Postal Package Imaging Device Using Concave Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image acquisition devices for postal items cannot simultaneously read fluorescent and contrasting marks positioned anywhere on the surface due to light interference issues, limiting their effectiveness and requiring separate zones for each type of marking.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates two cameras and lighting systems with a concave opaque screen to prevent light interference, allowing for the acquisition of both fluorescent and contrasting marks regardless of their position, using specific wavelengths for each type of marking and directing each lighting system away from the other to minimize disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single acquisition device uses one lighting system to illuminate the entire surface, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously acquire fluorescent marks and contrast marks due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the illumination task into two separate lighting systems: a first lighting system for exciting fluorescent marks and a second lighting system for illuminating contrast marks. Each lighting system is assigned to a specific zone (first zone and second zone respectively), eliminating light interference and enabling simultaneous acquisition of both mark types without requiring a single complex lighting solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lighting conditions are applied to different zones of the item surface. The first zone receives excitation light specific to fluorescent marks, while the second zone receives illumination optimized for contrast marks. This local differentiation allows each marking type to be optimally illuminated without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting systems are arranged in separate zones with a flat screen separator, then light interference is prevented, but marks positioned outside the designated zones cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The concave screen is positioned downstream of the item in the conveying direction, creating a dynamic lighting arrangement where the second lighting system illuminates the item surface after the first lighting system has passed. This dynamic positioning allows the illumination zones to effectively cover the entire item surface as it moves through the acquisition device, enabling reading of marks regardless of their position while maintaining light interference prevention.
3Illumination intensity
If the concave screen is positioned upstream of the item, then the second lighting system is blocked, but the first lighting system cannot effectively illuminate the item
Solution Approach 1:
The first lighting system is positioned upstream to first illuminate and excite the fluorescent marks on the item as it enters the acquisition device. The concave screen is then positioned downstream to block the second lighting system's light from reaching the item during its illumination phase. This preliminary action sequence ensures optimal illumination effectiveness while preventing harmful light interference at the appropriate moment in the item's conveyance path.
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 configuration enhances the performance of the acquisition system by optimizing contrast and reducing maintenance costs, enabling the reading of marks on the entire surface of the item and simplifying installation and maintenance with a single standard enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
a first lighting system arranged to emit light radiation at a certain wavelength specific to excite the fluorescent mark
Implementation Method 2
means for preventing light interference between the first and the second lighting system
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A device for acquiring images (1) of postal packages (P), comprising a housing (3) in which are disposed a first camera (4) cooperating with a first lighting system (8) emitting a luminous radiation with a certain wavelength suitable for exciting a fluorescent mark so as to effect the acquisition of an image of the surface of a package through a first window (5), and a second camera (6) cooperating with a second lighting system (9) emitting a luminous radiation in visible light so as to effect the acquisition of an image of the surface of a package through a second window (7), and a means (10) for preventing luminous interference of concave form and disposed between the first and the second window, the second lighting system (9) being disposed in the cavity of said means (10) for preventing luminous interference.