White Light Scanner with Filtering Element for Monochrome Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bioptic barcode readers lack the ability to perform both monochrome and multicolor imaging, requiring multiple light sources and causing issues such as reduced resolution and increased processing time, and are not suitable for industries sensitive to red light, which can cause discomfort or health issues.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a filtering element that allows a monochrome sensor to receive red light while a color sensor receives white or substantially white light, using a combination of light sources to provide both monochromatic and multicolor illumination efficiently, and incorporating a microprocessor for decoding both non-watermark and watermark barcodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional barcode readers use multiple light sources for both monochrome and multicolor imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system where a single white light source and single sensor can perform both monochrome barcode scanning and multicolor imaging functions. The system uses software-based processing to differentiate between barcode and color image modes, eliminating the need for separate hardware paths for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate monochrome and color imaging systems into a unified system. By combining a white light source (replacing separate red and infrared lasers) and a single sensor (replacing separate monochrome and color sensors), the system reduces component count while maintaining both imaging capabilities through software control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional barcode readers use multiple light sources for both monochrome and multicolor imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system where a single white light source and single sensor can perform both monochrome barcode scanning and multicolor imaging functions. The system uses software-based processing to differentiate between barcode and color image modes, eliminating the need for separate hardware paths for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate monochrome and color imaging systems into a unified system. By combining a white light source (replacing separate red and infrared lasers) and a single sensor (replacing separate monochrome and color sensors), the system reduces component count while maintaining both imaging capabilities through software control.
3Measurement precision
If traditional barcode readers use red light for monochrome imaging, then barcode scanning performance is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to red light sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination wavelength parameter from traditional red light to white light (encompassing the full visible spectrum). This parameter change allows the system to maintain effective barcode scanning through the broad spectrum while reducing harmful effects on light-sensitive users. The white light source can be filtered or processed to achieve optimal scanning performance without using concentrated red wavelengths.
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 enables efficient capture of both barcode and object image data with reduced energy consumption and cost, while maintaining equivalent results, and addresses the limitations of traditional systems by allowing for smaller, cheaper devices that can handle both monochrome and multicolor imaging without multiple light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a filtering element, disposed to receive at least a subset of the reflected light, the filtering element configured to transmit a first portion of the subset of the reflected light as filtered light and absorb a second portion of the subset of the reflected light, the filtered light having a wavelength of at least 600 nm
Implementation Method 2
a monochrome sensor disposed to receive the filtered light and to generate image data based on receiving the filtered light
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging devices for imaging or scanning objects using white light are described herein. An example imaging device includes: an imaging assembly having a field of view (FOV) and disposed along an imaging axis to receive reflected light from an object in the FOV, including: an optical element, disposed along the imaging axis of the imaging assembly to receive the reflected light from the object, and a filtering element, disposed to receive at least a subset of the reflected light, the filtering element configured to transmit a first portion of the subset of the reflected light as filtered light and absorb a second portion of the subset of the reflected light, the filtered light comprising wavelengths of light in a predetermined set of wavelengths; a monochrome sensor disposed to receive the filtered light; and a microprocessor that decodes an indicia after receiving the filtered light at the monochrome sensor.