Indicia Scanner Illumination Control for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia scanners face issues with erroneous readings, increased power consumption, and adverse effects on human health due to continuous illumination when no object is present in the field of view.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automated illumination control system that energizes the illumination source only when an object is detected within a region of interest and de-energizes it when the object is removed or the indicia is decoded, optimizing scanning operations and reducing unnecessary power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the illumination source is continuously energized to ensure accurate indicia reading, then the scanning accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases and adverse effects on human eyes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is activated periodically only when an object is detected in the field of view, rather than operating continuously. The controller energizes the illumination source upon object detection and de-energizes it when the object is removed or the indicia is decoded, creating an on-demand periodic operation pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining scanning accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the object detection assembly to automatically trigger illumination activation without continuous external control. When the object detection assembly detects an object, it automatically initiates the scanning operation by signaling the controller to energize the illumination source, allowing the system to self-regulate its illumination needs based on actual scanning requirements.
2Speed
If the illumination source is continuously energized to maintain readiness for scanning, then the scanning response time is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object detection assembly continuously monitors the field of view in advance to detect the presence of objects. When an object is detected, the system is already prepared to immediately activate the illumination source and begin scanning, eliminating the need for continuous illumination while maintaining rapid response capability through advance detection and ready-state positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source operates in periodic bursts triggered by object detection events rather than continuous operation. The controller energizes the illumination source only during active scanning periods when objects are present, and de-energizes it during idle periods, achieving energy efficiency while maintaining scanning readiness through event-driven periodic activation.
3Reliability
If the illumination source is continuously energized to ensure all objects are visible, then the detection reliability is improved, but the adverse effects on human eye health increase
Solution Approach 1:
The object detection assembly automatically triggers illumination activation based on its own detection of objects in the field of view. The system self-regulates by energizing the illumination source only when the detection assembly identifies an object that requires illumination for scanning, eliminating unnecessary continuous illumination that would harm human eyes while maintaining reliable detection when objects are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source operates in periodic cycles activated only during object presence. The controller energizes the illumination source upon object detection and de-energizes it when the object is removed or the indicia is decoded, creating periodic illumination that maintains detection reliability during active scanning while minimizing harmful continuous exposure to human eyes.
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
Improves the efficiency and accuracy of indicia scanning by reducing erroneous readings and power consumption, while minimizing the adverse effects on human health from continuous illumination.
Implementation Method 1
an object detection assembly of an indicia scanner; detecting, by a controller, an object within a field of view of an object detection assembly
Implementation Method 2
starting the scanning operation comprises energizing an illumination source of the indicia scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to an indicia scanner. In an embodiment, a scanning operation is started in response to detecting an object within a field of view of indicia scanner. Starting the scanning operation comprises energizing an illumination source of the indicia scanner. The scanning operation is continued responsive to determining that the object is within a region of interest within the field of view. The scanning operation is stopped upon decoding of an indicia embodied by the object.