to capture operator images, then the surveillance function is added, but the field of view is insufficient for wide-area monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging functions by assigning the wide-field surveillance task to a dedicated camera module with appropriate optics, separate from the imager's mirror assembly. This segmentation allows the camera module to be optimized for wide field of view to capture the operator and surrounding area, while the mirror assembly remains dedicated to capturing reflected light from symbols in the scan zone.
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
Enables cost-effective operator surveillance without additional complexity or discomfort, while maintaining efficient symbol reading capabilities and reducing sweethearting losses.
Implementation Method 1
A field-installable camera module is integrated into the workstation to capture images of the operator's hands over a wide field of view, using ambient light during intervals without illumination
Implementation Method 2
The known workstations utilize illumination light assemblies to illuminate the symbols
Implementation Method 3
to electro-optically read, by image capture, symbols, such as one-or two-dimensional bar code symbols associated with products
Data Source
AI summary
A workstation captures images of illuminated symbols with a solid-state imager. In an embodiment, the workstation includes a camera module in the workstation away from the imager. The camera module captures a secondary image through a window. The captured image of the illuminated symbol and the captured secondary image are independently processed.