Optical code recognition apparatus

0001This invention relates an optical code recognition apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to an optical code recognition apparatus comprising a fixed optical code scanner and an imaging scanner operable in both hand held and fixed configurations.

0002Checkout terminals use stationary barcode scanners, which can be mono-optic, a single scanner typically mounted in the horizontal direction, or bi-optic, typically mutually orthogonal scanners mounted in the horizontal and vertical directions respectively. However, imaging scanners are useful for the reading of two-dimensional barcodes and where a smaller than standard barcode is applied to an item. Imaging scanners are also useful where product recognition of non-barcoded items, for example fruit and vegetables, is required and also where barcodes cannot be scanned, for example where the barcode applied to an item is damaged, an image of the barcode can be analysed. Also, image capture can be used for imaging cheques and for security to prevent theft.

0003There is a desire to improve the ergonomic efficiency of imaging scanners and also to reduce the footprint of the area of the scanning portion of the retail checkout.

0004The ergonomic efficiency of the imaging scanners leads to greater throughput of items through the retail checkout leading to shorter customer queuing times and greater customer satisfaction. Also, ergonomic design leads to reduced operator fatigue and fewer operator injuries, for example repetitive strain injuries.

0005A reduction in the footprint of the scanning portion of the retail checkout leads to a reduced footprint of the overall retail checkout which is clearly desirable for retailers where floorspace is at a premium.

0006Handheld barcode scanners suffer from the problem that they are configured only for handheld scanning and cannot be readily integrated with stationary barcode scanners to compliment their operation as the optical path required for handheld use is fundamentally different from that required to operate in conjunction with stationary barcode scanners. Furthermore, handheld barcode scanners are typically constrained by cabling reducing the freedom of movement of checkout staff who use them.

0007According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical code scanning station comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a fixed optical code scanner;</li><li>a receiving portion; and</li><li>the receiving portion being arranged to receive a detachable imaging scanner.</li></ul>

0008The detachable imaging scanner may comprise: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a window;</li><li>an image capture device; and</li><li>a processor;</li><li>the window defining a field of view from within which light is incident upon the image capture device, the image capture device being arranged to capture an image of said field of view, and the processor being arranged to process data corresponding to the captured image.</li></ul>

0009The receiving portion may be arranged to retain the imaging scanner such that the image capture device of the imaging scanner is directed towards a scan volume of the fixed optical code scanner.

0010The imaging scanner may comprise a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver may utilise any one of the following data transmission techniques: Bluetooth, RF, WIFI, Infra-red.

0011The imaging scanner may comprise a rechargeable power source. The imaging scanner may comprise a charging connector arranged to receive power from a complimentary charging connector of the receiving portion and is further arranged to supply this power to the rechargeable power supply.

0012The imaging scanner may be arranged to communicate with the scanning station wirelessly when detached therefrom. The imaging scanner may be arranged to operate wirelessly or wired of the scanning station when attached thereto.

0013The fixed optical code scanner may comprise: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a housing;</li><li>a light source;</li><li>a processor;</li><li>scanning optics arranged to produce a scan pattern from light emitted by the light source; and</li><li>a scan window in the housing arranged to define a scan volume of the scanner into which the scan pattern is projected.</li></ul>

0014The fixed optical code scanner may comprise a laser scanner.

0015The scan window may be aligned horizontally. The receiving portion may be formed in an edge of the housing. The receiving portion may be recessed into the edge such that only a portion of the imaging scanner projects beyond the level of the scan window, when received therein. The longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner, when received in the receiving portion, may be parallel to the direction of travel of an object passing over the scan window. The longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner, when received in the receiving portion, may be parallel to the direction of travel of a belt drive associated with the fixed optical code scanner.

0016The scan window of the fixed optical code scanner may be aligned vertically. The receiving portion may be formed in an upper surface of the housing. The receiving portion may be arranged to receive the imaging scanner such that the image capture device is remote from the housing. The longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner, when received in the receiving portion, may be perpendicular to the direction of travel of an object passing over the scan window. The longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner, when received in the receiving portion, may be perpendicular to the direction of travel of a belt drive associated with the fixed optical code scanner.

