Multi-mode Illumination Image-reading Device with Pulsed Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-reading devices lack adaptive illumination and capture modes, leading to inefficient operation and unnecessary illumination, which can be distracting and reduce user-friendliness, as they often require constant bright lights regardless of ambient conditions or application-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
An image-reading device with a multi-mode configuration that selects operational modes based on manual input, ambient light intensity, object speed, or weight, featuring continuous or temporary illumination and exposure sequences, and utilizing a series of light pulses including red, white, and ambient light to optimize illumination for different applications and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image-reading devices use constant bright light illumination, then image capture capability is improved, but user-friendliness deteriorates due to distracting light and unnecessary illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic illumination by activating the light source in pulsed sequences rather than continuously. The controller activates the light source for specific durations (e.g., 10-100 milliseconds) synchronized with the imager's exposure timing, then deactivates it. This periodic action provides sufficient light for image capture while significantly reducing overall light exposure to users, thereby maintaining image quality while improving user-friendliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the system to switch between different operational modes (continuous illumination mode, temporary illumination mode, and ambient light mode) based on real-time conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts illumination duration and intensity according to ambient light levels, object movement speed, and application requirements, optimizing both image capture quality and user comfort for different scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If conventional image-reading devices use continuous illumination, then image identification accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic illumination where the light source is activated only during necessary exposure windows (typically 10-100 milliseconds per cycle) rather than continuously. This pulsed operation synchronized with the imager's exposure timing maintains sufficient illumination for accurate image identification while reducing energy consumption by approximately 90% compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts illumination parameters based on ambient light conditions and application needs. In ambient light mode, illumination may be deactivated entirely when sufficient ambient light is available. In temporary illumination mode, the system activates lights only for specific durations based on object detection and exposure requirements, optimizing the balance between identification accuracy and energy efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional image-reading devices use ambient light only, then energy consumption is reduced, but image capture quality deteriorates in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode switching between ambient light mode and temporary illumination mode based on real-time ambient light level detection. When ambient light exceeds a threshold, the system uses ambient light only, minimizing energy consumption. When ambient light falls below the threshold, the controller automatically activates temporary illumination mode, providing supplemental light to maintain image capture quality while still consuming less energy than continuous illumination would require.
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 device operates more efficiently and user-friendly by adapting illumination to specific applications and conditions, reducing unnecessary light exposure and improving image capture quality across various scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
activating light sources so that a repeating series of light pulses is produced. The repeating series of light pulses includes portions of red, white, and ambient light
Data Source
AI summary
An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.