Systems and method for enabling selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data

A bioptic barcode reader is disclosed for selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data. The bioptic barcode reader includes a housing and a primary imager positioned within the housing, configured to scan a target object during a first time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a primary illumination source positioned within the housing configured to emit primary illumination in a primary wavelength range during the first time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a secondary imager configured to capture one or more images of a target object during a second time period. The bioptic barcode reader further includes a secondary illumination source configured to emit secondary illumination in a secondary wavelength range during the second time period, wherein the second time period and first time period are interleaved and the secondary wavelength range is different from the primary wavelength range.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bioptic scanners have long been used to capture barcode data which is then used to look up the price of the item scanned. Barcode scanning is traditionally performed with monochromatic imaging. In other words, both the camera and the illumination source operate within a narrow bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum. Lasers are typically used as the illumination source to achieve this narrow bandwidth. Barcode scanning with monochrome imaging is cost effective, and for historic reasons, is traditionally performed in the red region of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. However, while bioptic scanners began as laser based systems, they have evolved into digital or camera based systems.

Digital or camera based bioptic imagers may be used for item recognition purposes. Contrary to barcode scanning, however, item recognition is typically performed with multicolor imaging. In other words, both the camera and the illumination source operate within a broad region of the visible spectrum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Traditional bioptic barcode readers do not possess the ability to perform both monochrome and multicolor imaging. Accordingly, there is a need for solutions that solve issues regarding scanners that cannot provide both monochromatic and multicolor illumination for a monochrome camera and a color camera, respectively.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a bioptic barcode reader, and related methods, are described for selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data. The bioptic barcode reader, and related methods, of the present disclosure provide solutions where, e.g., a bioptic barcode reader is required to capture both barcode and object image data.

For example, when the bioptic barcode reader activates to capture barcode data, the monochromatic barcode imager may not register a barcode, e.g., a piece of produce lacking a barcode. In various embodiments, the disclosure of the present application describes a multicolor imaging system configured to capture color images of objects for analysis after the monochromatic barcode imaging process has failed to produce barcode data. The color images may be sent to a host computer for analysis to provide product identification despite the lack of a barcode. In this way, the disclosure of the present application provides store personnel at a point of purchase and others the ability to identify and accurately price products without a barcode.

Other benefits may be realized from the combined monochromatic and color imaging of the bioptic barcode reader. For example, the bioptic barcode reader of the present application may be used to detect when an object has been passed through the bioptic barcode reader without being imaged. The bioptic barcode reader of the present application could then alert store personnel that a theft event is in progress.

Additionally, the bioptic barcode reader of the present application may be used to detect when an imaged barcode is improperly affixed to a product with the intent to purchase the product at a lower price, i.e., “ticket switching.” The bioptic barcode reader of the present application would detect an object passing through its optical field of view (FOV) and activate to capture a barcode. After capturing a barcode, the multicolor imaging system of the bioptic barcode reader would activate to capture a color image of the product. Upon comparison, the bioptic barcode reader of the present application would detect a mismatch between the product identified from the color image and the product identified in the imaged barcode. The bioptic barcode reader of the present application could then alert store personnel the imaged barcode has been improperly affixed to the imaged product.

Turning now to the figures,FIG. 1Aillustrates a perspective view of an example bioptic barcode reader100in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. Bioptic barcode reader100includes a housing102and a primary imager assembly including one or more primary imagers, represented collectively as elements104and106. These two primary imagers may be a vertical imager104and a horizontal imager106. The primary imager assembly104,106may include two cameras for the purpose of capturing 1D or 2D images (e.g., barcodes). The primary imager assembly104,106is configured to capture one or more first images of a barcode associated with a target object during a first time period. Thereafter, for example, a processor (not shown) may analyze the one or more first images of the barcode to decode information from the barcode. These processors may be contained in the primary imager assembly or the one or more primary imagers, such that the one or more primary imagers may be configured to read one or more barcodes associated with the one or more target objects.

In certain embodiments, the primary imager assembly104,106is a bioptic camera positioned at a surface of a point of sale (POS) station. Additionally, the vertical imager104may be a color camera, monochromatic camera, RFID sensor, or any other suitable imaging device. In certain embodiments, the horizontal imager106may be a color camera, monochromatic camera, RFID sensor, or any other suitable imaging device.

Bioptic barcode reader100further includes a primary illumination assembly108. The primary illumination assembly108is positioned within the housing102, and is configured to emit a primary illumination during at least a part of the first time period. In certain embodiments, the primary illumination assembly108is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. In these embodiments, the primary illumination assembly108is optimized for reading the one or more barcodes in the enabled state.

For example, the primary imager assembly104,106may activate to capture the one or more first images during the first time period. Accordingly, the primary illumination assembly108may emit the primary illumination through a substantially vertical imaging window110and/or a substantially horizontal imaging window of the bioptic barcode reader100. The primary illumination assembly108may begin emitting the primary illumination before the first time period, and may continue emitting the primary illumination until the end, before the end, or after the end of the first time period. Similarly, the primary illumination assembly108may begin emitting the primary illumination after the beginning of the first time period, and may stop emitting the primary illumination before the end, until the end, or after the end of the first time period. Moreover, and as discussed further herein, the primary illumination assembly108may emit the primary illumination at intervals (i.e., illumination pulses) before, during, and/or after the first time period, but during at least a part of the first time period.

The primary illumination has a primary illumination wavelength range. In certain embodiments, the primary illumination is monochromatic illumination, and the primary illumination wavelength range is in the near-infrared spectrum or any other suitable wavelength range to scan 1D or 2D images, including white light.

The substantially vertical imaging window110and the substantially horizontal imaging window112define an optical FOV for the bioptic barcode reader100. For example, this optical FOV may allow the bioptic barcode reader100to scan five or more sides of any object passing through the optical FOV.

As further described herein, the bioptic barcode reader100may be configured to automatically activate upon an object's entry into the optical FOV. In certain embodiments, once the object enters the optical FOV, the primary illumination assembly108may activate to emit the primary illumination through the substantially vertical imaging window110. The primary imager assembly104,106may then activate to capture an image of the object. It is to be understood however, that activation of the bioptic barcode reader100need not be automatic upon an object entering the optical FOV. Activation of the bioptic barcode reader100may occur through any suitable means, including manual activation.

Accordingly, activation of the bioptic barcode reader100, e.g., via an object entering the optical FOV, may cause the bioptic barcode reader100to capture image data. Such image data may include, for example, product codes (e.g., barcodes or QR codes) associated with corresponding products as well as visual images of the product being scanned, as further described herein.