0017The scanning station may comprise two mutually orthogonally oriented fixed optical code scanners. The receiving portion may be located in either of the fixed optical code scanners.

0018According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a detachable imaging scanner for use with a retail checkout terminal comprising: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a window;</li><li>an image capture device; and</li><li>a processor;</li><li>the window defining a field of view from within which light is incident upon the image capture device, the image capture device being arranged to capture an image of said field of view, and the processor being arranged to process data corresponding to the captured image.</li></ul>

0019The imaging scanner may be arranged to be received in a receiving portion of a fixed scanning station. The receiving portion may be arranged to retain the imaging scanner such that the window of the imaging scanner is directed towards a scan volume of a fixed optical code scanner of the scanning station.

0020The imaging scanner may comprise a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver may be arranged to communicate with a complimentary wireless transceiver of a fixed scanning station. The wireless transceiver may utilise any one of the following data transmission techniques: Bluetooth, RF, WIFI, or Infra-red.

0021The imaging scanner may comprise a rechargeable power source. The imaging scanner may comprise a charging connector arranged to receive power from a complimentary charging connector of a receiving portion of a scanning station.

0022The imaging scanner may be arranged to communicate with the scanning station wirelessly wired when detached therefrom. The imaging scanner may be arranged to be operated wirelessly or wired when attached to a scanning station.

0023According to a third of the present invention there is provided an optical code recognition apparatus comprising: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a scanning station according to the first aspect of the present invention; and</li><li>an imaging scanner according to the second aspect of the present invention.</li></ul>

0024According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a retail checkout terminal comprising receiving a detachable imaging scanner in a receiving portion adjacent a fixed optical code scanner of the retail checkout terminal.

0025The method may comprise defining a field of view of an image capture device of the imaging scanner via a window of the imaging scanner. The method may comprise directing the window of the imaging scanner towards a scan volume of the fixed optical code scanner.

0026The method may comprise communicating between the imaging scanner and the retail checkout terminal wirelessly, at least some of the time. The method may comprise utilising any of the following data transmission techniques: Bluetooth, RF, WIFI or Infra-red. The method may comprise operating the imaging scanner wirelessly when detached from the retail checkout terminal.

0027The method may comprise charging a rechargeable power supply of the imaging scanner from a charging connector of the receiving portion.

0028The method may comprise: <ul id="ul0006" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>producing a scan pattern from light emitted by a light source of the fixed optical code scanner; and</li><li>defining a scan volume of the scanner into which the scan pattern is projected via a scan window.</li></ul>

0029The method may comprise receiving imaging scanner in the receiving portion such that only a portion of the imaging scanner projects beyond the level of the scan window, when received in the receiving portion. The method may comprise aligning a longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner parallel to the direction of travel of an object passing over the scan window, when received in the receiving portion. The method may comprise aligning a longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner parallel to the direction of travel of a belt drive associated with the fixed barcode scanner, when received in the receiving portion.

0030The method may comprise receiving the imaging scanner in the receiving portion such that the image capture device is remote from the housing. The method may comprise aligning a longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner perpendicular to the direction of travel of an obj ect passing over the scan window, when received in the receiving portion. The method may comprise aligning a longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner perpendicular to the direction of travel of a belt drive associated with the fixed optical code scanner, when received in the receiving portion.

0031The retail checkout terminal may comprise two mutually orthogonally oriented fixed optical code scanners. The method may comprise associating the imaging scanner with one of the fixed optical code scanners.

0032According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer implemented method for use by a scanning terminal to identify an optical code presented to the terminal, the method comprising: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>capturing image data by an imaging scanner detachable from the scanning terminal;</li><li>receiving the image data from the imaging scanner at a processor;</li><li>receiving scan data from a fixed scanner fixed to the scanning terminal;</li><li>processing the received image data and scan data to identify the optical code.</li></ul>

0033The method may comprise capturing the image data when the imaging scanner is detached from the scanning terminal. The method may comprise capturing the image data when the imaging scanner is attached to the scanning terminal.

0034The processor may be located within the imaging scanner.

0035The fixed scanner may comprise a laser scanner.

