Imaging Scanner Multiple Image Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging scanners have limitations in recognizing barcodes due to their conical scan volume, which can lead to ineffective reading of labels close to the scanning window, specular reflection issues, and difficulty with labels at extreme angles, compared to laser scanners with facet wheels and mirror baskets that provide multiple viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
The imaging scanner is enhanced by partitioning a high-density imaging array into multiple regions, each with a distinct optical path and field of vision, using basket mirrors and folding mirrors to create a periscope assembly that allows multiple perspective views, increasing the effective scan volume and reducing specular reflection problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lens and single imager array are used, then the scanner structure is simple, but the scan volume is limited to a conical shape with a single point of view
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging array is divided into multiple separate imaging regions, each with its own lens and optical path. This segmentation allows each region to capture images from different viewing angles, effectively expanding the scan volume beyond the conical limitation of a single-imager system while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point view (0D) to multiple perspective views by adding spatial dimensionality through separate imaging regions positioned at different locations. This creates a multi-dimensional capture capability that expands the effective scan volume while keeping each individual imaging region simple.
2Device complexity
If a single imaging region is used, then the device complexity is low, but labels at extreme angles or close to the scanning window cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging array is segmented into multiple imaging regions, each optimized for specific angular ranges. This allows the system to read labels at extreme angles or close to the scanning window by using the appropriate imaging region, significantly improving adaptability while keeping each individual region relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each imaging region serves multiple functions by capturing images from different viewing angles. The collection of imaging regions together provides universal coverage for various label orientations and positions, enabling the system to handle diverse reading scenarios that a single region could not accomplish alone.
3Ease of operation
If illumination source reflects directly into the imager, then the reading process is straightforward, but specular reflection washes out the image entirely
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging array is divided into multiple regions with different optical paths and viewing angles. When specular reflection occurs in one region, other regions can capture the label from different angles where the reflection does not wash out the image, ensuring reliable reading while maintaining straightforward operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple imaging regions act as intermediaries that provide alternative optical paths. Instead of relying on a single direct reflection path that may be washed out by specular reflection, the system uses multiple intermediate viewing angles to capture the label information, ensuring image quality while keeping the reading process simple.
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 enables the scanner to read labels at various angles and orientations that would be unreadable with single-imager scanners, improving the scan volume and reducing specular reflection issues, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional imaging scanners.
Implementation Method 1
a lens for focusing light reflected from a graphical code to form an image on an imaging array
Implementation Method 2
a lens for focusing light reflected from a graphical code to form an image on an imaging array
Implementation Method 3
using basket mirrors and folding mirrors to create a periscope assembly that allows multiple perspective views
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing multiple image fields or regions on an imaging array. In certain preferred embodiments, a high density imaging array may be partitioned into two or more regions, each of which may be used to render a separate view of the scan volume. This arrangement may provide an increase in the effective scan volume beyond the volume available with a single imager having a single point of view and may allow for reading of encoded symbols at a variety of orientations that would otherwise preclude accurate imaging with a single imager.