Data reading system and method for multi-view imaging using an adjustable mirror
First Claim
1. An automated checkout system for reading encoded data from an item, the automated checkout system comprising:
- a portal scanner having a first leg section spaced apart from a second leg section, and a top arch section extending across from the first leg section to the second leg section, wherein the first leg section includes a first plurality of mirrors and the second leg section includes a second plurality of mirrors;
a steerable mirror supported by the top arch section;
an imaging system supported by the top arch section, the imaging system having a view volume directed toward the steerable mirror;
an actuator;
a controller in operative communication with the actuator and the steerable mirror, the controller storing a plurality of control schemes including a first control scheme and a second control scheme, the controller operable to select between the first and second control schemes, wherein the controller is programmed to drive the actuator and move the steerable mirror through a plurality of positions based on a selected one of the first control scheme or the second control scheme, wherein during the first control scheme, the controller drives the actuator, which in turn, drives the steerable mirror along a first movement pattern through a first plurality of positions, where at each position in the first plurality of positions, the steerable mirror redirects the view volume of the imaging system toward one mirror of the first plurality of mirrors and the second plurality of mirrors, and wherein during the second control scheme, the controller drives the actuator, which in turn, drives the steerable mirror along a second movement pattern through a second plurality of positions, where at each position in the second plurality of positions, the steerable mirror redirects the view volume of the imaging system toward one mirror of the first plurality of mirrors and the second plurality of mirrors;
wherein the imaging system stitches together a plurality of images from one or more of the plurality of regions to collectively form a read region of the portal scanner for reading an optical code from an item being passed through the read region; and
a conveying system operable for transporting the item through the read region of the portal scanner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated checkout system for data reading, and related methods of use, the checkout system including a portal scanner and a conveyor for transporting items, the portal scanner housing a data reader with a view volume directed at a steerable mirror. In one example, the steerable mirror moves between various positions to augment the effective view volume of the data reader for capturing data from various surfaces of the item being transported on the conveyor. The portal scanner may include one or more mirrors arranged in an angular configuration to redirect the view volume of the data reader to capture data from the various surfaces of the item.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An automated checkout system for reading encoded data from an item, the automated checkout system comprising:
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a portal scanner having a first leg section spaced apart from a second leg section, and a top arch section extending across from the first leg section to the second leg section, wherein the first leg section includes a first plurality of mirrors and the second leg section includes a second plurality of mirrors; a steerable mirror supported by the top arch section; an imaging system supported by the top arch section, the imaging system having a view volume directed toward the steerable mirror; an actuator; a controller in operative communication with the actuator and the steerable mirror, the controller storing a plurality of control schemes including a first control scheme and a second control scheme, the controller operable to select between the first and second control schemes, wherein the controller is programmed to drive the actuator and move the steerable mirror through a plurality of positions based on a selected one of the first control scheme or the second control scheme, wherein during the first control scheme, the controller drives the actuator, which in turn, drives the steerable mirror along a first movement pattern through a first plurality of positions, where at each position in the first plurality of positions, the steerable mirror redirects the view volume of the imaging system toward one mirror of the first plurality of mirrors and the second plurality of mirrors, and wherein during the second control scheme, the controller drives the actuator, which in turn, drives the steerable mirror along a second movement pattern through a second plurality of positions, where at each position in the second plurality of positions, the steerable mirror redirects the view volume of the imaging system toward one mirror of the first plurality of mirrors and the second plurality of mirrors; wherein the imaging system stitches together a plurality of images from one or more of the plurality of regions to collectively form a read region of the portal scanner for reading an optical code from an item being passed through the read region; and a conveying system operable for transporting the item through the read region of the portal scanner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An automated checkout system for reading encoded data from an item, the automated checkout system comprising:
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a portal scanner having a first leg section spaced apart from a second leg section, and a top arch section extending across from the first leg section to the second leg section, wherein the first leg section includes a first plurality of mirrors and the second leg section includes a second plurality of mirrors; a steerable mirror supported by the top arch section; an imaging system including a variable focus lens system, the imaging system supported by the top arch section, the imaging system having a view volume directed toward the steerable mirror an actuator; a controller in operative communication with the actuator and the steerable mirror, the controllable storing a plurality of control schemes including a first control scheme and a second control scheme, the controller operable to select between the first and second control schemes, wherein the controller is programmed to drive the actuator and move the steerable mirror through a plurality of positions based on a selected one of the first control scheme or the second control scheme, wherein during the first control scheme, the controller drives the actuator, which in turn, drives the steerable mirror along a first movement pattern through a first plurality of positions, where at each position in the first plurality of positions, the steerable mirror redirects the view volume of the imaging system toward one mirror of the plurality of mirrors and the second plurality of mirrors, and wherein during the second control scheme, the controller drives the actuator, which in turn, drives the steerable mirror moves along a second movement pattern through a second plurality of positions, where at each position in the second plurality of positions, the steerable mirror redirects the view volume of the imaging system toward one mirror of the first plurality of mirrors and the second plurality of mirrors; wherein the imaging system stitches together a plurality of images from one or more of the plurality of regions to collectively form a read region of the portal scanner for reading an optical code from an item being passed through the read region; and a conveying system operable for transporting the item through the read region of the portal scanner. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification