Optical supplemental module for reading barcodes and barcode 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 with the Patent Office of the People's Republic of China on November 27, 2020, bearing application number 202011356108.6 and entitled "Complementary Light Module for Barcode Reading and Barcode Reading Device," and to a Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of the People's Republic of China on November 27, 2020, bearing application number 202022794534.X and entitled "Complementary Light 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, insufficient ambient light will affect the imaging effect and code reading rate, and even cause code reading failure. Therefore, in barcode reading scenarios, it is generally necessary to install a supplementary light module.

[0004] Conventional light supplementary modules generally adopt a simple arrangement of multiple light sources, and use a diffuser 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] The embodiments of the present invention provide a supplementary light module for reading barcodes that 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 eccentrically 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 polarized imaging of the supplementary light source by the polarizing lens in each polarization assembly converge and overlap in a designated field of view of the camera at a target imaging distance of the code reading camera, forming overlapping light spots whose luminance uniformity is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold; The specified field of view is within the light spot range of the superimposed light spot, and the contour of the superimposed light spot converges to the boundary of the specified field of view.

[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 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 based on the target imaging distance, and the superimposed light spot covers the field of view depth of field section from the near point field of view to the far point field of view.

[0009] Preferably, the polarizing lenses of each of the polarizing assemblies are arranged to make the superimposed light spot rectangular.

[0010] Preferably, the designated field of view is a first field of view of the code reading camera, and the code reading camera has a higher resolution for the first field of view than for a second field of view surrounding the first field of view.

[0011] Preferably, the polarization assembly includes a first polarization assembly and a second polarization assembly spaced apart in a first direction, the first polarization assembly including a first supplementary light source and a first polarizing lens, and the second polarization assembly including a second supplementary light source and a second polarizing lens, wherein the supplementary light spot formed by the first polarizing lens performing polarized imaging of the first supplementary light source at a first designated distance that is preset, and the supplementary light spot formed by the second polarizing lens performing polarized imaging of the second supplementary light source at a second designated distance that is preset, converge and overlap into the designated field of view of the code reading camera 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 pairs on opposite sides of the camera window in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the second polarization assemblies are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the camera window in the second direction.

[0013] Preferably, the arrangement interval of the first polarization assemblies in the second direction is different from the 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 by another embodiment may include a code reading camera and a supplemental light module as described in the above embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the above embodiment, the fill light spot formed by polarizing the fill light source with the polarizing lens in each polarization assembly of the fill light module converges and overlaps with a specified field of view of the camera at the target imaging distance to form a superimposed light spot with a brightness uniformity equal to or greater than a predetermined uniformity threshold, the specified field of view of the code reading camera is within the light spot range of the superimposed light spot, and the contour of the superimposed light spot converges 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 fill light source, the light energy for fill light is homogenized and concentrated in the specified field of view, which contributes to improving the light energy utilization rate of the fill light compared to homogenization processes based on light diffusion.

[0018] In order to more clearly explain 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 other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings without making inventive efforts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of a barcode reading device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exploded configuration of the light supplementary module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of the optical supplementary module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of the supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c is a schematic diagram of an assembly configuration of the supplementary light 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. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of implementation of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the supplementary light 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 supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6d] FIG. 6d is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6e] FIG. 6e is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the supplementary light module in the barcode reading device shown in FIG. [Figure 6f] FIG. 6f is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the supplementary 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 diagram of an exploded configuration of the aiming indicator 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 indicator 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 indicator device shown in FIG. [Figure 12a] FIG. 12a is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the lens cap of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 12b] FIG. 12b is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the lens cap of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 12c] FIG. 12c is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the lens cap of the aiming device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a partial assembly configuration of the aiming 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 the 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 INVENTION

[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 below with reference to the drawings and examples. Of course, the described examples are only some of the examples of the present invention, and are not all of the examples. Based on the examples of the present invention, any other examples that a person skilled in the art can come up with without making inventive efforts are all within the scope of protection 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 supplemental light module 10.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exploded configuration of the optical fiber module in the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 3a to 3c are schematic diagrams of an assembled configuration of the optical fiber module in the barcode reading device shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 2, 1, and 3a to 3c, the optical fiber 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 rim 22 that seals and surrounds the edge of the panel 21.

