Code-reading and / or code-verification device

Abstract

The invention relates to a code-reading and / or code-verification device, in particular for medical and / or surgical instruments and medical objects and implants, having: a light source unit (10), a diffusor unit (12) which is designed to convert light provided by the light source unit (10) into at least substantially diffuse illumination light in order to illuminate at least one illumination region (14), and a housing unit (16), in which the light source unit (10) and the diffusor unit (12) are received so as to be protected from liquids in an installed state.

Description

[0001] Code reading and / or code verification device

[0002] The invention relates to a code reading and / or code verification device, in particular for medical and / or surgical instruments as well as medical-technical articles and implants, according to claim 1 and a code reading and / or code verification device according to claim 15.

[0003] Medical and / or surgical instruments that are directly provided with markings and / or codes often have metallically reflective and curved surfaces in the area of ​​these markings and / or codes, which are difficult to read by code readers.

[0004] WO 2021 / 009059 A2 discloses a passive illumination device as a removable attachment for an image sensor, which makes such markings and / or codes more easily legible. The illumination device is designed to provide diffuse illumination of an illuminated area.

[0005] Code readers in the medical and / or surgical field also have higher requirements regarding their cleanability.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a code reading and / or code verification device with improved efficiency. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0007] A code reading and / or code verification device is proposed, in particular for medical and / or surgical instruments as well as medical-technical objects and implants, comprising: a light source unit, a diffuser unit which is intended to convert light provided by the light source unit into at least substantially diffused illumination light for illuminating at least one illumination region, and a housing unit in which the light source unit and the diffuser unit are accommodated in an assembled state in a liquid-protected and preferably additionally dust-protected manner.

[0008] The inventive design makes it possible to provide a code reading and / or code verification device with improved efficiency, particularly with regard to rapid recognition of a marking and / or code, with regard to cleanability, and / or with regard to low cost. The code reading and / or code verification device can enable extremely simple handling and integration. Furthermore, it can be manufactured very cost-effectively.

[0009] The code reading and / or code verification device can be a part, in particular a subassembly, or an accessory of a code reading and / or code verification device. Alternatively, the code reading and / or code verification device can also form the entire code reading and / or code verification device. The code reading and / or code verification device can be intended for use in a doctor's office and / or in a hospital and / or in a care facility and / or at a service provider and / or in a disinfection and / or sterilization department in which medical and / or surgical instruments must be regularly identified, for example before and / or after disinfection and / or sterilization or, for example, for assembling preferably predefined instrument sets, for example for a specific treatment, in particular dental treatment, and / or for a surgical procedure.

[0010] The code reading and / or code verification device can be provided to detect and / or analyze and / or read and / or decode and / or verify markings and / or codes, for example matrix codes, on and / or on objects, preferably medical, for example dental, and / or surgical instruments, and can have an image sensor for this purpose. The markings and / or codes can preferably be those that are arranged or applied directly to the object, for example using a laser marking process. The object can be at least partially metallic and / or have a shiny and / or curved surface in an area of ​​the marking and / or code.

[0011] The housing unit is sealed and protects the components accommodated therein, in particular the light source unit and the diffuser element, from liquid, for example water and / or cleaning and / or disinfectant agents with which the housing unit may come into contact for cleaning and / or disinfection purposes. The housing unit offers protection at least against dripping liquid, in particular dripping water, preferably at least against spraying liquid, in particular spray water, advantageously at least against jet liquid, in particular jet water, and particularly preferably at least against temporary immersion in liquid, in particular water. The housing unit preferably has at least protection class IP X2, advantageously at least protection class IP X4 and preferably at least protection class IP X6, in particular according to DIN EN 60529.Particularly preferably, the housing unit has at least protection class IP 67 or even protection class IP 68, particularly according to DIN EN 60529, which allows for particularly high protection against liquids. This can significantly increase user comfort.

[0012] The light source unit comprises at least one and preferably several light sources, for example in the form of LEDs. The light color of the light source or light sources can be selected depending on the application. It would also be conceivable for the light sources to be designed to emit different light spectra. The light source unit preferably comprises an illumination circuit board on which the at least one or several light sources can be arranged.

[0013] The diffuser unit can be designed to convert light passing through the diffuser unit into diffuse scattered light, preferably the at least substantially diffuse illumination light. The diffuser unit is preferably designed to provide dome lighting. The diffuser unit is preferably designed to provide illumination that is free of significant intensity minima, in particular of more than 20% compared to an average value, with respect to a light intensity from a specific propagation direction.The fact that the illumination light should be "at least substantially diffuse" should be understood in particular to mean that the illumination light leaves the diffuser element with a uniform or substantially uniform angular distribution in at least one solid angle range which is at least 1 TT, preferably at least 1.5 TT and particularly advantageously at least substantially 2 TT, wherein a light intensity along any propagation direction within the solid angle range deviates by at most 20%, in particular by at most 10% and advantageously by at most 5% from an average light intensity along all propagation directions. Preferably, the solid angle range deviates from 2TT by at most 20%, advantageously by at most 15% and particularly advantageously by at most 10%.

[0014] The diffuser unit can have at least one diffuser element with at least one scattering shell for scattering the light, whereby diffuse lighting can be provided advantageously and easily. A purely passive component can be provided, which in particular enables simple assembly, preferably without adjustment. Advantageously, the diffuser unit, preferably the diffuser element and particularly preferably the scattering shell, has at least one translucent material and is advantageously formed from such a material. The translucent material preferably has a scattering factor of at least 50%, advantageously of at least 70% and particularly advantageously of at least 90%, wherein a "scattering factor" of a body can be understood as a ratio of a scattered light intensity, that is to say in particular an intensity of the scattered light, on an output side of the body to an input light intensity on an input side of the body.A theoretically perfectly transparent material has a scattering coefficient of zero. Translucent materials can also be described as "frosted glass." It is conceivable that the diffuser unit contains additional opaque sections.

