Multiple Imaging Assemblies for Barcode Reader Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode readers face issues with illumination discontinuities and specular reflections due to single imaging assemblies, making it difficult to decode barcodes, especially on direct part markings, and require multiple illumination sources which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple imaging assemblies with offset and diverse angles to capture light from different perspectives, reducing the likelihood of illumination 'holes' and specular reflections, and allowing for faster image capture and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging assembly is used in the center of the reader, then the device complexity is reduced, but illumination discontinuities and 'holes' appear on the barcode making it unsuitable for decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The single central imaging assembly is divided into multiple imaging assemblies arranged in a specific pattern (e.g., triangular configuration). Each imaging assembly captures light from a different angle, eliminating the illumination 'hole' problem while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If the user tilts the barcode reader to avoid illumination holes, then image quality improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it becomes counterintuitive and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to tilt the reader to achieve proper lighting angles, the invention inverts the approach by providing multiple fixed imaging assemblies that capture light from various angles simultaneously. This allows the reader to function properly in the natural, upright position that users intuitively hold.
3Reliability
If multiple illumination sources are used to illuminate the barcode in different ways, then the reliability of capturing a suitable image improves, but the device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple illumination sources to create different lighting conditions, the invention uses multiple imaging assemblies that capture the same illumination from different perspectives. This copies the viewing angle diversity without requiring multiple light sources, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If multiple illumination sources are used to address specular reflection, then image quality improves, but the productivity deteriorates as the process of finding a suitable image becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple imaging assemblies are pre-configured at different angles and positions to capture light from multiple perspectives simultaneously. This preliminary arrangement of capture angles eliminates the need for sequential trial-and-error illumination attempts, allowing the system to quickly identify and capture a suitable barcode image on the first attempt.
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 approach enables efficient barcode reading by minimizing illumination disruptions and reflections, allowing for quicker image acquisition and decoding of challenging barcodes, including those on direct part markings, while reducing the need for multiple illumination sources and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second light detecting sensors is adapted to capture at least one of: light reflected from a target and light emitted from the target
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and assembly for minimizing oversaturation of an image of a barcode or other symbol due to specular reflection, and minimizing holes in the images using multiple light-detecting sensors each having a field-of-view (FOV) that intersects the central illumination axis of an illumination source, and that intersects the FOV of the other light-detecting sensor.