2D Code Reading on Circular Pipes via Angle Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional code reading devices struggle to read codes accurately and stably on members with circular sections due to texture unevenness and curvature, leading to inefficient control of manufacturing history information.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional code reading device and method that adjusts illumination and image pickup directions based on the inclination angles of concave portions, ensuring optimal angles for reading the code without distortion, with illumination from the central axis and image pickup along the central axis, using specific angle ranges to enhance contrast and prevent distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-dimensional code is carved on a pipe by means of imprinting, then the code durability is improved and does not disappear during conveyance, but the reading accuracy and stability deteriorate due to texture unevenness and curvature of the pipe surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination angle parameter to optimize code reading. By setting the illumination angle to 45 degrees relative to the pipe surface normal, the system achieves optimal contrast between the carved code and the pipe surface, overcoming the effects of texture unevenness and curvature while maintaining code durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of reading conditions based on the pipe's rotational position and surface characteristics. The reading device adjusts illumination and detection angles in real-time as the pipe rotates on the conveyor, ensuring accurate code recognition despite surface curvature and texture variations
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hand-written numbers are used on steel pipes, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the manufacturing history information control reliability deteriorates because the numbers may disappear during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hand-writing with an optical imprinting system that carves two-dimensional codes directly into the pipe surface. This substitution provides durable, machine-readable codes that maintain reliability throughout the manufacturing process while remaining compatible with automated reading systems
3Device complexity
If the illumination direction and image pickup direction are not optimized, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reading stability and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the illumination angle parameter to 45 degrees and positions the image pickup device at a specific angle relative to the pipe surface. These parameter optimizations enable stable code reading without requiring complex adaptive systems, achieving reliability through carefully selected geometric parameters rather than complex control mechanisms
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 stable and accurate reading of two-dimensional codes on circular-sectioned members, effectively controlling manufacturing history information and preventing code distortion, while maintaining high contrast between code and surface areas.
Implementation Method 1
illumination means which irradiates the two-dimensional code with light from a direction along the central axis of the member and image pickup means which picks up an image of the two-dimensional code from a direction along the central axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] Provided are a two-dimensional code reading device and a two-dimensional code reading method for reading a two-dimensional code carved in a member having a substantially circular section orthogonal to the central axis thereof, as well as a method of controlling manufacturing history information using the reading device and a method of manufacturing the member using the control method. [Solution] A concave portion 11 carved in the member on which a two-dimensional code 10 is formed has a pair of a first inclined portion 12 and a second inclined portion 13 which are inclined so as to form an angle β with respect to a normal-line direction R of a surface of the member. A two-dimensional code reading device 20 is provided with image pickup means 22 which receives light reflected from either of the first inclined portion 12 and the second inclined portion 13 in a direction forming an angle θ satisfying expression (1) with respect to the normal-line direction R, and illumination means 21 which irradiates either of the inclined portions from a direction forming an angle α satisfying expression (2) with respect to the normal-line direction R: 30°≤θ≤35° Δθ=θ-180°+α+2β where β is less than 90°, Δθ is not less than -10° but not more than 10°, and θ and α are angles in a turn direction reverse to a turn direction at which either of the inclined portions forms the angle β with respect to the normal-line direction R.