Subdivided Barcode Scanner Exit Window for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode scanners are large and unwieldy due to the need to house illumination, receiving, and aiming sources, as well as prevent hot spot reflections, making them difficult to reduce in size without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A barcode scanner with a subdivided exit window, where the aiming source is placed behind one portion and the illumination source behind another, positioned to avoid obstruction of the receiving sensor's field of view and minimize reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the barcode scanner is made large to house all components and prevent hot spot reflection, then the scanner can prevent hot spot reflection and house all components, but the scanner becomes unwieldy and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The exit window is divided into multiple separate portions (first exit window portion and second exit window portion). The aiming source is positioned behind the first portion while the illumination source and receiving sensor are positioned behind the second portion. This segmentation allows each component to have its own dedicated exit window area, preventing hot spot reflections from reaching the sensor while enabling a more compact overall scanner design that improves usability.
2Ease of operation
If the barcode scanner size is reduced to improve usability, then the scanner becomes more manageable, but hot spot reflection and component housing become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning the aiming source and illumination source at different locations behind different portions of the subdivided exit window. The receiving sensor is positioned to receive light through the second portion while being spatially separated from the aiming source behind the first portion. This dimensional arrangement allows compact scanner design while maintaining reliable hot spot reflection prevention.
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 a reduction in scanner size while maintaining performance by optimizing the placement of components and reducing the impact of reflections, enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
A barcode scanner typically uses an illumination source to illuminate a barcode and a receiving sensor to detect the light from the illumination source reflected from the barcode
Implementation Method 2
The aiming source is placed behind a first portion of a subdivided exit window
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode scanner incorporates a subdivided exit window with a top portion and a bottom portion placed at different positions along a z-axis. An aiming source emits light from the top portion of the exit window and is positioned from a receiving sensor such that obstruction of the receiving sensor's field of view by the aiming source is avoided. An illumination source emits light from the bottom portion of the exit window and the receiving sensor received reflected light at the bottom portion of the exit window. The illumination source is positioned such that light from the illumination source reflected by the exit window is not received by the receiving sensor.