Imaging Scanner NFC Antenna Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging-based barcode scanners face difficulties in reading electronic codes displayed on mobile devices due to specular reflection of illumination light from the glass pane, leading to compromised reading performance and repeated scanning attempts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna system that adjusts illumination light intensity based on the presence of a mobile computing device, either reducing the intensity or disabling it to minimize specular reflection and improve reading accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If illumination light is used to illuminate the target object, then the imaging sensor can capture the barcode, but specular reflection from the glass pane of mobile devices degrades reading performance
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its operation based on NFC detection. When a mobile device is detected via NFC, the illumination intensity is reduced or disabled to minimize specular reflection. When no mobile device is present, full illumination intensity is used for optimal barcode reading. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between providing sufficient illumination and avoiding harmful reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses NFC feedback to detect the presence of mobile devices and adjusts illumination accordingly. The NFC antenna detects whether a mobile device is present, and this feedback information controls the illumination system's output. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt illumination intensity based on real-time detection, preventing specular reflection while maintaining reading capability.
2Reliability
If the scanner attempts to read barcodes multiple times, then reading accuracy may improve, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using the NFC antenna to identify mobile devices before attempting to read the barcode. By detecting the presence of a mobile device upfront, the system can preemptively adjust illumination settings to prevent specular reflection, thereby reducing the need for repeated scanning attempts and minimizing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If the illumination system always operates at high intensity, then barcode reading is optimized, but specular reflection from electronic codes is maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the illumination parameter (intensity) based on the detected object type. When a mobile device with electronic code is detected via NFC, the illumination intensity parameter is reduced or disabled to minimize specular reflection. When traditional printed barcodes are detected, full illumination intensity is applied for optimal reading precision. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between reading precision and harmful reflection.
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 solution effectively reduces the impact of specular reflection, enhancing the scanner's ability to read both printed and electronic codes with improved performance and reducing the need for repeated scanning attempts.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC device includes at least one NFC antenna configured to generate a voltage signal from magnetic induction of the NFC signal
Implementation Method 2
an illumination system supported by the housing and operative to illuminate a target object with illumination light directed through the window
Implementation Method 3
an imaging sensor having an array of photosensitive elements operative to detect light reflected from the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus of reading the screen of a mobile computing device. The apparatus is an imaging scanner that includes a NFC device having a NFC antenna. The imaging scanner also includes an illumination system operative to illuminate a target object with illumination light. Under a first condition that no NFC signal from the mobile computing device is received by the NFC device, the illumination system is configured to generate a first illumination light with a first intensity. Under a second condition that the NFC signal from the mobile computing device is received by the NFC device, the illumination system is configured to generate a second illumination light with a second intensity. The second intensity is less than the first intensity.