Patent Publication Number: US-11048897-B2

Title: Field-upgradable barcode readers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/167,159, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,691,905, filed on Oct. 22, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present patent relates generally to barcode readers and, in particular, relates to field-upgradable barcode readers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Venues, such as retail stores, often use bi-optic barcode readers in the checkout process to read barcodes affixed to products being checked out. Bi-optic barcode readers are typically formed with a horizontal window and a vertical window arranged in a way that image data can be captured by internal imaging components (e.g., imaging sensors) through either of the two windows. While these bi-optic barcode readers are effective at reading barcodes, known barcode readers are unable to provide non-barcode imaging data that may be used to further monitor the checkout process. 
     Accordingly, there remains a demand for continued design improvements in the field of bi-optic barcode readers that address the need of providing non-barcode imaging data. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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 examples, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example checkout workstation in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example barcode reader that can be used to implement the barcode reader of the checkout workstation of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a partial interior perspective view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates example first and second sub fields of view projecting from a generally vertical window of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates example third and fourth sub fields of view projecting from a generally horizontal window of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an example insert that is structured to be received within an example receptacle of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  and is structured to carry a camera in a landscape orientation. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of another example insert that is structured to be received within the receptacle of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  and is structured to carry a camera in a portrait orientation. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of another example insert that is structured to be received within the receptacle of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  and is structured to cover the receptacle when the barcode reader is not implemented with an additional camera. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an expanded rear perspective view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  including the insert of  FIG. 6  that shows an example rear cover of the barcode reader detached from a housing portion of the barcode reader. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the rear cover of the barcode reader of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example vertical field of view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  when the barcode reader is implemented with the insert of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example horizontal field of view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  when the barcode reader is implemented with the insert of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an expanded rear perspective view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  including the insert of  FIG. 7  that shows the rear cover of the barcode reader detached from the housing portion of the barcode reader. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an example vertical field of view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  when the barcode reader is implemented with the insert of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example horizontal field of view of the barcode reader of  FIG. 2  when the barcode reader is implemented with the insert of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     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 disclosed examples 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 
     The examples disclosed herein relate to scanners that can be field implemented with example cameras that are structured to obtain non-barcode data. The cameras may be implemented as color cameras. The scanners, sometimes referred to as barcode readers, have a generally horizontal platter including a horizontal window and a tower including a vertical window. Barcode image data can be obtained by barcode cameras through the horizontal window and the vertical window and non-barcode data can be obtained by at least one non-barcode camera through the vertical window. The non-barcode data may be used for different purposes such as, for example, building a product database and/or monitoring the checkout process at a retail store for fraudulent activity. 
     To enable the scanners to be field implemented with one of the color cameras, the scanner includes an example receptacle that is structured to receive different example inserts. The inserts are structured to carry a camera in a desired orientation and/or to carry a camera to provide a desired field of view. Depending on the additional and/or color camera used with the scanners and the configuration of that camera, the image data captured by the additional camera can have a field of view (FOV) of between about 30° and 135°. To provide such a relatively large FOV, in some examples, a “fish eye” lens can be used with the camera. The inserts may be referred to as adapters or field-installable imaging assembly inserts. 
     Using the inserts as disclosed herein, if a customer desires to position the camera in a first orientation or to achieve a first field of view, a first insert can be used. Alternatively, if the customer desires to position the camera in a second orientation or to achieve a second field of view, a second insert can be used. The first orientation may be a landscape or wide orientation and the second orientation may be a portrait or tall orientation. Put another way, the receptacle of the scanner is structured to fit a number of different inserts, each being associated with a different customer preference and/or requirement. Regardless of the orientation that the insert positions the non-barcode camera, the cameras may be angled at +/−45° relative to a horizontal plane. While the above example mentions the insert carrying one of the non-barcode cameras, the insert can alternatively be implemented as a plug or a cover that can be replaced if the customer chooses to change the configuration of the scanner to include an additional camera. 
     In a first example, a field-upgradeable barcode reader is configured to be supported by a workstation. The field-upgradeable barcode reader includes a first housing portion supporting a generally horizontal platter having a generally horizontal window. The field-upgradable bar code reader also includes a second housing portion supporting a generally vertical window. The second housing portion has a first cover removably attached thereto. The field-upgradeable barcode reader also includes an image capture arrangement having a first set of optical components and a second set of optical components. 
