Light supplement module for bar code reading and bar code reading device

Abstract

To provide: a light supplement module for barcode reading which contributes to improvement of utilization rate of light energy for light supplement; and a barcode reading device.SOLUTION: Light supplement light spots which are formed by polarization imaging to light supplement light sources 30a in respective polarizing assemblies 30 of a light supplement module through polarizing lenses 30b converge towards a designated field of view area in a camera field of view of a code reading camera at a target imaging distance and overlap to form an overlapping light spot of which the uniformity of brightness is larger than or equal to the preset uniformity threshold. The field of view area falls within a light spot range of the overlapping light spot and the contour of the overlapping light spot converges towards the boundary of the designated field of view area. Thus, treatment of uniformizing beams produced by the light supplement light sources based on lens polarization and convergence is attained, so that light energy for light supplement is uniformized and is caused to converge in the designated field of view area, thereby contributing to improvement of utilization rate of the light energy for light supplement compared to uniformizing treatment based on light diffusion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on November 27, 2020, with application number 202011356108.6 and titled "Complementary optical module for barcode reading and barcode reading device", and to a Chinese patent application filed on November 27, 2020, with application number 202022794534.X and titled "Complementary optical module for barcode reading and barcode reading device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to logistics automation technology, and more particularly to a light supplementary module for reading barcodes and a barcode reading device to which the light supplementary module is applied. [Background technology]

[0003] When reading a barcode, if the ambient light is insufficient, it will affect the imaging effect and the code reading rate, and even cause the code reading to fail. Therefore, in the scene of barcode reading, it is generally necessary to place a supplementary light module.

[0004] Conventional light supplementary modules generally adopt a simple combination arrangement of multiple light sources, and use a diffusion plate to diffuse and homogenize the beams from the multiple light sources.

[0005] However, the light diffused by the diffuser is uniformly distributed at a low energy level within an illumination range that is much larger than the field of view of the code reading camera, resulting in a low utilization rate of the light energy of the supplementary light. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention provides a supplementary light module for reading barcodes, which contributes to improving the light energy utilization rate of supplementary light, and a barcode reading device to which the supplementary light module is applied.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a supplementary light module for reading barcodes is provided, at least two polarizing assemblies; Each of the polarization assemblies is disposed off-center with respect to the camera window, and each of the polarization assemblies includes a supplemental light source and a polarizing lens that performs polarized imaging on the supplemental light source; when the code reading camera reads and images the code through the camera window, the supplementary light spots formed by polarizing and imaging the supplementary light source through the polarizing lens in each of the polarization assemblies are converged and overlapped to form overlapping light spots having a luminance uniformity equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold value in a designated field of view area in a camera field of view at a target imaging distance of the code reading camera; The specified viewing area is within a light spot range of the superimposed light spot, and a contour of the superimposed light spot converges to a boundary of the specified viewing area.

[0008] Preferably, the camera field of view of the code reading camera at the target imaging distance includes a near point field of view and a far point field of view, the near point field of view is located at the proximal boundary of a front depth of field extending toward the proximal end side based on the target imaging distance, the far point field of view is located at the distal boundary of a rear depth of field extending toward the distal end side based on the target imaging distance, and the overlapping light spot covers the field depth of field section from the near point field to the far point field.

[0009] Preferably, the polarizing lenses of each of the polarizing assemblies are arranged to give the overlapping light spots a rectangular shape.

[0010] Preferably, the designated viewing area is a first viewing area of ​​the code reading camera, the code reading camera having a higher resolution for the first viewing area than for a second viewing area surrounding the first viewing area.

[0011] Preferably, the polarizing assembly includes a first polarizing assembly and a second polarizing assembly spaced apart in a first direction, the first polarizing assembly including a first supplementary light source and a first polarizing lens, and the second polarizing assembly including a second supplementary light source and a second polarizing lens, and a supplementary light spot formed by the first polarizing lens performing polarized imaging of the first supplementary light source at a first designated distance preset, and a supplementary light spot formed by the second polarizing lens performing polarized imaging of the second supplementary light source at a second designated distance preset, converge toward the designated field of view of the code reading camera and overlap to form the overlapping light spot, and the first designated distance and the second designated distance are different.

[0012] Preferably, the first polarization assemblies are arranged in a pair on opposite sides of the camera window in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second polarization assemblies are arranged in a pair on opposite sides of the camera window in the second direction.

[0013] Preferably, an arrangement interval of the first polarization assemblies in the second direction is different from an arrangement interval of the second polarization assemblies in the second direction.

[0014] Preferably, the camera further includes a supplementary light source board on which the supplementary light source is mounted, the supplementary light source board being detachably attached to a frame in which the camera window is located, and the polarized lens being fitted into the frame in alignment with the supplementary light source.

[0015] Preferably, the frame has a snap fit, the supplementary light source board has an engagement groove, and the supplementary light source board is engaged and connected to the frame by the snap fit and the engagement groove.