FIG. 1Billustrates an exploded view of the example bioptic barcode reader100ofFIG. 1Ain accordance with various embodiments regarding selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data as disclosed herein. Bioptic barcode reader100includes a secondary imager assembly116including one or more secondary imagers. The one or more secondary imagers are configured to capture one or more second images of the target object. The one or more secondary imagers are further configured to capture the one or more second images during a second time period. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly116is a color camera positioned at an area above the surface of the POS station. In other embodiments, the secondary imager assembly116is positioned externally from the housing (e.g., housing102).

In certain embodiments, the one or more secondary imagers are configured to capture the one or more secondary images of the one or more target objects when the primary illumination assembly108is in either of the enabled state or the disabled state. For example, the one or more secondary imagers may be configured to capture the one or more secondary images while the primary illumination assembly108is in the enabled state (i.e., emitting the primary illumination), or using only ambient light (i.e., without the primary illumination).

To illustrate, if a user wishes to purchase a piece of fruit, the user will pass any barcode(s) affixed to or otherwise associated with the piece of fruit through the bioptic barcode reader's100FOV. Once the piece of fruit passes through the bioptic barcode reader's100FOV, the primary imager assembly104,106will activate to capture the one or more first images of the one or more barcodes of the piece of fruit, and the primary illumination assembly108will emit the primary illumination (i.e., operate in the enabled state). The secondary imager assembly will then activate to capture the one or more second images of the piece of fruit. Accordingly, the secondary imager assembly may activate while the primary illumination assembly108is still emitting the primary illumination, or may activate after the primary illumination assembly has finished emitting the primary illumination.

The second time period is sequenced after or is partially overlapped with the first time period. Hence, the secondary imager assembly116is configured to capture the one or more second images of the target object after the primary imager assembly104,106has captured the one or more first images of the barcode associated with the target object.

For example, and in certain embodiments, the first time period and the second time period comprise a duty cycle. Further in this example, the first time period comprises a first portion of the duty cycle, and the second time period comprises a second portion of the duty cycle. The primary imager assembly104,106and the secondary imager assembly116may be active for the same period of time, and thus each comprise one half of the duty cycle of the bioptic barcode reader100. However, the secondary imager assembly116and the primary imager assembly104,106may be active for unequal periods of time, and thus comprise unequal portions of the duty cycle of the bioptic barcode reader100.

Additionally, the secondary imager assembly116may be configured to capture a landscape and/or portrait image of the target object during the second time period. For example, the secondary imager assembly116in a landscape orientation may be able to achieve capturing the one or more second images of the target object with a wide horizontal field of view (FOV) (e.g., horizontal FOV of ˜70 degrees) over the bioptic barcode reader100imaging surface. Similarly, the secondary imager assembly116in a portrait orientation may be able to achieve capturing the one or more second images of the target object with a wide vertical FOV (e.g., vertical FOV of ˜70 degrees) over the bioptic barcode reader100imaging surface.

In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly116may be configured to activate when a target object enters the optical FOV of the bioptic barcode reader100. It should be understood, that the secondary imager assembly116may be configured to activate before the primary imager assembly104,106.

The data or information captured from either the primary imager assembly104,106and/or the secondary imager assembly116may be transmitted to POS stations, servers, or other processing devices for a variety of purposes including, e.g., product purchases, data storage, inventory purposes, etc.

Bioptic barcode reader100further includes a secondary imager assembly holder118and a secondary imager assembly opening120. The secondary imager assembly holder118is designed to couple the secondary imager assembly116with the secondary imager assembly opening120. The secondary imager assembly holder118and secondary imager assembly opening120place the secondary imager assembly116in a position to capture the one or more second images of the target object. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly holder118may be adjustable between portrait and landscape orientations, as discussed herein.

The bioptic barcode reader100further includes an adjustable exterior covering122. The adjustable exterior covering122may be a part of the housing102, and may be detachable from the remainder of the bioptic barcode reader100. For example, in certain embodiments, when portrait orientation images are desired, the adjustable exterior covering122may be removed, and the secondary imager assembly holder118may be adjusted to facilitate the secondary imager assembly116capturing the one or more second images in a portrait orientation.

FIG. 2illustrates a cross section view of the example bioptic barcode reader100ofFIG. 1Ain accordance with various embodiments regarding selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data as disclosed herein. Bioptic barcode reader100includes the primary illumination assembly108and a secondary illumination assembly204. The secondary illumination assembly204is configured to emit a secondary illumination during at least a part of the second time period. The secondary illumination has a secondary illumination wavelength range, which is different from the primary wavelength range of the primary illumination emitted by the primary illumination assembly108. In certain embodiments, the secondary illumination assembly204is positioned externally from the housing (e.g., housing102).

In certain embodiments, the secondary illumination is multicolor illumination. in these embodiments, the secondary wavelength range includes a composition of wavelengths sufficient to create substantially white light. For example, the secondary wavelength range may include a composition of light from the blue and yellow ranges of the visible spectrum to create a type of substantially white light.

The bioptic barcode reader100illustrated inFIG. 2. further includes a primary controller206configured to control the primary illumination from the primary illumination assembly108. For example, the primary controller206may activate the primary illumination assembly108once the target object enters the optical FOV.

The bioptic barcode reader100illustrated inFIG. 2further includes a secondary controller208configured to control the secondary illumination of the secondary illumination assembly204. The secondary controller208is separate from the primary controller206. For example, the secondary controller208may activate the secondary illumination assembly204after the primary controller206has activated and deactivated the primary illumination assembly108. In certain embodiments, the secondary controller208may activate the secondary illumination assembly204once the target object enters the optical FOV. In other embodiments, the primary controller206and secondary controller208may activate the primary illumination assembly108and the secondary illumination assembly204simultaneously.

In certain embodiments, the bioptic barcode reader100may comprise a controller configured to sequentially capture (i) a plurality of primary images of the one or more barcodes with the primary imager assembly and (ii) a plurality of the one or more images with the secondary imager assembly, wherein the plurality of primary images of the one or more barcodes are sequenced between the plurality of the one or more secondary images. For example, the bioptic barcode reader100may take a series of the one or more first images and the one or more second images in a staggered fashion, where capturing one of the one or more first images is followed sequentially by capturing one of the one or more second images, and so on. In these embodiments, for example, the primary controller206or the secondary controller208, alone or in combination, may perform this function.

Moreover, in these embodiments, the controller is further configured to output a trigger signal to the secondary imager assembly116to enable functionality of the second imager assembly116to capture the plurality of the one or more secondary images. For example, the controller may receive a signal from the primary imager assembly104,106, indicating that the primary imager assembly104,106has captured one of the one or more first images. Alternatively, the controller may also monitor a threshold (e.g., the first time period) associated with the primary imager assembly108capturing one of the one or more first images. Once the controller detects that the primary imager assembly108has breached the threshold (e.g., controller has not received a signal indicating a successful capture of one of the one or more first images during or after the first time period), the controller may output the trigger signal.