0036Receiving the image data may comprise using wireless communications. The method may comprise directing an image of the optical code to the imaging scanner by an optical device in the scanning terminal. The method may comprise defining a field of view for the scanning terminal and using an optical device in the scanning terminal directing an image from the field of view to the imaging scanner when the imaging scanner is attached.

0037The method may comprise receiving the scan data at the fixed scanner from the field of view through a first optical window in the scanning terminal and the imaging scanner receives image data directed from the first optical window. The method may comprise receiving scan data at the fixed scanner through a second optical window in the scanning terminal.

0038The method may comprise defining a field of view for the imaging scanner, where the imaging scanner is detached, that does not coincide with the field of view for the scanning terminal.

0039The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <ul id="ul0008" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> is a perspective view of a retail checkout terminal comprising an optical code recognition apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2a</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a scanning station according to a further aspect of the present invention and an embodiment of an imaging scanner according to another aspect of the present the present invention, with the imaging scanner detached from the scanning station;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2b</figref> is a perspective view of the scanning station and the imaging scanner of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2a</figref>, with the imaging scanner retained by the scanning station;</li><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref> is a schematic diagram showing components and a housing of the imaging scanner of <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a and 2b</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 4a</figref> is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a scanning station according to the further aspect of the present invention and the imaging scanner of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref>, with the imaging scanner detached from the scanning station;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 4b</figref> is a perspective view of the scanning station of <figref idref="f0004">Figure 4a</figref> and the imaging scanner of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref>, with the imaging scanner retained by the scanning station;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 5</figref> is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a scanning station according to the further aspect of the present invention and the imaging scanner of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref>, with the imaging scanner detached from the scanning station;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 6</figref> is a perspective view of part of a housing and internal optics of a vertical optical tower of the scanning station of <figref idref="f0005">Figure 5</figref>; and</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 7</figref> is a flowchart detailing a computer implemented method for use by a scanning terminal to identify an optical code presented to the terminal according to a still further aspect of the present invention.</li></ul>

0040Referring now to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, a retail checkout terminal 100 comprises a belt 102, a scanning station 104 and a bagging area 106.

0041The belt 102 drives customer's purchases towards the scanning station 104 so that optical codes on the purchased items can be scanned to form a transaction list and an associated bill. Once the purchased items have been scanned the customer places they are moved into the bagging area 106 for placement into bags for removal.

0042Referring now to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a, 2b</figref> and <figref idref="f0001">3</figref>, in a first embodiment, the scanning station 104 comprises a detachable image scanner 108 and a fixed barcode scanner 110. The detachable image scanner 108 is operable in either a hand held configuration, hereinafter referred to as a first configuration, and a fixed configuration where the image scanner 108 is received in the scanning station 104, hereinafter referred to as a second configuration.

0043The imaging scanner 108 comprises an elongate housing 112, an image capture device 114, typically a CMOS imaging array, a processor 116, a rechargeable power supply 120, typically a battery, a charging connector 122 and a wireless transceiver 124, typically utilising WiFi, RF, Infra-red or Bluetooth.

0044The housing 112 comprises an imaging window 126 passing through it such that the window 126 defines a field of view of the image capture device 114.

0045The scanning fixed barcode scanner 110 comprises a bi-optic barcode scanner, the construction and operation of a bi-optic barcode scanner is described in <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5229588A"><text>US patent number 5,229,588</text></patcit>. The bi-optic scanner 110 of the present embodiment comprises a vertical window 128 and a horizontal window 129, each of which define a scan volume of the bi-optic scanner 110, within which an barcode on an object can be scanned. Typically, the horizontal window 129 and its surround 129a comprise a weighing scale for weighing, for example, fresh produce and other items sold on a "by weight" basis.

0046The barcode scanner 110 comprises a receiving cradle 130 adjacent the horizontal window 129 into which the imaging scanner 108 sits. The receiving cradle 130 comprises a scalloped recess 132 in an edge of the barcode scanner 110 opposite the vertical window 128. The cradle 130 retains the imaging scanner 108 in the second configuration such that the imaging scanner 108 lies parallel to the direction of travel of items through the scanning station 104. In the present embodiment, the cradle 130 retains the imaging scanner 108 such that a portion of the housing 112 lies below the level of the horizontal window 129 whilst the imaging window 126 has a field of view which includes at least part of the scan volume of the bi-optic scanner 110.

