Imaging Scanner Lighting Control for Laser Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual aperture barcode scanners, prevalent in checkout counters, are inadequate for reading two-dimensional (2D) and QR codes, and their illumination can be annoying and interfere with laser scanning, necessitating a supplemental imaging scanner that is removable, portable, and capable of managing lighting effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose imaging scanner apparatus with a removable and portable design, featuring a lighting arrangement of LEDs angled to avoid interfering with laser scanners, a control processor for automatic lighting management, and the ability to analyze video signals for barcode detection, triggering imaging only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a supplemental imaging scanner is added to read 2D and QR codes, then the scanning capability is improved, but the illumination may interfere with laser scanning and cause annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging scanner is made removable and separable from the dual aperture scanner, allowing it to be docked when not in use and removed when needed for 2D/QR code scanning. This segmentation enables the system to provide multiple scanning capabilities while isolating the illumination issue to only the imaging scanner portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED illumination is directed at an angle that projects light away from the laser scan faces, using spatial dimensionality to separate the illumination path from the laser scanning path. This angular orientation ensures that the illumination does not interfere with laser scanning operations.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging scanner is made removable and portable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging scanner is designed as a separate, removable module that can be detached from the dual aperture scanner. This segmentation provides portability and ease of operation while the modular design helps manage complexity by isolating the imaging components from the main scanner system.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable imaging scanner serves multiple functions: reading 2D barcodes, QR codes, and serving as a backup scanning device. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile scanning capabilities that the original dual aperture scanner cannot achieve alone.
3Ease of operation
If automatic lighting control is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting arrangement is automatically controlled by the system itself without requiring manual user intervention. The control processor monitors the docking state and automatically activates or deactivates the LED illumination, providing self-service control that simplifies user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control processor receives feedback about the imaging scanner's docking state and automatically adjusts the lighting arrangement accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic lighting control based on the physical state of the system, reducing the need for manual control while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
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
Enables efficient reading of 2D and QR codes while minimizing illumination interference with laser scanners, providing a seamless scanning experience for both complex codes and bulky items.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of LEDs mounted in an angled bezel of the imaging scanner
Implementation Method 2
dual aperture scanners which are built into a checkout stand and produce both vertical and horizontal scan patterns of laser scan lines
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are addressed for control of an imaging scanner (110, 210, 310, 710) to supplement a laser scan line based scanner (100, 200, 300, 400). Upon detection of the imaging scanner (110, 210, 310, 710) in a docked position, a lighting arrangement (312-316, or 716) is automatically lit and the imager is triggered. Upon detection of the imaging scanner (110, 210, 310, 710) not in the docked position, the imaging scanner (110, 210, 310, 710) is not automatically lit, but rather is only lit upon manual trigger activation. As an alternative to the automatic lighting when docked, the lighting may be cued upon the imaging scanner (110, 210, 310, 710) being docked and an analysis of laser scan video (721) detecting a barcode like object or upon detecting a barcode like object in the image field (550) of the imaging scanner (110, 210, 310, 710).