The bioptic barcode reader100illustrated inFIG. 2further includes a monitoring circuit202communicatively coupled to the primary controller206and the secondary controller208. As further discussed herein, after the primary controller206deactivates the primary illumination assembly108, the primary controller206sends a primary signal to the monitoring circuit202. The primary signal indicates to the monitoring circuit202that the primary illumination assembly108has been deactivated. The monitoring circuit202then generates and sends a secondary signal to the secondary controller208to indicate the secondary illumination source204should be activated. Finally, upon receipt of the secondary signal, the secondary controller208activates the secondary illumination source204. Thus, the secondary signal is sequenced after the primary signal.

FIG. 3illustrates a method of using the example bioptic barcode reader100for selective use of illumination color to capture appropriate data in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. Method300begins at block302, where, for example, the primary illumination assembly108emits the primary illumination, having a primary wavelength range, during at least a part of a first time period. For example, and as discussed herein, the primary illumination assembly108may begin emitting the primary illumination before or during the first time period, and may stop emitting the primary illumination before the end, at the end, or after the end of the first time period.

As mentioned in reference toFIG. 1A, the primary illumination assembly108may emit the primary illumination at intervals (i.e., illumination pulses) before, during, and/or after the first time period, but during at least a part of the first time period. For example, if the first time period is 1 second in duration, the primary illumination assembly108may emit the primary illumination at intervals before, during, and/or after that one second. To illustrate, the primary illumination assembly108may emit a first illumination pulse at the beginning of the 1 second of the first time period. The first illumination pulse may last 10 milliseconds (ms), such that 990 milliseconds of the first time period remain after the first illumination pulse. Hence, the primary illumination assembly108may then emit a second illumination pulse of 10 ms after 400 ms of the first time period have elapsed, such that 590 ms of the first time period remain after the second illumination pulse.

At block304, method300includes capturing the one or more first images of a barcode associated with the target object during the first time period with the primary imager assembly104,106including the one or more primary imagers positioned within the housing. The barcode associated with the target object may be one or more barcodes, and the barcode may not be attached to the target object. For example, if a user wishes to purchase an item that is cumbersome or cannot otherwise be brought to a POS station, the user may take one or more barcodes associated with that object to the POS station to execute the purchase.

At block306, method300includes emitting the secondary illumination having the secondary wavelength range during at least a part of the second time period. The secondary illumination is emitted by the secondary illumination assembly204.

At block310, method300includes capturing the one or more second images of the target object during the second time period with the secondary imager assembly116including one or more secondary imagers. Returning to the fruit example discussed herein, the user may place the piece of fruit in the POV of the bioptic barcode reader100in an attempt to scan one or more barcodes that may be affixed to the fruit's surface. However, if the piece of fruit lacks a decodable barcode (e.g., the piece of fruit's barcode is obscured, defaced, or otherwise undiscernible, or the piece of fruit lacks a barcode entirely), the one or more first images will not identify the fruit, and the user will not complete their transaction.

Thus, the one or more second images, as captured by the secondary imager assembly116, may still positively identify the piece of fruit based on image analysis of the fruit's visual appearance. Simply put, the bioptic barcode reader100may identify the target object through image analysis (i.e., machine learning, neural networks, etc.) if the target object lacks a decodable barcode.

Additional embodiments, features, or functionality may also be implemented for method300in accordance with the disclosures herein for the bioptic barcode reader100or as described elsewhere herein. Furthermore, the functions or operations shown inFIG. 3may be performed in any suitable order, any desired number of times, and/or with any suitable variation to the particular order and/or combination shown so as to achieve a desired result, such as a desired manner of operating a bioptic barcode reader.

Camera systems are being increasingly incorporated into POS stations. These systems are desired primarily for their machine vision applications (e.g., fruit identification, AR database building, etc.) and anti-theft applications (e.g., sweethearting, ticket-switching, etc.). Ideally, a camera system for those applications is placed so that it can view objects crossing the platter of a bioptic scanner at the POS.

However, this can be an issue since the Bioptic scanners utilize a flashing illumination that is duty cycled to correspond to the imaging sensor frames for each field of view. An auxiliary camera that is monitoring that location will end up seeing flashes of illumination that do not correspond to its own image capture frames.

Especially with machine vision applications, this can be problematic, because it can create flashes that blind the camera, illumination hotspots on the item, or, in the case of red illumination, change the color appearance of the item in question. This creates a multitude of issues that prevent a customer from using a camera that isn't fully integrated with whatever bioptic scanning system they utilize.

FIG. 4illustrates an example system400for synchronizing illumination for an auxiliary camera of a bioptic barcode reader. The example system400includes a barcode reader402and an external imaging device404. The external imaging device404may be any suitable imaging device (e.g., camera, video camera, IR sensor, depth sensor, etc.).

The barcode reader402includes a housing406, a primary imaging assembly408, a primary illumination assembly410, a controller412, and an external-device-interface414. Both of the primary imaging assembly408and the primary illumination assembly410, are positioned within the housing406. The external-device-interface414is positioned at least partially within the housing, and the controller412may be positioned completely within, partially within, or completely outside the housing.

The primary imaging assembly408is configured to capture a plurality of images of an environment appearing within a FOV of the primary imaging assembly408. The plurality of images may all be captured consecutively, or, as discussed further herein, may be sequenced according to signals transmitted by the controller412. Moreover, the environment appearing within the FOV of the primary imaging assembly408may include a target object. For example, a user may attempt to purchase an item at a POS station by passing the item through the FOV of the primary imaging assembly408. The primary imaging assembly408may then capture a plurality of images of the environment appearing within its FOV, which includes the target object.

The primary imaging assembly408is further configured to capture the plurality of images at a predetermined framerate. For example, the primary imaging assembly408may be configured to capture the plurality of images at a framerate of 60 frames per second (fps). As further discussed herein, this predetermined framerate may be communicated to the primary imaging assembly408by, for example, the controller412.

In certain embodiments, the primary imaging assembly408may include one or more primary imagers. The one or more primary imagers may be configured to capture the a plurality of first images of the environment appearing within the FOV during a scanning session. The scanning session includes one or more frames, and the one or more primary imagers captures each of the plurality of first images during a respective first duration of each of the one or more frames of the scanning session. In these embodiments, the primary imaging assembly408is also configured to capture the plurality of first images at a predetermined framerate.