0047The receiving cradle 130 comprises a charging connector 134 which is complimentary to the charging connector 122 of the imaging scanner 108. The rechargeable power supply 120 of the imaging scanner 108 draws power from a power supply of the scanning station 104 to recharges the power supply 120 when the imaging scanner 108 is retained in the receiving cradle 130.

0048When used in the first configuration, the imaging scanner 108 is removed from the cradle 130, held in the user's hand and images of barcodes, or other optical codes, or of produce, in the case of produce recognition, or images of driver's licenses or checks in the field are captured by the image capture device 114.

0049In both the first and second configurations, data corresponding to an image captured by the image capture device 114 is passed to the processor 116 and then on to the wireless transceiver 122. The wireless transceiver 122 transmits the data to a remote station, typically a wireless transceiver in the scanning station 104, where it is processed to extract information from the image data. The information extracted from the image data may comprise, but is not limited to, barcode information or two dimensional barcode information which identifies a product associated with the barcode. Alternatively or additionally, but not exclusively, the information extracted may be produce recognition data, for example identifying an item of fresh produce such as a banana or a melon by shape, colour, a company logo etc.

0050It will be appreciated that although described in relation to the cradle 130 being adjacent the horizontal window 129 it will be appreciated that the cradle 130 can be located adjacent the vertical window 128 such that the imaging window 126 lies in a substantially vertical plane and is directed towards the scan volume of the bi-optic scanner 110. In this instance the longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner 108 is perpendicular to the direction of travel of items through the fixed scanner 110. Referring now to <figref idref="f0004">Figures 4a and 4b</figref>, with reference to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref>, a second embodiment of the scanning station 104 comprises a detachable image scanner 136 and a fixed barcode scanner 138. The detachable image scanner 136 is substantially as described hereinbefore in relation to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref> and similar parts will be accorded the same reference numeral. The fixed barcode scanner 138 is a bi-optic barcode scanner substantially as described hereinbefore in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a and 2b</figref> and similar parts will be accorded the same reference numeral.

0051A vertical optics housing 140 of the bi-optic barcode scanner 138 comprises the vertical window 128. The optics housing 140 comprises a recessed channel 142 in an upper edge thereof. The channel 142 is located at approximately the midpoint of the vertical window 128 and is dimensioned to retain the imaging scanner 136 such that the field of view of the image capture device 114 of the imaging scanner 136 encompasses at least part of the scan volume of the bi-optic scanner 138. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the imaging scanner is perpendicular to the direction of travel of items through the scanning station 104.

0052In the present embodiment the channel 142 frictionally engags with the housing of the imaging scanner 136 to retain it in position. Alternatively, or additionally, the channel 142 and housing of the imaging scanner 136 can comprise complementary elements of fixing arrangements, for example discrete recesses and projections, or tongue and groove, to retain the imaging scanner 136 in position.

0053The operation of the imaging scanner 136 and the bi-optic scanner 138 in the hand held, first configuration, is the same as that described in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a, 2b</figref> and <figref idref="f0001">3</figref>.

0054The transmission of image data between imaging scanner 136 and the scanning station 104 and its subsequent processing is the same as that described in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a, 2b</figref> and <figref idref="f0001">3</figref>.

0055The provision of a recharging connector in the channel 142 is similar to that described in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a, 2b</figref>, and <figref idref="f0001">3</figref>, such that charging of the imaging scanner 136 is effected when the imaging scanner 136 is located in the channel 142. Although it will be appreciated that the recharging connector of the imaging scanner 136 of the present embodiment will be located at an end of the housing remote from the imaging window.

0056Referring now to <figref idref="f0005">Figures 5</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">6</figref>, in a third embodiment, the scanning station 104 comprises a detachable image scanner 144 and a fixed barcode scanner 146. The detachable image scanner 144 is substantially as described hereinbefore in relation to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 3</figref> and similar parts will be accorded the same reference numeral. The fixed barcode scanner 146 is a bi-optic barcode scanner substantially as described hereinbefore in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a and 2b</figref> and similar parts will be accorded the same reference numeral.

