Interchangeable Illumination Modules for Electro-Optical Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging readers have fixed illuminating light assemblies that are not ideal for various targets, leading to poor reading performance due to fixed optical characteristics, which cannot be easily changed to accommodate different applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interchangeable illumination modules with different optical characteristics, such as LEDs emitting light of varying colors, intensities, and patterns, which can be easily swapped to optimize illumination for specific targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed illuminating light assembly with predetermined optical characteristics is used, then the device structure is simple and integrated, but the reading performance is poor for certain target types due to inadequate adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminating light assembly is segmented into separate, interchangeable modules, each with distinct optical characteristics (color, intensity, pattern). This allows the system to swap modules based on target requirements, achieving adaptability without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single illuminating assembly structure is designed to accommodate multiple types of illumination modules through standardized mounting interfaces. This universal design enables one assembly to perform multiple illumination functions by simply changing the module, avoiding the need for separate assemblies for each target type.
2Measurement precision
If the optical characteristics of the illuminating light are changed to optimize reading performance for different targets, then the reading accuracy improves, but the integration between illuminating light assembly and other assemblies becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the optical characteristics (implemented in interchangeable modules) from the mounting structure (kept simple and standardized), the system achieves high reading accuracy through module selection without increasing integration complexity. Each module is independently optimized for specific target types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes reading accuracy by changing optical parameters (color, intensity, pattern) through module selection rather than modifying the integration structure. This allows parameter optimization without structural complexity increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable illumination modules are implemented, then the adaptability to different targets improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into interchangeable modules with standardized interfaces. This segmentation provides adaptability through module selection while keeping the overall structural complexity low through standardization and modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mounting structure is designed to accommodate multiple module types through standardized interfaces. This allows the system to achieve high adaptability across different applications while maintaining a simple, unified structural framework.
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 improved reading performance across different applications by allowing quick and simple adjustment of illumination settings, enhancing contrast and reading accuracy for diverse targets like bar codes and DPM codes.
Implementation Method 1
an energizable illuminating light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), for emitting illuminating light
Data Source
AI summary
Interchangeable illumination modules having different optical characteristics illuminate a target to be electro-optically read by image capture. Each module includes an illuminating light source for emitting illuminating light, and a support for supporting the illuminating light source for joint movement as a discrete unit from a removed position away from a reader to a mounted position on the reader. The support is accessible exteriorly of the reader in the mounted position. Electrical contacts mounted on the support are exposed exteriorly of the support for supplying an illumination control signal from the reader to the illuminating light source to energize the illuminating light source in the mounted position.