[0016] A barcode reading device provided according to another embodiment may include a code reading camera and a supplementary light module as described in the above embodiment. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the above embodiment, the supplementary light spot formed by performing polarized imaging on the supplementary light source by the polarizing lens in each polarization assembly of the supplementary light module can be converged to a specified field of view in the camera field of view at the target imaging distance of the code reading camera, and can be overlapped to form a superimposed light spot whose luminance uniformity is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold, the specified field of view of the code reading camera can be within the light spot range of the superimposed light spot, and the contour of the superimposed light spot can be converged to the boundary of the specified field of view. Thus, by realizing a homogenization process based on lens polarization convergence for the beam from the supplementary light source, the light energy for supplementary light is homogenized and collected in the specified field of view, which can contribute to improving the light energy utilization rate of supplementary light compared to homogenization process based on light diffusion.

[0018] In order to more clearly describe the embodiments of the present invention and the technical solutions of the related art, the drawings necessary for the description of the embodiments and the related art will be briefly described below. The drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can obtain other embodiments based on these drawings without making inventive efforts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of a barcode reading device in one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the optical compensation module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of a supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of the optical supplement module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of the optical supplement module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the optical supplement module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6c is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the complementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6d] FIG. 6d is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the complementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6e] FIG. 6e is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the complementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6f] FIG. 6f is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the complementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of a barcode reading device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a partially exploded configuration of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 9a] FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram of a partial configuration of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram of a partial configuration of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 9c] FIG. 9c is a schematic diagram of a partial configuration of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded view of the aiming device in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 11a] FIG. 11a is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a cylindrical lens hood of the aiming indicator device shown in FIG. [Figure 11b] FIG. 11b is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a cylindrical lens hood of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 11c] FIG. 11c is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a cylindrical lens hood of the aiming indicator device shown in FIG. [Figure 11d] FIG. 11d is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a cylindrical lens hood of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 12a] FIG. 12a is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a lens cap of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 12b] FIG. 12b is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a lens cap of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 12c] FIG. 12c is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a lens cap of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a partial assembly configuration of the aim designating device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the partially assembled configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the assembly configuration of the aim indicator device shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the assembled configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 17a] FIG. 17a is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 17b] FIG. 17b is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view of an improved configuration of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view of another improved configuration of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In order to more clearly explain the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments as follows. Of course, the described embodiments are merely some of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can think of without making inventive efforts all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of a barcode reading device in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a barcode reading device 90 may include a code reading camera 80 and a supplementary light module 10.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exploded configuration of the optical supplementary module in the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 3a to 3c are schematic diagrams of an assembled configuration of the optical supplementary module in the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 2, 1 and 3a to 3c, the optical supplementary module 10 may include a frame 20 and at least two polarizing assemblies 30.

[0023] The frame 20 may have a panel 21. The panel 21 is provided with a camera window 211. The frame 20 may further have a perimeter 22 that encloses and surrounds the edge of the panel 21.

[0024] At least two polarizing assemblies 30 may be attached to the frame 20, each of the polarizing assemblies 30 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the camera window 211, and each of the polarizing assemblies 30 may include a supplementary light source 30a and a polarizing lens 30b that performs polarized imaging on the supplementary light source 30a. For example, each of the polarizing assemblies 30 may be regarded as the smallest supplementary light unit in the supplementary light module 10, and each of the polarizing assemblies 30 may include one supplementary light source 30a and one polarizing lens 30b dedicated to performing polarized imaging on the supplementary light source 30a. Here, the supplementary light source 30a may be, for example, a visible light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the non-optical surface of the polarizing lens 30b may be matte-finished.

[0025] For example, the light supplement module 10 may further include a light supplement light source board 33 on which the light supplement light source 30a is mounted (the light supplement light source 30a may be welded to the light supplement light source board 33). The light supplement light source board 33 may be detachably attached to the frame 20 (the light supplement light source board 33 may further have a camera hole groove 331 aligned with the camera window 211). In addition, the polarized lens 30b may be fitted to the frame 20 in alignment with the light supplement light source 30a.

[0026] 2 and 3a to 3c, the frame 20 may have a snap fit 23. The supplementary light source substrate 33 includes an engagement groove 333. The supplementary light source substrate 33 is engaged and connected to the frame 20 by the snap fit 23 and the engagement groove 333. That is, the supplementary light source substrate 33 may be supported by the periphery 22 of the frame 20, the snap fit 23 of the frame may be housed in the engagement groove 333 of the supplementary light source substrate 33, and the supplementary light source substrate 33 may be engaged and held between the snap fit 23 and the periphery 22 of the frame 20.

