Dual Illuminator Code Reader for Active Field of View Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional code readers with multiple cameras lack the ability to directly indicate which imager is selected, making it difficult for users to correctly aim and frame optical codes within the active field of view, especially in varying distances and lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A code reader system comprising multiple imagers and illuminators with different fields of view, where a processor activates the appropriate imager and illuminator pair based on detected conditions, such as target distance and code characteristics, to project a specific illumination pattern matching the selected receiver's field of view, thereby identifying the active field of view to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single illuminator is used to cover multiple fields of view, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to indicate the active field of view to the user is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single illuminator is segmented into multiple independent illuminators, each corresponding to a specific field of view. This segmentation allows each illuminator to be independently controlled and activated, enabling the system to indicate which field of view is currently active by lighting up the corresponding illuminator, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and field of view identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from multiple fields of view, then the ability to read codes in varying distances is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring which imager is selected increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing visual indication through illuminated markers that show the user which field of view and corresponding imager are currently active. This feedback mechanism eliminates the difficulty of detecting the active imager by giving direct visual information about the current capture mode, while maintaining the versatility of multiple cameras for different reading distances.
3Device complexity
If the illumination pattern does not match the field of view, then device complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of optical code reading decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each illuminator is configured with a specific illumination pattern that is locally optimized to match its corresponding field of view characteristics. This local quality approach ensures that the illumination pattern is tailored to the specific imaging conditions of each field of view, thereby improving code reading accuracy without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system.
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
This solution allows for improved user guidance on the active field of view, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of optical code reading by selecting the optimal imager and illuminator pair based on target distance and code characteristics, overcoming limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first illuminator and a second illuminator configured to project a different illumination pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A code reader comprises a first imager and a second imager configured to capture an image with different field of views, a first illuminator and a second illuminator configured to project a different illumination pattern, and a processor operably coupled to the imagers and the illuminators. The processor configured to activate the first imager and the first illuminator as a receiver pair responsive to detecting a first condition, activate the second imager and the second illuminator as a receiver pair responsive to detecting a second condition, and decode an optical code using an image captured by the selected receiver pair.