FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention relates to imaging-based barcode readers having two windows.
BACKGROUND
Various electro-optical systems have been developed for reading optical indicia, such as barcodes. A barcode is a coded pattern of graphical indicia comprised of a series of bars and spaces of varying widths, the bars and spaces having differing light reflecting characteristics. The pattern of the bars and spaces encode information. Barcode may be one dimensional (e.g., UPC barcode) or two dimensional (e.g., DataMatrix barcode). Systems that read, that is, image and decode barcodes employing imaging camera systems are typically referred to as imaging-based barcode readers or barcode scanners.
Imaging-based barcode readers may be portable or stationary. A portable barcode reader is one that is adapted to be held in a user's hand and moved with respect to target indicia, such as a target barcode, to be read, that is, imaged and decoded. Stationary barcode readers are mounted in a fixed position, for example, relative to a point-of-sales counter. Target objects, e.g., a product package that includes a target barcode, are moved or swiped past one of the one or more transparent windows and thereby pass within a field of view of the stationary barcode readers. The barcode reader typically provides an audible and/or visual signal to indicate the target barcode has been successfully imaged and decoded. Sometimes barcodes are presented, as opposed to be swiped. This typically happens when the swiped barcode failed to scan, so the operator tries a second time to scan it. Alternately, presentation is done by inexperience users, such as when the reader is installed in a self check out installation.
A typical example where a stationary imaging-based barcode reader would be utilized includes a point of sale counter/cash register where customers pay for their purchases. The reader is typically enclosed in a housing that is installed in the counter and normally includes a vertically oriented transparent window and/or a horizontally oriented transparent window, either of which may be used for reading the target barcode affixed to the target object, i.e., the product or product packaging for the product having the target barcode imprinted or affixed to it. The sales person (or customer in the case of self-service check out) sequentially presents each target object's barcode either to the vertically oriented window or the horizontally oriented window, whichever is more convenient given the specific size and shape of the target object and the position of the barcode on the target object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
FIG. 1 depicts a workstation in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a schematic of a bi-optical workstation that includes a plurality of imaging sensors in accordance with some embodiments.
FIGS. 3A-3F are schematics of a bi-optical workstation that has six imaging sensors in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 4-6 shows that a large size sapphire window on the bi-optics scanner can be made by combining several small pieces together in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 7 shows the window on the bi-optics scanner can include a window sheet formed by joining the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets together in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 8 shows that a window sheet can be formed by joining four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets together with glue between edges of the sapphire sheets in accordance with some embodiments.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 depicts a workstation 10 in accordance with some embodiments. The workstation 10 is stationary and includes a housing 20. The housing 20 has a generally horizontal window 25H and a generally vertical window 25V. In one implementation, the housing 20 can be integrated into the sales counter of a point-of-transaction system. The point-of-transaction system can also includes a cash register, a touch screen visual display, a printer for generating sales receipts, or other type user interface. The workstation 10 can be used by retailers to process transactions involving the purchase of products bearing an identifying target, such as UPC symbols.
In accordance with one use, either a sales person or a customer will present a product or target object 40 selected for purchase to the housing 20. More particularly, a target barcode 30 imprinted or affixed to the target object will be presented in a region near the windows 25H and 25V for reading, that is, imaging and decoding of the coded indicia of the target barcode. Upon a successful reading of the target barcode, a visual and/or audible signal will be generated by the workstation 10 to indicate to the user that the target barcode 30 has been successfully imaged and decoded.
As schematically shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of imaging sensors 50, each associated with an illuminator 52, are mounted at the workstation 10, for capturing light passing through either or both windows from a target which can be a one- or two-dimensional symbol, such as a two-dimensional symbol on a driver's license, or any document, as described below. Each imaging sensor 50 is a solid-state area array, preferably a CCD or CMOS array. The imaging sensors 50 and their associated illuminators 52 are operatively connected to a programmed microprocessor or controller 54 operative for controlling the operation of these and other components. Preferably, the microprocessor is the same as the one used for decoding the return light scattered from the target and for processing the captured target images.
In operation, the controller 54 sends successive command signals to the illuminators 52 to pulse the LEDs for a short time period of 300 microseconds or less, and successively energizes the imaging sensors 50 to collect light from a target only during said time period, also known as the exposure time period. By acquiring a target image during this brief time period, the image of the target is not excessively blurred.
As previously stated, FIG. 2 is only a schematic representation of an all imaging sensor-based workstation as embodied in a bi-optical workstation with two windows. The workstation can have other kinds of housings with different shapes. The workstation can have one window, two windows, or with more than two windows. In some embodiments, the workstation can include between one to six imaging sensors. The bi-optical workstation can also include more than six imaging sensors.