[0027] When the code reading camera 80 reads and images the code through the camera window 211, The supplementary light spot (imaged light spot of the polarizing lens 30b for the supplementary light source 30a) formed by performing polarized imaging on the supplementary light source 30a by the polarizing lens 30b in each polarization assembly 30 can be converged to a specified field of view area in the camera field of view formed by the code reading camera 80 at a preset target imaging distance D_obj through the camera window 211, and can be overlapped to form a superimposed light spot 100 whose luminance uniformity is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold, where the superimposed light spot 100 is used to achieve uniform supplementary light. The purpose of uniform supplementary light is for the code reading camera 80 to obtain a good-quality image that contributes to improving the code reading success rate, so the preset uniformity threshold may be set based on the resolution capability of the code reading camera 80 and a preset desired code reading success rate. A specified field of view area in the camera field of view formed by the code reading camera 80 through the camera window 211 at a preset target imaging distance D_obj can fall within the light spot range of the overlapping light spot 100 formed by each polarizing assembly 30, and the contour of the overlapping light spot 100 can converge to the boundary of the specified field of view area, for example, the shape and size of the overlapping light spot 100 can approach the shape and size of the specified field of view area, or the area occupancy rate of the specified field of view area relative to the light spot range of the overlapping light spot 100 can be greater than a preset threshold (the threshold may be any percentage value between 50% and 100%, with any percentage value between 75% and 100% being preferred, and any percentage value between 85% and 100% being more preferred, i.e., as close to 100% as possible).

[0028] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the code reading camera 80 has a certain code reading depth of field D_depth, i.e., a front depth of field Dc extending toward the proximal end side with respect to the target imaging distance D_obj, and a back depth of field Df extending toward the distal end side with respect to the target imaging distance D_obj. The depth of field may be understood as a tolerance for a shift due to the target imaging distance D_obj based on the fuzzy discrimination ability of an ISP (Image Signal Processing) algorithm for identifying a barcode from an image in the code reading camera 80. Therefore, the values ​​of the front depth of field Dc and the back depth of field Df may differ depending on the fuzzy discrimination ability of the ISP algorithm.

[0029] When the code reading camera 80 has a depth of field, the camera field of view at the target imaging distance D_obj of the code reading camera 80 may include a near point field of view and a far point field of view. Here, the near point field of view is located at the boundary on the proximal end side of the front depth of field Dc extending toward the proximal end side based on the target imaging distance D_obj, and the far point field of view is located at the boundary on the distal end side of the rear depth of field Df extending toward the distal end side based on the target imaging distance D_obj. In addition, the superimposed light spot 100 covers the field depth of field section from the near point field of view to the far point field of view.

[0030] Figures 4a and 4b are diagrams showing the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in Figure 1. In Figures 4a and 4b, the specified field of view is the field of view of the code reading camera 80 that has a good imaging effect on the barcode, which is generally a first field of view located at the center of the camera field of view of the code reading camera 80, and the code reading camera 80 has a higher resolution for the first field of view than for the second field of view surrounding the first field of view.

[0031] The barcode that the code reading camera 80 can identify may be a one-dimensional code 91 or a two-dimensional code 92. The one-dimensional code 91 is composed of black bars (abbreviated as bars) and white bars (abbreviated as spaces) with sufficiently different reflectances. The data composed of these bars and spaces represents certain information, can be identified by a specific device, and can be converted into computer-compatible binary information or decimal information. The one-dimensional code 91 may further include characters. The two-dimensional code 92 may be a graphic identifier that records data code information using a certain geometric figure, in which black and white are alternately arranged and distributed on a plane (in two-dimensional directions) according to a certain rule.

[0032] 4a shows an example in which the boundaries of the overlapping light spots 100 formed by each polarizing assembly 30 converge to the boundaries of the designated viewing area in which the one-dimensional code 91 affixed to the surface of the barcode carrier 900 is located. FIG. 4b shows an example in which the boundaries of the overlapping light spots 100 formed by each polarizing assembly 30 converge to the boundaries of the designated viewing area in which the two-dimensional code 92 affixed to the surface of the barcode carrier 900 is located.

[0033] That is, the position, shape and size of the specified field of view can be set according to the actual code reading requirements, and the position, shape and size of the superimposed light spot 100 can be adjusted accordingly by replacing the polarized lens 30b with different optical properties, without the need to adjust the arrangement of the supplementary light sources 30a on the supplementary light source substrate 33.

[0034] According to the above embodiment, the supplementary light spots formed by performing polarized imaging on the supplementary light source 30a by the polarizing lens 30b in each polarization assembly 30 of the supplementary light module 10 can converge to a specified field of view in the camera field of view at the target imaging distance D_obj of the code reading camera 80 and overlap to form a superimposed light spot 100 whose luminance uniformity is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold. Here, the specified field of view in the camera field of view at the target imaging distance D_obj of the code reading camera 80 can fall within the light spot range of the superimposed light spot 100, and the contour of the superimposed light spot 100 can converge to the boundary of the specified field of view of the code reading camera 80 such that the superimposed light spot 100 covers the specified field of view with as little energy loss as possible.