[0015] The diffusion shell preferably comprises at least one translucent material and is particularly preferably formed entirely from the translucent material. The diffusion shell can have a preferably uniform, concave shape when viewed from the illumination area. The diffusion shell can define a solid angle range from which the diffuse illumination light strikes the illumination area. The solid angle range is preferably at least 1 TT, more preferably at least 1.5 TT and particularly advantageously at least substantially 2 TT. The diffusion shell can have at least one passage which is intended to allow light coming from the illumination area, in particular light reflected from at least one object arranged in the illumination area, to pass through in order to provide a recording. It would be conceivable for the passage to comprise at least one transparent or semi-transparent material.Preferably, the passage is formed as a recess in the litter tray.

[0016] The scattering bowl could have at least one inner surface, which can be designed as a partial surface of an imaginary ovoid, for example an imaginary sphere. A "partial surface of the ovoid" in this context should be understood in particular to mean a part of a surface of the ovoid, which can be bowl-shaped. The ovoid preferably has at least one axis of symmetry, which advantageously runs through the passage and in particular through a centroid of the passage. As a result, a solid angle range of the diffuse illumination light can be increased in a structurally simple manner. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the scattering bowl to have at least one inner surface, which is designed as a partial surface of an imaginary cylinder or an imaginary cone, preferably a vertical cone.In this context, a "partial surface of the cylinder" is understood to mean, in particular, a portion of the cylinder's lateral surface that has a bowl-shaped cross-section when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A "partial surface of the cone" is understood to mean, in particular, a bowl-shaped portion of the cone's lateral surface and, advantageously, the entire lateral surface of a truncated cone formed from the cone.

[0017] The diffuser unit can have at least one optical element which is intended to redirect light provided by at least one light source of the light source unit and / or diffuse scattered light generated from this light towards the illumination region, preferably as diffuse illumination light. The fact that the optical element is intended to "redirect" light can be understood to mean that the optical element changes a direction of travel of light passing through the optical element, preferably by at least one reflection. For example, the optical element could be designed as a mirror or an optical waveguide. This allows the design of the diffuser unit to be adapted to different arrangements and / or orientations of the light source unit. In particular, a second light source unit can be dispensed with.

[0018] It would be possible for the optical element to be designed to reflect all light incident on the optical element. In order to improve the imaging quality of the illumination region in a structurally simple manner, the optical element can be designed to transmit light reflected from the illumination region at least partially, preferably at least to an intensity fraction of 50%, and preferably free from scattering processes and / or reflections. The optical element can contribute to generating a beam path that leads from the light source unit via a deflection on the optical element to the illumination region and via a reflection in the illumination region and passing through the optical element to the image sensor. When viewed from the illumination region, the optical element is preferably arranged behind the passage of the scattering dish.Particularly preferably, the optical element has at least one absorption element, which is provided to absorb a portion of the light transmitted during the deflection of the light provided by the light source unit and / or the diffuse illumination light to the illumination region in order to prevent the influence of unwanted light, in particular stray light, on the detector unit. The absorption element is advantageously designed as a coating. Alternatively, the absorption element could also be designed as a preferably plate-shaped element that is different from a coating. It would also be conceivable for the absorption element to be designed separately from the optical element. Preferably, the absorption element has a refractive index that is identical to a refractive index of a remaining optical element in order to avoid reflection of the transmitted light portion at the absorption element.In this way, the illumination area can be illuminated starting from the passage of the scattering bowl and thus a gap-free solid angle range of the diffuse illumination light can be achieved.

[0019] It can be provided that the optical element has at least one semi-transparent mirror, whereby the installation space required by the optical element can be advantageously reduced and the design of the optical element can be simplified. In addition, an illumination adjustment between the reflected and diffuse channel can advantageously be omitted, since this adjustment can already be determined by the design. In particular, closed dome lighting can be provided. Advantageously, the deflection and transmission of light can be provided jointly by a partial region of the optical element. It would be conceivable for the optical element to be designed entirely as a semi-transparent mirror. Alternatively, the optical element could have a reflective region and a transparent region spaced from the reflective region.

[0020] The optical element is preferably designed as a beam splitter cube, and the diffuser element has at least one receptacle for the form-fitting mounting of the optical element. A “beam splitter cube” can be understood to mean a cubic element having at least one semi-transparent mirror, which forms, for example, a side surface of the element and preferably a diagonal surface of the element. Advantageously, the absorption element forms a coating of a side surface of the optical element. For example, the receptacle can have at least one protruding edge and / or at least one frame and / or at least one recess designed as a negative of the object. This can, in particular, simplify assembly of the optical element in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, the optical element can be attached to the diffuser element by a simple plug-in process.Alternatively, the optical element could be attached to the diffuser element by at least one snap connection and / or screw connection and / or adhesive connection.

[0021] The diffuser unit and preferably the diffuser element can have at least one partial region which is intended to feed light provided by the light source unit into the optical element. In this case, the partial region could be designed as a further optical element of the diffuser unit and separate from the diffuser element. Furthermore, the further optical element could be designed identically to the optical element. In this context, the fact that the partial region "feeds" light into an element should be understood in particular to mean that the partial region contributes to the light provided by the light source unit entering the element through at least one reflection and / or transmission and / or scattering. The diffuser unit advantageously has at least one further partial region which comprises a translucent material and is arranged between the partial region and the optical element.This allows for a simple design to improve the image quality. Advantageously, arranging the optical element behind the aperture eliminates the need for additional light sources to feed light into the optical element.

[0022] It would be possible for the sub-region to feed all of the light provided by the light source unit into the optical element. In order to further increase the imaging quality of the image, it is conceivable for the sub-region to be additionally provided to feed light provided by the light source unit into the diffusion shell. In particular, the sub-region has a surface which transmits a portion of the light provided by the light source unit, preferably scatters it diffusely, and reflects a further portion of the light provided by the light source unit. Alternatively or additionally, the surface could have at least one recess through which the light provided by the light source unit can be fed into the diffusion shell. In this case, a number and / or size of recesses in the surface could be adapted to achieve a desired transmittance of the surface.

[0023] The diffuser unit can have at least one filter element designed to adapt the light provided by the light source unit in order to homogenize the diffuse illumination light. Advantageously, the filter element reduces and / or scatters a light intensity of a light portion of the light provided by the light source unit that does not enter the partial area, so that the light intensity of the light portion downstream of the filter unit is identical to a light intensity of the light portion reflected by the partial area, ensuring a homogeneous light intensity of the diffuse illumination light. The filter element can be disc-shaped, plate-shaped, and / or film-like. For example, the filter element could be designed as a ring film. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the diffuser unit to have a dedicated filter element for each light source of the light source unit.This allows a gap-free solid angle range of the diffuse illumination light to be achieved.

