Optical Symbol Scanner Illuminator Powered Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices, such as bar code scanners, are unable to efficiently read difficult optical symbols like small two-dimensional or luminescent bar codes due to their bulkiness, limited portability, and inability to handle special illuminations, which restricts their use in various environments and for different types of bar code symbols.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held or compact scanner with a removable and interchangeable illuminator module that incorporates low-power black-light or visible LEDs, allowing for adjustable illumination wavelengths and angles, which can be powered by the scanner via electrical contacts, enabling the device to read standard and special bar code symbols, including luminescent or fluorescent ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional discharge-tube black light sources are used to illuminate luminescent bar codes, then the bar codes can be read, but the equipment becomes bulky and requires shielding to protect workers from ultraviolet radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination source from conventional discharge-tube black lights to LEDs emitting at specific wavelengths (405 nm, 450 nm, or 488 nm). This parameter change allows the same luminescent bar code reading function to be achieved with a much smaller, handheld device that does not require heavy shielding, as the LED wavelengths are more controllable and less harmful.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful ultraviolet radiation component from the illumination system by selecting specific LED wavelengths that are effective for exciting luminescent materials but less harmful to human exposure. This allows the beneficial illumination function to be retained while removing the need for bulky shielding and heavy equipment.
2Measurement precision
If machine-mounted camera-based scanner systems are used to read 2-D bar codes, then the bar codes can be read accurately, but the systems are bulky and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky machine-mounted camera-based system with a handheld laser scanner that uses a rotating mirror to scan the bar code. This substitution maintains measurement precision through the laser's focused beam and the camera's imaging capability while dramatically improving portability and ease of operation by making the device handheld.
3Measurement precision
If special illuminators with specific wavelengths are used to read different types of bar codes, then reading accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wavelength selection system where the user can switch between different LED wavelengths (405 nm, 450 nm, 488 nm) depending on the bar code type. This dynamic capability allows the same scanner to handle multiple bar code types accurately without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanner that can read multiple types of bar codes (standard, luminescent, fluorescent, 2-D) by incorporating multiple LED wavelengths and an interchangeable illuminator module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized scanners for different bar code types, reducing device complexity and configuration requirements.
4Reliability
If conventional black light sources are used for illuminating luminescent bar codes, then the bar codes can be excited, but harmful ultraviolet radiation exposes workers to skin and eye damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the illumination source by using LEDs that emit at specific wavelengths (405 nm, 450 nm, 488 nm) instead of broad-spectrum ultraviolet discharge tubes. This parameter change maintains the ability to excite luminescent materials effectively while significantly reducing harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure to workers, as these wavelengths are more controlled and less damaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation into beneficial, controlled-wavelength LED light that is effective for exciting luminescent materials but less harmful to human exposure. By selecting specific wavelengths that match the absorption peaks of common luminescent materials, the system achieves reliable excitation while minimizing harmful effects.
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 solution allows for versatile and accurate decoding of various bar code symbols in different conditions, enhancing portability and safety by reducing exposure to harmful radiation, and enabling the use of the scanner in diverse environments without the need for specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
short-wavelength light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been introduced. Such LEDs can emit light in the deep blue to near UV region of the spectrum
Implementation Method 2
in combination with an encapsulation of luminescent phosphors, to create so-called white LEDs, in which the short-wavelength light stimulates the phosphors to create a blend of red, green, and blue light
Implementation Method 3
Other possible inks respond to visible light with fluorescence in the IR region
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held, compact fixed mounted or mobile optical symbol scanner assembly has a powered socket into which an active or passive illumination module can be installed. The socket has a recess centered at the optic axis, and the illumination attachment module has a male projection that plugs into this recess. Probe type electrodes on the attachment module fit into female socket electrodes on the socket member, so that power can be derived from the scanner for LEDs in the module. The module may convert the voltage to a level suitable for higher wavelengths, and may provide added control of the external LEDs to extend battery life.