Coaxial Illuminator Combining Bright and Dark Field Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data-reading and machine vision systems face challenges in acquiring accurate images due to the inability to switch between bright field and dark field illumination, requiring separate systems for each type of lighting.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial illuminator system that combines both dark field and bright field capabilities, utilizing a reflector with a curved light-reflecting surface and a light module with interior and exterior light sources, along with a light pipe assembly to direct light effectively for imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a system uses a single type of illumination (bright field or dark field), then the imaging of objects requiring that specific illumination is accurate, but the system cannot image objects requiring the opposite type of illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bright field and dark field illumination capabilities into a single illuminator system by incorporating both interior light sources (for bright field) and exterior light sources (for dark field) within the same device structure, allowing one system to perform functions that previously required two separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate different illumination requirements. The system can switch between bright field and dark field modes by selecting different light sources, making it universally applicable to various imaging scenarios including optical data reading and machine vision applications
2Measurement precision
If users maintain separate systems for bright field and dark field illumination, then each system can provide optimal imaging for its specific type, but the overall system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges bright field and dark field illumination systems into a single integrated illuminator, combining multiple light sources, reflectors, and light pipes into one device that eliminates the need for maintaining separate systems while preserving the imaging quality benefits of specialized illumination
3Adaptability or versatility
If a system is designed for bright field illumination, then it can effectively image objects requiring bright field lighting, but it cannot image objects requiring dark field illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing users to switch between different illumination modes (bright field and dark field) by selecting different light sources. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize image accuracy for different object types without requiring multiple static systems
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 the capture of accurate images by providing the necessary illumination type without the need for multiple systems, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of image acquisition in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector with a curved light-reflecting surface and a light module with interior and exterior light sources
Implementation Method 2
a light pipe assembly to direct light effectively for imaging
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a curved reflector having an interior and an open end; a light module positioned around a perimeter of the open end of the reflector, the light module including a first side having one or more interior light sources thereon to direct light toward the interior of the reflector and a second side having one or more exterior light sources thereon to direct light away from the reflector; and a light pipe coupled to the light module and aligned so that light from the one or more exterior light sources is launched into the light pipe. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.