Barcode Reader Mirror Optical Path Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices for barcodes on test tubes in racks face challenges with height limitations in automated robotic systems, leading to increased complexity and cost when using multiple cameras to reduce height, and issues with image quality due to unwanted reflections.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a transparent window, a camera, a lighting arrangement, and a mirror to provide uniform illumination and minimize reflections, allowing for a compact design while maintaining high-quality image capture and barcode decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single camera is used to capture images of the entire rack, then the device height is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to the need to capture a larger area from a greater distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate dimension by placing a transparent plate between the camera and the rack, allowing the camera to be positioned closer to the rack while maintaining proper optical path length. This dimensional adjustment enables both compact device height and high-quality barcode capture by optimizing the spatial arrangement of components.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to reduce device height, then device height is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single camera to capture images of the entire rack rather than employing multiple cameras. This approach eliminates the complexity of coordinating multiple imaging devices while achieving the same functional goal of capturing all barcodes in the rack within a compact height.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting is provided to illuminate the rack, then image brightness is improved, but unwanted reflections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent plate as an intermediary element between the lighting system and the rack. This plate diffuses and redirects light rays, providing uniform illumination to the barcodes while preventing direct reflections from reaching the camera, thereby eliminating glare and improving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting arrangement is designed to provide localized illumination through the transparent plate, creating optimal lighting conditions at each barcode location while controlling the angle and distribution of light to minimize reflections. This localized control of light quality ensures bright, clear images without harmful glare.
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 a compact image capture device that maintains high-quality image capture and barcode decoding, reducing the height of the device while avoiding complexity and cost increases, and minimizing unwanted reflections for improved barcode readability.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror in an optical path between the at least one camera and the transparent window, the mirror arranged to relay light rays reflecting from the test tube rack to the at least one camera
Implementation Method 2
a lighting arrangement mounted within the enclosure, the lighting arrangement comprising at least one light source to illuminate the test tube rack through the transparent window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An image capture device for capturing an image of barcodes of a plurality of test tubes held in a test tube rack,the plurality of test tubes each having an individual barcode thereon, the image capture device comprising: an enclosure comprising a transparent window which, in use, is adjacent to the test tube rack to be imaged;and a plurality of stationary components, the plurality of stationary components comprising: at least one camera mounted within the enclosure to capture an image of the barcodes; a lighting arrangement mounted within the enclosure, the lighting arrangement comprising at least one light source to illuminate the barcodes of the plurality of test tubes held in the test tube rack through the transparent window;a mirror in an optical path between the at least one camera and the transparent window, the mirror arranged to relay light rays reflecting from the barcodes of the plurality of test tubes held in the test tube rack to the at least one camera; and an interface for outputting the captured image to a host computer for decoding of said barcodes.