Side-Emitting Illumination for Optical Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data capture devices face challenges in ensuring proper image acquisition due to inadequate lighting and user feedback, with current solutions like audible tones being distracting and LEDs requiring attention diversion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of side-emitting illumination, targeting, and confirmation lights within optical data capture devices, allowing for improved object positioning and focus guidance without distracting the user, and providing visual feedback on successful data extraction without diverting attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If audible tones are used to provide feedback on successful data extraction, then the user receives clear feedback, but the user becomes distracted and may switch off or ignore the tone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic feedback system (audible tones) with an optical feedback system (side-emitting confirmation lights). This substitution eliminates the harmful effect of user distraction while maintaining reliable feedback delivery, as the optical signals can be perceived without diverting the user's attention from the scanning task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side-emitting confirmation lights as an intermediary feedback mechanism that provides successful extraction confirmation without requiring user attention shifts. These lights emit confirmation signals that can be perceived peripherally or without breaking the user's focus on the object being scanned.
2Reliability
If LEDs on the scanner chassis are used to provide feedback, then the user receives visual feedback, but the user must look away from the object which diverts attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs side-emitting confirmation lights that emit light in a specific direction (sideways) rather than forward toward the user's line of sight. This localized light emission provides feedback information without requiring the user to shift their gaze from the object, thereby eliminating attention diversion while maintaining reliable feedback delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of feedback delivery by using side-emitting lights that project confirmation signals laterally rather than forward. This dimensional change allows the feedback to be delivered in a direction that does not compete with the user's forward gaze at the object, eliminating the need for attention diversion.
3Measurement precision
If adequate lighting is provided for image capture, then image quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates illumination functions into the existing optical housing structure, allowing the same optical components to serve both structural support and light delivery functions. This multi-functionality approach provides adequate lighting for image capture while avoiding the need for separate, complex illumination subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the illumination system with the optical housing and existing structural components, merging multiple functions into unified assemblies. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining adequate lighting for high-quality image capture.
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
Enhances image acquisition by providing effective lighting and focus guidance, ensuring the object is centered and in focus, and offers non-distracting visual feedback on successful data extraction, improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
two arrays of side-emitting light sources including four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on each circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The targeting lights include two side-emitting light sources positioned on the fixture on opposite sides of the camera and imaging optics
Implementation Method 3
The confirmation lights include two side-emitting light sources positioned on the fixture on opposite sides of the camera and imaging optics
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of a lighting apparatus including a fixture adapted to accommodate a camera having imaging optics that define an optical axis, wherein the fixture includes an open end through which the imaging optics can capture an image. One or more side-emitting illumination light sources are positioned adjacent to the open end, the plurality of side-emitting light sources positioned to direct light toward a plane intersected by the optical axis. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.