Radial Aiming Patterns for Barcode Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aiming patterns in imaging readers fail to effectively center targets within a field of view, especially in crowded environments, and do not provide clear indications of the field of view boundaries or object positioning, leading to difficulties in accurately reading targets like barcode symbols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radial aiming patterns with illuminated lines extending from a central mark, which are designed to indicate the field of view boundaries, centering, and direction for target alignment, using diffractive or refractive optical elements to minimize diffractive artifacts and ensure eye safety compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rectangular or grid-based aiming patterns are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the patterns fail to effectively center targets, indicate FOV boundaries, or show direction to move in crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming pattern is segmented into multiple functional elements: a central mark for precise centering, radial lines extending outward to indicate FOV boundaries, and angular distribution to show direction. This segmentation allows each element to serve a specific function, resolving the contradiction by making the pattern more effective for target centering while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be implemented with standard optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional rectangular/grid patterns to a radial pattern that utilizes angular distribution as an additional dimension. The radial lines extend outward from the central mark at different angles, creating a three-dimensional visual structure that provides directional information and FOV boundary indication, thereby improving target centering capability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If traditional aiming patterns are used, then the device structure is simple, but the patterns do not provide clear indications of FOV boundaries or object positioning in bright ambient light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs illuminated radial patterns with specific brightness characteristics that enhance visibility in bright ambient light conditions. The radial lines and central mark are designed to provide sufficient contrast against the background, ensuring clear indication of FOV boundaries and target positioning. This approach addresses the information loss problem without requiring complex optical systems, as the solution relies on optimized illumination rather than additional optical components.
3Illumination intensity
If higher laser power is used to improve visibility of the aiming pattern in bright light, then the pattern becomes more visible, but eye safety compliance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radial lines that extend partially across the FOV rather than requiring full-intensity illumination across the entire field. The central mark provides the primary visual anchor, while the radial lines extend outward to indicate boundaries without requiring excessive power. This partial action approach maintains adequate visibility in bright light while staying within eye safety limits, as the critical information (central position and general FOV extent) is conveyed without requiring maximum illumination intensity throughout the entire pattern.
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 radial aiming patterns improve target centering and visibility in bright ambient light, reduce required input laser power, and enhance eye safety compliance by providing clear and reliable aiming patterns, even in high brightness conditions.
Implementation Method 1
using diffractive or refractive optical elements to minimize diffractive artifacts
Implementation Method 2
using diffractive or refractive optical elements to minimize diffractive artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to provide radial aiming patterns are disclosed herein. An example assembly includes an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of a portion of an environment in a field of view (FOV); and an aiming light generator configured to form an illuminated radial aiming pattern and present the illuminated radial aiming pattern to enable the portion of the environment to be positioned within the FOV, the illuminated radial aiming pattern including an illuminated central mark in a central area of the illuminated radial aiming pattern, an illuminated first line, an illuminated second line, an illuminated third line, and an illuminated fourth line, wherein the first line, the second line, the third line, and the fourth line extend outward from the central mark and are angularly distributed about the central mark.