0057A vertical optics tower 148 of the barcode scanner 146 comprises a housing 150, the vertical window 128 and optics 152 internal of the housing. The optics 152 comprise pattern mirrors 154, 156, 158 and imaging mirror 160.

0058The housing 150 comprises a rear wall 162 opposite the vertical window 128 and respective side walls 164, 166 which extend from the rear wall 162 to meet a face containing the vertical window 128 and an external receiving cradle 168 adjacent the window 128 which is arranged to receive the imaging scanner 144.

0059The side pattern mirrors 154, 156 are mounted on respective side walls 164, 166 of the housing 150. The rear pattern mirror 158 is mounted on the rear wall 162 of the housing 150. The pattern mirrors 154, 156, 158 act to direct light from a light source of the barcode scanner 146 through the vertical window 128 into the scan volume of the barcode scanner 146. The imaging mirror 160 is positioned below the rear pattern mirror 158, out of the path of light from the light source and is directed towards the scan volume of the barcode scanner 146.

0060A window 170 passes through the housing adj acent the cradle 168 such that there is a line of sight between the window 170 and the imaging mirror 160, typically, but not essentially, this line of sight passes between the side pattern mirror 156 and the rear pattern mirror 158. The cradle 168 receives the imaging scanner 144 such that the imaging window 126 of the imaging scanner 108 has a field of view which includes the vertical window 128. The orientation of the imaging scanner 144 in the cradle 168 is such that the field of view of the imaging scanner 144 in the second configuration is aligned with the line of sight between the imaging mirror 160 and the window 170. Thus, the imaging scanner 108 has sight of the same scanning volume as the vertical window 128 of the barcode scanner 146.

0061It will be appreciated that the window 170 can be in either side wall 164, 166 of the housing 150 dependent upon which side of the housing 150 the cradle 168 present.

0062It will be further appreciated that the window 170 may be located at a point on the top surface of the housing 150 at the mid-point of the scan window 128 with commensurate variations to the scanner optics. In this instance the cradle 168 may correspond to the channel 142 of <figref idref="f0004">Figures 4a and 4b</figref>.

0063It will also be appreciated that although shown with reference to the vertical optics tower the window 170 may be provided in the basal, horizontal, fixed scanner portion to allow the imaging scanner to view through the horizontal scan window 129 with commensurate variations to the scanner optics. In this instance, the cradle 168 corresponds to the scalloped recess of <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a and 2b</figref>.

0064The operation of the imaging scanner 144 and the bi-optic scanner 146 is the same as that described in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a, 2b</figref> and <figref idref="f0001">3</figref>.

0065The transmission of image data between imaging scanner 144 and the scanning station 104 and its subsequent processing is the same as that described in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a, 2b</figref> and <figref idref="f0001">3</figref>.

0066The provision of a recharging connector in the cradle 166 is similar to that described in relation to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 2a and 2b</figref>, such that charging of the imaging scanner 144 is effected when the imaging scanner 144 is located in the cradle 166.

0067It will be appreciated that lighting to illuminate the object for imaging can be located in; the imaging scanner 108, the vertical window 128, or the fixed barcode scanner 146.

0068Referring now to <figref idref="f0006">Figure 7</figref>, a computer implemented method for use by a scanning terminal to identify an optical code presented to the terminal comprises capturing image data by an imaging scanner detachable from the scanning terminal (Step 200). Image data is received from the imaging scanner at the scanning terminal (Step 202). Scan data from a fixed scanner fixed to the scanning terminal is received (Step 204). The received image data and scan data is processed to identify the optical code (Step 206).

0069It will be appreciated that the image data can be decoded at the imaging scanner and the decoded data passed to the scanning terminal.

0070It will be appreciated that although described with reference to a bi-optic barcode scanner the present invention is applicable to mono-optic, single window, barcode scanners.

0071It will also be appreciated that although described with reference to a retail checkout terminal the present invention is applicable to any terminal, assisted or self-service, where scanning and imaging of a optical codes are used, non-limiting examples of such terminals include: travel check-in terminals, medical check-in terminals, hospitality check-in/check-out terminals, for example in a hotel, a video, DVD, multi-media, mpeg3 etc sales/rental kiosk, a lottery kiosk, a postal services machine and automated teller machines (ATMs).

0072Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiments within the scope of the invention.