     The first set of optical components is positioned at least partially within the first housing portion. The first set of optical components is configured to produce and direct a first field of view (FOV) through the generally horizontal window. The second set of optical components includes a first fold mirror and a second fold mirror. Each of the first fold mirror and the second fold mirror is positioned at least partially within the second housing portion. The second set of optical components is configured to produce and direct a second FOV and a third FOV through the generally vertical window such that the first fold mirror redirects the second FOV through the generally vertical window and the second fold mirror redirects the third FOV through the generally vertical window. The second housing includes a receptacle configured to alternatively receive one of a second cover and a field-installable imaging assembly insert. The field-installable imaging assembly insert is configured to receive an image acquisition assembly. The receptacle is positioned between the first fold mirror and the second fold mirror. 
     In a second example, a field-upgradeable barcode reader is configured to be supported by a workstation. The field-upgradeable barcode reader includes a first housing portion supporting a generally horizontal platter having a generally horizontal window. The field-upgradable barcode reader also includes a second housing portion supporting a generally vertical window. The second housing includes a receptacle configured to alternatively receive one of a cover and a field-installable imaging assembly insert. The field-installable imaging assembly insert is configured to receive an image acquisition assembly. 
     In a variation of the second example, the field-upgradeable barcode reader includes an image capture arrangement having a first set of optical components and a second set of optical components. In a further variation of the second example, the first set of optical components is positioned at least partially within the first housing portion. The first set of optical components is configured to produce and direct a first field of view (FOV) through the generally horizontal window. The second set of optical components includes a first fold mirror and a second fold mirror. The first fold mirror and the second fold mirror are positioned at least partially within the second housing portion. The second set of optical components is configured to produce and direct a second FOV and a third FOV through the generally vertical window such that the first fold mirror redirects the second FOV through the generally vertical window and the second fold mirror redirects the third FOV through the generally vertical window. 
     In a third example, a barcode reader includes a housing carrying first and second imager assemblies. The first and second imager assemblies are to obtain barcode data. The housing defines a receptacle to removably receive any one of: 1) a cover; 2) a first insert to carry a first camera; or 3) a second insert to carry the first camera or a second camera. The first insert is to enable the first camera to be positioned in a first orientation. The second insert is to enable the first camera or the second camera to be positioned in a second orientation. 
     In a variation of the third example, the barcode reader includes a first window and a second window. The first imager assembly is to capture first barcode data of the barcode data through the first window and the second imager assembly is to capture second barcode data of the barcode data through the second window. In a further variation of the third example, the first imager assembly includes a first image sensor and first optical components to provide the first image sensor with a first field of view through the first window and the second imager assembly includes a second image sensor and second optical components to provide the second image sensor with a second field of view and a third field of view through the second window. 
     In a fourth example, a barcode reader includes a housing carrying first and second imager assemblies to obtain barcode data. The barcode reader also includes a camera to be disposed in the housing. The camera is different from the first and second imager assemblies. The barcode reader also includes an assembly configured to enable an orientation of the camera to change between a first orientation and a second orientation. 
     In a variation of the fourth example, the assembly includes a receptacle of the housing that is configured to alternatively receive one of a first field-installable insert or a second field-installable insert. The first field-installable insert is to carry the camera when the first field-installable insert is received by the receptacle and the second field-installable insert is to carry the camera when the second field-installable insert is received by the receptacle. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a point-of-sale (POS) system  100  having a workstation  102  with a counter  104 , a bi-optical (also referred to as “bi-optic”) barcode reader  106  and an additional camera  107  at least partially positioned within the workstation  102 . The camera  107  may be referred to as an image acquisition assembly and may be implemented as a color camera or a camera that is configured to obtain non-barcode data. The POS system  100  is often managed by a store employee such as a clerk  108 . However, in other cases the POS system  100  may be a part of a so-called self-checkout lane where instead of a clerk, a customer is responsible for checking out his or her own products. 