[0035] For example, the shape and size of the overlapping light spot 100 may be the same as the shape and size of the designated viewing area, and the designated viewing area may coincide with the light spot range of the overlapping light spot 100; Alternatively, the shape and size of the superimposed light spot 100 may be made slightly larger than the shape and size of the designated viewing area, so that the area occupancy rate of the designated viewing area relative to the light spot range of the superimposed light spot 100 is made larger than a preset threshold value, and the superimposed light spot 100 forms a redundant cover for the designated viewing area, the degree of redundancy of which does not exceed a preset threshold value. As a result, by realizing a homogenization process based on the polarization convergence of the polarized lens 30b on the beam from the supplementary light source 30a, the light energy for supplementary light is homogenized and collected in a specified field of view area, which contributes to improving the utilization rate of the light energy for supplementary light compared to homogenization processes based on light diffusion.

[0036] In some embodiments, the polarizing lenses 30b of each polarizing assembly 30 may be arranged to make the overlapping light spot 100 rectangular, thereby further improving the energy utilization of the compensated light by making the compensated light range better fit the rectangular shape of the barcode.

[0037] 5 is a schematic diagram of an implementation example of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, in a certain code reading scene, the barcode reading device 90 may be installed at an angle, for example, at an angle of 10° to 20° (preferably 15°) with respect to the vertical direction so that the barcode can be photographed at an angle. This is to prevent light pollution of the camera field of view of the code reading camera 80 due to specular reflection generated by the surface of the barcode. In this case, the polarization imaging characteristics of each polarization assembly 30 are not all the same, so that it is possible to adapt to the tilt deviation of the imaging plane where the designated field of view area of ​​the code reading camera 80 is located relative to the light emitting plane where each polarization assembly 30 is located.

[0038] For example, the polarization assembly 30 may include a first polarization assembly 31 and a second polarization assembly 32 spaced apart in a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction), The first polarizing assemblies 31 may be arranged in pairs in a second direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction, and each of the first polarizing assemblies 31 may include a first supplementary light source 31a and a first polarizing lens 31b; The second polarizing assemblies 32 may be arranged in pairs in a second direction (e.g., horizontally), and each of the second polarizing assemblies 32 may include a second supplemental light source 32a and a second polarizing lens 32b; The supplementary light spot formed by the first polarizing lens 31b arranged in a pair through polarized imaging at a first specified distance WD1 set in advance for the first supplementary light source 31a and the supplementary light spot formed by the second polarizing lens 32b arranged in a pair through polarized imaging at a second specified distance WD2 set in advance for the second supplementary light source 32a overlap to form an overlapping light spot 100 that covers a specified field of view area in the camera field of view at the target imaging distance D_obj of the code reading camera 80.

[0039] Here, the first designated distance WD1 may be different from the second designated distance WD2 (for example, the first designated distance WD1 may be greater than the second designated distance WD2).

[0040] In this embodiment, the first polarization assembly 31 may be symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the camera window 211 in the second direction (horizontal direction), and the second polarization assembly 32 may be symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the camera window 211 in the second direction (horizontal direction), thereby forming a four-point polarization distribution centered on the camera window 211.

[0041] The interval of the symmetric arrangement of the first polarizing assembly 31 in the second direction (horizontal direction) may be different from the interval of the symmetric arrangement of the second polarizing assembly 32 in the second direction (horizontal direction). For example, the peripheral edge 22 may be formed with a concave notch 221 on the side where the second polarizing assembly 32 is located, so that the second polarizing assemblies 32 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (horizontal direction) to avoid the concave notch 221. The concave notch 221 has a function of indicating the side where the second polarizing assembly 32 is located, while also having a function of a reinforcing rib that increases the strength of the frame 20.

[0042] In addition to the concave notch 221 functioning as a reinforcing rib, the peripheral edge 22 may be formed with a convex reinforcing wall 222 having a similar function on the side where the first polarizing assembly 31 is located, and further, discretely distributed arc-surface reinforcing walls 223 may be arranged.

[0043] 6a to 6f are schematic diagrams of other configurations of the supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. 1. In the above embodiment, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 include a pair of first polarizing assemblies 31 and a pair of second polarizing assemblies 32, making a total of four polarizing assemblies. However, in actual design, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, As shown in FIG. 6a, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 may include at least a pair of first polarizing assemblies 31, for a total of only two polarizing assemblies; or As shown in FIG. 6a, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 may include at least a pair of second polarizing assemblies 32 for a total of only two polarizing assemblies, or As shown in FIG. 6c or FIG. 6d, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 may include only two polarizing assemblies, at least one first polarizing assembly 31 and one second polarizing assembly 32 on the same side or opposite sides in the second direction; or As shown in FIG. 6e, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 may include a pair of a first polarizing assembly 31 and a second polarizing assembly 32, for a total of three polarizing assemblies; Similarly, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 may include a first polarizing assembly 31 and a pair of second polarizing assemblies 32, as shown in FIG. 6f.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an assembled configuration of a barcode reading device in another embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a partial exploded configuration of the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 7. Figs. 9a to 9c are schematic diagrams of partial configurations of the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 7.

