Two-Plane Optical Code Reader Using Fold Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imager-based optical code readers typically provide only a single point of view, limiting their ability to recognize optical codes due to conical viewing volumes, issues with specular reflection, and difficulties in reading codes at extreme angles or on the opposite side of packages.
Innovation Solution
The optical code reader employs multiple imagers and fold mirrors to capture multiple views from different perspectives, allowing for a compact and simplified design by directing views onto different imager portions and using a common circuit board to mount multiple cameras, enabling robust code capture at various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture multiple views, then the ability to recognize optical codes from different perspectives is improved, but the device complexity and physical size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera views are merged onto a single circuit board, integrating multiple imaging functions into one consolidated platform. This reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to capture optical codes from multiple perspectives simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to support multiple camera inputs and process various viewing angles universally. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware platform to handle different code orientations and perspectives without requiring separate dedicated systems for each view.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture multiple views, then the ability to recognize optical codes from different perspectives is improved, but the physical size of the reader increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera systems are merged onto a single circuit board, consolidating what would traditionally require separate physical mounting platforms. This integration significantly reduces the overall physical footprint of the reader while preserving multi-perspective imaging capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact design with single circuit board is used, then the physical size is reduced, but the capability to mount multiple cameras and capture multiple views is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed with universal mounting capabilities and multi-functional interfaces that can accommodate multiple cameras and process various viewing angles. This allows the compact board to support the full multi-perspective imaging capability without requiring additional physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from capturing images in a single dimensional plane to capturing multiple views across different spatial dimensions and angles. The circuit board processes images from multiple perspectives simultaneously, effectively adding dimensional diversity to the imaging capability within the same physical footprint.
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 enhances the first pass read rate and throughput, improves usability, and reduces the physical size of the reader by allowing multiple views to be captured with a single circuit board, addressing the limitations of single-point view systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical code reader employs multiple imagers and fold mirrors to capture multiple views from different perspectives
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
An optical code reader (80,150,180,210) forms images of an optical code on an object (20). The reader (80,150,180,210) comprises first and second viewing surfaces generally transverse to one another. The surfaces bound a viewing volume (64) in which the object (20) may be imaged. The reader (80,150,180,210) also comprises a set of one or more imagers (60) positioned on an opposite side of one or more of the first and second viewing surfaces relative to the viewing volume (64), and oriented and configured to capture images of the object (20) from at least three different views (62). Each of the views (62) passes through one of said first and second viewing surfaces. At least one of said views (62) passes through the first viewing surface, and at least one of said views (62) passes through the second viewing surface. The reader (80,150,180,210) also comprises at least one mirror (130), off which is reflected at least one of the views (62).