[0024] It would be conceivable, for example, for the scattering bowl to be attached to a remaining diffuser element by at least one snap connection and / or plug connection and / or adhesive connection and / or screw connection. In order to simplify the construction of the diffuser element, it can be provided that the diffuser element is formed in one piece, in particular as a single part. “Integral” should be understood to mean at least a materially bonded connection, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. “Integral” should be understood to mean formed in one piece. This one piece is preferably produced from a single blank, a mass and / or a cast, for example using an injection molding process, in particular a single and / or multi-component injection molding process.The diffuser element can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, for example, a 3D printing process. This allows the number of components to be reduced. Furthermore, the number of process steps for manufacturing the diffuser element can be reduced. Furthermore, the design of the diffuser element can be easily adapted without requiring complex changes to the manufacturing process.

[0025] The diffuser unit, and preferably the diffuser element, can have an outer wall that completely encloses the diffuser bowl. The outer wall preferably comprises at least one opaque material, which can reduce the loss of light intensity. It would be conceivable for the outer wall to be made entirely of the opaque material.

[0026] If the housing unit has a stand for installation on a work surface, with the lighting area arranged in a stand position above the housing unit, particularly convenient operation can be enabled by holding the codes to be read and / or verified from above in front of the code reading and / or code verification device. The code reading and / or code verification device can thus be used as a stationary unit. The stand unit can have at least one stand element, preferably in the form of a stand and / or rubber foot. Preferably, the stand unit has at least three stand elements, in particular stands and / or rubber feet. The feet can be made of soft PVC, for example.The work surface may be part of a table and / or worktop, for example in a doctor's office and / or in a hospital and / or in a care facility and / or at a service provider and / or a department for disinfection and / or sterilization.

[0027] The housing unit advantageously has at least one window element which is intended to release the diffuse illumination light into the illumination area. This can ensure particularly effective sealing of the housing unit. The window element can be designed as a sapphire glass. The housing unit can have an at least partially opaque aperture element which can be arranged in front of or behind the window element when viewed from the illumination area and which can restrict a light-permeable area of ​​the window element, preferably to identify an effective detection area of ​​the image sensor for a user. This allows the marking and / or the code to be detected to be placed in the correct area more quickly. For this purpose, the aperture element can have a light transmission opening which can preferably be rectangular.

[0028] The window element could be firmly fixed in a corresponding receptacle of the housing unit. Advantageously, however, the housing unit has a holding unit for holding the window element, which allows removal and replacement of the window element, preferably without tools, whereby the window element can be easily removed, particularly in the event of damage and / or scratching and / or for cleaning purposes. The holding unit can in particular have a clamping element, which can be designed as a screw cap or as a bayonet lock cap and by means of which the window element can be clamped, preferably pressed against a window sealing element of the holding unit. The clamping element can have a recess through which the illumination light can exit the housing unit.

[0029] The housing unit can comprise a first housing part, a second housing part, and a sealing element which, in the assembled state, seals the first housing part and the second housing part together. This allows advantageous access to an interior of the housing unit. Furthermore, assembly can be simplified and reliable fluid protection can be ensured.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the first housing part and the second housing part are connectable to one another along an axial direction, wherein the axial direction could be aligned parallel to an optical axis of the image sensor and / or the diffuser unit and / or the light source unit and / or the window element. Preferably, the axial direction is perpendicular to the window element. The first housing part and the second housing part are preferably screwable to one another along the axial direction, wherein in the assembled state the sealing element is clamped between the first housing part and the second housing part by the screw connection. An envelope of an outer contour of the first housing part and / or an envelope of the second housing part is preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry parallel to the axial direction and / or the optical axis.The sealing element is preferably annular, in particular circular, and extends in the circumferential direction of the housing unit with respect to the axial direction. Along the axial direction, the second housing part could have a greater extension than the first housing part. The first housing part and / or the second housing part could be made of metal, for example, aluminum.

[0031] The first housing part is preferably designed as a housing base, and the support unit is preferably arranged on the first housing part. The first housing part could be bowl-shaped, particularly preferably with a circular base.

[0032] The second housing part is preferably designed as a housing cover. The second housing part could be sleeve-shaped and, in particular, be completely hollow when viewed parallel to the axial direction. In one embodiment of the invention, the window element could be arranged adjacent to the second housing part in the assembled state. The cover element is preferably arranged on the second housing part or formed by it. The clamping element could be connected to the second housing part in the assembled state. Furthermore, the second housing part could form a contact surface for the window sealing element, wherein the window sealing element could be arranged between the second housing part and the window element in the assembled state and wherein the second housing part could have a receptacle for the window sealing element.In some embodiments, the code reading and / or code verification device can have a light signal unit configured to emit at least one light signal based on at least one operating parameter. This can advantageously increase operating comfort and reliability. The light signal unit can be configured to indicate, by means of the light signal, a readiness to read and / or a readiness to receive and / or an initialization sequence and / or a successful detection of a marking or a code and / or a failed detection of a marking or a code and / or an error message.Different operating parameters could be output through different luminous properties of the light signal, such as luminous colors, luminous intensities, luminous patterns, in particular flashing or pulsing or in the form of a running light, also in different colors, or temporal changes of the aforementioned. Reading and / or recording readiness is preferably indicated by a blue light signal. Successful recognition of a marking or code is preferably indicated by a green light signal. Failure to recognize a marking or code is preferably indicated by a red light signal. It would be conceivable for a user to be able to change and / or freely select the light signals, for example via a web browser.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the sealing element is at least partially transparent and preferably translucent for visible light and in particular for the light signal, wherein the light signal unit is intended to emit the light signal via the sealing element. This allows advantageous integration of the housing unit to be achieved. Furthermore, the sealing element can perform a dual function, thereby saving components and simplifying assembly. The sealing element can thus act as a light exit window and / or light guide and / or diffuser for the light signal. The sealing element preferably consists of an at least partially transparent and preferably translucent silicone.