The primary illumination assembly410is configured to provide primary illumination over at least a portion of the environment appearing within the FOV of the primary imaging assembly408. The primary illumination may be composed of any combination of wavelengths of light operable to allow the primary imaging assembly408to capture the plurality of images. For example, the primary illumination may be multicolor illumination, such as a composition of wavelengths sufficient to create substantially white light. To illustrate, the primary illumination may include a composition of light from the blue and yellow ranges of the visible spectrum to create a type of substantially white light. In another example, the primary illumination may be monochromatic, such as light from the red range of the visible spectrum.

Additionally, the at least a portion of the environment appearing within the FOV of the primary imaging assembly408may be any portion sufficient to allow the primary imaging assembly408to capture the plurality of images. For example, the at least a portion of the environment may include the portion of the environment that, as discussed further herein, includes the target object. To illustrate, if a user attempts to purchase an item at a POS station by passing the item through the FOV of the primary imaging assembly408, the primary illumination assembly410may provide the primary illumination over the portion of the FOV such that the item is fully or partially illuminated by the primary illumination.

In certain embodiments, the primary illumination assembly410is configured to provide the primary illumination to at least a portion of the environment, wherein the primary illumination assembly provides the primary illumination as a series of primary illumination pulses. The series of primary illumination pulses is emitted during a respective second duration of each of the one or more frames of the scanning session. Moreover, in these embodiments, the respective second duration is different from the respective first duration.

The controller412is communicatively coupled to the primary imaging assembly408, the primary illumination assembly410, and the external-device-interface414. The controller412also includes a processor416and a memory418. (Although referenced herein as a “processor” and a “memory,” it should be understood that a processor may be one or more processors, and a memory may be one or more memories.)

The memory418stores instructions that, when executed by the processor416, cause the controller412to transmit an image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly408. The image-capture signal causes the primary imaging assembly408to capture a series of primary image frames. Each of the series of primary image frames is captured over a respective first duration D1. Each of the series of primary image frames is separated from another one of the series of primary image frames by a respective second duration D2. A beginning of each of the series of primary image frames is separated from a beginning of each subsequent one of the series of primary image frames by a third duration D3.

To illustrate, the respective first duration, D1, is the duration when the primary imaging assembly408captures a series of primary image frames. After the respective first duration, the primary imaging assembly408stops capturing the series of primary image frames over a respective second duration, D2. After the respective second duration, the primary imaging assembly408has reached a subsequent respective first duration, D1, during which, the primary imaging assembly408captures another series of primary image frames. The combination of the respective first duration, D1, and the respective second duration, D2, is encapsulated in the respective third duration, D3, which defines the total separation between each of the series of primary image frames.

The memory418stores instructions that, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit a primary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly410. The primary-illumination-on signal causes the primary illumination assembly410to emit the primary illumination. The primary illumination has a series of primary illumination pulses, and each of the series of primary illumination pulses is emitted over a respective fourth duration D4. Each of the series of primary illumination pulses is separated from another one of the series of primary illumination pulses by a respective fifth duration D5. It should be understood that, in various embodiments, the controller412may transmit the primary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly410before or after the controller412transmits the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly408.

To illustrate, the respective fourth duration, D4, is the duration when the primary illumination assembly410emits a series of primary illumination pulses. After the respective fourth duration, the primary illumination assembly410stops emitting the primary illumination pulses over the respective fifth duration, D5. After the respective fifth duration, the primary illumination assembly410has reached a subsequent respective fourth duration, D4, during which, the primary illumination assembly410emits another series of primary illumination pulses.

In certain embodiments, the respective first duration D1is equal to the respective fourth duration D4. For example, in these embodiments, the primary imaging assembly408will capture a series of primary image frames for the same amount of time that the primary illumination assembly410will emit a series of primary illumination pulses. In this way, the primary imaging assembly408will capture each of the series of primary image frames with primary illumination from the primary illumination assembly410.

Similarly, in these embodiments, the respective second duration D2is equal to the respective fifth duration D5. For example, in these embodiments, the primary imaging assembly408will stop capturing a series of primary image frames for the same amount of time that the primary illumination assembly410will stop emitting the primary illumination pulses. In this way, the primary illumination assembly410will not provide primary illumination pulses over a duration when the primary imaging assembly408is not capturing a series of primary image frames (i.e., when the primary illumination pulses would be unnecessary).

In certain embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly408to cause the primary imaging assembly408to capture the series of primary image frames. Each of the series of primary image frames are captured over the respective first duration. Further in these embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit the primary-illumination-on signal to cause the primary illumination assembly410to emit the primary illumination during the respective second duration. Still further in these embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit, substantially concurrently with the transmission of the primary-illumination-on signal, an interleave signal to the external-device-interface414. The interleave signal is operative to communicate, via the external-device-interface414, at least one characteristic associated with at least one of the primary-illumination-on signal and the image-capture signal. Moreover, the controller412may iteratively perform outputting the primary-illumination-on signal, outputting the image-capture signal, and transmitting the interleave signal for each respective frame of the scanning session.

In certain embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly408before the controller transmits the primary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly410. In other embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit both the primary-illumination-on signal to the primary illumination assembly410and transmit the image-capture signal to the primary imaging assembly408simultaneously.

The memory418stores instructions that, when executed by the processor416, further cause the controller412to transmit, substantially concurrently with the transmission of the primary-illumination-on signal, an interleave signal to the external-device-interface414. The interleave signal is operative to communicate, via the external-device-interface414, at least one characteristic associated with at least one of the primary-illumination-on signal and the image-capture signal.

To illustrate, the controller412may transmit the interleave signal to the external-device interface414to provide information to the external imaging device404. Further, the controller412may transmit the interleave signal substantially concurrently with the transmission of the primary-illumination-on signal to provide the information to the external imaging device404as quickly as possible.

For example, if the external imaging device404is a camera, by providing the information to the external imaging device404in this way, the interleave signal enables the external imaging device404to synchronize the external imaging device's404capture frames in between the illumination flashes of the barcode reader402(i.e., the series of illumination pulses emitted by the primary illumination assembly410). In other words, the interleave signal enables the external imaging device404to limit the external imaging device's404exposures to avoid the series of primary illumination pulses saturating or otherwise affecting the external imaging device's404exposures.

