Imaging Reader Illumination Module with Angled Reflective Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data readers with bright illumination sources interfere with the sight lines of operators and customers, posing a challenge in minimizing light distraction while maintaining effective code reading capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The data reader employs a multiple-window configuration with strategically positioned illumination modules and reflective surfaces to direct light away from the user's line of sight, using LEDs with specific wavelengths and diffusers to reduce direct brightness and enhance code reading performance across multiple fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If bright illumination sources are used to illuminate the item being read, then the required signal response in the imaging device is provided, but the bright light reaches or interferes with the sight lines of the operator or customer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to light path management by positioning illumination sources above the horizontal plane and using angled reflective surfaces. The light is directed at angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal, causing illuminated light to travel vertically or at oblique angles away from the operator's line of sight, thus resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient illumination and preventing light interference with sight lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reflective surfaces (mirrors or reflective panels) positioned at strategic angles between the illumination sources and the reading field. These intermediaries redirect light paths so that illumination reaches the item being scanned without directly entering the operator's field of view, effectively mediating between the light source and the target object while preventing harmful light interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple windows are used to provide multiple perspectives into the read region, then comprehensive image capture is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-window configuration where each window serves multiple functions: capturing different perspectives of the item, providing separate illumination zones, and enabling redundant scanning capabilities. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive image capture while avoiding excessive complexity by consolidating functions into a manageable two-window system rather than using more windows
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 minimizes light interference while providing comprehensive image capture and reading capabilities, ensuring efficient data acquisition without distracting the operator or customer, even in high-volume applications.
Implementation Method 1
The data reader employs a multiple-window configuration with strategically positioned illumination modules and reflective surfaces to direct light away from the user's line of sight
Implementation Method 2
using LEDs with specific wavelengths and diffusers to reduce direct brightness and enhance code reading performance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A data reading system (100), such as for reading optical codes being passed through a read zone, including one or more imagers (204, 210), and at least one illumination module (254, 256, 264, 266, 294, 296, 350, 350a, 450) all disposed in a reader housing (110/115), the illumination module in one configuration having a reflector housing (351) comprised of a cone-shaped structure of generally rectangular cross-section, with a top inner surface (351a, 454a, 455a) and a bottom inner surface (351b, 456a), wherein area of the cross-section of the cone-shaped structure increasing from a rear end to a front end, and an illumination source, such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 462a, 462b, 462c, 462), disposed at the rear end of the reflector housing and operative to generate illumination out through the reflector housing along an outgoing illumination path, the top inner surface of the reflector housing being a surface of high reflectivity relative to the bottom inner surface of the reflector housing which has a surface of relatively low reflectivity. Also disclosed are imager configurations for providing multiple fields of views of multiple imagers co-mounted on a common PCB (200).