[0034] In addition, the code reading and / or code verification device can have a reflector unit designed to at least partially homogenize the light signal and provide it to the sealing element. This can advantageously improve the light impression provided by the sealing element outside the housing unit, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. Preferably, the reflector unit is illuminated from below by the light signal unit in the installed position and in an operating state. The reflector unit can be at least partially funnel-shaped. The reflector unit can comprise or be formed from an electrically non-conductive material. The reflector unit is preferably made of a relatively light non-conductor, for example, ceramic and preferably plastic. Alternatively, a design of the reflector unit from a metallic material would be conceivable.In addition, the reflector unit could have an electrically non-conductive substrate and a reflective metallic coating.

[0035] In addition to an optical output of operating parameters via a light signal of the light signal unit, it would also be conceivable for the code reading and / or code verification device and preferably the processing board to have a loudspeaker unit by means of which the operating parameters can also be output acoustically, for example in the form of signal tones or also in the form of spoken text.

[0036] Advantageously, the code reading and / or code verification device comprises a scanning module that, when mounted, is protected against liquids and, preferably, also against dust in the housing unit. This enables reliable detection of markings and / or codes.

[0037] The scanning module preferably comprises the image recorder, which could, for example, have imaging optics and an image sensor, in particular a camera. Furthermore, the scanning module preferably has an evaluation unit, in particular a microprocessor, which is provided for evaluating information from the image sensor and particularly preferably for finding and / or recognizing and / or decrypting a marking and / or a code. The scanning module can have an integrated or externally connectable hardware accelerator component, for example an FPGA, which can increase the evaluation speed. The scanning module preferably has an interface for transmitting an evaluation result to another unit.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the scanning module is provided for controlling the light source unit and can have at least one control unit, in particular a microprocessor, for this purpose. The scanning module could be provided to control all light sources of the light source unit simultaneously and / or only a selection of the light sources of the light source unit simultaneously. It would be conceivable for the scanning module to be provided to independently determine a number and / or an arrangement and / or a sequence and / or an illumination time and / or an illumination intensity and / or an illumination frequency as well as a temporal progression of the aforementioned illumination properties of the controlled light sources, for example based on ambient illumination and / or on surface properties of the object to be scanned.The scanning module is preferably designed to switch on the light source unit only when an object has been detected in the illumination area, for example due to a darkening detected by the image sensor.

[0039] The scan module could be an OEM scan module, which can be integrated into the code reading and / or code verification device as a purchased part and can be modified if necessary, for example by replacing a light source unit, which can further reduce costs.

[0040] In some embodiments, the code reading and / or code verification device can comprise a processing board, which is electrically connected to the scanning module, preferably via the interface of the scanning module, for example serially, and is accommodated in the housing unit in a manner protected against liquids and preferably additionally against dust in the mounted state. This enables further processing of the information provided by the scanning module, whereby advantageous device protection can also be achieved. The processing board can comprise a processing unit, in particular a microprocessor, which can be provided for format verification and / or modification and / or adaptation of a result string, in particular of the scanning module.For example, the processing unit can be configured to suppress and / or replace individual characters or character sequences of the result string and / or append prefix and / or suffix characters to the result string and / or add control characters, particularly non-printable control characters, to the result string. The processing unit could be configured to be programmable, for example, by a user via a web browser. The processing board could include a hardware accelerator component, such as an FPGA, which can increase the processing speed of the scanning module.

[0041] Advantageously, the light signal unit is part of the processing board, which reduces the number of components and simplifies assembly. Preferably, the light signal unit can be controlled and / or programmed by the processing unit of the processing board.

[0042] In addition, the processing board can have a coupling unit for coupling to an external unit, for example, a personal computer and / or a server. The coupling unit can enable, preferably bidirectional, data communication with the external unit and / or a power supply to the code reading and / or code verification device, preferably by the external unit. This makes it possible to make scan results available to the additional unit. In addition, programming and / or adjustment of the processing board and / or the scanning module and / or the light source unit can be carried out by the external unit, for example, via a user interface in a web browser. Finally, an advantageous power supply to the code reading and / or code verification device can also be enabled.Data communication can be wireless, particularly via radio, for example via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and / or via near-field communication (NFC), and / or wired. In the case of wired data communication, a USB connection is particularly advantageous because it allows power to be supplied simultaneously using a single cable. The coupling unit can accordingly have a USB interface for connecting to the external unit. The coupling unit can also have an HID keyboard interface so that an evaluation result can be written in the external unit directly to a cursor position selected there. It would be conceivable for country-specific keyboard layouts to be selectable for a user, for example via the user interface in the web browser. In addition, the coupling unit can have a virtual COM port, which can be selected as an alternative to the HID keyboard interface.In this case, the connection to the external unit can still be made via USB, but the code reader and / or code verification device can then behave as if it were connected via a serial interface.

[0043] The code reading and / or code verification device may have a partially layered structure, in which various components are arranged one above the other along the axial direction in the assembled state. In the installed position, the components are arranged in the following order from bottom to top: installation unit, processing board, reflector unit or scanning module, light source unit, diffuser unit, and window element. The reflector unit may be arranged partially overlapping the scanning module with respect to the axial direction. The reflector unit may have a recess for accommodating the scanning module.

[0044] In this document, "intended" means specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The term "intended" refers to an object being intended for a specific function, meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. "intended" does not mean mere suitability.

[0045] A “parallel” or “perpendicular” alignment should be understood not only to mean an exactly parallel or perpendicular alignment, but also an alignment with a deviation of up to 10°, in particular of up to 5° and preferably of up to 2° and / or an alignment taking into account usual manufacturing and / or assembly tolerances.

[0046] The present invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and use them in meaningful combination within the scope of the claims.

[0047] They show:

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a code reading and / or code verification device in an assembled state and in an installation position;

[0049] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the code reading and / or code verification device apparatus from a first direction;

[0050] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the code reading and / or code verification device apparatus from a second direction;

[0051] Fig. 4 is a view of a diffuser element of the code reading and / or code verification device from a first direction; and

[0052] Fig. 5 shows a representation of the diffuser element from a second direction. Figure 1 shows a code reading and / or code verification device for reading and / or verifying markings and / or codes on medical and / or surgical instruments in an assembled state. The code reading and / or code verification device is part of a code reading and / or code verification device, which additionally has a personal computer or server (not shown) connected to the code reading and / or code verification device via a USB cable connection 80. In the present case, the code reading and / or code verification device is designed as a pure code reading device, and the code reading and / or code verification device is designed accordingly as a code reading device. However, the following statements also apply accordingly to a code verification device or a code verification device.

