Partially Transmissive Mirror Aiming for Specular Optical Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-position optical code scanners lack effective aiming devices for aligning optical codes on specular surfaces, as aiming beams are difficult to see on shiny or reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A partially transmissive mirror is used to superimpose a targeting pattern over the virtual image of the optical code, allowing operators to align the code directly with the scanner's field of view, eliminating the need for reflected aiming beams and enhancing usability on specular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reflected aiming beam is used to indicate the scanning position on the object, then the operator can see the target position on diffusive surfaces, but the aiming beam becomes very difficult to see on specular or shiny surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element that separates the operator's view from the object's surface properties. The beam splitter allows the operator to see the aiming beam in a different optical path than the object's reflected light, thereby eliminating the interference caused by specular surfaces. The aiming beam is directed through the beam splitter to the operator's eyepiece, while the object view is reflected from the beam splitter to the same eyepiece, creating two separate visual channels.
2Ease of operation
If the operator faces the optical code towards the scanner, then the scanner can read the code, but the operator cannot see the aiming beam or targeting method on the optical code
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's direct view of the optical code and the reflected view from the mirror are merged through the beam splitter into a single composite image visible in the eyepiece. This allows the operator to simultaneously see both the actual optical code position and the reflected aiming indicators without needing to shift position or rely solely on indirect mirror viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that combines multiple optical paths (direct view and mirror-reflected view) into a single visual channel for the operator. This enables the operator to see both the optical code and the aiming beam indicators simultaneously in one field of view, eliminating the need to choose between seeing the code or seeing the alignment indicators.
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
Enables easy alignment and reading of optical codes on both diffusive and specular surfaces by providing a visible aiming pattern through the mirror, improving scanning efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminated target indicator, reticle, or pattern, which is placed behind a negative power semi-reflective surface near the position of a virtual image of the object with the optical code
Implementation Method 2
partially transmissive mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A presentation scanner allows an operator to easily place an object being scanned within the scanner's field of view in order to enhance usability of the scanner. A partially transmitting and partially reflecting surface, like a mirror, is used. An aiming pattern or target indicator is projected from an aiming source to the surface. The aiming pattern or target indicator is seen by an operator who aligns the object, which is reflected from the surface back to the operator, to be placed over or within the aiming pattern that appears at the surface. Once aligned, a camera captures the image of the optical code.