Imaging Slot Scanner Dual Overlapping Fields of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging-based barcode readers face difficulties in decoding barcodes that are rotated significantly away from the scanner's direct line of sight, limiting the range of orientations within which a barcode can be successfully read.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a portable imaging slot scanner with dual overlapping fields of view, utilizing two solid-state imagers and an optical field-of-view splitter, allows for successful decoding of barcodes even when they are oriented nearly 90 degrees from the direct facing position by capturing images from two overlapping fields of view that overlap at a reference plane parallel to the scanner's front face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single field of view is used in the imaging slot scanner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the range of orientations in which barcodes can be successfully decoded is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple solid-state imagers (first solid-state imager and second solid-state imager), each capturing images within different fields of view. This segmentation allows the scanner to handle barcodes at various orientations by assigning specific imaging tasks to different imagers, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging slot scanner is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple solid-state imagers that can collectively capture barcodes across a wide range of orientations. The system universally handles both front-facing and fence-oriented barcodes through the combined capability of its multiple imaging components, achieving high adaptability without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solid-state imagers are used to capture images from different fields of view, then the range of orientations for barcode decoding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fields of view from different solid-state imagers are merged into a unified imaging system. The first field of view and the second field of view are combined to create an overlapping coverage area, allowing the system to decode barcodes at various orientations. This merging approach achieves comprehensive orientation coverage while managing device complexity through integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fields of view are made to overlap at a reference plane, then the successful decoding of fence-oriented barcodes is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system implements local quality by creating a specific overlapping region at a reference plane where the first field of view and second field of view intersect. This localized overlap area is specifically designed to capture fence-oriented barcodes, concentrating the precision requirements in a defined spatial region rather than across the entire field of view, thereby enabling fence-oriented barcode reading while managing manufacturing precision.
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 enables the successful decoding of barcodes positioned in a 'fence' orientation, significantly expanding the range of orientations in which barcodes can be read, improving the scanner's functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A barcode is a coded pattern of graphical indicia comprised of a series of bars and spaces of varying widths. In a barcode, the bars and spaces having differing light reflecting characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing images of a target object having a barcode. The apparatus includes a portable housing configured for standing on top of a flat surface and a window on the portable housing. The apparatus also includes an imaging system configured to capture a first image of the target object within a first field of view through the window and to capture a second image of the target object within a second field of view through the window. The first field of view and the second field of view overlap with each other at a reference plane that is substantially parallel to the front face and located within a working distance of the imaging system.