[0024] At least two polarization assemblies 30 may be attached to the frame 20, each polarization assembly 30 being disposed eccentrically with respect to the camera window 211, and each polarization assembly 30 may include a supplemental light source 30a and a polarizing lens 30b that performs polarized imaging on the supplemental light source 30a. For example, each polarization assembly 30 may be considered the smallest supplemental light unit in the supplemental light module 10, and each polarization assembly 30 may include one supplemental light source 30a and one dedicated polarizing lens 30b that performs polarized imaging on the supplemental light source 30a. Here, the supplemental 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 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 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 snap fits 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 fits 23 and the engagement groove 333. That is, the supplementary light source substrate 33 may be supported by the peripheral edge 22 of the frame 20, the snap fits 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 fits 23 and the peripheral edge 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 spots formed by performing polarized imaging on the supplementary light source 30a using the polarizing lens 30b in each polarization assembly 30 (imaged light spots of the polarizing lens 30b on the supplementary light source 30a) converge and overlap with a designated 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 to form a superimposed light spot 100 whose brightness 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 to enable the code reading camera 80 to obtain a high-quality image that contributes to improving the code reading success rate. Therefore, 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 polarization 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 to the light spot range of the overlapping light spot 100 can be greater than a preset threshold (the threshold can 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] 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 from the target image formation distance D_obj, and a back depth of field Df extending toward the distal end from the target image formation distance D_obj. The depth of field may be understood as an allowable amount of shift due to the target image formation distance D_obj, based on the fuzzy discrimination ability of an image signal processing (ISP) 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] If the code reading camera 80 has a depth of field, the camera field of view of the code reading camera 80 at the target imaging distance D_obj 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 proximal boundary of a front depth of field Dc extending toward the proximal end based on the target imaging distance D_obj, and the far point field of view is located at the distal boundary of a back depth of field Df extending toward the distal end based on the target imaging distance D_obj. The superimposed light spot 100 covers the depth of field range from the near point field of view to the far point field of view.

[0030] Figures 4a and 4b are diagrams illustrating the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in Figure 1. In Figures 4a and 4b, the designated field of view is the field of view of the code reading camera 80 that provides good imaging effect on the barcode, and this field of view is generally the 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 barcodes that the code reading camera 80 can identify may be one-dimensional codes 91 or two-dimensional codes 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 formed by these bars and spaces represents certain information, can be identified by a specific device, and can be converted into computer-compatible binary or decimal information. The one-dimensional code 91 may also include characters. The two-dimensional code 92 may be a graphic identifier that records data code information using a specific geometric shape, with black and white alternately arranged and distributed according to a certain rule on a plane (in two dimensions).

[0032] 4a shows an example in which the boundaries of the superimposed light spots 100 formed by each polarization 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 superimposed light spots 100 formed by each polarization 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 a different optical property, 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 of the supplementary light source 30a by the polarizing lens 30b in each polarization assembly 30 of the supplementary light module 10 converge and overlap with a specified field of view in the camera field of view at the target imaging distance D_obj of the code reading camera 80 to form a superimposed light spot 100 whose brightness 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 so 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 superimposed light spot 100 may be the same as the shape and size of the designated field of view area, and the designated field of view area may coincide with the light spot range of the superimposed 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 field of view, so that the area occupancy rate of the designated field of view area relative to the light spot range of the superimposed light spot 100 is made larger than a preset threshold, and the superimposed light spot 100 forms a redundant cover for the designated field of view area, the degree of redundancy of which does not exceed a preset threshold. This allows for homogenization processing based on the polarization convergence of the polarized lens 30b on the beam from the supplemental light source 30a, which homogenizes the light energy for supplemental light and focuses it on the specified field of view, thereby contributing to an improvement in the utilization rate of the light energy for supplemental light compared to homogenization processing based on light diffusion.