[0045] As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9a-9c, in other embodiments, the barcode reading device 90 may further include an aiming indicator 40 to easily indicate the overlapping light spot 100 and a designated field of view area of ​​the code reading camera 80 that falls within the light spot range, for example, the aiming indicator devices 40 may be arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the camera engagement groove 64.

[0046] The aiming designation device 40 can form an indication light spot 400 having a brightness greater than that of the overlapping light spot 100 on the edge of a designated viewing area (first viewing area). For example, the indication light spot 400 of the aiming designation device 40 can be positioned on the edge of a designated viewing area (first viewing area) of the code reading camera 80.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exploded configuration of an aim indicator in the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 7. Figs. 11a to 11d are schematic diagrams of a cylindrical lens hood of the aim indicator shown in Fig. 10. Figs. 12a to 12c are schematic diagrams of a lens cap of the aim indicator shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a partial assembled configuration of the aim indicator shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is an AA cross-sectional view of the partial assembled configuration shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of the assembled configuration of the aim indicator shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 16 is a BB cross-sectional view of the assembled configuration shown in Fig. 15.

[0048] In this embodiment, the barcode reading aiming device 40 may include a cylindrical lens hood 50, a light emitting module 60, and a lens cap 70.

[0049] As shown in Figures 10, 11a to 11d, and 13 to 16, the cylindrical lens hood 50 has a first opening end 50a (Figure 11c is a projected end view of the first opening end 50a), a second opening end 50b (Figure 11d is a projected end view of the second opening end 50b), and a beam shaping cavity 500 that penetrates between the first opening end 50a and the second opening end 50b.

[0050] The frame 20 may further include an aiming window 212 arranged adjacent to the camera window 211 in addition to the camera window 211 fitted on the camera lens of the code reading camera 80. The aiming device 40 is attached to the frame 20 by the engagement between the cylindrical lens hood 50 and the aiming window 212. Accordingly, the supplementary light source board 33 may include an aiming device hole groove 332 aligned with the aiming window 212. Here, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lens hood 50 may have a tapered surface shape so as to facilitate the insertion of the aiming window 212 by the aiming device 40, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lens hood 50 may further include a position restricting stepped ring 57 so as to realize position restriction when the aiming device 40 is inserted into the aiming window 212.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 10, 15 and 16, the light emitting module 60 is attached to the first open end 50a of the cylindrical lens hood 50 (eg, detachably attached).

[0052] For example, the light emitting module 60 may include a pointing light source 61 and a pointing light source substrate 62 on which the pointing light source 61 is placed (the pointing light source 61 may be welded to the pointing light source substrate 62), where the pointing light source 61 may be a visible light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), the pointing light source 61 is accommodated in the beam shaping cavity 500, and the pointing light source substrate 62 may be stacked and attached to the first open end 50a of the cylindrical lens hood 50. Since the human eye has the highest visibility of green light, that is, when the wavelengths are different and the optical powers are the same, the human eye perceives the green light source as being brighter, the pointing light source 61 may select an LED that generates green visible light.

[0053] 11a, 11b and 15, the cylindrical lens hood 50 may further include a mounting ear 53 extending along a radial direction, where the mounting ear 53 may have a first screw hole 530, the indicating light source substrate 62 may have a second screw hole 620, and the indicating light source substrate 62 may be stacked and attached to the first open end 50a of the cylindrical lens hood 50 by screws passing through the first screw hole 530 and the second screw hole 620.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 10, 13 and 14, the lens cap 70 is attached to the second open end 50b of the cylindrical lens hood 50 (eg, removably attached).

[0055] For example, the lens cap 70 may be engaged and connected to the second opening end 50b of the cylindrical lens hood 50. As can be seen from Figs. 11a to 11b, 12a to 12c, and 13, the cylindrical lens hood 50 may have slots 56 on the peripheral wall of the second opening end 50b, and the lens cap 70 may have a lens frame 71, a beam shaping lens 72 fitted in the lens frame 71, and an engagement holding arm 73 protruding from the lens frame 71, where the slots 56 may be arranged in pairs in the radial direction of the cylindrical lens hood 50, and the engagement holding arms 73 may be arranged in pairs in the radial direction of the lens frame 71, and the engagement holding arms 73 arranged in pairs are inserted into the slots 56 arranged in pairs to form radial engagement holding with the cylindrical lens hood 50.

[0056] In the above-mentioned configuration, the beam shaping cavity 500 of the cylindrical lens hood 50 can be arranged to form a light hole transmission for the beam generated when the light emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized, and the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72) can be arranged to form an image on the hole through which the light has passed, and the imaging on the hole through which the light has passed by the transparent cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72) can form a pointing light spot 400 having a divergence angle that is less than a preset angle threshold, a specified size, and a brightness uniformity that is greater than or equal to a preset uniformity threshold.

