Scanning Device Distance-Based Lighting Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data-reading systems face challenges in capturing high-quality images of barcodes on parts with varying sizes and surfaces, leading to shadowing effects and inefficient power usage due to continuous scanning modes.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device that measures the distance to a target object and adjusts lighting patterns and symbology types accordingly, activating the read cycle only when an object is present, thereby optimizing image capture and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous capture/read mode is used, then the system can detect symbols continuously, but power consumption increases and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous capture mode to periodic capture mode triggered by distance sensor events. The distance sensor detects when an object enters the field of view, triggering a read cycle only at that moment rather than continuously. This periodic activation based on external triggers significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect symbols when objects are present.
2Manufacturing precision
If camera settings are optimized for specific parts, then image quality improves, but the system cannot handle varying sizes and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts camera settings including illumination type, exposure, and gain based on real-time distance measurements. The distance sensor provides continuous feedback about object proximity, allowing the system to adapt camera parameters on-the-fly rather than using fixed settings. This dynamic adaptation enables high-quality images across varying part sizes and surfaces while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensor provides continuous feedback about object distance to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust camera settings based on the measured distance, ensuring optimal image quality for each specific scanning scenario without requiring manual reconfiguration for different parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all symbology types are processed, then decoding coverage is maximized, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing all possible symbology types uniformly, the system applies partial processing by first analyzing image characteristics to identify the likely symbology type, then applying only the appropriate decoding algorithm. This selective approach processes only what is necessary for each specific symbol, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive decoding coverage across different symbology types.
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 quality and efficiency of barcode reading, reduces power usage, and enhances user experience by tailoring lighting patterns to specific distances and reducing unnecessary processing, leading to higher productivity and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a distance to a target object using a distance sensor
Implementation Method 2
measuring a distance to a target object using a distance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a distance sensor, a plurality of light sources, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The apparatus determines, via the distance sensor, the distance between an object and the apparatus. When the distance between the object and the apparatus is within a first distance range of a plurality of predefined distance ranges, the apparatus activates a first sequence of lighting patterns, corresponding to the first distance range, to illuminate the object via the plurality of light sources.