In certain embodiments, the at least one characteristic is at least one of a length of (i) the respective first duration D1, (ii) the respective second duration D2, (iii) the respective third duration D3, (iv) the respective fourth duration D4, and (v) the respective fifth duration D5. For example, the at least one characteristic may be the length of the respective first duration D1such that the interleave signal communicates the length of the duration when the primary imaging assembly408captures a series of primary image frames. This would enable the external imaging device404to, for example, limit the external imaging device's404exposures to durations when the primary imaging assembly408stops capturing the series of primary image frames (e.g., the respective second duration D2). Alternatively, the external imaging device404may use the length of the respective first duration D1to intentionally limit the external imaging device's404exposures to the respective first durations D1. If, for example, the external imaging device404uses a similar illumination to the primary imaging assembly408, the external imaging device404may capitalize on that fact by exposing the external imaging device404at the same time as the primary imaging assembly408.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length of the respective second duration D2such that the interleave signal communicates the length of the duration over which each of the series of primary image frames is separated from another one of the series of primary image frames. Similar to the length of the respective first duration, transmitting the length of the respective second duration would enable the external imaging device404to, for example, limit the external imaging device's404exposures to durations when the primary imaging assembly408stops capturing the series of primary image frames.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length of the respective third duration D3such that the interleave signal communicates the length of the duration over which the beginning of each of the series of primary image frames is separated from a beginning of each subsequent one of the series of primary image frames. Transmitting the respective third duration would enable the external imaging device404to, for example, limit the external imaging device's404exposures based on the length of the total duration of each primary image frame.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length of the respective fourth duration D4such that the interleave signal communicates the length of the duration over which the primary illumination assembly410emits a series of primary illumination pulses. This would enable the external imaging device404to, for example, limit the external imaging device's404exposures to durations when the primary illumination assembly410stops emitting the series of primary illumination pulses. If the external imaging device404is configured to capture images with a form of light other than the light provided by the primary illumination assembly410, then the external imaging device404can limit its exposure to durations in the primary image frame other than the respective fourth duration.

In another example, the at least one characteristic may be the length of the respective fifth duration D5such that the interleave signal communicates the length of the duration over which each of the series of primary illumination pulses is separated from another one of the series of primary illumination pulses. Transmitting the respective fifth duration would enable the external imaging device404to, for example, limit the external imaging device's404exposures to durations in the primary image frame completely or partially comprising the respective fifth duration.

Owners of a bioptic scanner may wish to integrate a color camera in order to accomplish several tasks. Namely, this includes: product recognition to build a neural network database, vegetable identification for easier self-checkout, catching sweethearting, and ticket-switching. To best serve these purposes, it is desirable to have a color camera that has a good FOV coverage across, above, and to the sides of the platter area. Thus, a larger FOV is generally preferable.

However, the larger the required FOV becomes, the fewer locations are available to place the color camera with respect to the bioptic. Moreover, a larger FOV combined with a limited number of available locations can give rise to other problems. For example, if a single imaging system is unable to capture a full image of a target object, a composite image may be generated through image processing algorithms (e.g., image stitching). Traditional image stitching algorithms suffer from a lack of ability (or at least a lack of efficiency) to analyze and properly stitch images of a particular item that are taken from different distances from the item.

FIG. 5Aillustrates an example bioptic barcode reader500featuring a stacked composition of a multicolor camera assembly and a monochromatic camera assembly. The example bioptic barcode reader500includes a housing502. The bioptic barcode reader500further includes a primary imager assembly504, a primary illumination assembly506, a controller508, and a secondary imager assembly (represented collectively by a first secondary imager510, and a second secondary imager512).

The primary imager assembly504includes one or more primary imagers, each of which is positioned within the housing502. Each of the one or more primary imagers is configured to capture one or more first images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The primary illumination assembly506is positioned within the housing502, and is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. The primary illumination assembly506is configured to emit a primary illumination optimized for capturing the one or more first images of the one or more barcodes in the enabled state. For example, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly506may emit the primary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantially white light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination assembly506emits primary illumination which is monochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The secondary imager assembly510,512is configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects when the primary illumination assembly is in either of the enabled state or the disabled state. However, in certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly510,512is configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly506is in the disabled state. The first secondary imager510is positioned within the housing502, and the first secondary imager510has a first optical FOV514.

The second secondary imager512has a second optical FOV516, and is positioned above the housing502. Specifically, the second secondary imager512is positioned above the housing502such that an overlap of the first optical FOV514with the second optical FOV516occurs approximately equidistant from both the first secondary imager510and the second secondary imager512. In certain embodiments, the second secondary imager512is adjustably positioned above the housing502.

To illustrate, and in reference toFIG. 5B, both the first optical FOV514and the second optical FOV516extend away from both the first secondary imager510and the second secondary imager512. Moreover, as the optical FOVs514,516extend away from the secondary imager assembly510,512, the optical FOVs514,516expand in both a vertical and horizontal (not shown) fashion with respect to the bioptic barcode reader500. Hence, the second secondary imager512is positioned above the housing502such that, as the optical FOVs514,516extend away from the secondary imager assembly510,512and expand, the optical FOVs514,516overlap at a point approximately equidistant from both the first secondary imager510and the second secondary imager512.

The second secondary imager's512positioning is advantageous because it allows for more effective and efficient image stitching. For example, if a user attempts to purchase an large item (e.g., target object) at a POS station (e.g., bioptic barcode reader500), the imaging equipment (e.g., secondary imager assembly510,512) of the POS station may have to capture multiple images (e.g., one or more second images) of the large item to acquire a complete image of the large item. Each of these multiple images will feature at least some different regions of the large item, and will then be combined (i.e., image stitching) to allow the POS station to analyze the complete image for item recognition purposes.

Because the second secondary imager512is positioned above the housing502such that the optical FOVs514,516overlap approximately equidistantly from both components of the secondary imager assembly510,512, the secondary imager assembly510,512will appear to capture the multiple images from an approximately equidistant perspective, relative to the large item. Thus, stitching the multiple images together to produce a composite image of the large item is greatly improved because stitching process can simply align similar portions of images without the need to resize or otherwise alter the images.

In certain embodiments, the housing502includes an upright scanning tower518. In these embodiments, the overlap of the first optical FOV514with the second optical FOV516occurs proximately to a top forward corner of the upright scanning tower518. For example, and as illustrated inFIG. 5B, the upright scanning tower518contains at least the primary illumination assembly506, the first secondary imager510, and has edges defined by the housing502. In this example, the “top” of the upright scanning tower518is the portion of the upright scanning tower518that is facing the second secondary imager512, and “forward” indicates a direction parallel with the direction in which the optical FOVs514,516expand, as discussed herein.

FIG. 6Aillustrates an example bioptic barcode reader600featuring a deep inset composition of a multicolor camera assembly and a monochromatic camera assembly. The example bioptic barcode reader600includes a housing602. The housing602further includes a substantially horizontal imaging window604and a substantially vertical imaging window606. The substantially horizontal imaging window604defines an imaging plane. In reference toFIG. 6B, the substantially vertical imaging window606includes a top edge614and a bottom edge616.