[0057] In other words, according to the above-mentioned configuration, when the light-emitting module 60 is energized, the beam from the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is shaped by the beam shaping cavity 500 and imaged by the lens cap 70 onto the hole through which the light passes, thereby forming a pointing light spot 400 having a divergence angle that is equal to or less than a preset angle threshold, a specified size, and a brightness uniformity that is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold.

[0058] As a result, the aiming device 40 in this embodiment can generate an indicating light spot 400 whose area and brightness uniformity can be controlled, thereby accurately indicating the appropriate code reading position of the barcode, contributing to reducing light pollution in the lens field of view, and further contributing to the code reading effect of the barcode reading device 90.

[0059] The light hole transmission of the beam shaping cavity 500 may be regarded as the first beam shaping adjustment for the beam generated when the light emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized, and the light hole transmission may be performed using a light spot cutting means. In particular, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, The cylindrical lens hood 50 may have a light-shielding partition 51 in the beam shaping cavity 500, and the beam shaping cavity 500 may be divided by the light-shielding partition 51 into a light source accommodating sub-cavity 500a on the side closer to the first open end 50a and a beam shaping light-transmitting sub-cavity 500b on the side closer to the second open end 50b; The pointing light source 61 may be accommodated in the light source-accommodating sub-cavity 500a, that is, the pointing light source 61 is located on the opposite side of the second open end 50b of the light-shielding partition 51; and The light-shielding partition 51 is provided with a light spot cutting hole 52 .

[0060] According to the above-mentioned configuration, among the beams generated when the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized, only a portion of the beams (a central beam having a relatively high brightness) within the specified divergence angle range reaches the beam-shaping light-transmitting sub-cavity 500b through the light spot extraction hole 52, but the other beams (peripheral beams having a relatively low brightness) outside the preset divergence angle range may be blocked by the light-shielding partition 51 and extracted.

[0061] As a result, the beams reaching the beam-shaping light-transmitting sub-cavity 500b through the light spot extraction hole 52 not only have a relatively small divergence angle, but also the brightness distribution of these beams is concentrated in a relatively narrow section of high brightness, making the brightness distribution of these beams more uniform than the brightness distribution of the beams before they are extracted, including the peripheral beams which have a relatively low brightness.

[0062] As can be seen from Figures 14 and 16, the light spot cut-out hole 52 may have a columnar cut-out hole portion 521 on the side approaching the first opening end 50a (towards the light-emitting module 60), and may have a cone-shaped divergence hole portion 522 on the side approaching the second opening end 50b (towards the second opening end 50b).As a result, the beam generated when electricity is applied to the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is cut out by the cut-out hole portion 521, and then emitted by the divergence hole portion 522 at an angle that can sufficiently transmit the entire range of the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72), thereby realizing the light transmission of the beam generated when electricity is applied to the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) through the hole.

[0063] It is noted that the shape of the light spot cutting hole 52 for realizing the first beam shaping adjustment can be adjusted based on the requirement of cutting the hole transmission of light and the relative distance between the light spot cutting hole 52 and the light emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) and the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72). That is, the light spot cutting hole 52 may have any shape as long as it can satisfy the effect of the hole transmission of light and fully configure the optical path connection with the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72).

[0064] In this embodiment, in order to ensure sufficient coaxiality between the optical axis of the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) and the light spot cutting hole 52, the cylindrical lens hood 50 may have a positioning post 54 arranged at the first opening end 50a, and the light-emitting module 60 may have a positioning hole 63 arranged at the pointing light source substrate 62. Here, the positioning post 54 and the positioning hole 63 perform positioning fitting (spigot fitting), and based on this positioning adjustment and the coordinated positioning of the screws passing through the first screw hole 530 and the second screw hole 620, the coaxiality error between the optical axis of the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) and the axis of the light spot cutting hole 52 can be restricted to be smaller than a preset coaxiality error threshold value.

[0065] Accordingly, the pointing light source 61 may be clearance-fitted with the beam-shaping cavity 500 (the light-source-containing sub-cavity 500a) to provide a margin for making the positioning adjustments discussed above.

[0066] Following the first beam shaping adjustment using the light spot cutting means of the beam shaping cavity 500, imaging on the hole through which the light has passed by the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72) may be regarded as the second beam shaping adjustment for the beam generated when the light emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized, but is different from the light spot cutting means of the first beam shaping adjustment. The second beam shaping adjustment is an adjustment means based on the optical imaging principle. That is, after cutting out the light spot cutting hole 52, imaging on the hole through which the light has passed is performed to form the pointing light spot 400 with a divergence angle equal to or less than a preset angle threshold, a specified size, and a luminance uniformity equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold.