FIGS. 3A-3F are schematics of a bi-optical workstation that has six imaging sensors in accordance with some embodiments. In FIGS. 3A-3F, the bi-optical workstation includes six imaging sensors C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6. commonly mounted on a printed circuit board 22. The printed circuit board 22 lies in a generally horizontal plane generally parallel to, and below, the generally horizontal window 25H.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the imaging sensor C1 faces generally vertically upward toward an inclined folding mirror M1-a directly overhead at the left side of the horizontal window 25H. The folding mirror M1-a faces another inclined narrow folding mirror M1-b located at the right side of the horizontal window 25H. The folding mirror M1-b faces still another inclined wide folding mirror M1-c adjacent the mirror M1-a. The folding mirror M1-c faces out through the generally horizontal window 25H toward the right side of the workstation.
In FIG. 3A, it is shown that the imaging sensor C1 is also associated with a group of other optical components 80. FIG. 3AA shows the group of other optical components 80 in details. In FIG. 3AA, it is shown that the imaging sensor C1 includes a sensor array 81 and an imaging lens 82. It is also shown that two light emitting diodes 85a and 85b, spaced apart, are installed closely adjacent to the sensor array 81. When the light emitting diode 85a (or 85b) is energized, light emitted from the light emitting diode 85a (or 85b) passes through a light pipe 86a (or 86b) and a lens 87a (or 87b). As shown in FIG. 3A, light emitted from the light emitting diode 85a (or 85b), after bouncing off the folding mirrors M1-a, M1-b, and M1-c sequentially, exits the housing 20 as the first illumination pattern centered by the light ray 110.
In FIG. 3A, the folding mirrors M1-a, M1-b, and M1-c also constitute part of an optical system for defining a predetermined field of view for the imaging sensor C1. The predetermined field of view for the imaging sensor C1 generally is centered by the light ray 110. In addition, the predetermined field of view for the imaging sensor C1 is preferably within the first illumination pattern.
FIG. 3B depict the optical path for the imaging sensor C2. The imaging sensor C2 and its associated optics in FIG. 3B is mirror symmetrical to the imaging sensor C1 and its associated optics in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3B, the imaging sensor C2 faces generally vertically upward toward an inclined folding mirror M2-a directly overhead at the right side of the horizontal window 25H. The folding mirror M2-a faces another inclined narrow folding mirror M2-b located at the left side of the horizontal window 25H. The folding mirror M2-b faces still another inclined wide folding mirror M2-c adjacent the mirror M2-a. The folding mirror M2-c faces out through the generally horizontal window 25H toward the left side of the workstation.
In FIG. 3B, when a light emitting diode associated with imaging sensor C2 is energized, light emitted from such light emitting diode, after bouncing off the folding mirrors M2-a, M2-b, and M2-c sequentially, exits the housing 20 as the second illumination pattern centered by the light ray 120.
FIG. 3C depict the optical path for the imaging sensor C3. In FIG. 3C, the imaging sensor C3 faces generally vertically upward toward an inclined folding mirror M3-a directly overhead at the left side of the vertical window 25V. The folding mirror M3-a faces another inclined narrow folding mirror M3-b located at the right side of the vertical window 25V. The folding mirror M3-b faces still another inclined wide folding mirror M3-c adjacent the mirror M3-a. The folding mirror M3-c faces out through the generally vertical window 25V toward the right side of the workstation.
In FIG. 3C, when a light emitting diode associated with imaging sensor C3 is energized, light emitted from such light emitting diode, after bouncing off the folding mirrors M3-a, M3-b, and M3-c sequentially, exits the housing 20 as the third illumination pattern centered by the light ray 130.
FIG. 3D depict the optical path for the imaging sensor C4. The imaging sensor C4 and its associated optics in FIG. 3D is mirror symmetrical to the imaging sensor C3 and its associated optics in FIG. 3C. In FIG. 3D, the imaging sensor C4 faces generally vertically upward toward an inclined folding mirror M4-a directly overhead at the right side of the vertical window 25V. The folding mirror M4-a faces another inclined narrow folding mirror M4-b located at the left side of the vertical window 25V. The folding mirror M4-b faces still another inclined wide folding mirror M4-c adjacent the mirror M4-a. The folding mirror M4-c faces out through the generally vertical window 25V toward the left side of the workstation.
In FIG. 3D, when a light emitting diode associated with imaging sensor C4 is energized, light emitted from such light emitting diode, after bouncing off the folding mirrors M4-a, M4-b, and M4-c sequentially, exits the housing 20 as the fourth illumination pattern centered by the light ray 140.