[0053] The code reader device is intended for reading markings and / or codes on metallic, reflective and curved surfaces, in particular for reading markings and / or codes on medical and surgical instruments. In an operating state, these are to be arranged by a user in an illumination area 14 above the code reader device with the marking and / or code facing downwards. They are then diffusely illuminated and read by the code reader device. The information obtained is processed by the code reader device and provided to the personal computer or server via the USB cable connection 80.

[0054] To protect against liquids, particularly water and cleaning and / or disinfectant agents, the code reading device comprises a housing unit 16 in which components of the code reading device are housed in a liquid- and dust-proof manner when assembled. The housing unit 16 has protection class IP 67. In further embodiments, it would be conceivable for the housing unit 16 to even have protection class IP 68.

[0055] The housing unit 16 essentially has the shape of two cylinders placed one above the other, with the smaller of the two cylinders being arranged on top in an installed position shown in Figure 1. An area between the two cylinders is provided with a smooth transition. The housing unit 14 has an axial direction 44. The axial direction 44 is aligned parallel to the center axes of the two cylinders. An envelope of an outer contour of the housing unit 16 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry parallel to the axial direction 44. The housing unit 16 has a window element 20, which is provided for releasing diffuse illumination light into the illumination area 14. The illumination area 14 is arranged above the window element 20 in the installed position. The window element is arranged at an upper end of the upper cylinder in the installed position.The code reader device has an optical axis 46 that is parallel to the axial direction 44. The optical axis 46 coincides with the center axes of the two cylinders. The optical axis 46 is perpendicular to the window element 20. The window element 20 is made of sapphire crystal, but other suitable glasses, such as Gorilla Glass® or BK7®, are also conceivable.

[0056] Figures 2 and 3 show exploded views of the code reading device from two different directions.

[0057] The housing unit 16 has a first housing part 24, a second housing part 26, and a sealing element 28, which, in the assembled state, sealingly connects the first housing part 24 and the second housing part 26. The first housing part 24 and the second housing part 26 can be connected to one another along the axial direction 44. In the assembled state, the first housing part 24 and the second housing part 26 are connected to one another along the axial direction 44 by means of mounting screws 84 of the housing unit 16, wherein only one of the mounting screws 84 is provided with a reference numeral in the figures. In the assembled state, the mounting screws 84 are aligned along the axial direction 44, penetrate the first housing part 24, and are screwed into the second housing part 26. By tightening the mounting screws 84, the sealing element 28 is clamped between the first housing part 24 and the second housing part 26.Spacer sleeves 86 of the housing unit 16, which are threaded between the housing parts 24, 26 and around the mounting screws 84, prevent excessive deformation of the sealing element 28 (in Figures 2 and 3, only one of the spacer sleeves 86 is provided with a reference numeral). In the assembled state, the mounting screws 84 are countersunk into receiving holes in the first housing part 24.

[0058] The housing unit 16 comprises a stand unit 18 for installation on a work surface, wherein the lighting area 14 is arranged above the housing unit 16 in the installation position shown in Figure 1. The stand unit 18 has rubber feet 82, which can be inserted tightly into the receiving holes after the mounting screws 84 have been tightened (in Figures 2 and 3, only one of the rubber feet 82 is provided with a reference numeral). The rubber feet seal the area surrounding the mounting screws 84 in a liquid-tight manner. The rubber feet 82 ensure a secure, non-slip stand for the code reader device. In alternative embodiments, the stand unit 18 can also have feet made of a different material, for example, soft PVC.

[0059] An envelope of an outer contour of the first housing part 24 and an envelope of the second housing part 26 are rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotational symmetry axis parallel to the axial direction 44. The sealing element 28 is annular and, in the assembled state, extends in the circumferential direction of the housing unit 16 with respect to the axial direction 44 (see also Figure 1). Along the axial direction 44, the second housing part 26 has a greater extent than the first housing part 24. The first housing part 24 and the second housing part 26 are made of aluminum, although other materials, such as stainless steel, would also be conceivable.

[0060] The first housing part 24 is designed as a housing base on which the mounting unit 18 is arranged. The first housing part 24 is bowl-shaped with a circular base. The second housing part 26 is designed as a housing cover and is sleeve-shaped. The second housing part 26 is completely hollow when viewed parallel to the axial direction 44.

[0061] The housing unit 16 comprises a holding unit 22 for holding the window element 20, which allows tool-free removal and replacement of the window element 20, in particular in the event of damage and / or scratching and / or for cleaning purposes.

[0062] The holding unit 22 has a clamping element 60, which is designed as a screw cap 62. The screw cap 62 is circular in shape. The screw cap 62 can be screwed onto an external thread 88 of the second housing part 26 and thus connected thereto.

[0063] The holding unit 22 comprises a window sealing element 64, which, in the assembled state, is arranged between the window element 20 and the second housing part 26. The second housing part 26 has a receptacle 92 for the window sealing element 64 (see Figure 3), wherein the window sealing element 64, in the assembled state, is arranged between the second housing part 26 and the window element 20. The window element 20 can be clamped in place by means of the screw cap 62.

[0064] By means of the screw cap 62, the window sealing element 64 is clamped in the assembled state between the second housing part 26 and the window element 20, whereby a liquid-tight seal is provided in this area.

[0065] The second housing part 26 has a diaphragm element 56 (see Figure 3), which, viewed from the illumination area 14, is arranged behind the window element 20 and which restricts a light-permeable area of ​​the window element 20. This makes it particularly easy for a user to identify an effective detection area, whereby the marking and / or code to be detected can be placed more quickly in the correct area. In the assembled state, the diaphragm element 56 is aligned parallel to the window element 20. The diaphragm element 56 is arranged within the receptacle 92 for the window sealing element 64. The diaphragm element 56 has a rectangular light transmission opening 58, although different shapes would also be conceivable.

[0066] The code reading device comprises a light source unit 10, a diffuser unit 12, a reflector unit 32, a scanning module 34, and a processing board 36, all of which are arranged within the housing unit 16 in a manner protected from liquids and dust. Furthermore, all other components of the code reading device are arranged within the housing unit 16 in a manner protected from liquids and dust.

