Optical code reading device having more than one imaging engine
A mobile computing device is provided having more than one imaging engine, and preferably, two imagining engines. Switching circuitry is provided for switching between the two imaging engines. Each imaging engine is optimized for use in specific applications and includes different specifications from the other imaging engine. Preferably, one imaging engine is optimized to provide higher resolution images than the other imaging engine, and one imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located 7.50 to 12.50 cm from the mobile computing device (near-to-mid range imaging), while the other imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located from 12.50 cm to infinity from the mobile computing device (mid-to-far range imaging). One imaging engine preferably includes a color image sensor, while the other imaging engine includes a black and white image sensor. The imaging engines are preferably supported by a housing of an optical code reading device configured for imaging and decoding optical codes and performing other functions, such as video teleconferencing, capturing and storing digital images, creating and transmitting video e-mail, and performing video surveillance.
1. A computing device comprising:
a first imaging engine integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a first plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
a second imaging engine integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a second plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
a processor for receiving at least one of the first and second plurality of signals; and
an aiming and illumination assembly controlled by the processor.
2. A computing device comprising:
a first imaging engine integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a first plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
a second imaging engine integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a second plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
switching circuitry for operatively switching between the first and second imaging engines;
a processor for controlling the switching circuitry for receiving one of the first and second plurality of signals; and
a housing having at least one cavity disposed upon an exterior surface thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second imaging engine is operably removably mounted within the at least one cavity.
3. The computing device according to claim 2 , wherein said cavity extends to an internal portion of said housing.
4. A computing device comprising:
at least two imaging engines each integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
switching circuitry for operatively switching between the at least two imaging engines;
a processor for controlling the switching circuitry and for processing the plurality of signals; and
a housing having at least one cavity disposed upon an exterior surface thereof, wherein at least one of the at least two imaging engines is operably removably mounted within the at least one cavity.
5. The computing device according to claim 4 , wherein said cavity extends to an internal portion of said housing.
6. A computing device comprising:
a first imaging engine integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a first plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
a second imaging engine integrating in a single unit separate and apart from said computing device at least one illumination source and an image sensor for impinging an image thereon and outputting a second plurality of signals corresponding to the image impinged on the image sensor;
a processor for receiving at least one of the first and second plurality of signals; and
a housing having at least one cavity disposed upon an exterior surface thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second imaging engine is operably removably mounted within the at least one cavity.
7. The computing device according to claim 6 , wherein said cavity extends to an internal portion of said housing.
8. A computing device comprising:
a processor;
a housing having disposed upon its exterior surface at least two cavities, wherein the at least two cavities are capable of operably accenting the insertion of an imaging engine;
at least two of said cavities further having an imaging engine operably inserted thereinto; and
switching circuitry for operatively switching between the imaging engines.
9. The computing device according to claim 8 , wherein the switching circuitry is controlled by the processor.
10. The computing device according to claim 9 , wherein the switching circuitry includes a multiplexer.
11. The computing device according to claim 8 , wherein the imaging engines have at least one different field of view.
12. The computing device according to claim 8 , wherein the imaging engines have at least one different depth of field.
13. The computing device according to claim 8 , wherein the imaging engines provide at least one different resolution.