The bioptic barcode reader600further includes, a primary imager assembly608, a primary illumination assembly610, and a secondary imager assembly612. The primary imager assembly608includes one or more primary imagers (not shown) positioned within the housing602. The one or more primary imagers are configured to capture one or more first images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The primary illumination assembly610is positioned within the housing, and is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. Further, the primary illumination assembly610is configured to, in the enabled state, emit a primary illumination optimized for capturing the one or more first images of the one or more barcodes. For example, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly610may emit the primary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantially white light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination is monochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The secondary imager assembly612includes one or more secondary imagers (not shown) configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects when the primary illumination assembly is in either of the enabled state or the disabled state. However, in certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly612is configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly610is in the disabled state.

Moreover, and in reference toFIG. 6B, the one or more secondary imagers of the secondary imager assembly612include an optical FOV618through the vertical imaging window606. The secondary imager assembly612is positioned within the housing602substantially linearly with the imaging plane such that the optical FOV618extends substantially from the bottom edge616and substantially to the top edge614of the substantially vertical imaging window606. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly612is adjustably positioned within the housing602substantially linearly with the imaging plane such that the optical FOV618extends at least from the bottom edge616to the top edge614of the substantially vertical imaging window606.

The secondary imager assembly612is positioned as illustrated inFIG. 6Bto achieve an increased effective imaging area for the bioptic barcode reader600. To illustrate, the bioptic barcode reader600has an effective imaging area based on the areas the imaging assemblies608,612are able to clearly view through the imaging windows604,606. The larger the effective imaging area of the bioptic barcode reader600becomes, the more effective the bioptic barcode reader600becomes at detecting and/or reading barcodes. Correspondingly, positioning the secondary imager assembly612within the housing602, as described above and as illustrated inFIG. 6B, increases the area the secondary imager assembly612is able to view through the substantially vertical imaging window606. When one or more target objects pass through the bioptic barcode reader600(e.g., a customer purchasing multiple items at a POS station), the one or more secondary imagers of the secondary imager assembly612will be more likely to successfully capture the one or more second images of the one or more target objects. Thus, positioning the secondary imager assembly612as described above, and as illustrated inFIG. 6B, achieves a more effective bioptic barcode reader600because it increases the effective imaging area of the bioptic barcode reader600.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example composite system700of a bioptic barcode reader702and a color camera assembly (e.g., secondary imager assembly704). The bioptic barcode reader702includes a housing706, which includes a scanning platform708and an upright scanning tower710.

The bioptic barcode reader702further includes a primary imager assembly712. The primary imager assembly712includes one or more primary imagers (not shown). The one or more primary imagers are positioned within the housing706, and are configured to capture one or more first images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The bioptic barcode reader702further includes a primary illumination assembly714. The primary illumination assembly714is positioned within the housing706and is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. The primary illumination assembly714is configured to, in the enabled state, emit primary illumination optimized for capturing the one or more first images of the one or more barcodes. For example, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly714may emit the primary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantially white light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination is monochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The bioptic barcode reader702further includes a controller716. The controller716may be communicatively connected with the primary imager assembly712, the primary illumination assembly714, and the secondary imager assembly704.

The secondary imager assembly704includes one or more secondary imagers (not shown). The one or more secondary imagers are configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects when the primary illumination assembly714is in either of the enabled state or the disabled state. In certain embodiments, the one or more secondary imagers are configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly714is in the disabled state.

The secondary imager assembly704is positioned above the bioptic barcode reader702to increase the bioptic barcode reader's702ability to capture images of items (e.g., the one or more target objects) when they are placed anywhere on the scanning platform708. To illustrate, and in reference toFIG. 7B, the one or more secondary imagers include an optical FOV718. The secondary imager assembly704is positioned above the bioptic barcode reader702such that the optical FOV718(i) includes all of the scanning platform708and (ii) is unobscured by the upright scanning tower710. Thus, positioning the secondary imager assembly704as discussed herein, and as illustrated inFIG. 7B, increases the bioptic barcode reader's702ability to capture images of items placed anywhere on the scanning platform708because the secondary imager assembly704has an unobscured optical FOV718covering the entire scanning platform708.

In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly704is positioned above the bioptic barcode reader702by attaching the secondary imager assembly704to at least one of (i) a pole attached to the bioptic barcode reader702, (ii) a pole detached from the bioptic barcode reader702, (iii) a bracket attached to the bioptic barcode reader702, (iv) a bracket detached from the bioptic barcode reader702, and (v) a display displaced above the bioptic barcode reader702. Further in these embodiments, the secondary imager assembly704is adjustably positioned above the bioptic barcode reader702.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7C, the secondary imager assembly704is positioned above the bioptic barcode reader702by attaching the secondary imager assembly704to a pole722attached to the bioptic barcode reader702. The pole722may be adjustable to allow a user to select an optimal position for the secondary imager assembly704above the bioptic barcode reader702. To illustrate, one or more of the one or more target objects may be large objects requiring substantial vertical clearance to pass across the scanning platform708without contacting the secondary imager assembly704or obscuring the optical FOV718. Thus, a user may adjust the position of the secondary imager assembly704above the bioptic barcode reader702(via the pole722) such that the one or more target objects have clearance to pass across the scanning platform708without contacting the secondary imager assembly704or obscuring the optical FOV718.

FIG. 8Aillustrates another example composite system800of a bioptic barcode reader802and a color camera assembly (e.g., secondary imager assembly804). The bioptic barcode reader802includes a housing806, which includes a substantially horizontal imaging window808and an upright scanning tower810. The upright scanning tower810includes a substantially vertical imaging window (not shown).

The bioptic barcode reader802further includes a primary imager assembly812. The primary imager assembly812includes one or more primary imagers (not shown) that are positioned within the housing806. The one or more primary imagers are configured to capture one or more first images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The bioptic barcode reader802further includes a primary illumination assembly814positioned within the housing806. The primary illumination assembly814is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. Moreover, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly814is configured to emit primary illumination optimized for capturing the one or more first images of the one or more barcodes. For example, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly814may emit the primary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantially white light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination is monochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The bioptic barcode reader802further includes a controller816. The controller816may be communicatively connected with the primary imager assembly812, the primary illumination assembly814, and the secondary imager assembly804.

The secondary imager assembly804is configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects when the primary illumination assembly814is in either of the enabled state or the disabled state. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly804is configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly814is in the disabled state.

The secondary imager assembly804includes a first secondary imager818. The first secondary imager818is positioned at a first corner of the upright scanning tower810and in front of the substantially vertical imaging window. Moreover, and in reference toFIG. 8B, the first secondary imager818has a first optical FOV822.