FIG. 3E depict the optical path for the imaging sensor C5. In FIG. 3E, the imaging sensor C5 and its associated optics are located generally near a center area between the imaging sensors C1 and C2. The imaging sensor C5 faces generally vertically upward toward an inclined folding mirror M5-a that is located directly overhead of the imaging sensor C5 and generally near a center area at one end of the window 25H. The folding mirror M5-a faces another inclined folding mirror M5-b located at the opposite end of the window 25H. The folding mirror M5-b faces out through the window 25H in an upward direction.
In FIG. 3E, when a light emitting diode associated with imaging sensor C5 is energized, light emitted from such light emitting diode, after bouncing off the folding mirrors M5-a and M5-b sequentially, exits the housing 20 as the fifth illumination pattern centered by the light ray 150.
FIG. 3F depict the optical path for the imaging sensor C6. In FIG. 3F, the imaging sensor C6 and its associated optics are located generally near a center area between the imaging sensors C3 and C4. The imaging sensor C6 faces generally vertically upward toward an inclined folding mirror M6-a that is located directly overhead of the imaging sensor C6 and generally near a center area at an upper end of the window 25V. The folding mirror M6-a faces out through the window 25V in a downward direction toward the countertop of the workstation.
In FIG. 3F, when a light emitting diode associated with imaging sensor C5 is energized, light emitted from such light emitting diode, after bouncing off the folding mirror M6-a, exits the housing 20 as the six illumination pattern centered by the light ray 160.
The windows in the workstation 10 quite often are made of sapphire crystals. It is no question, in compared to other materials, that sapphire crystal gives the best optical property like high transmission as well as mechanical quality like high scratch (wear) resistance. Traditional sapphire window for Bi-Optics scanner, however, is quite large and expensive. This is all because, for the window size like 150 mm×100 mm, there are limited sapphire crystal growth technology and not many available companies in mass production. Plus, its application is quite narrowly concentrated on POS (Point of Sales) such that business volume is not that high. In recent years, sapphire material has been rapidly and widely used in LED semiconductor industry as wafer substrate because of its superior high thermal conductivity and much less thermal expansion coefficient. But, the typical size for those applications is about 50-75 mm. Many companies can grow smaller size sapphire and unit price is much lower than those large one. In addition, because of smartphone applications, there are sapphire crystal windows that can be bought as off-the-shelf components and these smaller sapphire crystal windows are much cheaper than large-sized sapphire windows specifically-made for bi-optics scanners per the request of workstation manufactures.
In order to reduce the overall cost, as shown in FIG. 4-6, a large size sapphire window on the bi-optics scanner 10 can be made by combining several small pieces together. For the window on the bi-optics scanner 10, the sapphire sheet can be cemented on a regular float glass substrate, but instead of gluing one large sapphire piece, several much smaller pieces (like 75 mm×50 mm or 50 mm×50 mm) can be stitched together and glued seamlessly. In one example, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal window 25H of the bi-optics scanner 10 can be constructed by combining four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5, both the horizontal window 25H and the vertical window 25V of the bi-optics scanner 10 can be constructed by combining four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets. In still another example, as shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal window 25H is constructed by combining four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets and the vertical window 25V is constructed by combining six rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets.
Generally, at least one of the windows in the bi-optics scanner 10 of FIG. 4-6 includes a window sheet that is formed by joining four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets together with the area of the window sheet substantially equal to the sum of the areas of the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets. In some implementations, the window sheet can cover the entire horizontal window or the entire vertical window. In some other implementations, as shown in FIG. 7, the window sheet 125 can for a part of the window.
For forming the window sheet 125, as shown in FIG. 8, the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d can be jointed together with glue 128 between edges of the sapphire sheets. The glue can have an optical index that is substantially equal to the optical index of the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets. In some implementations, the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets can be jointed together along edges of the sapphire sheets with the separation between any two joint edges less than 10 micrometers (e.g., the “s” as shown in FIG. 8 is less than 10 micrometers). In other implementations, the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets can be jointed together along edges of the sapphire sheets with the separation between any two joint edges less than 5 micrometers. In some implementations, each of the four rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets has at least one side thereof that is less than or equal to 50 millimeters. For example, the rectangular-shaped sapphire sheet has one side that is equal to 50 millimeters. In still other implementations, larger size of sapphire sheet can be selected, and the rectangular-shaped sapphire sheets for forming the window sheet 125 can have its side selected to be between 50-70 millimeters.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.
Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
Patent Application
20140144987
