Movable Mirror Expands Camera Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual distribution systems face challenges in efficiently scanning and processing barcodes and machine-readable information due to the limitations of existing scanning systems, which often require operator intervention and struggle with capturing information from items of varying sizes and positions within a constrained field of view.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image capture system that uses a movable mirror to expand the field of view while maintaining resolution, allowing for the capture and processing of machine-readable information from items within a larger area without the need for increased sensor array size or decreased resolution, by capturing a series of images as the mirror moves to combine their fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased to scan larger areas, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into multiple sequential images captured at different positions. The mirror moves to different angular positions, and the image capture device takes multiple images that are then stitched together to form a composite image with both large coverage and high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable mirror that can dynamically change its angular position during the scanning process. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to capture multiple images from different angles and combine them, achieving both wide coverage and high resolution in a single scanning operation.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple image capture devices are used to increase field of view, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple static image capture devices, the patent uses a single image capture device combined with a movable mirror. The mirror's dynamic positioning allows one device to achieve the coverage that would otherwise require multiple devices, significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mirror acts as an intermediary between the single image capture device and the items being scanned. By redirecting light at different angles, the mirror enables one device to capture images of a much larger area, eliminating the need for multiple devices.
3Measurement precision
If the resolution is increased to maintain quality, then the image quality is improved, but the field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-area scanning task into multiple high-resolution images captured at different mirror positions. Each individual image maintains high resolution, and when stitched together, they form a large composite image that preserves detail across the entire scanned area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the mirror position to capture multiple high-resolution images of different portions of the scanned area. This allows the system to maintain high resolution for each captured image while collectively covering a much larger area than a single static image could provide.
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 efficient and hands-free scanning and processing of items, increasing the effective field of view without sacrificing resolution, thus improving the efficiency of sorting operations and reducing the need for operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror configured to be selectively movable and positioned relative to the image capture device to reflect light toward the one or more image sensors
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure defines systems, methods and apparatus for imaging systems for scanning barcodes and images in a manual distribution environment. In one aspect a method is disclosed for expanding the effective field of view of a camera used in an overhead scanning system. The method may include moving a mirror positioned relative to the input of a camera according to a determined pattern of movement and a determined speed and capturing a series of images with the camera while the mirror is moving such that the field of view defining each image captured by the camera changes based on the position of the mirror. The method may further include using combined image data from each of the images in the series of images to process machine readable information located on a target item being imaged.