The secondary imager assembly804includes a second secondary imager820, which has a second optical FOV824, when considered in tandem with the first secondary imager818, is positioned to increase the bioptic barcode reader's802visibility across the substantially horizontal imaging window808, including areas beyond the substantially horizontal imaging window808. To illustrate, the second secondary imager820is positioned at a second corner of the upright scanning tower810and in front of the substantially vertical imaging window such that an overlap of the first optical FOV822with the second optical FOV824occurs at least until the distal end of the substantially horizontal imaging window808with respect to the upright scanning tower810. Thus, positioning the secondary imager assembly804in the way described herein, and as illustrated inFIG. 8B, increases the bioptic barcode reader's802visibility across the substantially horizontal imaging window808because the optical FOVs822,824overlap at least until the distal (e.g., far) end of the substantially horizontal imaging window808with respect to the upright scanning tower810.

Additionally, this positioning increases the bioptic barcode reader's802visibility across areas beyond the substantially horizontal imaging window808. For example, a POS station may have a conveyor belt leading to the bioptic barcode reader802to bring one or more target objects closer to the bioptic barcode reader802so that the one or more target objects may be scanned, imaged, or otherwise identified. Similarly, the POS station may have a bagging area on the opposite side from the conveyor belt so that the one or more target objects may be bagged after they have been identified. Thus, the secondary imager assembly's804positioning increases the bioptic barcode reader's802visibility across areas beyond the substantially horizontal imaging window808because, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, the optical FOVs822,824extend into areas adjacent to the substantially horizontal imaging window808(e.g., a conveyor belt, a bagging area, etc.). With increased visibility across areas beyond the substantially horizontal imaging window808, the bioptic barcode reader802can more effectively identify, track, or otherwise indicate any item that was, for example, not scanned by a cashier, intentionally stolen, or subject to “sweethearting”.

In certain embodiments, the housing806further comprises a scanning platform (not shown). The scanning platform includes the substantially horizontal imaging window. In these embodiments, the overlap of the first optical FOV822with the second optical FOV824occurs at least until the distal end of the scanning platform.

In other embodiments, either of the first secondary imager818or the second secondary imager820is adjustably positioned on the upright scanning tower810.

Antitheft devices are gaining traction at many retail stores throughout the world due, in part, to the large amount of inventory shrinkage taking place. At POS stations, traditional methods involve antitheft devices installed in the ceiling or some distance from the POS station. It is desirable to stamp the images obtained by any antitheft system at a POS station with either the decode or time from the POS. However, if the antitheft imaging device is positioned away from the POS station, physically wiring the imaging device to the POS system to obtain this stamping information is difficult. This added difficulty translates to added cost and effort to install a POS antitheft device.

FIG. 9illustrates a bioptic barcode reading system900in accordance with several of the embodiments discussed herein. The bioptic barcode reading system900includes one or more processors902, a housing904, a pole display906, and a secondary imager assembly908. The pole display906is connected to the housing904. The pole display906may be communicatively coupled to the one or more processors902, the primary imager assembly910, the primary illumination assembly912, the controller914, and the secondary imager assembly908. For example, the pole display906may display the weight and cost of items (e.g., one or more target objects) weighed and identified by the bioptic barcode reading system900.

The bioptic barcode reading system900further includes a primary imager assembly910, which is positioned within the housing904. The primary imager assembly910includes one or more primary imagers (not shown) that are communicatively coupled to the one or more processors902. The one or more primary imagers are configured to capture one or more images of one or more barcodes of one or more target objects.

The bioptic barcode reading system900further includes a primary illumination assembly912. The primary illumination assembly912is positioned within the housing904, and is operable in an enabled state and a disabled state. The primary illumination assembly912is configured to, in the enabled state, emit primary illumination optimized for capturing the one or more images of the one or more barcodes in the enabled state. For example, in the enabled state, the primary illumination assembly714may emit the primary illumination as a combination of a variety visible spectrum wavelengths (e.g., a combination of wavelengths to produce substantially white light) or a monochromatic visible spectrum wavelength (e.g., red light). In certain embodiments, the primary illumination is monochromatic illumination including near-infrared light.

The bioptic barcode reading system900further includes a controller914. The controller914may be communicatively connected with the primary imager assembly910, the primary illumination assembly912, the pole display906, and the secondary imager assembly908.

The secondary imager assembly908includes one or more secondary imagers (not shown) configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects when the primary illumination assembly912is in either of the enabled state or the disabled state. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly908is configured to capture one or more second images of the one or more target objects only when the primary illumination assembly912is in the disabled state.

The secondary imager assembly908is mounted on the pole display906, and is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors902. In certain embodiments, the secondary imager assembly908is mounted inside the pole display906, and communicatively coupled to the one or more processors902. Moreover, in other embodiments, the secondary imager assembly908is adjustably mounted on the pole display906.

Mounting the secondary imager assembly908on the pole display906and communicatively coupling the secondary imager assembly908to the one or more processors902of the bioptic barcode reading system900greatly increases the efficacy of POS antitheft efforts. For example, the secondary imager assembly908can associate the decode and/or time stamping data from the bioptic barcode reading system900with the one or more captured second images of the one or more target objects because it is communicatively coupled with the one or more processors902via the pole display906.

The secondary imager assembly908would also be ideally located to check the contents of a shopping cart based on its location proximate to the customer at the POS station. For example, the secondary imager assembly908could be oriented to check the contents of a customer's shopping cart at the end of a sale to determine if the shopping cart is empty. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary imager assembly908could be configured to determine if every item in the customer's shopping cart is placed in a bag, as a final check to determine every item was, in fact, paid for.

The secondary imager assembly908would further be ideally located to check items (e.g., one or more target objects) as they pass through the POS station. For example, the secondary imager assembly908may be oriented to check items on a conveyor belt leading up to and/or away from the bioptic barcode reading system900. In this orientation, the secondary imager assembly908could be configured to count the number of items entering and/or leaving the bioptic barcode reading system900FOV.

The secondary imager assembly908may also be ideally located to identify potential “ticket switching” of items passed through the bioptic barcode reading system900FOV. For example, the secondary imager assembly908may be positioned such that the one or more second images captured of a target object are sufficient to determine a mismatch between the product passed through the bioptic barcode reading system900FOV and the barcode captured by the primary imager assembly910.

Bioptic systems use color cameras for a multitude of different object and gesture recognition purposes at the point of sale. Ideally, such a camera is illuminated with white light to retain the best color information to aid in object identification. However, adding illumination inside a bioptic vertical tower according to traditional methods is extremely problematic, as it causes internal reflections that are seen in the color camera FOV. Additionally, color cameras should have a very tall FOV in order to see even the largest objects, so any illumination source placed inside the vertical tower to cover such a tall FOV will inevitably blind the user.

