Self-Configuring Verifier Illumination Pattern Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing verifier systems require manual configuration of illumination patterns for different symbologies, leading to operator errors and inaccurate evaluation results due to the need for standardized evaluation and verification across various industry standards.

Innovation Solution

A self-configuring verifier apparatus that determines the symbology of a data carrying graphical symbol and automatically establishes the required illumination pattern by activating specific illumination sources, using image recognition techniques and a local database to ensure standardized evaluation and verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of illumination patterns is used for different symbologies, then the verifier system can evaluate multiple symbology types, but operator errors occur and evaluation accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to evaluate multiple symbologiesVSAvoidevaluation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The verifier system automatically determines the symbology type of the graphical symbol being evaluated and self-configures the appropriate illumination pattern without operator intervention. The system queries a database using the determined symbology type to automatically select and activate the correct illumination sources, eliminating manual configuration errors while maintaining the ability to evaluate multiple symbology types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures illumination patterns for different symbology types in a database before evaluation begins. When a graphical symbol is placed on the platen, the system quickly determines its symbology type and retrieves the pre-configured illumination pattern, enabling rapid automatic setup without manual intervention during the evaluation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of illumination patterns is used, then different symbologies can be tested, but setup time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test multiple symbologiesVSAvoidevaluation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Illumination patterns for all supported symbology types are pre-configured and stored in a database before operation. When evaluation begins, the system automatically determines the symbology type and retrieves the corresponding pre-configured illumination pattern, eliminating manual setup time and enabling rapid evaluation of multiple symbology types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The verifier system automatically determines symbology type and configures the appropriate illumination pattern without requiring operator intervention for each evaluation. This self-configuration capability eliminates repetitive manual setup operations and significantly increases evaluation throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If operator configuration of illumination patterns is required, then standardized evaluation results can be achieved, but operator error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardization of evaluation resultsVSAvoidconsistency of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the symbology type of the graphical symbol and self-configures the appropriate illumination pattern by querying a database with the determined type. This eliminates manual configuration entirely, removing the source of operator errors while maintaining standardized evaluation results through database-stored pre-configured illumination patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system determines the symbology type of the placed graphical symbol and uses this information to automatically select and activate the corresponding illumination pattern from pre-configured options. This closed-loop approach ensures the correct illumination pattern is always applied for standardized, repeatable evaluation results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7661596B1Symbology-based self-configuring verifier

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 COGNEX CORP

AI summary

A self-configuring verifier for performing standardized evaluation and verification of the print quality of a data carrying graphical symbol is structured with a plurality of illumination sources and at least one imaging device. The verifier is capable of automatically determining the symbology of the graphical symbol to be evaluated, and establish a pre-defined illumination pattern and possibly other settings, as required, to satisfy pre-defined evaluation standards. Once the illumination pattern is established and setup is complete, the verifier may fully evaluate and report on the quality of at least one data carrying graphical symbol imaged by the imaging device of the verifier. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.