[0067] In addition, in order to reduce the diffuse reflection of the beam within the beam shaping cavity 500 and thereby improve the effect of cutting out the light spot and imaging the hole through which the light passes, both the beam shaping cavity 500 and the light-shielding partition 51 may have a matte surface.

[0068] 17a and 17b are diagrams showing the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 17a, the contours of the overlapping light spots 100 formed by each polarizing assembly 30 are shown as converging to the boundary of the designated field area in which the one-dimensional code 91 affixed to the surface of the barcode carrier 900 is located. In this case, the pointing light spots 400 formed by the pair of aiming devices 40 are located at the opposite edges of the designated field area (overlapping light spots 100). In FIG. 17b, the contours of the overlapping light spots 100 formed by each polarizing assembly 30 are shown as converging to the boundary of the designated field area in which the two-dimensional code 92 affixed to the surface of the barcode carrier 900 is located. In this case, the pointing light spots 400 formed by the pair of aiming devices 40 are shown at the opposite edges of the designated field area (overlapping light spots 100).

[0069] As can be seen, the pointing light spot 400 can easily point to the overlapping light spot 100 and a designated viewing area of ​​the code reading camera 80 that falls within the light spot range.

[0070] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view according to an improved configuration of the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 18, when the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 only include three polarizing assemblies 30, for example, when the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 include one first polarizing assembly 31 and a pair of second polarizing assemblies 32, an extra space can be obtained for mounting one additional aiming indicator 40, that is, the barcode reading device 90 can have three aiming indicators 40, thereby forming a three-point distribution of the indicating light spot 400 that can indicate a two-dimensional size.

[0071] Furthermore, when the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 include only two polarizing assemblies 30, the extra space saved by omitting the polarizing assembly 30 can be used to install two additional aiming designation devices 40, i.e., the barcode reading device 90 can have four aiming designation devices 40, thereby forming a four-point distribution of indicating light spots 400 that can indicate a two-dimensional size.

[0072] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the effect of the field of view according to another improved configuration of the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 19, when the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 include only three polarizing assemblies 30, for example, one first polarizing assembly 31 and a pair of second polarizing assemblies 32, the saved extra space can provide a space margin for changing the position of the aiming indicator 40, that is, the barcode reading device 90 can have two aiming indicators 40 arranged diagonally, thereby forming a two-point diagonal distribution of the indicating light spot 400 that can indicate a two-dimensional size.

[0073] The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10. Supplementary Light Module 100 overlapping light spots 20 Frames Panel 21 211 Camera Window 212 Aiming Window 22 Periphery 221 Concave notch 222 Convex reinforced wall 223 Arc reinforced wall 23 Snap Fit 30 Polarizing Assembly 30a supplementary light source 30b Polarized Lenses 31 First Polarizing Assembly 31a 1st auxiliary light source 31b 1st polarized lens 32 Second Polarizing Assembly 32a 2nd auxiliary light source 32b 2nd polarized lens 33 Supplementary light source board 331 Camera hole 332 Sighting hole groove 333 Engagement groove 40 Aiming designator 400 Pointing light spot 50 Cylindrical Lens Hood 50a 1st open end 50b 2nd open end 500 Beam Shaping Cavity 500a Light source housing sub-cavity 500b Beam-Shaping Optically Transmissive Subcavity 51 Light-shielding bulkhead 52 Light spot cutout hole 521 Cutout hole 522 Vent hole 53 Mounting ear 530 First screw hole 54 Positioning pillar 55 Positioning groove 56 Slots 57 Position control stepped ring 60 Light Emitting Module 61 Indication light source 62 Indicator light source board 620 Second screw hole 63 Positioning hole 64 Camera notch 70 Lens Cap 71 Lens frame 72 Beam shaping lens 73 Engagement retention arm 80 Code reading camera 90 Barcode reading device 900 Barcode Carrier 91 1D Code 92 2D Code

Claims

1. An aiming device including a cylindrical lens hood (50) having a beam shaping cavity (500) therethrough, a light emitting module (60), and a lens cap (70), The light emitting module (60) and the lens cap (70) are attached to both ends of the beam shaping cavity (500), respectively, and communicate with each other through the beam shaping cavity (500); the light emitting module (60) is arranged to generate a beam when energized; the beam shaping cavity (500) is arranged to form an optical hole transmission for the beam generated by the light emitting module (60); The lens cap (70) is positioned so that light is imaged onto the aperture through which it is transmitted. An aiming designation device comprising:

2. The beam shaping cavity (500) has a light-shielding partition (51), The beam shaping cavity (500) is divided into two sub-cavities by the light-shielding partition (51); The light-shielding partition (51) is provided with a light spot cutout hole (52).

