Barcode Reader Illumination Modes for High-Brightness Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode readers are limited in their ability to dynamically adjust illumination based on environmental conditions and object distance, leading to inadequate imaging and decoding of barcodes, especially in varying lighting conditions and distances.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically adjust illumination intensity by operating in multiple modes, storing energy in an energy storage element, and controlling the illumination assembly based on environmental illumination levels and object distance, allowing for increased brightness when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the number of illumination sources is increased to provide higher brightness, then illumination intensity is improved, but power consumption increases and handheld systems become limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images at a first frame rate to accumulate energy in an energy storage element before switching to a second frame rate when higher illumination is needed. This allows the system to prepare energy in advance for subsequent high-brightness operations without continuous high power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a first frame rate mode and a second frame rate mode. The controller switches between these modes based on energy availability and imaging requirements, allowing the system to provide high illumination intensity periodically rather than continuously, thus managing power consumption effectively.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the frame rate is reduced to conserve energy, then power consumption is decreased, but imaging capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frame rate based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors energy levels and switching requirements, then adaptively changes between the first and second frame rates. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal balance between power conservation and imaging capability, switching to higher frame rates when energy is available and when imaging performance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from energy storage element status and imaging requirements to determine when to switch between frame rates. The system continuously monitors conditions and adjusts frame rate accordingly, ensuring that imaging capability is maintained when needed while conserving energy during periods when high-performance imaging is not required.
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
Enables efficient imaging and decoding of barcodes in a wide range of lighting conditions and distances by optimizing illumination intensity and power usage.
Implementation Method 1
storing energy, with the illumination assembly operated in the second mode, in an energy storage element
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for adjusting illumination intensity of a data capture device having an illumination assembly and an imaging assembly are disclosed. An example method includes detecting an illumination level of an environment and operating the illumination assembly in a first mode over a first period of time, a second mode over a second period of time, and a third mode over a third period of time. The method further includes (i) in the first mode, providing a first illumination having a first intensity, (ii) in the second mode storing energy in an energy storage element, and (iii) in the third mode providing third illumination at a third intensity higher than the first intensity. A controller controls the illumination assembly to be configured to be in the first mode, second mode, or third mode based on the illumination level.