External Illumination Unit Lighting Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar code readers face challenges in achieving stable optical information reading due to varying surface textures and environments, requiring complex control over external illumination, which complicates wiring and reduces flexibility and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
An external illumination unit with a processor, memory, and LED driving device that allows for various lighting patterns by controlling illumination LEDs based on stored patterns, simplifying wiring and enhancing control responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external illumination unit is used to improve reading stability, then reading accuracy is improved, but control complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external illumination unit includes its own control device that can autonomously control the illumination LEDs based on lighting patterns stored in its memory, without requiring complex control from the bar code reader. This self-service capability simplifies the overall control system while maintaining reading stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Lighting patterns are pre-stored in the memory of the external illumination unit, allowing the control device to quickly retrieve and execute appropriate lighting patterns without complex real-time decision-making. This preliminary preparation reduces control complexity while ensuring reliable illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple partial illumination areas are controlled to achieve various lighting patterns, then lighting flexibility is improved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device in the external illumination unit serves multiple functions: it stores lighting patterns in memory, retrieves appropriate patterns, controls the illumination LEDs, and communicates with the bar code reader. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components and complex wiring into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the bar code reader and the illumination LEDs, handling all control logic locally. This intermediary approach allows the bar code reader to send simple commands while the control device manages the complex task of selecting and executing appropriate lighting patterns, reducing wiring complexity.
3Measurement precision
If external illumination unit is added to improve reading capability, then reading accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external illumination unit is a self-contained system with its own control device and memory for storing lighting patterns. It operates autonomously to provide optimized illumination for reading, eliminating the need for complex integration control from the bar code reader and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device and memory are merged into the external illumination unit, creating an integrated system that combines illumination functionality with intelligent control. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reading accuracy.
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 enables high responsiveness and flexibility in controlling external illumination, improving reading accuracy and stability of optical information, especially in direct part marking scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
illumination LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an external illumination apparatus capable of increasing flexibility of illumination, the external illumination apparatus including a CPU and a memory so as to control lighting of a plurality of illumination LEDs with reference to a lighting pattern stored in the memory, wherein this lighting control is executed by a lighting command from an optical information reading apparatus.