Handheld DPM Barcode Reader Polarized Lighting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld barcode readers face increased power consumption when using brighter lighting to offset the loss of light due to polarization filters, which reduces battery life and limits usage time.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a combination of partially polarized, non-polarized, and diffused light sources that can be selectively used to illuminate DPM codes on different materials, allowing for efficient power usage and improved decoding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polarization filters are used to polarize light for reading DPM codes, then the ability to read codes on reflective surfaces is improved, but light intensity is reduced by 75% and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent light sources with different polarization characteristics. Each light source (polarized, non-polarized, diffused) can be independently controlled and selected based on the specific reading task, allowing the system to use only the necessary lighting type rather than always using high-power polarized lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different lighting sources based on real-time requirements. The controller can automatically or manually switch between polarized, non-polarized, and diffused lighting modes depending on the material being read, optimizing power consumption for each specific task.
2Illumination intensity
If brightness of lighting is increased to offset light loss from polarization filters, then light intensity is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the polarization parameter of the lighting to match the requirements of different materials. By using non-polarized or diffused lighting for materials that don't require polarization, the system maintains adequate brightness while significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies polarization only when necessary for specific materials (like reflective metals) rather than continuously. For other materials where polarization is not needed, the system uses lower-power non-polarized or diffused lighting, avoiding excessive power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting sources are used to accommodate different materials, then adaptability to read various DPM codes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lighting sources serve universal functions for different material types. The same set of light sources (polarized, non-polarized, diffused) can read DPM codes on all material types including metals, plastics, and matte surfaces, making the system universally adaptable without requiring material-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary that manages the selection and coordination of different lighting sources. The controller receives input about the material type and automatically selects the appropriate lighting mode, simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity of multiple light sources.
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 minimizes power consumption while maintaining effective reading of DPM codes, extending battery life and enabling longer usage of handheld barcode readers.
Implementation Method 1
A first light source may be disposed within the housing. A polarizing filter may be disposed in front of the first light source to cause a polarized light beam to illuminate a direct part marking (DPM) code on an object.
Implementation Method 2
A second light source may be disposed within the housing, and arranged to output a non-polarized light beam via a transparent portion of the exit window.
Implementation Method 3
Receiving optics may be configured to receive reflected light from the object and including light representative of the DPM code via a partially polarized receiving window.
Implementation Method 4
An optical sensor may be configured to sense the reflected light via the receiving optics and generate image data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method process for imaging DPM codes by a handheld barcode reader may include outputting a polarized light beam from an exit window of the handheld barcode reader to illuminate a direct part marking (DPM) code positioned on an object over a first time period. A non-polarized light beam may be output via from the exit window of the handheld barcode reader over a second time period. Reflected light from the object including polarized light from the DPM code received via a partially polarized receiving window may be sensed. The DPM code may be decoded by the handheld barcode reader.