     The barcode reader  106  includes a lower housing  112  and a raised housing  114 . The lower housing  112  may be referred to as a first housing portion and the raised housing  114  may be referred to as a tower or a second housing portion. The lower housing  112  includes a top portion  116  with a first optically transmissive window  118  positioned therein along a generally horizontal plane relative to the overall configuration and placement of the barcode reader  106 . In some embodiments, the top portion  116  may include a removable or a non-removable platter (e.g., a weighing platter). The top portion  116  can also be viewed as being positioned substantially parallel with the counter  104  surface. As set forth herein, the phrase “substantially parallel” means+/−10° of parallel and/or accounts for manufacturing tolerances. It&#39;s worth noting that while, in  FIG. 1 , the counter  104  and the top portion  116  are illustrated as being about co-planar, that does not have to be the case for the platter and the counter  104  to be considered substantially parallel. In some instances, the counter  104  may be raised or lowered relative to the top surface of the top portion  116 , where the top portion  116  is still viewed as being positioned substantially parallel with the counter  104  surface. The raised housing  114  is configured to extend above the top portion  116  and includes a second optically transmissive window  120  positioned in a generally upright plane relative to the top portion  116  and/or the first optically transmissive window  118 . Note that references to “upright” include, but are not limited to, vertical. Thus, as an example, something that is upright may deviate from a vertical axis/plane by as much as 45 degrees. 
     In practice, a product  122 , such as for example a bottle, is swiped past the barcode reader  106  such that a barcode  124  associated with the product  122  is digitally read through at least one of the first and second optically transmissive windows  118 ,  120 . This is particularly done by positioning the product  122  within the fields of view (FsOV) of the digital imaging sensor(s) housed inside the barcode reader  106 . Additionally, as the product  122  is swiped past the barcode reader  106 , the camera  107  obtains image data of the product  122 . The image data obtained by the camera  107  may have different uses. For example, the image data can be processed to verify that the product  122  scanned matches the barcode  124  and/or image data can be used to populate a database. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an example barcode reader  200  that can be used to implement the barcode reader  106  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the barcode reader  200  includes an example first housing portion  202  that supports a generally horizontal platter  204  having a first window  206 . The first window  206  may be implemented as an optically transmissive window and may be referred to as a generally horizontal window. The barcode reader  200  is also shown including an example second housing portion  208  that supports a second window  210 . The second housing portion  208  may be referred to as a tower and the second window  210  may be referred to as a generally vertical window. The second window  210  may be implemented as an optically transmissive window. As shown, the first window  206  is substantially perpendicular relative to the second window  210 . As set forth herein, the phrase “substantially perpendicular” means+/−10° of perpendicular and/or accounts for manufacturing tolerances. 
     To enable imaging data to be obtained by the barcode reader  200 , the barcode reader  200  includes a printed circuit board (PCB)  211  with a first imaging assembly  212  and a second imaging assembly  214 . The imaging assemblies  212 ,  214  may be referred to as cameras or imager assemblies. Each of the imaging assemblies  212 ,  214  includes an imaging sensor having a plurality of photosensitive elements that define a substantially flat surface along with other components such as a housing and lens(es) for capturing image data for a FOV. The arrangement and configuration of the components including the imaging sensor, the photosensitive elements, the housing, the lens(es) define a specific FOV for each of the imaging assemblies  212 ,  214 . As shown, the first imaging assembly  212  and its imaging sensor are configured to capture image data over a first field of view (FOV)  216  and the second imaging assembly  214  and its imaging sensor are configured to capture image data over a second field of view (FOV)  218 . The image data captured by the first and second imaging assemblies  212 ,  214  may include barcode data. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5  and to alter and redirect the first FOV  216  to achieve desired functionality, the barcode reader  200  includes a first fold mirror  222  positioned to redirect the first FOV  216  toward a first splitter mirror  224 . The first splitter mirror  224  is structured and positioned to split the first FOV  216  into a first sub FOV  402  ( FIG. 4 ) and a second sub FOV  404  ( FIG. 4 ). The first sub FOV  402  is directed toward a second fold mirror  226  and the second sub FOV  404  is directed toward a third fold mirror  302  ( FIG. 3 ). The second fold mirror  226  redirects the first sub FOV  402  out of the second window  210  as shown in  FIG. 4  and the third fold mirror  302  redirects the second sub FOV  404  out of the second window  210  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the illustrated example, the first imaging assembly  212  is configured to produce the first FOV  216  and the mirrors  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  302  are at least partially positioned in the second housing portion  208  to direct the first and second sub FsOV  402 ,  404  through the second window  210  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Put another way, the mirrors  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  302  and the first imaging assembly  212  are configured to capture barcode data through the second window  210 . The mirrors  226 ,  302  and/or the first imaging assembly  212  may be referred to as optical components. 
