Multi-Illuminator Ring Assembly for Code Scanning on Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code readers face difficulties in accurately reading various types of codes on different materials and in diverse circumstances, such as specular reflections from highly reflective surfaces, leading to inefficient scanning operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an improved apparatus with a ring illuminator assembly, including polarized, dark field, and narrow field illuminators, along with a diffuser assembly, and multiple image sensors, allowing for various types of illuminations and fields of view to enhance scanning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single illuminator assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning reliability deteriorates due to inability to handle different code types and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional illuminator assembly that can perform multiple illumination functions (direct illumination, dark field, polarized, diffused) using a single integrated structure. The illuminator assembly includes multiple illuminators with different optical characteristics that can be selectively activated based on the code type and material being scanned, allowing one device to handle diverse scanning scenarios reliably without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the illuminator assembly where the system can selectively activate different illuminators based on real-time detection of code type and material properties. The controller adjusts which illuminators are active and at what intensity levels, enabling the same physical assembly to adapt its illumination characteristics dynamically to match the scanning requirements, thereby maintaining reliability across varying conditions without increasing structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illuminator types are integrated, then the adaptability improves for different code types, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illuminator assembly into distinct functional segments, each containing illuminators optimized for specific code types or material characteristics. The assembly is segmented into direct illuminators, dark field illuminators, polarized illuminators, and diffused illuminators, allowing independent control and optimization of each segment while maintaining an integrated overall structure that manages complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions of the illuminator assembly different optical properties tailored to specific scanning needs. Each illuminator type is positioned and configured with specific optical characteristics (directionality, polarization, diffusion) appropriate for its intended function, allowing the assembly to provide locally optimized illumination quality for different code types and materials within a single integrated device
3Measurement precision
If specular reflection is present on highly reflective surfaces, then the measurement precision deteriorates, but the illumination intensity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful specular reflection into a beneficial effect by using polarized illuminators that emit polarized light and corresponding polarized sensors that detect polarized reflected light. The polarization state allows the system to distinguish between specular and diffuse reflection components, converting the previously harmful specular reflection into a usable signal that can be processed to improve reading accuracy on highly reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarized light as an intermediary between the illuminator and the code on highly reflective surfaces. The polarized illumination acts as a mediator that modifies the interaction with specular surfaces, allowing the sensor to extract code information despite the presence of strong specular reflections that would normally overwhelm the diffuse reflected light containing the code
4Ease of operation
If a compact package is used, then the ease of operation improves for handheld use, but the device complexity increases to integrate multiple illumination types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illuminator types, optical components, and sensors into a single integrated illuminator assembly that fits within a compact handheld device. The assembly combines direct illuminators, dark field illuminators, polarized illuminators, and diffused illuminators along with their respective optical elements and sensors into one unified structure, enabling handheld operation with multi-functional illumination capabilities without requiring a large form factor
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 apparatus enables accurate scanning of both direct part marking and printed codes on different materials by optimizing illuminations and sensor configurations, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving scanning reliability across diverse contexts.
Implementation Method 1
a polarized illuminator assembly, at least one dark field illuminator assembly, and/or at least one narrow field illuminator assembly
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser assembly positioned behind the ring illuminator assembly, the diffuser assembly includes a diffuser
Implementation Method 3
at least one dark field illuminator assembly
Implementation Method 4
at least one narrow field illuminator assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide improved multi-imager readers/scanners for reading codes utilizing a plurality of illuminators associated with various illumination types. Some embodiments include a ring of illuminators including a plurality of polarized illuminator assemblies, a plurality of narrow field illuminator assemblies, and a plurality of dark field illuminator assemblies, and additionally include a diffuser illuminator assembly. Utilizing these combination of illuminators, fields of view may be illuminated in a myriad of ways to increase the likelihood that a captured representation of the illuminated field via one or more imager results in a successful scanning operation. Some embodiments utilize data, such as previous data or data derived from current attempted reading of captured image representations, to determine illuminators to be activated to increase the likelihood of successfully completing a scanning operation.