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

3. The light spot cutout hole (52) has a columnar cutout portion (521) on a side facing the light emitting module (60) and a cone-shaped divergence hole portion (522) on a side facing the lens cap (70), the cutout hole (521) is provided to cut out the beam generated by the light emitting module (60) so as to obtain a beam having a divergence angle equal to or less than a preset angular threshold; The divergence hole portion (522) is provided so as to emit the beam cut out by the cutout hole portion (521) at an angle that allows the beam to be sufficiently transmitted through the entire range of the lens cap (70).

3. The aiming device according to claim 2, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

4. The beam shaping cavity (500) and the light-shielding partition (51) both have matte surfaces.

3. The aiming device according to claim 2, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

5. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lens hood (50) has a tapered surface shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lens hood (50) has a position regulating stepped ring (57).

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

6. The light emitting module (60) includes an indication light source (61) and an indication light source substrate (62) on which the indication light source (61) is mounted; The directed light source (61) is housed within the beam shaping cavity (500); The indicated light source substrate (62) is laminated and attached to one end of the cylindrical lens hood (50).

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

7. The cylindrical lens hood (50) has mounting ears (53) extending along a radial direction, The mounting ear (53) has a first screw hole (530); The indicating light source substrate (62) has a second screw hole (620); The indicating light source substrate (62) is stacked and attached to one end of the cylindrical lens hood (50) by screws passing through the first screw hole (530) and the second screw hole (620).

7. The aiming device according to claim 6, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

8. A positioning hole (63) is arranged in the indicating light source substrate (62), The cylindrical lens hood (50) includes a positioning post (54) disposed at one end facing the light emitting module (60); The positioning post (54) and the positioning hole (63) are spigot-fitted together.

7. The aiming device according to claim 6, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

9. The directed light source (61) and the beam shaping cavity (500) are in a clearance fit.

9. The aiming device according to claim 8, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

10. A camera engagement groove (64) is disposed on the indicating light source substrate (62); The indication light sources (61) are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the camera engagement groove (64).

7. The aiming device according to claim 6, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

11. The indicating light source (61) is a visible light emitting element.

7. The aiming device according to claim 6, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

12. The indicated light source (61) is an LED that emits green visible light.

12. The aiming device according to claim 11,

13. The lens cap (70) is engaged and connected to one end of the cylindrical lens hood (50).

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the aiming device is a movable member.

14. The lens cap (70) has a lens frame (71), a beam shaping lens (72) fitted in the lens frame (71), and an engagement holding arm (73) protruding from the lens frame (71). The engagement holding arms (73) are arranged in pairs in the radial direction of the lens frame (71), The cylindrical lens hood (50) has a slot (56) in a peripheral wall of one end facing the lens cap (70); The slots (56) are arranged in pairs in the radial direction of the cylindrical lens hood (50), The engagement and retention arms (73) are aligned and inserted into the slots (56) to form a radial engagement and retention with the cylindrical lens hood (50).

14. The aiming device according to claim 13,

15. A code reading camera (80) and an aiming device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A barcode reading device comprising:

16. The barcode reading device further includes a supplemental light module (10); said code reading camera (80) being positioned to read and image the code through a camera window (211); The supplemental light module (10) includes at least two polarizing assemblies (30); Each of the polarization assemblies (30) is disposed eccentrically with respect to the camera window (211), and each of the polarization assemblies (30) includes a supplementary light source (30a) and a polarizing lens (30b) that performs polarized imaging on the supplementary light source (30a); When the code reading camera (80) reads and images a code through the camera window (211), the supplementary light spots formed by polarizing and imaging the supplementary light source (30a) through the polarizing lens (30b) in each of the polarization assemblies (30) converge and overlap with a designated field of view in the camera field of view at a target imaging distance of the code reading camera (80) to form overlapping light spots whose luminance uniformity is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold value; the designated field of view is within a light spot range of the superimposed light spot, and a contour of the superimposed light spot converges to a boundary of the designated field of view; 16. A barcode reading device according to claim 15, characterized in that

17. A camera field of view of the code reading camera (80) at the target imaging distance includes a near point field of view and a far point field of view, the near point field of view being located at a proximal end boundary of a front depth of field extending toward a proximal end side based on the target imaging distance, and the far point field of view being located at a distal end boundary of a rear depth of field extending toward a distal end side based on the target imaging distance, The overlapping light spots cover a depth of field range from the near point field to the far point field.

17. A barcode reading device according to claim 16, characterized in that

18. The light supplementary module (10) further includes a light supplementary light source substrate (33) on which the light supplementary light source (30a) is mounted, The supplementary light source substrate (33) is detachably attached to a frame (20) in which the camera window (211) is located, and the polarizing lens (30b) is fitted to the frame (20) in alignment with the supplementary light source (30a).

17. A barcode reading device according to claim 16, characterized in that

19. The frame (20) further comprises an aiming window (212) adjacent to the camera window (211); The aiming device (40) is attached to the frame (20) by a cylindrical lens hood (50) and the aiming window (212).

20. A barcode reading device according to claim 18, characterized in that

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