Dual Optical Assembly Indicia Reader for Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading terminals face challenges in increasing their working range and speed while maintaining cost-effectiveness, reliability, and durability, as existing solutions often result in high complexity and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an indicia reading terminal with a dual optical assembly system, where a first optical assembly focuses imaging light onto a majority of the image sensor array's pixels for short-range decoding and a second optical assembly focuses onto a minority for long-range decoding, with independent exposure and gain control for each set of pixels, allowing for optimized image capture and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical design approaches are used to increase working range, then working range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor array is divided into two distinct sets of pixels: a first set coupled to a first optical assembly for short-range decoding, and a second set coupled to a second optical assembly for long-range decoding. This segmentation allows each optical assembly to be optimized for its specific range without requiring a single complex system to handle all ranges, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining extended working range capability.
2Length of stationary object
If optical design approaches are used to increase working range, then working range is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single image sensor array serves multiple functions by having different pixel sets processed through different optical assemblies. The first set of pixels handles short-range indicia while the second set handles long-range indicia, allowing one sensor array to perform what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while achieving extended working range.
3Length of stationary object
If optical design approaches are used to increase working range, then working range is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into two specialized sets, each optical assembly can be simpler and more reliable for its specific function. The independent exposure control for each pixel set allows optimal performance without over-engineering either path, reducing the risk of system failures while achieving extended working range through straightforward parallel architecture.
4Length of stationary object
If optical design approaches are used to increase working range, then working range is improved, but durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single image sensor array performs dual functions for short and long range decoding, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical systems that would each need to be maintained. This universal approach reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points, improving durability while achieving extended working range through intelligent pixel allocation and independent exposure control.
5Productivity
If multiple optical assemblies with independent exposure control are used, then working speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor array is segmented into two pixel sets, each with independent exposure control, allowing simultaneous capture of short-range and long-range indicia. This parallel processing capability increases working speed by eliminating sequential scanning, while the segmentation keeps each control pathway simple and manageable, preventing excessive complexity.
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 configuration enhances the terminal's working range and speed while maintaining low cost, reliability, and durability by optimizing image capture and processing for both short and long-range decoding tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array
Implementation Method 2
a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an image reading terminal having an image sensor array including a plurality of pixels, a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array and a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array. The first set of pixels and the second set of pixels of the image sensor array can have different exposure settings in a single exposure period for the image sensor array. In one embodiment, the indicia reading terminal can be adapted to process image data corresponding to pixels of the image sensor array for attempting to decode a decodable indicia.