Dual Light Emitter Illuminating Apparatus for Barcode Reading Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In stores, illuminating apparatuses for visible light communication can cause errors in reading barcodes due to the intensity changes in the light emitted, which affect the barcode readers' ability to accurately read data signals.
Innovation Solution
The use of an illuminating apparatus with a first light emitter and a second light emitter that emits light with more predefined color components, where the lighting device supplies a modulated current to the first light emitter and a constant or reverse-phase modulated current to the second light emitter, reducing the modulation degree in the red wavelength band to minimize barcode reading errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single light emitter is used for visible light communication, then the communication function is achieved, but barcode reading errors occur due to intensity changes affecting barcode readers
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter is divided into two separate light emitters: a first light emitter for visible light communication and a second light emitter for providing stable illumination in the red wavelength band. This segmentation allows each light emitter to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between communication functionality and barcode reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different light emitters are assigned different spectral characteristics: the first light emitter operates in wavelengths that do not interfere with barcode readers (avoiding the red band), while the second light emitter specifically targets the red wavelength band to maintain stable illumination. This local quality differentiation ensures that barcode reading accuracy is maintained while visible light communication functionality is preserved.
2Loss of information
If light intensity is modulated for visible light communication, then data transmission is enabled, but barcode reading errors increase due to intensity fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two independent light emitters with distinct functions: one for modulated communication and another for stable illumination. This allows data transmission through the first light emitter without compromising the stability required for barcode reading by the second light emitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of different light emitters: the first light emitter undergoes intensity modulation for data transmission, while the second light emitter maintains constant intensity in the red wavelength band. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between data transmission and reading accuracy.
3Reliability
If a second light emitter with more color components is added, then barcode reading accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a complex filter system to a single light emitter, the patent uses a second light emitter with specific spectral characteristics (emitting in the red wavelength band) to provide stable illumination. This approach achieves the goal of improving barcode reading accuracy while keeping the device structure relatively simple and straightforward.
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 effectively inhibits errors in barcode reading by maintaining a constant brightness level in the red wavelength band, ensuring accurate data signal recognition by barcode readers.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitter (70); a second light emitter (80) which emits light including more predefined color components than light emitted by the first light emitter (70)
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating apparatus includes a first light emitter, a second light emitter which emits light including more predefined color components than light emitted by the first light emitter, and a lighting device which supplies current modulated according to a visible light communication signal, to the first light emitter. The lighting device supplies a constant current to the second light emitter, while the first light emitter is supplied with current.