Dual Illumination Units for Glare Reduction in POS Reading Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reading devices for point-of-sales terminals often cause users to experience glare due to strong light sources and may result in overexposure or insufficient reading performance when the merchandise is pressed against the reading window.
Innovation Solution
The reading device incorporates a main illumination unit positioned on the upper edge of the reading window, emitting light outward and downward, and an auxiliary illumination unit placed inside, emitting light through the reading window, both using diffused light sources to minimize glare and ensure sufficient illumination without direct light exposure to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source is configured to emit light sufficiently for reading, then reading performance is improved, but user discomfort from glare increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two separate units: a main illumination unit for providing sufficient reading light and an auxiliary illumination unit for reducing glare. The main illumination unit uses a light source with higher output positioned at the upper edge, while the auxiliary illumination unit uses a light source with lower output positioned inside the housing, creating segmented illumination zones that simultaneously achieve good reading performance and reduced user discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination system are assigned different light output characteristics. The main illumination unit positioned at the upper edge emits stronger light directed downward at an angle to ensure adequate illumination of the reading target, while the auxiliary illumination unit positioned inside emits softer light that supplements illumination without causing glare to the user's eyes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source output is reduced to minimize glare, then user comfort is improved, but reading performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two separate units: a main illumination unit for providing sufficient reading light and an auxiliary illumination unit for reducing glare. The main illumination unit uses a light source with higher output positioned at the upper edge, while the auxiliary illumination unit uses a light source with lower output positioned inside the housing, creating segmented illumination zones that simultaneously achieve good reading performance and reduced user discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two illumination units with different characteristics into a single integrated system. The main illumination unit and auxiliary illumination unit work together, with the main unit providing the bulk of the reading light and the auxiliary unit providing supplemental illumination that reduces glare, achieving a synergistic effect that neither unit could accomplish alone
3Device complexity
If a single light source is used for illumination, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination uniformity and glare control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two separate units: a main illumination unit for providing sufficient reading light and an auxiliary illumination unit for reducing glare. The main illumination unit uses a light source with higher output positioned at the upper edge, while the auxiliary illumination unit uses a light source with lower output positioned inside the housing, creating segmented illumination zones that simultaneously achieve good reading performance and reduced user discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The two illumination units are positioned at different locations and angles: the main illumination unit is positioned at the upper edge with light directed downward at an angle, while the auxiliary illumination unit is positioned inside the housing. This spatial arrangement in different dimensions creates complementary illumination patterns that improve overall illumination uniformity and reduce glare
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 configuration reduces user discomfort from glare and ensures effective reading performance even with lower light output, allowing for wider readable ranges and accurate image capture of merchandise, including when pressed against the window.
Implementation Method 1
The main illumination unit illuminates an imaging target located on an opposite side of the imaging unit with the reading window interposed therebetween by emitting light outward the housing
Implementation Method 2
The auxiliary illumination unit illuminates the imaging target by emitting the light outward the housing through the reading window
Implementation Method 3
The housing includes a reading window having a property of transmitting light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a reading device is a device for obtaining information for identifying a merchandise, and includes a housing, an imaging unit, a main illumination unit, and an auxiliary illumination unit. The housing includes a reading window having a property of transmitting light. The imaging unit is built in the housing and captures an image through the reading window. The main illumination unit illuminates an imaging target located on the opposite side of the imaging unit with the reading window interposed therebetween by emitting light outward the housing, and is arranged at the upper edge portion of the reading window. The auxiliary illumination unit illuminates the imaging target by emitting light outward the housing through the reading window, and is arranged inner side than the main illumination unit.