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

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example implementation 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 mounted at an angle, for example, at an angle of 10° to 20° (preferably 15°) from 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 can adapt to the tilt deviation of the imaging plane where the designated field of view 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 31 a and a first polarizing lens 31 b; 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 32 a and a second polarizing lens 32 b; The supplementary light spot formed by the paired first polarizing lens 31b performing polarized imaging at a preset first specified distance WD1 relative to the first supplementary light source 31a and the supplementary light spot formed by the paired second polarizing lens 32b performing polarized imaging at a preset second specified distance WD2 relative to the second supplementary light source 32a overlap to form a superimposed 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 arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the camera window 211 in the second direction (horizontal direction), and the second polarization assembly 32 may be arranged symmetrically 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 between the symmetrically arranged first polarization assemblies 31 in the second direction (horizontal direction) may be different from the interval between the symmetrically arranged second polarization assemblies 32 in the second direction (horizontal direction). For example, the peripheral edge 22 may have a concave notch 221 formed on the side where the second polarization assemblies 32 are located, so that the second polarization assemblies 32 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (horizontal direction) to avoid the concave notch 221. The concave notch 221 serves to indicate the side where the second polarization assemblies 32 are located, and also serves as a reinforcing rib that increases the strength of the frame 20.

[0042] In addition to the concave notches 221 functioning as reinforcing ribs, the peripheral edge 22 may also have convex reinforcing walls 222 formed on the side where the first polarizing assembly 31 is located, which have a similar function, and further, discretely distributed arc-shaped reinforcing walls 223 may also 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, for a total of four polarizing assemblies, but in actual design, this is not limited to this, and may be, 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 first polarizing assemblies 31 and one second polarizing assembly 32, for a total of three polarizing assemblies; Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6f, the at least two polarizing assemblies 30 may include a first polarizing assembly 31 and a pair of second polarizing assemblies 32.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the 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 to 9c, in other embodiments, the barcode reading device 90 may further include an aiming indicator 40 to clearly indicate the overlapping light spot 100 and the designated field of view area of ​​the code reading camera 80 that falls within the light spot range, and for example, the aiming indicators 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 at the edge of a designated field of view (first field of view) that has a brightness greater than that of the superimposed light spot 100. For example, the indication light spot 400 of the aiming designation device 40 can be positioned at the edge of the designated field of view (first field of view) of the code reading camera 80.

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

[0048] In this embodiment, the barcode reading aiming and designating 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 open end 50a (Figure 11c is a projected end view of the first open end 50a), a second open end 50b (Figure 11d is a projected end view of the second open end 50b), and a beam shaping cavity 500 that passes through between the first open end 50a and the second open end 50b.

[0050] The frame 20 may further have an aiming window 212 arranged adjacent to the camera window 211 in addition to the camera window 211 fitted over the camera lens of the code reading camera 80. The aiming device 40 is attached to the frame 20 by engagement between the cylindrical lens hood 50 and the aiming window 212. Accordingly, the supplementary light source substrate 33 may have 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 to facilitate insertion of the aiming window 212 into the aiming device 40, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lens hood 50 may further have a position restricting stepped ring 57 to restrict position when 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 (for example, detachably attached).

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

[0053] 11a, 11b and 15, the cylindrical lens hood 50 may further include mounting ears 53 extending along the radial direction, wherein the mounting ears 53 may have first screw holes 530, the directing light source substrate 62 may have second screw holes 620, and the directing 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 holes 530 and the second screw holes 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 (for example, detachably attached).