[0067] The light source unit 10 has a plurality of light sources 94 in the form of LEDs, whereby only one of the light sources 94 is provided with a reference symbol in Figure 3. The light sources 94 are designed identically to one another. The light sources 94 are intended to emit white light, but other emission spectra are also conceivable, including different ones for the various light sources 94. A design with only one light source 94 is also conceivable.

[0068] The light source unit 10 has an illumination board 96 on which the light sources 94 are arranged. The illumination board 96 has a circular outer contour when viewed along the axial direction 44. The light sources 94 are arranged in a ring shape and, in an operating state, emit their light toward the diffuser unit 12. The light source unit 10 can be controlled by the scanning module 34, with the light sources 94 being controlled together in the present case. However, in alternative embodiments, it would also be conceivable to control the light sources 94 individually or in groups.

[0069] The diffuser unit 12 is provided to convert the light provided by the light source unit 10 into diffused illumination light for illuminating the illumination area 14. The diffuser unit 12 is a purely passive unit that has a diffuser element 40, which is described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The diffuser unit 12 further comprises filter elements 90 (see Figures 2 and 3), with one of the filter elements 90 being assigned to each light source 94. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for a filter element 90 to be assigned to several or even all of the light sources 94. The filter elements 90 are designed as diffuser foils.

[0070] The scan module 34 is an OEM scan module that is integrated into the code reader device as a purchased part. The original illumination unit of the OEM scan module was replaced by the light source unit 10. The illumination board 96 of the light source unit 10 is electrically connected to the scan module 34 via a plug connection (not shown). The light source unit 10 is attached to the scan module 34 via a screw connection, although other fastening methods, such as a snap-in connection, are also conceivable.

[0071] The scanning module 34 comprises an image pickup device (not shown) with imaging optics and an image sensor. The scanning module 34 further comprises an evaluation unit (not shown) for evaluating information from the image sensor and for recognizing and / or decoding the marking and / or code. The scanning module 34 includes an integrated hardware accelerator component that increases the evaluation speed.

[0072] The scanning module 34 has a control unit (not shown) for controlling the light source unit 10. The control unit is designed to control all light sources 94 of the light source unit 12 simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable for the control unit to be designed to independently determine a number and / or an arrangement and / or a sequence and / or an illumination time and / or an illumination intensity and / or an illumination frequency as well as a temporal progression of the aforementioned illumination properties of the controlled light sources 94, for example, based on ambient illumination and / or surface properties of the object to be scanned.

[0073] The control unit is designed to only switch on the light sources 94 when an object has been detected in the illumination area 14, either by obscuration detected by the image sensor or, alternatively, by analyzing multiple image recordings and, for example, creating differential images. Alternatively, the use of a dedicated photodiode to detect obscuration or a proximity and / or motion sensor would also be conceivable.

[0074] The scanning module 34 has an interface 52 for transmitting an evaluation result to the processing board 36. In this case, the transmission takes place via a ribbon cable.

[0075] The code reader device has a mounting element 68. The mounting element 68 is formed in one piece. The mounting element 68 is made of plastic. The mounting element 68 is plate-shaped in sections. Adjacent to a plate-shaped section 75 of the mounting element 68, the latter has a fastening section 77. In the present case, the fastening section 77 consists of two fastening sections (see Figure 2), although a different number, in particular just one, would also be conceivable. The fastening section 77 is oriented perpendicular to the plate-shaped section 75. In the assembled state, the plate-shaped section 75 is perpendicular to the axial direction 44. In the assembled state, the fastening section 77 is parallel to the axial direction 44.

[0076] In the plate-shaped section 75, the mounting element 68 has illumination recesses 69 through which the light sources 94 of the light source unit 10 can shine in the mounted state. A number of the illumination recesses 69 are matched to a number of light sources 94, so that each of the light sources 94 is assigned exactly one of the illumination recesses 69. In alternative embodiments, several of the light sources 94 could also be arranged in one of the illumination recesses 69. The illumination recesses 69 are covered by the filter elements 90, which are arranged, for example, glued, on the plate-shaped section 75.

[0077] In the plate-shaped section 75, the mounting element 68 has through-holes 79, only one of which is identified by a reference numeral in the figures. The through-holes 79 serve to fasten the diffuser element 40 using screws. More on this later. Here, too, other types of fastening would be conceivable in alternative designs.

[0078] The scanning module 34 is attached to the mounting element 68 by means of the fastening section 77, specifically by screwing (see Figure 2). Alternative configurations could also include snap-in connections, plug-in connections, or combinations, particularly including a screw connection. Should the use of a different OEM scanning module be considered, the mounting element 68 would have to be adapted accordingly with regard to its fastening section 77.

[0079] The mounting element 68 itself is fastened to the second housing part 26. For this purpose, the mounting element 68 has fastening recesses 81, only one of which is shown in the figures. The fastening recesses 81 serve to pass through screws, which in turn can be screwed into threaded openings in the second housing part 26 (not shown). In alternative embodiments, other fastening types would also be conceivable here, as long as it is ensured that the scanning module 34, together with the light source unit 10 and the diffuser element 12, form a rigidly connected unit that is firmly fixed relative to the second housing part 26 and / or the window element 20.

[0080] The processing board 36 has a substantially circular outer contour, viewed along the axial direction 44, with a recess for a USB connector 98 (see Figure 3). The processing board 36 is fixed to the first housing part 24. The processing board 36 is screwed to the first housing part 24, although in alternative embodiments, a snap-in connection would also be conceivable.