     Similarly, to alter and redirect the second FOV  218 , the barcode reader  200  includes a second splitter mirror  228 . The second splitter mirror  228  is structured and positioned to split the second FOV  218  into a third sub field of view  230  and a fourth sub FOV  502  ( FIG. 5 ). The third sub FOV  230  is directed toward a third fold mirror  232  which directs the third sub FOV  230  to a fourth fold mirror  304  ( FIG. 3 ). The fourth fold mirror  304  is structured and positioned to redirect the third sub FOV  230  out of the first window  206  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The fourth sub FOV  502  is directed toward a fifth fold mirror  306  ( FIG. 3 ) which directs the fourth sub FOV  502  to a sixth fold mirror  308  ( FIG. 3 ). The sixth fold mirror  308  redirects the fourth sub FOV  502  out of the first window  206  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the illustrated example, the second imaging assembly  214  is configured to produce the second FOV  218  and the mirrors  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  are at least partially positioned in the first housing portion  202  to direct the third and fourth sub FsOV  230 ,  502  through the first window  206 . Put another way, the mirrors  228 ,  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  and the second imaging assembly  214  are configured to capture barcode data through the first window  206 . The mirrors  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  and/or the second imaging assembly  214  may be referred to as optical components. The mirrors  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  232 ,  302 ,  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  and the first and second imaging assemblies  212 ,  214  may be referred to as an image capture arrangement. While the mirrors  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  232 ,  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  are shown in a particular arrangement, the precise angle and position of the mirrors  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  232 ,  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  can be varied to achieve a desired FOV path direction. 
     To enable the barcode reader  200  to carry the camera  107 , a divider  207  of the second housing portion  208  defines an example receptacle  234 . The receptacle is shown positioned between the fold mirrors  226 ,  302  and may be referred to as an aperture or an opening. In addition to defining the receptacle  234 , the divider  207  defines a cavity  209  in which the mirrors  222 ,  223 ,  224 ,  302  and/or the first imaging assembly  212  are at least partially positioned. 
     In the illustrated example, the receptacle  234  is structured to accept different inserts such as, for example, a first insert  602  shown in  FIG. 6 , a second insert  702  shown in  FIG. 7  and a third insert  802  shown in  FIG. 8 . The first insert  602  is structured to carry the camera  107  in a landscape or first orientation, the second insert  702  is structured to carry the camera  107  in a portrait or second orientation and the third insert  802  is structured to cover the receptacle  234  when the barcode reader  200  is not implemented with the camera  107  or, more generally, prior to the barcode reader  200  being field upgraded with the camera  107 . Regardless of how the inserts  602 ,  702  are configured, the barcode reader  200  is structured to carry the camera  107  when the inserts  602 ,  702  are received by the receptacle  234  to enable additional image data to be obtained and accessed by the PCB  211 . Alternatively, the barcode reader  200  may include an additional PCB to which the camera  107  is coupled when the barcode reader  200  is implemented with the camera  107 . The additional image data may include non-barcode data or color image data. 
     To enable image data acquired by the imaging assemblies  212 ,  214  and the camera  107  to be detected and/or decoded, the PCB  211  includes an example decode assembly  236 . In operation, the data acquired by the imaging assemblies  212 ,  214  is transmitted or otherwise accessed by the decode assembly  236 , where the data is processed and/or analyzed in an effort to detect and decode a valid barcode(s), for example. In some examples, components such as a controller for controlling the imaging assemblies  212 ,  214 , the camera  107  and/or the decode assembly  236  can be installed on the PCB  211 . Additionally, components like a controller for controlling the imaging assemblies, the illumination assemblies and/or the decode assembly can also be installed on the PCB  211  to detect non-barcode data from the camera  107  including the identification of the product  122  being scanned, for example. Alternatively, such a controller may be positioned separate from the PCB. Signal data may be sent to/from the PCB  211  via interface connectors  238 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a partial interior perspective view of the barcode reader  200  of  FIG. 2 . As shown, the first splitter mirror  224  is arranged to split the first FOV  216  into the first sub FOV  402  directed toward the second fold mirror  226  and the second sub FOV  404  directed toward the third fold mirror  302 . The second and third fold mirrors  226 ,  302  are illustrated being positioned to direct the first and second sub FsOV  402 ,  404  out of the second window  210 . 