[0055] For example, the lens cap 70 may be engaged and connected to the second open end 50b of the cylindrical lens hood 50. As can be seen from Figures 11a to 11b, 12a to 12c, and 13, the cylindrical lens hood 50 may have slots 56 in the peripheral wall of the second open 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 engagement and retention arms 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 and retention arms 73 may be arranged in pairs in the radial direction of the lens frame 71, and the engagement and retention arms 73 arranged in pairs are inserted into the slots 56 arranged in pairs to align with and engage and retain the cylindrical lens hood 50 in the radial direction.

[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 the transparent cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72) can form a pointing light spot 400 with a divergence angle equal to or less than a preset angle threshold, a specified size, and a brightness uniformity equal to or greater than 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 focused on the hole through which the light passes by the lens cap 70, thereby forming a pointing light spot 400 having a divergence angle that is equal to or less than a predetermined angle threshold, a specified size, and a brightness uniformity that is equal to or greater than a predetermined 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 can 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 can be performed using a light spot cutting means. In particular, as shown in Figures 14 and 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 indicator light source 61 may be accommodated in the light source-accommodating sub-cavity 500a, that is, the indicator 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 hole 52 for cutting out a light spot.

[0060] According to the above-described configuration, among the beams generated when the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized, only a portion of the beams (central beams with relatively high brightness) within the specified divergence angle range reach the beam-shaping light-transmitting sub-cavity 500b through the light spot extraction hole 52, but other beams (peripheral beams with 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 that reach 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 have a brightness distribution that 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 extraction, including the peripheral beams with relatively low brightness.

[0062] As can be seen from Figures 14 and 16, the light spot cutting hole 52 may have a columnar cutting hole portion 521 on the side closer to the first opening end 50a (towards the light-emitting module 60), and may have a conical diverging hole portion 522 on the side closer to the second opening end 50b (towards the second opening end 50b).As a result, the beam generated when the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized is cut out by the cutting hole portion 521, and then emitted by the diverging hole portion 522 at an angle that allows it to fully penetrate the entire range of the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72), thereby realizing the light of the beam generated when the light-emitting module 60 (pointing light source 61) is energized to pass through the hole.

[0063] It should be noted that the shape of the light spot cutting hole 52 for realizing the first beam shaping adjustment can be adjusted based on the requirements for cutting out the light hole transmission and the relative distances 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 light hole transmission and sufficiently configure the optical path connection with the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72).

[0064] In this embodiment, 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 open 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 a positioning fit (spigot fit). 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 constrained to be smaller than a preset coaxiality error threshold.

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

[0066] Following the first beam shaping adjustment using the light spot cutting means of the beam shaping cavity 500, imaging of the hole through which light passes by the lens cap 70 (beam shaping lens 72) can be considered a second beam shaping adjustment for the beam generated when the light emitting module 60 (pointer light source 61) is energized, but it 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 of the hole through which light passes forms a pointing light spot 400 having a divergence angle equal to or less than a predetermined angle threshold, a specified size, and a brightness uniformity equal to or greater than a predetermined uniformity threshold.

[0067] In addition, both the beam shaping cavity 500 and the light-shielding partition 51 may have a matte surface 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.

[0068] 17a and 17b are diagrams illustrating the effect of the field of view of the barcode reading device shown in FIG. 17a shows an example in which the contours of the superimposed light spots 100 formed by each polarization assembly 30 converge to the boundary of a designated field of view in which a 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 on opposite edges of the designated field of view (superimposed light spots 100). FIG. 17b shows an example in which the contours of the superimposed light spots 100 formed by each polarization assembly 30 converge to the boundary of a designated field of view in which a 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 located on opposite edges of the designated field of view (superimposed light spots 100).

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

[0070] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating 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 polarization assemblies 30 include only three polarization assemblies 30, for example, one first polarization assembly 31 and a pair of second polarization assemblies 32, extra space can be obtained to install 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 indicator light spots 400 that can indicate a two-dimensional size.