[0081] The processing board 36 is electrically connected to the scanning module 34 via the interface 52 and the ribbon cable. The processing board 36 has a processing unit (not shown) which is provided for checking the format of a result string from the scanning module 34 as well as for modifying or adapting the result string. The processing unit can, for example, be provided to suppress and / or replace individual characters or character sequences of the result string and / or to append prefix and / or suffix characters to the result string and / or to add control characters, in particular non-printable control characters, to the result string. The processing unit is programmable by a user via a web interface of the processing unit. The processing board 36 has a coupling unit 38 for coupling to the personal computer or server. The USB connector 98 is part of the coupling unit 38.The USB connector 98 is designed as a USB socket. The first housing part 24 includes a plug opening 99 for inserting a USB plug of the USB cable connection 80 (see Figures 1 and 3). The USB socket has an O-ring that completely surrounds its plug opening to seal it against the first housing part 24 (not shown). In the assembled state, this O-ring is pressed sealingly against an inner wall of the first housing part 24 that runs around the plug opening 99. The processing board 36 has elongated holes (not shown) for attachment to the first housing part 24 so that the processing board 36 can be pressed toward the plug opening 99 during assembly after being inserted into the first housing part 24, in particular with a tool, whereby the O-ring is pressed against the inner wall. The USB connector 98 itself is specified as protection class IP 67.

[0082] The code reader device is powered via the USB cable connection 80 and the USB connector 98. The coupling unit 38 also allows bidirectional data communication with the personal computer or server.

[0083] The coupling unit 28 has an HID keyboard interface, allowing an evaluation result to be written directly to a selected cursor position on the personal computer or server. Country-specific keyboard layouts can be selected by the user via the web interface. Furthermore, the coupling unit includes a virtual COM port, which can be selected via the web interface as an alternative to the HID keyboard interface. In this case, the code reader device behaves as if it were connected to the personal computer or server via a serial interface.

[0084] The processing board 36 has a light signal unit 30 controlled by the evaluation unit, which is designed to output at least one light signal based on at least one operating parameter. The light signal unit 30 has signal light sources 31. The signal light sources 31 are designed as RGB LEDs. The light signal light sources 31 are arranged in a ring along the processing board 36. The light signal light sources 31 radiate outwards or, alternatively, upwards. Furthermore, the use of optical fibers assigned to the signal light sources 31 would be conceivable. In alternative embodiments, the use of only a single signal light source 31 would also be conceivable. Furthermore, different arrangements and / or orientations of the signal light sources 31 would be conceivable.

[0085] The sealing element 28 is made of translucent silicone. Since the sealing element 28 is at least partially transparent to visible light, the light signal can be emitted by the light signal unit 30 via the sealing element 28. Thus, the sealing element 28 performs a dual function and is used not only as a seal but also as a light exit window, light guide, or diffuser for the light signal. The sealing element 28 thus forms a light ring along a circumferential direction of the housing unit 16 (see Figure 1).

[0086] The light signal unit 30 is designed to output an initialization sequence, a readability status, a successful detection of a marking or code, a failed detection of a marking or code, and error messages using the light signal. An initialization sequence is output by a regularly flashing blue light signal. A readability status is output by a continuous blue light signal. Successful detection of a marking or code is indicated by a brief green light signal. Failure to detect a marking or code is indicated by a brief red light signal. Error messages are indicated by flashing red light signals, whereby different error codes can be transmitted using different flashing patterns. However, alternative light signals would also be conceivable.In addition, the user can change and freely define the light signals via the web interface.

[0087] The reflector unit 32 is provided to at least partially homogenize the light signal and provide it to the sealing element 28. The reflector unit 32 is illuminated from below by the light signal unit 30 in the installed position and in an operating state. The reflector unit 32 is at least partially funnel-shaped. The reflector unit 32 has a receptacle for the scanning module 34 and the ribbon cable. In the present case, the reflector unit 32 consists of a bright, highly reflective plastic, although other materials are also conceivable. In the assembled state, the reflector unit 32 is connected to the processing board 36 by means of a plug connection, although other solutions are also conceivable. The diffuser unit 12 is described in detail below.In principle, reference can also be made at this point to WO 2021 / 009059 A2 of the same applicant, which discloses a substantially identical diffuser unit.

[0088] Figures 4 and 5 show representations of a diffuser element 40 of the diffuser unit 12 from two different directions. The diffuser element 40 is made entirely of a translucent material. The diffuser element 40 is made of polyamide. Alternatively, the diffuser element 40 could be made of other materials deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art, such as other plastics, in particular ABS, PP, PU and / or PC, and / or quartz glass. The diffuser element 40 is formed in one piece. The diffuser element 40 is manufactured using a 3D printing process.

[0089] The diffuser element 40 has a scattering shell 42. The scattering shell 42 serves to scatter the light provided by the light source unit 10 to provide at least a portion of the diffuse illumination light. The scattering shell 42 has an inner surface 48. The inner surface 48 is formed as a partial surface of an imaginary sphere.

[0090] The scattering tray 42 has an opening 50. The opening 50 is intended to allow light reflected from the illumination region 14 to pass through to the scanning module 34 (see Figure 2). The opening 50 is arranged in a region of the scattering tray 42 that is maximally spaced from the illumination region 14. The opening 50 is formed as a recess in the scattering tray 42.

[0091] The diffuser element 40 has a casing 54. The casing 54 has a cylindrical basic shape. When viewed from the illumination area 14, the casing 54 completely surrounds the diffuser bowl 42. The casing 54 has screw holes 66, only one of which is provided with a reference numeral in Figure 5. The screw holes 66 serve to fasten the diffuser element 40 to the mounting element 68 (see Figure 2). Alternatively, the casing 54 could have insertion areas for nuts and / or snap-in elements and / or plug-in elements.

[0092] The diffuser unit 12 has an optical element 70 (see Figure 2). The optical element 70 is intended to redirect diffuse illumination light, which is generated from light provided by two of the light sources 94 of the light source unit 10, towards the illumination area 14. Alternatively, the optical element 70 could redirect the light provided by the two and / or any of the light sources 94 of the light source unit 10 towards the illumination area 14. The optical element 70 redirects the diffuse illumination light by a single reflection. The optical element 70 is intended to transmit light reflected from the illumination area 14, which has in particular passed through the passage 50. The optical element 70 has a semi-transparent mirror 72. The semi-transparent mirror 72 redirects a light portion of the diffuse illumination light towards the illumination area 14.The semi-transparent mirror 72 allows a further portion of the diffuse illumination light to pass through. The optical element 70 is designed as a beam splitter cube. The semi-transparent mirror 72 forms a diagonal surface of the optical element 70.

[0093] The optical element 70 has an absorption element. The absorption element is designed to absorb the remaining light component. The absorption element is formed as a coating on one side of the optical element 70. The absorption element has a refractive index that is identical to the refractive index of the remaining optical element.