     As also shown, the second splitter mirror  228  is arranged to split the second FOV  218  into the third sub FOV  230  directed toward the third fold mirror  232  and the fourth sub FOV  502  directed toward the fifth fold mirror  306 . To direct the third and fourth sub FsOV  230 ,  502  out of the first window  206  or, more generally, out of the barcode reader  200 , the third fold mirror  232  is shown positioned to direct the third sub FOV  230  to the fourth fold mirror  304  which directs the third sub FOV  230  out of the first window  206  and the fifth fold mirror  306  is shown positioned to direct the fourth sub FOV  502  to the sixth fold mirror  308  which directs the fourth sub FOV  502  out of the first window  206 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the first and second sub FsOV  402 ,  404  projecting from the second window  210  of the barcode reader  200  of  FIG. 2 . In the currently described embodiment, the fold mirrors  226 ,  302  are positioned such that the first sub-FOV  402  and the second sub-FOV  404  intersect above the first window  206  and in a product-scanning region  406  of the barcode reader  200 . The product-scanning region  406  is the general area where the product  122  is expected to be presented for image capture by the barcode reader  200 . In some cases, the fold mirrors  226 ,  302  can be arranged to cause the first sub-FOV  402  and the second sub-FOV  404  to intersect partially. In other instances, the fold mirrors  226 ,  302  can be arranged to cause the first sub-FOV  402  and the second sub-FOV  404  to intersect fully. In still other instances, the fold mirrors  226 ,  302  can be arranged to cause a centroidal axis of each of the first sub-FOV  402  and the second sub-FOV  404  to intersect with or without regard for the cross-sectional dimensions of the FsOV. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the third and fourth sub FsOV  230 ,  502  projecting from the first window  206  of the barcode reader  200  of  FIG. 2 . In the currently described embodiment, the fold mirrors  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  are positioned such that the third sub FOV  230  and the fourth sub FOV  502  intersect in front of the second window  210  and in the product-scanning region  406  of the barcode reader  200 . In some cases, the fold mirrors  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  can be arranged to cause the third sub FOV  230  and the fourth sub FOV  502  to intersect partially. In other instances, the fold mirrors  232 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  can be arranged to cause the first sub-FOV  402  and the second sub-FOV  404  to intersect fully. In still other instances, the fold mirrors  226 ,  302  can be arranged to cause a centroidal axis of each of the first sub-FOV  402  and the second sub-FOV  404  to intersect with or without regard for the cross-sectional dimensions of the FsOV. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the example insert  602  that is structured to be received within the receptacle  234  of the barcode reader  200 . As shown, the insert  602  includes a bottom wall  604  from which side walls  606 ,  608  and a front wall  610  extend. As also shown, lips  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622  extend from edges  624 ,  626 ,  628 ,  630 ,  632 ,  634  of the walls  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 . The lips  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622  are structured to engage surfaces of the divider  207  that define the receptacle  234 . The interaction between the lips  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622  and the surfaces of the divider  207  retains the insert  602  within the receptacle  234 . When the camera  107  is received within a cavity  636  of the insert  602  to position the camera  107  in a landscape orientation and to enable image data to be obtained by the camera  107 , a lens of the camera  107  aligns with a central aperture  638  of the insert  602 . To retain the camera  107  within the insert  602 , the front wall  610  defines apertures  640  that are structured to receive protrusions of the camera  107 . However, in other examples, the camera  107  may be retained within or relative to the insert  602  in any other suitable way. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the example insert  702  that is structured to be received within the receptacle  234  of the barcode reader  200 . As shown, the insert  702  includes side walls  704 ,  706 , a bottom wall  708  and front and rear walls  710 ,  712  that define a cavity  714 . The cavity  714  is sized and structured to receive the camera  107  in a portrait orientation. Thus, a comparison between the insert  702  of  FIG. 7  and the insert  602  of  FIG. 6  shows that the width of the insert  702  of  FIG. 7  is less than the width of the insert  602  of  FIG. 6  enabling the insert  702  of  FIG. 7  to carry the camera  107  in the portrait orientation and enabling the insert  602  of  FIG. 6  to carry the camera  107  in the landscape orientation. The insert  702  includes lips  716 ,  718 ,  720 ,  722  extending from the respective walls  704 ,  706 ,  710 ,  712  that are structured to engage the surfaces of the divider  207  that define the receptacle  234  to retain the insert  702  within the receptacle  234   