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

[0072] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating 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 polarization assemblies 30 include only three polarization assemblies 30, for example, when one first polarization assembly 31 and a pair of second polarization assemblies 32, the saved extra space can provide a space margin for changing the position of the aiming designation device 40, that is, the barcode reading device 90 can have two aiming designation devices 40 arranged diagonally, thereby forming a two-point diagonal distribution of the designating light spot 400 that can indicate a two-dimensional size.

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

[0074] 10. Complementary Light Module 100 superimposed 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 Polarization Assembly 30a supplementary light source 30b polarized lenses 31 First Polarization Assembly 31a 1st auxiliary light source 31b 1st polarized lens 32 Second Polarization Assembly 32a 2nd auxiliary light source 32b Second polarized lens 33 Supplementary light source board 331 Camera hole groove 332 Sighting hole groove 333 Engagement groove 40 Aiming designator 400 directed 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 cutting hole 521 Cutout hole 522 divergence hole 53 Mounting ear 530 First screw hole 54 Positioning pillar 55 Positioning groove 56 slots 57 Position-regulating 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 holding arm 80 Code reading camera 90 Barcode reading device 900 Barcode Carrier 91 1D Code 92 2D Code

Claims

1. An aiming device comprising 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 arranged to transmit light from the hole, The light-emitting module (60) includes an indicator light source (61) and an indicator light source substrate (62) on which the indicator light source (61) is mounted; The directed light source (61) is housed within the beam shaping cavity (500); The indicator light source substrate (62) is attached to one end of the cylindrical lens hood (50) by being stacked thereon. An aiming designation device characterized by:

2. A light-shielding partition (51) is provided within the beam shaping cavity (500), 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 cutting hole (52).

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The light spot cutout hole (52) has a columnar cutout hole portion (521) on the side facing the light emitting module (60) and a conical divergence hole portion (522) on the 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 angle threshold; The divergence hole (522) is provided so as to emit the beam cut out by the cut-out hole (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:

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:

5. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lens hood (50) is tapered, 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:

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

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein:

7. 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 fitted together.

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The directed light source (61) and the beam shaping cavity (500) are loosely fitted together.

8. The aiming device according to claim 7, wherein:

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

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein:

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

2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein:

11. The indicator light source (61) is an LED that emits green visible light.

11. The aiming device according to claim 10, wherein the aiming device is a pointing device.

12. 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:

13. 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) on the 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 radial engagement and retention with the cylindrical lens hood (50).

13. The aiming device according to claim 12, wherein the aiming device is a pointing device.

14. A code reading camera (80) and an aiming designation device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A barcode reading device comprising:

15. The barcode reading device further includes a supplemental light module (10); the code reading camera (80) is 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 supplemental light source (30a) and a polarizing lens (30b) that polarizes light from the supplemental light source (30a); When the code reading camera (80) reads and images the code through the camera window (211), the supplementary light spots formed by polarizing the light from the supplementary light source (30a) using the polarizing lens (30b) in each polarization assembly (30) converge and overlap in a designated field of view in the camera field of view at a target imaging distance of the code reading camera (80), forming overlapping light spots whose brightness uniformity is equal to or greater than a preset uniformity threshold; the designated field of view is within a light spot range of the superimposed light spot, and the contour of the superimposed light spot converges to a boundary of the designated field of view; 15. A barcode reading device according to claim 14.

16. 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 boundary on the proximal end side of a front depth of field extending toward the proximal end side based on the target imaging distance, and the far point field of view being located at a boundary on the distal end side of a rear depth of field extending toward the 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.

16. A barcode reading device according to claim 15.

17. The light supplement module (10) further includes a light supplement light source substrate (33) on which the light supplement 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 polarized lens (30b) is fitted to the frame (20) in alignment with the supplementary light source (30a).

16. A barcode reading device according to claim 15.

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

18. A barcode reading device according to claim 17.

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