[0094] The diffuser element 40 has a receptacle 74. The receptacle 74 serves to positively hold the optical element 70 (see Figures 2 and 5). The receptacle 74 is designed as a frame. The receptacle 74 has an insertion opening matching the optical element 70. The insertion opening defines an insertion direction along which the optical element 70 can be inserted into the receptacle 74. The receptacle 74 is formed integrally with the diffuser bowl 42. Alternatively, the receptacle 74 could be attached to the diffuser bowl 42 by at least one snap connection and / or plug connection and / or adhesive connection. The receptacle 74 is arranged behind the passage 50 when viewed from the illumination area 14.

[0095] The diffuser unit 12 has a sub-region 76 (see Figure 5). The sub-region 76 is intended to feed the light provided by the two light sources 94 into the optical element 70. Alternatively or additionally, the sub-region 76 could be intended to feed the light provided by any of the six light sources into the optical element 70. The sub-region 76 is formed as a part of the diffuser element 40. The sub-region 76 is formed as a surface element of the diffuser element 40. The sub-region 76 is arranged downstream of the light source unit 10 along the insertion direction. The sub-region 76 contributes to the light provided by the light sources 94 at least partially entering the optical element 70. The sub-region 76 is additionally intended to feed the light provided by the light source at least partially into the diffusion bowl 42.When viewed from the illumination area 14, the partial area 76 is arranged behind the diffuser bowl 42. The partial area 76 is formed integrally with the receptacle 74. Alternatively, the partial area 76 could be attached to the receptacle 74 by a snap connection and / or plug connection and / or adhesive connection.

[0096] The diffuser element 40 has an intermediate wall 78 (see Figure 5). The intermediate wall 78 is arranged between the partial area 76 and the receptacle 74. The intermediate wall 78 is intended to convert the light provided by the two light sources 94 and deflected by the partial area 76 into diffuse light. Alternatively, the diffuser element 40 could be free of such intermediate walls.

[0097] The code reader device has a partially layered structure, in which various components are arranged one above the other in the assembled state along the axial direction 44. In the installed position, the components are arranged in the following order from bottom to top: installation unit 18, processing board 36, scanning module 34 or reflector unit 32, light source unit 10, mounting element 68, diffuser unit 12, and window element 20.

[0098] FE

[0099] Reference symbol

[0100] 10 Light source unit

[0101] 12 Diffuser unit

[0102] 14 Lighting area

[0103] 16 Housing unit

[0104] 18 Installation unit

[0105] 20 window elements

[0106] 22 Holding unit

[0107] 24 First housing part

[0108] 26 Second housing part

[0109] 28 Sealing element

[0110] 30 light signal unit

[0111] 31 Signal light source

[0112] 32 Reflector unit

[0113] 34 Scan module

[0114] 36 processing board

[0115] 38 coupling unit

[0116] 40 Diffuser element

[0117] 42 Litter bowl

[0118] 44 Axial direction

[0119] 46 Optical axis

[0120] 48 inner surface

[0121] 50 passage

[0122] 52 Interface

[0123] 54 Coat

[0124] 56 aperture element

[0125] 58 light transmission opening

[0126] 60 clamping element

[0127] 62 screw caps

[0128] 64 Window sealing element

[0129] 66 screw holes

[0130] 68 Mounting element

[0131] 69 Lighting recess

[0132] 70 Optical element

[0133] 72 semi-transparent mirrors

[0134] 74 recording

[0135] 75 Slab-shaped section sub-area

[0136] Fastening section

[0137] Partition wall

[0138] Feedthrough opening

[0139] USB cable connection

[0140] Mounting recess

[0141] rubber foot

[0142] Mounting screw

[0143] spacer sleeve

[0144] external thread

[0145] filter element

[0146] Recording

[0147] light source

[0148] Lighting board

[0149] USB connector

[0150] Plug opening

Claims

Claims 1 . A code reading and / or code verification device, in particular for medical and / or surgical instruments as well as medical devices and implants, comprising: - a light source unit (10), - a diffuser unit (12) which is provided to convert light provided by the light source unit (10) into at least substantially diffused illumination light for illuminating at least one illumination area (14), and - a housing unit (16) in which the light source unit (10) and the diffuser unit (12) are accommodated in a liquid-protected manner in an assembled state.

2. Code reading and / or code verification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing unit (16) has at least protection class IP 67.

3. Code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing unit (16) has a mounting unit (18) for mounting on a work surface, wherein the illumination area (14) is arranged in a mounting position above the housing unit (16).

4. Code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing unit (16) has at least one window element (20) which is provided to release the diffuse illumination light into the illumination area (14).

5. Code reading and / or code verification device according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing unit (16) has a holding unit (22) for holding the window element (20), which allows removal and replacement of the window element (20).

6. Code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing unit (16) has a first housing part (24), a second housing part (26) and a sealing element (28) which, in the assembled state, sealingly connects the first housing part (24) and the second housing part (26) to one another.

7. Code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a light signal unit (30) which is provided to output at least one light signal based on at least one operating parameter.

8. Code reading and / or code verification device according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the sealing element (28) is at least partially transparent to visible light, wherein the light signal unit (30) is provided to output the light signal via the sealing element (28).

9. Code reading and / or code verification device according to claim 8, characterized by a reflector unit (32) which is provided to at least partially homogenize the light signal and provide it to the sealing element (28).

10. Code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a scanning module (34) which, in the mounted state, is accommodated in the housing unit (16) in a liquid-protected manner.

11. Code reading and / or code verification device according to claim 10, characterized by a processing board (36) which is electrically connected to the scanning module (34) and, in the mounted state, is accommodated in the housing unit (16) in a liquid-protected manner.

12. Code reading and / or code verification device according to at least claims 7 and 11, characterized in that the light signal unit (30) is part of the processing board (36).

13. Code reading and / or code verification device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the processing board (36) has a coupling unit (38) for coupling to an external unit.

14. Code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser unit (12) has at least one diffuser element (40) with at least one scattering bowl (42) for scattering the light.

15. Code reading and / or code verification devices, in particular for medical and / or surgical instruments as well as medical-technical objects and implants, with a code reading and / or code verification device according to one of the preceding claims.

Images