Adaptive Illumination Control for Industrial Barcode Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld barcode and scanning devices face power consumption issues due to illumination systems, especially in poorly lit environments, leading to inadequate power supply and reduced image capture capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An imaging assembly with a processor and controller that determines illumination levels based on brightness and distance values, using an illumination system with adjustable power levels to optimize energy use, reducing power consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If illumination systems are used in handheld scanning devices to capture images in poorly-lit environments, then image capture capability is improved, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its power output based on real-time assessment of ambient light conditions and distance to the target object. The controller modulates illumination intensity between high and low states, transitioning from static full-power operation to dynamic adaptive operation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining image capture capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameter (intensity/power level) based on measured conditions. By using the distance value from the ranging system and brightness value from the image sensor, the controller selects appropriate illumination levels, changing the operational parameters of the illumination system to match actual environmental conditions rather than operating at constant high intensity.
2Length of moving object
If high-power illumination systems are used to enable distance scanning, then scanning range is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial illumination action by using high-power illumination only when and where needed for distance scanning, rather than continuous full-power operation. The controller activates high-intensity illumination selectively based on distance measurements and ambient light conditions, using minimal illumination power for the minimal time necessary to capture usable images at extended ranges, thereby preserving battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system operates in periodic cycles of high-power and low-power states. The controller periodically activates high-intensity illumination for distance scanning operations, then transitions to low-power mode during normal operation, creating a periodic action pattern that extends battery life while maintaining the capability for extended-range scanning when required.
3Reliability
If current-limited charging components are used in computer-based charging systems, then charging safety is improved, then illumination systems receive inadequate power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its power consumption to match the capabilities of current-limited charging components. Rather than requiring high continuous power, the system operates in dynamic low-power modes during charging, with the controller modulating illumination intensity to stay within the current limits of safe charging while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its power consumption parameters during charging operations. The controller monitors charging conditions and adjusts illumination power levels to be compatible with current-limited charging components, changing operational parameters to ensure safe charging while preserving the ability to provide adequate illumination when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient power management, prolonging device operation and reducing the need for frequent recharging by selectively controlling illumination, allowing for more image captures without battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
obtain distance information of the object
Implementation Method 2
illumination systems to assist with capturing a suitable image of the object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging assembly for capturing at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV) is provided that includes an image capturing system, a controller operatively coupled to the image capturing system to control operation thereof, and a processor operatively coupled to the controller. The image capturing system is adapted to capture an image having at least one sub-frame and is further adapted to obtain distance information of the object. The processor analyzes the image to determine a brightness value of at least a portion of the image and analyzes the distance information of the object to determine a distance value from the imaging assembly to the object. The processor further determines an illumination characteristic based on the brightness value and the distance value.