Scanner Illumination System for Operator Dazzle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners that read code symbols, such as barcodes, positioned lower than the operator's eyes tend to dazzle the operator due to illumination light entering their field of vision.
Innovation Solution
The scanner design includes LEDs arranged along the side portions of the imaging window, positioned to irradiate illumination light on the reading area from the sides, rather than from below, and uses a mirror to reflect light and a diffuser to spread the light, preventing direct entry into the operator's eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the imaging window is positioned lower than the operator's eyes to enable easy scan work, then the ease of operation is improved, but the illumination light from the lower side illuminating device enters the operator's eyes causing dazzling
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminating devices are repositioned from a lower side arrangement to side portions of the imaging window, changing the spatial dimension of illumination. This lateral positioning ensures that illumination light travels horizontally across the reading area rather than upward toward the operator's eyes, eliminating the dazzling effect while preserving the low imaging window configuration for ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
A light-shielding plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the illuminating devices and the operator's eyes. The plate is positioned to block any potential stray light from reaching the operator while allowing the imaging device to receive reflected light from the reading area, thus mediating between the illumination function and operator protection
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 configuration effectively suppresses operator dazzling and allows for efficient barcode reading while maintaining a compact scanner design with a wide imaging range.
Implementation Method 1
uses a mirror to reflect light
Implementation Method 2
uses a diffuser to spread the light
Implementation Method 3
The light source is located on the outer side of the reading area and arranged along each of the side portions of the housing and irradiates illumination light on the reading area
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner according to an embodiment includes a housing, an imaging device provided in the housing, and a light source. The housing has an imaging window. The imaging window is sectioned by an upper side portion, a lower side portion, and a pair of side portions. The lower side portion is spaced apart from the upper side portion. The pair of side portions connect respective ends of the upper side portion and the lower side portion. The imaging device picks up, via the imaging window, an image of a reading target present in a reading area formed on the outer side of the housing through the imaging window and outputs image data of the reading target. The light source is located on the outer side of the reading area and arranged along each of the side portions of the housing and irradiates illumination light on the reading area.