Single arch portal scanner and method of scanning

摘要

A scanning system for data reading, and related methods of use, the scanning system including a portal scanner and a conveyor for transporting items. The scanner includes a generally U-shaped scanner housing and a plurality of data readers arranged within the scanner housing for reading data on various surfaces of an item being transported through the portal scanner. The scanning system may also include a bottom scanner positioned beneath the conveyor, the bottom scanner having a view volume directed through a gap in the conveyor for reading a bottom surface of the item through the gap as the item passes over the gap. In some embodiments, the scanning system may further include one or more light curtains configured for determining a height dimension of the item and/or a position of the item.

主权项

1. An automated checkout system for reading encoded data from an item, the automated checkout system comprising:
a portal scanner having a first leg section spaced apart from a second leg section, and a top arch section extending across from the first leg section to the second leg section; a first imaging system housed within the top arch section of the portal scanner, the first imaging system having a first view volume directed downwardly from the top arch section and between the first and second leg sections, the first view volume including a forward-facing field of view and a rearward-facing field of view, wherein the fields of view of the first view volume cross with one another; a second imaging system housed within the first leg section of the portal scanner, the second imaging system having a second view volume directed sidewardly toward the second leg section, the second view volume include a forward-facing field of view and a rearward-facing field of view, wherein the fields of view of the second view volume cross with one another; a third imaging system housed within the second leg section of the portal scanner, the third imaging system having a third view volume directed sidewardly toward the first leg section, the third view volume including a forward-facing field of view and a rearward-facing field of view, wherein the fields of view of the third view volume cross with one another, wherein the first, second, and third view volumes intersect with one another to collectively form a read region of the portal scanner for reading an optical code from an item being passed through the read region; and a conveying system operable for transporting the item through the read region of the portal scanner, the conveying system including (a) a leading conveyor section operable to receive and transport the item bearing encoded data toward the portal scanner, and (b) a trailing conveyor section operable to receive and transport the item away from the portal scanner, the trailing conveyor section spaced apart from the leading conveyor section by a gap, wherein the portal scanner is positioned between the leading and trailing conveyor sections with the top arch section of the arch aligned over the gap.