Barcode Scanner Illumination Reflector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Strobe lights used in barcode scanners can cause eye fatigue due to their brightness and the presence of hot spots, leading to user discomfort during extended use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflector and diffusors within the illumination source to redirect and collimate light, reducing the perceived brightness and eliminating errant light that can cause eye strain, while maintaining the ability to keep barcodes motionless during scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strobe light is used to freeze barcode motion during scanning, then the barcode remains visible and scannable, but the light causes eye fatigue and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the strobe light source and the user's eyes. The reflector redirects the strobe light to illuminate the barcode while preventing direct exposure of the bright light to the user's eyes, thereby maintaining barcode visibility without causing eye fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful direct exposure of bright strobe light into a beneficial indirect illumination system. The reflector takes the intense light that would otherwise harm the user's eyes and redirects it to serve its useful purpose of illuminating the barcode for scanning, while the diffuse reflection softens the light
2Illumination intensity
If a bright illumination source is used to illuminate the scanning area, then the barcode is clearly visible, but hot spots are created that cause eye strain
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector creates different light distribution zones: concentrated illumination on the barcode scanning area for clear visibility, and diffuse reflection in other directions to eliminate hot spots. This local differentiation of light quality ensures bright barcode illumination without creating harmful concentrated light spots that would cause eye strain
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 effectively minimizes eye fatigue and reduces hot spots, providing a more comfortable scanning experience by softening the light and ensuring that the barcode remains visible without irritating the user's eyes.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflector can be located within the scanning tower proximate an illumination source. The first reflector can be configured to redirect light towards into a scanning volume.
Implementation Method 2
The barcode scanners can use a light source that can produce a strobe light. The strobe light can cause a barcode to appear motionless to the scanning component as the item passes the scanning component.
Implementation Method 3
The reflector can also include diffusors that can collimate to light. Collimated light can eliminate errant light that may impact a user's eyes and cause fatigue.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Disclosed is a barcode scanner (212). The barcode scanner (212) may include a scanning tower (204) and a first reflector (304). The scanning tower (204) can define a scanning window (121). The first reflector (304) may be located within the scanning tower (204) proximate an illumination source (314). The first reflector (304) can be configured to redirect light towards a scanning volume (216).