Multifold Mirrors for Bar Code Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging-based bar code readers with single cameras have limited effective field of view and require precise orientation of the target bar code for successful decoding, while multi-camera systems can increase the field of view but often suffer from stray light that can reach users or customers, causing distractions and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A bar code reader design incorporating multiple cameras with strategically positioned fold mirrors that define and control the field of view, ensuring that light from the light source is concentrated within the necessary area and minimizing stray light, thereby maintaining pixel resolution and preventing light from reaching users or customers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to increase the field of view, then the effective field of view is increased, but stray light can reach users or customers causing distractions and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Fold mirrors are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the light source and the field of view. These mirrors strategically reflect and redirect light paths, acting as mediators that concentrate illumination where needed while blocking stray light from reaching users or customers, thus resolving the contradiction between expanded field of view and stray light control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fold mirrors to introduce angular dimensionality to the light path management. By reflecting light at specific angles, the mirrors create a three-dimensional light control architecture that allows the system to expand the effective field of view horizontally while vertically directing stray light away from user areas, solving the contradiction through spatial dimensionality
2Measurement precision
If the light path length is increased to concentrate light, then pixel resolution is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fold mirrors are used to extend the optical path length by introducing angular reflections rather than simply increasing linear distance. This dimensional approach allows the light to traverse a longer effective path within a compact housing, maintaining pixel resolution while avoiding the need for proportionally larger device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into multiple segments by using fold mirrors to create multiple reflection stages. Instead of a single long path, the light traverses several shorter segments separated by mirrors, achieving the same total path length while allowing for more compact and manageable device architecture
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 provides a longer working range with maintained pixel resolution, effectively concentrating light where needed and preventing stray light from entering the field of view, enhancing user safety and decoding efficiency by utilizing a combination of multiple cameras and fold mirrors to manage the light path and field of view.
Implementation Method 1
One or more light reflecting fold mirrors define the field of view. The mirrors are positioned with respect to said light source and the sensor array along a light path to transmit light from light source to the field of view and transmit light that bounces from a target in the field of view back to the image capture sensor array.
Data Source
AI summary
A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader 10 for imaging a target bar code 30 on a target object 32 features: a housing 20 supporting a plurality of transparent windows H, V and defining an interior region, an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies C1-C5 coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array. One or more light reflecting fold mirrors M1-M14 define a camera assembly field of view positioned with respect to said light source and the sensor array at locations along a light path to transmit light from light source to the field of view and transmit light that bounces from a target in the field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array.