Scanner Illumination Transducer with Subtractive Mask
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine-readable symbol readers have large scan engines due to separate light sources for illumination and aiming patterns, limiting the miniaturization of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A scanner apparatus with a common light source that uses a subtractive optical element, such as a mask or spectral filter, to create an aiming pattern within the illumination field, reducing the size of the scan engine by combining the functions of illumination and aiming patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate light sources are used for illumination and aiming patterns, then the illumination intensity and aiming precision are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate illumination and aiming light sources into a single integrated light source. The illumination source emits light that passes through a beam shaping element (such as a diffractive optical element or spatial light modulator) to create both the illumination field and the aiming pattern simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate light sources and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single illumination source is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the primary illumination field for reading machine-readable symbols and generates the aiming pattern to indicate the scan position. This multi-functional approach allows one component to replace what previously required two separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active components are used for illumination and aiming, then the functional performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple active components into a single illumination source with an integrated beam shaping element. This reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs
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 allows for a smaller scan engine and machine-readable symbol reader, simplifying the design and reducing the number of active components while maintaining effective symbol reading capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one illumination transducer electrically coupleable to a source of electrical power and selectively operable to emit illumination outwardly along a first optical path
Implementation Method 2
the first optical element being subtractive, that is, having a pattern that substantially blocks a portion of the illumination emitted by the illumination transducer to form an aiming pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Machine-readable symbol readers and/or scan engines may subtractively impose an aiming pattern on an illumination field produced by a source of light or illumination. An optical component with a mask or filter are interposed in an optical path extending outwardly from the source of light or illumination. The mask or filter may have a defined shape or configuration to subtractively produce an aiming pattern with a desired shape or configuration. The mask or filter may, or may not, be wavelength selective or spectral. A wavelength selective mask or filter may produce an aiming pattern of a defined color, different from a color of an illumination field. Such may eliminate the need for a separate, distinct source of light or illumination for an aiming beam subsystem. The described structures and methods may reduce size, reduce parts count, and/or simplify manufacture.