Dual Window Workstation Stationary Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual window workstations with imager-based readers face challenges in providing full coverage scan zones without dead areas, as splitting the field of view or moving the imager between windows leads to inefficiencies and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A bi-optical workstation utilizing a single solid-state imager with a stationary optical system that splits its field of view into multiple light collection regions, allowing simultaneous imaging through both windows without moving parts, thereby reducing costs and extending the workstation's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the field of view of an imager is split into light collection regions or the imager is moved to successively face each window, then the number of imagers is reduced and cost is lowered, but the scan zone does not have full coverage and has dead areas where indicia cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scan zone into multiple sectors, each served by a dedicated imager with a specific field of view. The workstation uses multiple imagers (at least three) positioned to cover different angular ranges, ensuring complete coverage of the scan zone without dead areas. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining full coverage reliability while using a practical number of imagers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends coverage by imaging through both horizontal and upright windows, adding a vertical dimension to the scan coverage. By utilizing imagers that can capture images through multiple window orientations and combining data from different angular perspectives, the system achieves comprehensive three-dimensional coverage of the scan zone.
2Ease of manufacture
If the entire field of view of an imager is moved to successively face each window, then the number of imagers is reduced, but imaging responsiveness is reduced due to timing delays and moving component requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imagers operating simultaneously to achieve complete scan zone coverage. Rather than moving a single imager's field of view between windows, multiple imagers capture images through different windows at the same time, eliminating timing delays and improving imaging responsiveness while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions multiple imagers in advance with predetermined fields of view oriented toward different windows. This preliminary arrangement of multiple imaging devices eliminates the need for real-time movement or switching during operation, allowing simultaneous capture of indicia through multiple windows and improving response time.
3Ease of manufacture
If a moving component is used to direct the field of view between windows, then the number of imagers is reduced, but the working lifetime is shortened and reliability is reduced due to dust generation and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving a single imager or its field of view between windows, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple stationary imagers with fixed fields of view oriented toward different windows. This eliminates moving components entirely, removing the sources of dust generation and mechanical failure while achieving complete scan zone coverage through simultaneous multi-imager operation.
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 solution ensures full coverage of the scan zone with minimal dead areas, enhances imaging responsiveness, and reduces maintenance needs by eliminating moving components and dust-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
return light from the symbol is captured over a field of view by a solid-state imager
Data Source
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AI summary
A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with products with a single, solid-state imager that captures return light from the indicia over a field of view. A first optical subsystem is stationarily supported by the workstation and directs at least a part of the field of view of the imager as a first light collection region or regions passing through one of the windows. A second optical subsystem is also stationarily supported by the workstation and directs at least a part of the field of view of the imager as a second light collection region or regions passing through the other of the windows. A controller controls the imager and processes the captured return light in at least one of the light collection regions.