     When the camera  107  is received within the cavity  714  to position the camera  107  in a portrait orientation and to enable image data to be obtained by the camera  107 , a lens of the camera  107  aligns with a central aperture  724  of the insert  702 . To retain the camera  107  within the insert  702 , the front wall  710  defines apertures  726  that are structured to receive protrusions of the camera  107 . However, in other examples, the camera  107  may be retained within or relative to the insert  702  in any other suitable way. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the example insert  802  that is structured to be received within the receptacle  234  of the barcode reader  200 . The insert  802  is similar to the insert  602  of  FIG. 6 , but does not include the central aperture  638  and does not include the apertures  640 . As such, the insert  802  of  FIG. 8  is structured as a cover that covers the receptacle  234  when the barcode reader  200  is not implemented with the camera  107 , for example. When the barcode reader  200  is initially implemented with the insert  802  and then upgraded to carry the camera  107  by replacing the insert  802  of  FIG. 8  with one of the insert  602  of  FIG. 6  or the insert  702  of  FIG. 7 , the barcode reader  200  is said to have been “upgraded” or “field upgraded.” 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an expanded rear perspective view of the barcode reader  200  illustrating an example rear cover  902  detached from the second housing portion  208 .  FIG. 9  also illustrates the contours of the divider  207  that correspond to contours of the insert  602  to enable the insert  602  to be matingly received by the receptacle  234 . When the rear cover  902  is removed from the second portion  208 , the insert  602  and the receptacle  234  can be easily accessed to provide the barcode reader  200  with the camera  107 , for example. When the rear cover  902  is coupled to the second housing portion  208 , the rear cover  902  covers the receptacle  234 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the rear cover  902 . As shown, the rear cover  902  includes fasteners  1002 ,  1004  that are structured to couple with corresponding structures of the second housing portion  208  to enable the rear cover  902  to be removably coupled to the second housing portion  208 . The fasteners  1002 ,  1004  can be implemented as snap-fit connections. To enable the rear cover  902  to be uncoupled from the second housing portion  208 , the rear cover  902  of the illustrated example includes an example release  1006 . The release  1006  may be implemented as a button that causes the fasteners  1002 ,  1004  to release the second housing portions  208  to enable the rear cover  902  to be removed from the second housing portion  208 . The release  1006  may alternatively be implemented on the second housing portion  208 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the barcode reader  200  showing an example vertical field of view  1100  of the camera  107  when the barcode reader  200  is implemented with the insert  602  of  FIG. 6 . The insert  602  carries the camera  107  in the landscape orientation. As shown, the vertical field of view  1100  is approximately 53°. However, depending on the configuration of the camera  107 , the vertical field of view  1100  can be different (e.g., between 45° and 100°). 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a top plan view of the barcode reader  200  showing an example horizontal field of view  1200  of the camera  107  when the barcode reader  200  is implemented with the insert  602 . The insert  602  carries the camera  107  in the landscape orientation. As shown, the horizontal field of view  1200  is approximately 70°. However, depending on the configuration of the camera  107 , the horizontal field of view  1200  can be different (e.g., between 30° and 135°). 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an expanded rear perspective view of the barcode reader  200  illustrating a rear cover  902  detached from the second housing portion  208 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates the contours of the divider  207  that correspond to contours of the insert  702  to enable the insert  702  to be matingly received by the receptacle  234 . When the rear cover  902  is removed from the second portion  208 , the insert  702  and the receptacle  234  can be easily accessed to provide the barcode reader  200  with the camera  107 , for example. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the barcode reader  200  showing an example vertical field of view  1400  of the camera  107  when the barcode reader  200  is implemented with the insert  702  of  FIG. 7 . The insert  702  carries the camera  107  in the portrait orientation. As shown, the vertical field of view  1400  is approximately 70°. However, depending on the configuration of the camera  107 , the vertical field of view  1400  can be different (e.g., between 45° and 100°). 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a top plan view of the barcode reader  200  showing an example horizontal field of view  1500  of the camera  107  when the barcode reader  200  is implemented with the insert  702 . The insert  702  carries the camera  107  in the portrait orientation. As shown, the horizontal field of view  1500  is approximately 53°. However, depending on the configuration of the camera  107 , the horizontal field of view  1500  can be different (e.g., between 45° and 100°). 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above disclosed apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture enable barcode readers to be field upgraded with cameras using example inserts. The inserts may be referred to as adapters. The inserts are structured to hold the cameras in a desired orientation. For example, the insert may hold the camera in a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation or any other desired position. Put another way, the example bar code readers include means for enabling a change of an orientation of a camera between a first orientation and a second orientation, where the means includes a receptacle that is configured to alternatively receive one of a first field-installable insert or a second field-installable insert. The camera carried by the field-installable inserts is structured to obtain non-barcode data. 
     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 claims. 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 legal scope of the property right 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 patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s). The systems and methods described herein are directed to an improvement to computer functionality, and improve the functioning of conventional computers. 
     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.