FIG. 10illustrates a conventional bioptic scanning device1000utilizing an internal color camera1002and an internal illumination source1004, wherein the internal illumination source1004interferes with the internal color camera1002. The conventional bioptic scanning device1000further includes a color camera FOV1006, a scanning platter1008, an internal illumination path1010, a first imaging window1012, and a second imaging window1014.

The illumination emitted by the internal illumination source1004reflects off of the imaging windows1012,1014, as illustrated by the internal illumination path1010, into the color camera FOV1006. This unintentional illumination of the color camera FOV1006distorts images captured by the internal color camera1002, degrades the motion sensitivity of the internal color camera1002, and can increase the internal color camera's1002exposure time necessary to capture images of the object of interest.

To solve these and other problems, and with reference toFIG. 11A, an illumination adapter1100for use with a bioptic barcode reader is disclosed. The illumination adapter1100includes one or more illumination components (not shown) having an effective range. The illumination adapter1100further includes a first surface1102shaped to receive the one or more illumination components, and a bottom portion1104situated below the one or more illumination components. In certain embodiments, and as discussed further herein, the illumination adapter also includes one or more cavities1106, and one or more baffles1108. In other embodiments, the first surface1102is a first planar surface.

The bottom portion1104, in reference to the combined system1120illustrated inFIG. 11B, is adapted to detachably connect to the bioptic barcode reader1122, and the one or more illumination components are positioned such that the effective range1124is both (i) unobscured by a top flange1126of the bioptic barcode reader1122and (ii) illuminates at least a majority of a weighing platter1128of the bioptic barcode reader1122. In other embodiments, the bottom portion1104is adapted to detachably connect to the bioptic barcode reader. In one embodiment, the bottom portion1104is adapted to detachably connect to the bioptic barcode reader by at least one of (i) snaps, (ii) double sided adhesive, and (iii) screws. In another embodiment, the bottom portion1104is adapted to detachably connect to a bracket displaced above the bioptic barcode reader by at least one of (i) snaps, (ii) double sided adhesive, and (iii) screws. Additionally, the bottom portion1104may be adjustable such that the illumination adapter1100may be moved horizontally (i.e., forwards, backwards, and/or laterally), moved vertically, tilted, rotated, and/or otherwise shifted with respect to the bioptic barcode reader1122.

In other embodiments, the illumination adapter1100includes a top portion1110situated above the one or more illumination components. The top portion1110is adapted to detachably connect to at least one of (i) a monitor (not shown) above the bioptic barcode reader1122or (ii) a bracket (not shown) above the bioptic barcode reader1122. Moreover, the one or more illumination components are positioned such that the effective range1124is both (i) unobscured by a top flange1126of the bioptic barcode reader1122and (ii) illuminates at least a majority of a weighing platter1128of the bioptic barcode reader1122. Further in these embodiments, the top portion1110is connected substantially perpendicular to the first surface1102. Still further in these embodiments, the top portion1110is adapted to detachably connect to the at least one of (i) a monitor (not shown) above the bioptic barcode reader1122or (ii) a bracket (not shown) above the bioptic barcode reader1122by at least one of (i) snaps, (ii) double sided adhesive, and (iii) screws. Additionally, the top portion1110may be adjustable such that the illumination adapter1100may be moved horizontally (i.e., forwards, backwards, and/or laterally), moved vertically, tilted, rotated, and/or otherwise shifted with respect to the bioptic barcode reader1122.

In certain embodiments, the first surface1102is further shaped to include one or more cavities1106to receive the one or more illumination components, and the bottom portion1104is connected substantially perpendicular to the first surface1102. The one or more cavities1106facilitate the inclusion of the one or more illumination components, and provide openings for the one or more illumination components to illuminate the weighing platter1128across the effective range1124. For example, the one or more cavities1106may be spaced as far right and as far left as possible on the first surface1102. This maximized spacing across the first surface1102further enhances the imaging effectiveness of the bioptic barcode reader1122by reducing the specular reflections from objects being imaged.

Advantageously, and as illustrated inFIG. 11B, the effective range1124covers the entirety of a color camera FOV1130. Thus, and as discussed herein, the one or more cavities1106allow the one or more illumination components to completely illuminate any objects passing through the color camera FOV1130without distorting or otherwise negatively impacting the resulting images of the color camera. These advantages allow the combined system1120to capture more representative images than traditional systems, which further allows the combined system1120to more effectively perform machine learning (e.g., convolutional neural network) for faster, more reliable object identification.

In other embodiments, the first surface1102vertically extends up to 7 inches from the weighing platter1128of the bioptic barcode reader1122. For example, and as illustrated by the profile view1140inFIG. 11C, the illumination adapter1100is positioned above the bioptic barcode reader1122such that the effective range1124is unobscured by the top flange1126of the bioptic barcode reader1100. If the first surface1102extends vertically extends up to 7 inches from the weighing platter1128, the illumination adapter1100would fit within the existing gap between the bioptic barcode reader1100and other auxiliary equipment while still providing illumination defined by an effective range1124which is both (i) unobscured by the top flange1126of the bioptic barcode reader1122and (ii) illuminates at least a majority of the weighing platter1128of the bioptic barcode reader1122.

In particular embodiments, the illumination adapter1100further includes one or more baffles1108coupled to the first surface1102. The one or more baffles1108are configured to block at least an upper portion of the effective range1124of the one or more illumination components. Hence, the one or more baffles1108minimize eye annoyance to the user of the bioptic barcode reader because the effective range1124of the one or more illumination components will not extend high enough to reach the user's FOV. Moreover, the one or more baffles1108may be adjustable or interchangeable to further modify the effective range1124.

In other embodiments, and as illustrated in the combined system1200ofFIG. 12A, the illumination adapter1100includes an imager assembly1202including one or more imagers configured to capture one or more images of one or more target objects. The first surface1102is further shaped to include one or more secondary cavities1204to receive at least a portion of the imager assembly1202. The imager assembly1202also has a second effective range1206, which may extend beyond the effective range1124of the one or more illumination components and/or the color camera FOV1130. In this way, the imager assembly1202provides the combined system1200with a greater FOV than a system including only the one or more illumination components. For example, and as illustrated by the profile view1220inFIG. 12B, the second effective range1206extends beyond the color camera FOV1130. Thus, the system illustrated in the profile view1220ofFIG. 12Bhas a higher combined FOV for color imaging, and allows for color imaging in systems where a color imager is not included internally.