Alternative Illuminator Assembly for Mobile Direct Part Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminator assemblies for direct part marking reading are bulky and unsuitable for small form factor mobile imaging apparatuses, failing to effectively illuminate highly reflective, low-contrast, and non-contrast direct part marking indicia due to specular reflection and insufficient illumination angles.
Innovation Solution
The development of alternative illuminator assemblies that produce specific illuminations, such as uniform bounce flash and dark-field illuminations, using a compact design with fewer illuminator sources, allowing for improved illumination angles and reduced component count, enabling effective reading of various direct part marking indicia types within small form factor mobile imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional illuminator assemblies are used for direct part marking reading, then illumination coverage is provided, but the assembly becomes bulky and unsuitable for small form factor mobile imaging apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator assembly is segmented into multiple LED sources (first LED, second LED, third LED) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each LED provides illumination from a specific angle, collectively covering various direct part marking indicia types without requiring a single large illuminator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illuminator assembly have specialized functions: the first LED with first reflector and lens provides uniform bounce flash illumination, the second LED with second reflector and lens provides dark-field illumination, and the third LED provides additional illumination. This local specialization enables effective reading of highly reflective, low-contrast, and non-contrast markings within a compact form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-angle illuminators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to read various direct part marking indicia types (highly reflective, low-contrast, non-contrast) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator assembly is designed with multiple LED sources and optical components that collectively provide multiple illumination modes (uniform bounce flash and dark-field illumination) to handle various direct part marking indicia types including highly reflective, low-contrast, and non-contrast markings, making the system universally applicable to different marking scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters by using multiple LEDs at different positions and orientations with different reflectors and lenses to produce different illumination angles and patterns. This allows the same illuminator assembly to adapt to different indicia types by activating appropriate LED combinations and optical paths.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional illuminator assemblies with multiple components are used, then various illumination angles can be achieved, but the component count increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator assembly uses three LED sources instead of the conventional single or dual sources, providing partial illumination from each source that collectively achieves the required illumination quality. This partial action from multiple sources delivers superior illumination for reading direct part marking indicia while managing power consumption through selective activation of LED combinations based on the specific reading requirements.
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 alternative illuminator assemblies enhance the ability to capture and decode direct part marking indicia by reducing specular reflection effects and providing adequate illumination for highly reflective, low-contrast, and non-contrast markings, while fitting within small form factor mobile devices and reducing power consumption and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an example illuminator lens surface includes at least a first reflector and a first illumination lens, and a second reflector and a second illumination lens
Implementation Method 2
an example illuminator lens surface includes at least a first reflector and a first illumination lens
Implementation Method 3
an example illuminator lens surface includes at least a first reflector and a first illumination lens, and a second reflector and a second illumination lens
Implementation Method 4
an example illuminator lens surface includes at least a first reflector and a first illumination lens
Implementation Method 5
a heat sink positioned adjacent to disperse heat from the illuminator component board
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an alternative illuminator assembly and corresponding imaging assemblies utilizing the alternative illuminator assembly. The alternative illuminator assembly may provide alternative illuminations from those produced by an imager engine, such that the alternative illuminations may provide specific illuminations at specific illumination angles to illuminate a field of view for a desired purpose. In an example context, the alternative illuminator assembly provides one or more alternative illuminations for improving the likelihood of successfully reading specific direct part marking indicias of various types. Embodiments are provided using overlapping subassemblies that enable a small form factor assembly that can fit into mobile apparatus chasses, for example within conventional cell phone housings of around 7 millimeters. The alternative illuminator assembly may be provided together with a small form factor imaging engine, having one or more imager, to improve the direct part marking reading capabilities of the multi-sensor imaging apparatus.