Barcode Reader Aiming Mark Visibility via Parameter Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging readers face challenges in accurately centering targets due to horizontal offset between imaging and aiming light systems, especially in crowded fields of view, and struggle with visibility of aiming marks against bright backgrounds or in lit environments.
Innovation Solution
The imaging module incorporates an aiming light system with a pair of aiming light assemblies that emit collinear aiming light lines, enhancing visibility by varying brightness, color, size, or state of existence relative to the remaining aiming light pattern, forming a prominent aiming mark to indicate the center zone of the field of view, despite horizontal offset between imaging and aiming systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the imaging reader uses low cost imagers with rolling shutters to minimize cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the aiming system must be physically offset horizontally away from the imaging system, causing the aiming light pattern to be off-center relative to the imaging axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the aiming light pattern by varying brightness, color, size, or state of existence of the aiming mark relative to the remaining aiming light pattern. This enhances the visibility and prominence of the aiming mark, allowing operators to accurately identify the center zone despite the horizontal offset between the imaging and aiming systems.
2Device complexity
If the aiming light pattern is projected with uniform brightness and appearance, then the manufacturing and optical alignment are simplified, but the aiming mark is not always clear and discernible, especially against white backgrounds or in brightly lit venues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the aiming mark have different properties (brightness, color, size, or state of existence) compared to the remaining aiming light pattern. This localized differentiation enhances the visibility and prominence of the aiming mark specifically at the center zone, making it easily distinguishable against various backgrounds and lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes as one of the methods to enhance aiming mark visibility. By varying the color of the aiming mark relative to the remaining aiming light pattern, the aiming mark becomes more prominent and easier to detect, especially in brightly lit venues or against white backgrounds where uniform color would provide poor contrast.
3Productivity
If multiple targets are located closely adjacent one another in a crowded field of view, then the reading capacity is increased, but it becomes difficult to accurately center and read only the intended target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the visibility and prominence of the aiming mark through parameter changes (brightness, color, size, or state of existence), which provides a clear visual indicator of the center zone. This helps operators accurately center the intended target even when multiple targets are closely adjacent in a crowded field of view, maintaining reading accuracy while preserving high reading capacity.
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
This solution ensures reliable centering and reading of targets across various distances and environments, even when targets are closely adjacent, by providing a clear and prominent visual indicator of the field of view's center zone, improving reading accuracy and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
configure the aiming light system in the imaging reader with one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to project the aiming light pattern
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly for capturing return illumination light scattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged
Implementation Method 3
an optical assembly for capturing return illumination light scattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged
Implementation Method 4
an imaging system having a solid-state imager with a sensor array of photocells or light sensors, and an optical assembly for capturing return illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the preset invention include a barcode reader that comprises a housing having a handgrip portion and an upper body portion, a first printed circuit board (PCB) extending into the upper body portion, and an imaging module positioned within the upper body portion. In this instance, the imaging module includes an imaging system having an imager and an imaging lens assembly, the imaging system having a field of view with a central imaging axis passing through a window in the upper body portion and lying on a horizontal plane. The imaging module further includes an aiming light system configured to emit an aiming light pattern, the aiming light system offset from the imaging system along the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the components of the barcode reader are arranged such that the first PCB is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the central imaging axis.