Data Matrix Verification Lighting Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for verifying Data Matrix marks lack efficiency in automatically determining the quality and readability of these marks across various lighting environments, leading to inconsistent results and increased verification time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a plurality of light sources to form different light configurations, automatically select the best configuration for verification based on user-selected mark types, and generate reports indicative of the verification results, ensuring compliance with industry standards like MIL-STD-130N and AIM DPM-1-2006.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light sources and configurations are used to verify Data Matrix marks, then verification accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and verification time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first light source, second light source, third light source) that can be controlled separately. Each light source creates a specific light configuration (direct illumination, angled illumination, dark field illumination) that can be selectively activated based on the mark type and verification requirements, reducing the need for a single complex lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different light configurations based on real-time detection of mark characteristics. The controller automatically adjusts which light sources are active based on the detected mark type, orientation, and quality metrics, making the lighting system adaptive rather than static.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light configurations are sequentially tested to find the best verification result, then verification accuracy is improved, but verification time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of mark characteristics (mark type, orientation, contrast) before initiating the full verification sequence. Based on this preliminary analysis, the system pre-determines which light configurations are most likely to yield successful verification, allowing it to skip unnecessary lighting configurations and reduce overall verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the quality metrics of captured images during verification and uses this feedback to determine when to stop testing light configurations. Once a configuration achieves sufficient verification accuracy (passing the verification test), the system terminates the sequence early rather than exhaustively testing all possible configurations.
3Productivity
If automatic selection of best light configuration is implemented, then verification efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-selection of optimal lighting configurations based on automated detection of mark characteristics. The controller independently analyzes captured images, determines mark properties, and selects appropriate light configurations without requiring external manual intervention or complex user input, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high efficiency.
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 system enables rapid and accurate verification of Data Matrix marks by automatically selecting optimal lighting configurations, reducing the time to achieve a passing grade and providing comprehensive reports on mark quality and readability, thus supporting consistent and efficient Data Matrix mark verification across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources can comprise light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
illuminating a component via a beamsplitter. The beamsplitter can comprise at least three distinct light reflection zones
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise causing a report to be automatically generated. The report can be indicative of a result of a read of a mark. The result can be automatically determined to pass a verification test. The verification test can be performed on an image obtained via an imaging system.