LED Illuminator for Barcode Readers Using Direct Dark and Bright Field Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices such as barcode readers require both dark field and bright field illumination to accurately decipher various types of barcodes and codes, but existing technologies often consume excessive energy and use inefficient illumination methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of an illuminator with a support frame and optical diffuser that utilizes multiple LEDs to provide dark field and bright field illumination without the need for reflectors or light pipes, maximizing light distribution and minimizing energy consumption by directing light directly to the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination subsystems are used to provide both dark field and bright field illumination, then illumination versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple independent LED subsystems, each dedicated to providing a specific type of illumination (dark field or bright field). This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, function-specific modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple LED subsystems that can operate independently or in combination. Each LED subsystem is designed to provide specific illumination characteristics (dark field or bright field), allowing the single device to handle multiple barcode types and surface conditions without requiring separate illumination devices.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination components like reflectors and light pipes are used, then illumination coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates traditional illumination components such as reflectors and light pipes from the system. By removing these energy-consuming intermediate components, the design achieves direct LED-to-object illumination, reducing energy losses associated with reflection and light pipe transmission while maintaining adequate illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LED subsystem is designed to directly illuminate the target object without requiring auxiliary components like reflectors or light pipes. The LEDs are positioned and oriented to provide the necessary illumination angles themselves, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating energy losses associated with intermediate optical components.
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 efficient and cost-effective illumination for imaging devices, providing both dark field and bright field illumination while reducing energy requirements and avoiding the use of energy-consuming components like reflectors and diffusers, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of barcode reading.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the support frame, wherein the first plurality of LEDs is configured to provide dark field illumination at a high angle of incidence
Implementation Method 2
a second plurality of LEDs connected to the support frame. The second plurality of LEDs is configured to provide bright field illumination at a low angle of incidence
Implementation Method 3
The illuminator includes a third plurality of LEDs connected to the support frame. The third plurality of LEDs is configured to provide bright field illumination through the optical diffuser
Data Source
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AI summary
Imaging devices and illuminating devices are provided. In one exemplary implementation, an imaging device comprises an optical sensor and an illuminator. The illuminator comprises a support frame and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the support frame. A first set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is configured to provide dark field illumination at a high angle of incidence with respect to an object. The first set of LEDs is configured to provide illumination without the use of a light pipe, diffuser, or reflector. A second set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is configured to provide bright field illumination at a low angle of incidence with respect to the object. The second set of LEDs is configured to provide illumination without the use of a light pipe, diffuser, or reflector.