Barcode Reader Illumination Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar code symbol readers are complex and costly to manufacture, as they require separate visible and infrared illumination sources to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols, which is not economically viable for most applications.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging-based system that uses a single device with interchangeable visible and infrared LEDs, allowing automatic switching between illumination sources during data capture and processing to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols in a user-transparent manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate visible and infrared illumination sources are used to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols, then reading capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single bar code reader to perform multiple functions: reading both visible bar code symbols (using visible LED illumination) and invisible bar code symbols (using infrared LED illumination). The system includes a controller that automatically switches between visible and invisible illumination sources based on the type of bar code symbol being read, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate visible and infrared illumination systems into a single integrated bar code reader. The controller combines the control of visible LED, invisible LED, and image sensor into one unified system, switching between illumination modes as needed. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate visible and infrared illumination sources are used to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols, then reading capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single bar code reader to perform multiple functions: reading both visible bar code symbols (using visible LED illumination) and invisible bar code symbols (using infrared LED illumination). The system includes a controller that automatically switches between visible and invisible illumination sources based on the type of bar code symbol being read, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate visible and infrared illumination systems into a single integrated bar code reader. The controller combines the control of visible LED, invisible LED, and image sensor into one unified system, switching between illumination modes as needed. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single digital imaging device is used to read both visible and invisible bar code symbols, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reading accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing automatic switching between visible and invisible illumination modes based on the bar code symbol type. The controller dynamically adjusts the illumination source (visible LED or invisible LED) and corresponding processing parameters according to whether the bar code is visible or invisible, ensuring optimal reading accuracy for each type while maintaining a simple single-device architecture.
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 system simplifies the reading of both visible and invisible bar code symbols in a single application environment, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining high reading accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a visible source of light (e.g. VLD or visible LED) for reading the visible bar code symbols
Implementation Method 2
the bar code symbol reader must have an infrared (IR) source of light (e.g. IR-LD or IR-LED) for reading such IR-based bar code symbols
Implementation Method 3
digital imaging-based system having the capacity to automatically read both visible and invisible bar code symbols
Data Source
AI summary
A digital imaging based symbol reading system has the capacity to automatically read both visible and invisible symbols in the same application environment. Typically, the system reads the symbols in a user-transparent manner. The system may employ visible/invisible illumination switching during operation. The system may include LED illumination sources. A method for reading both visible and invisible symbols using a single device is also disclosed.