Electrochromic Diffusive Illumination for Barcode Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code scanners are designed for specific applications and struggle with issues such as limited depth of field, poor performance on reflective surfaces, and diminished contrast due to light reflections, preventing accurate decoding of machine-readable indicia.
Innovation Solution
A code reader with a dynamic diffusive illumination system using an electrochromic component controlled by a driver circuitry to adjust light opacity based on image quality parameters, allowing it to adapt illumination for various surfaces and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a code reader is designed for a specific application with fixed illumination, then it can perform well in that specific application, but it cannot accommodate multiple types of applications or environments
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The electrochromic component allows the illumination characteristics to change dynamically based on the application requirements, enabling the code reader to adapt to different surfaces and environments without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the illumination by using an electrochromic component that can alter its light transmission properties. By controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic component, the system can modify illumination intensity, diffusion characteristics, and spectral properties to suit different scanning applications.
2Illumination intensity
If a code reader uses direct illumination, then it provides sufficient light intensity, but it causes light reflections on reflective surfaces that reduce image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different illumination qualities to different situations. The electrochromic component can create localized diffusion effects when needed to reduce reflections on specific surface types, while maintaining direct illumination for surfaces that do not cause problematic reflections. This allows the illumination character to be tailored to the specific scanning target.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of direct light reflections into a beneficial diffuse illumination when needed. By using the electrochromic component, the previously harmful direct light becomes a useful diffuse light that reduces reflections and improves image quality on challenging surfaces.
3Measurement precision
If the illumination is increased to improve image quality, then better decoding accuracy is achieved, but more energy is consumed and reflections are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply increasing illumination intensity, the system changes the qualitative parameters of the light by using the electrochromic component to modify diffusion characteristics. This allows for improved image quality through better light distribution and reduced reflections, rather than merely increasing intensity, thereby avoiding excessive energy consumption.
4Device complexity
If a code reader uses fixed focal length optics, then the structure is simple, but the depth of field is limited which reduces versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the optical parameters of the illumination path by incorporating the electrochromic component, which can alter the effective focal characteristics and depth of field. This allows the fixed focal length optics to achieve variable depth of field performance, enhancing versatility without requiring complex movable optical elements.
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 enhances decoding accuracy and versatility across different applications by dynamically altering illumination, addressing issues of reflection and contrast, thereby supporting general-purpose scanning, far-field decoding, and decoding beneath transparent films or on reflective surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic component 210 is arranged in front of the light source 208, such that light 218 generated by the light source 208 passes through the electrochromic component 210
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
Systems and methods for reading machine-readable indicia (e.g., barcodes) can include emitting, by a code reading device, a light to illuminate a surface including a machine-readable indicia. The code reading device can capture an image of the machine-readable indicia, and determine whether an image quality parameter of the image of the machine-readable indicia captured by the image sensor satisfies a predefined condition (e.g., no reflections on the machine-readable indicia). Based on a determination that the image quality parameter of the image of the machine-readable indicia does not satisfy the predefined condition, the voltage being applied to the electrochromic component may be adjusted to cause an opacity level of the electrochromic component to be altered. Otherwise, the voltage being applied to the electrochromic component may remain unchanged.