Code Reader Secondary Aiming Illumination for Contact DPM Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held code readers face difficulties in aligning and reading small direct part marking (DPM) codes at contact distances due to the code reader housing blocking the primary aiming pattern, making it hard for users to properly target the codes without additional illumination assistance.
Innovation Solution
A secondary aiming illumination system is integrated into the code reader, which projects light segments outside or in the marginal portion of the optical field-of-view, providing an additional aiming pattern for users to target DPM codes when the primary pattern is blocked by the code reader housing, especially at contact distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional primary aiming system is used to illuminate an aiming pattern within the optical field-of-view, then the user can see the aiming pattern for targeting, but the code reader housing blocks the perspective field-of-view at contact distances, making the aiming pattern invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aiming illumination system into two separate segments: a primary aiming illuminator that projects the aiming pattern within the optical field-of-view for normal reading distances, and a secondary aiming illuminator that projects a separate aiming pattern outside the optical field-of-view specifically for contact distance readings. This segmentation allows each illuminator to serve its specific purpose without interference from the housing blockage issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary aiming illuminator acts as an intermediary solution that provides aiming guidance through a different spatial pathway (outside the optical field-of-view) when the primary pathway (within the optical field-of-view) is blocked by the housing at contact distances.
2Measurement precision
If the code reader is positioned at contact distance to read small DPM codes, then decoding performance is improved, but the housing blocks the user's perspective field-of-view, preventing visibility of the aiming pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aiming illumination function into two distinct systems operating in different spatial zones: the primary aiming system for normal distances and the secondary aiming system for contact distances. This allows the user to maintain proper aiming visibility even when positioned at contact distance for optimal decoding of small DPM codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary aiming illuminator projects the aiming pattern into a different spatial dimension (outside the optical field-of-view) rather than within it, allowing the user to see the aiming pattern from a different viewing angle that is not blocked by the housing at contact distances.
3Device complexity
If a single aiming illuminator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the aiming pattern becomes invisible when the code reader is at contact distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional illumination system where the primary aiming illuminator handles normal reading distances while the secondary aiming illuminator handles contact distances. Together, they provide universal aiming capability across all reading distances, allowing the code reader to be versatile in both normal and contact distance applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different reading distances by switching between the primary and secondary aiming illuminators. The controller activates the appropriate illuminator based on the reading distance, making the aiming system dynamic and adaptable to varying operational conditions.
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 solution enhances the user's ability to accurately align and read DPM codes by providing a secondary aiming pattern that is visible when the primary pattern is obscured, improving targeting efficiency and decoding performance at close proximity.
Implementation Method 1
A primary aiming illuminator may be configured to generate a first light beam to illuminate a first aiming pattern
Implementation Method 2
A secondary aiming illuminator may be configured to generate a second light beam to illuminate a second aiming pattern outside or in a marginal region of the field-of-view
Data Source
AI summary
A code reader and process may include an optoelectronic reading device configured to read a machine-readable indicia. A primary aiming illuminator may be configured to generate a first light beam to illuminate a first aiming pattern (i) onto a surface on which the machine-readable indicia is positioned and (ii) within a field-of-view of the optoelectronic reading device. A secondary aiming illuminator may be configured to generate a second light beam to illuminate a second aiming pattern (i) onto the surface on which the machine-readable indicia is positioned and (ii) outside or in a marginal region of the field-of-view of said optoelectronic reading device.