Tri-Optic Scanner Layout for Retail Barcode Dead Zone Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-optic indicia readers in retail environments often have scanning 'dead zones' where barcodes are not read due to improper orientation or configuration of scanning components, leading to unsuccessful scan attempts.
Innovation Solution
The tri-optic indicia reader employs multiple imaging assemblies with folded and extended fields of view, utilizing folding mirrors and inclined surfaces to increase the scanning region and reduce dead zones, enhancing the correlation between user perception and actual scanning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple imaging assemblies are added to reduce scanning dead zones, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is divided into multiple independent imaging assemblies (first imaging assembly, second imaging assembly, third imaging assembly), each responsible for capturing images in specific field of view regions. This segmentation allows each component to focus on a particular scanning zone, reducing dead zones while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding imaging assemblies positioned at different spatial locations and orientations (first, second, and third imaging assemblies with different FOV orientations). This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures comprehensive coverage by capturing images from multiple angles and positions, eliminating scanning dead zones that would exist in a single-plane configuration
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view is extended to cover more scanning regions, then the working range is improved, but the imaging sensor performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single imaging sensor with a very wide field of view, the system segments the scanning region into multiple zones and uses multiple imaging assemblies, each with an optimized field of view for its specific zone. This allows each sensor to operate at optimal performance levels while collectively covering a large scanning area
Solution Approach 2:
Optical components (such as mirrors or beam splitters) are used as intermediaries to redirect and combine the fields of view from multiple imaging assemblies into a unified scanning region. This allows the system to achieve extended working range while maintaining the optical performance of individual sensors by using these intermediary elements to manage the light paths
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 tri-optic design significantly reduces scanning dead zones and increases the working range, improving the success rate of scan attempts by untrained users and accommodating larger objects.
Implementation Method 1
the FOV1 is folded via a first folding mirror disposed proximately to the first distal window
Data Source
AI summary
A tri-optic scanner may be provided by an indicia reader, including a housing, including a lower housing portion having a first surface defining a first horizontal plane, a horizontal window, an upper housing portion bounded by a first frontal plane and a second horizontal plane, a first distal window, a second distal window, a first imaging assembly having a first imaging sensor, configured to capture first image-data from a first field of view (FOV1), a second imaging assembly having a second imaging sensor, configured to capture second image-data from a second field of view (FOV2), a scanning region, and a visual data analysis module configured to analyze at least one of the first image-data and the second image-data to decode data corresponding to an indicium appearing in at least one of the first image-data and the second image-data.