Barcode Scanner Illumination Axis Offset to Eliminate Operator Glare
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vertical scanner type code symbol reading apparatuses, operators experience glare from illumination light when reading barcodes, as the light sources surround the CCD area sensor, directing light directly into the operator's eyes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus positions the illuminating section with an optical axis nonparallel to the read optical axis of the CCD area image pickup device, illuminating the read area from above, thereby avoiding direct illumination into the operator's eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED light sources are arranged around the CCD area sensor to illuminate the barcode, then the barcode can be properly illuminated for reading, but the illumination light enters the operator's eyes causing glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of LED light sources from a horizontal arrangement around the CCD sensor to a vertical arrangement above and below the sensor. This dimensional change redirects the illumination light path so that it illuminates the barcode from above without entering the operator's eyes, thereby resolving the glare problem while maintaining effective barcode illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric placement of LED light sources at different vertical positions (above and below the CCD sensor) rather than symmetric horizontal placement. This asymmetric configuration creates non-uniform light distribution that illuminates the barcode effectively while avoiding direct illumination of the operator's eye area, thus eliminating glare.
2Ease of operation
If the read window confronts the operator for easy operation, then the operator can easily access and use the device, but the illumination light directly enters the operator's eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the confrontational arrangement of the read window for ease of operation but resolves the glare issue by changing the illumination dimension from horizontal (around the sensor) to vertical (above and below the sensor). This allows the read window to remain accessible to the operator while the light paths are directed away from the operator's eyes.
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 configuration prevents glare for the operator, ensuring comfortable reading conditions without disrupting the barcode scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminating section that has an optical axis nonparallel to a read optical axis of the area image pickup device and illuminates the read area from a position above the area image pickup device
Data Source
AI summary
A housing is mounted on a counter on which a basket for containing a commodity to be purchased is placed and is disposed at a position where it confronts an operator. A read window confronting a read area of a code symbol attached to a commodity is disposed on the front of the housing, and an image pickup section including a CCD area sensor having, as an image pickup area, a read area of the code symbol is incorporated at the back of the read window. An LED light source irradiates illuminating light for illuminating the code symbol, which is necessary for the area CCD sensor to take an image of the code symbol. The LED light source has an optical axis nonparallel to a read optical axis of the area image pickup device and guides the illuminating light to the read area from a position above the area image pickup device.