# US 8,770,483 B2 · Light pipe illumination system and method

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- Number: US 8,770,483 B2
- Document ID: US8770483B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/623,336
- Filed: 2012-09-20
- Published: 2013-08-01
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2003-10-24
- Assignees: Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation
- Applicants: Carl W. Gerst, III; William H. Equitz; Justin Testa; Sateesha Nadabar
- Inventors: Carl W. Gerst, III; William H. Equitz; Justin Testa; Sateesha Nadabar
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770483B2

## CPC

- G02B 6/0096: {the lights guides being of the hollow type}
- G06K 7/10732: {Light sources}
- G06K 7/1404: {Methods for optical code recognition}
- G06K 2007/10485: {Arrangement of optical elements}
- G06K 2207/1011: Aiming
- G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G06K: GRAPHICAL DATA READING (image or video recognition or understanding G06V); PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS

## Abstract

Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A handheld scanning system including an image sensor for imaging at least a portion of a subject, the system comprising:
a dark field light pipe having an angled tip at a distal end;
a bright field light pipe nested coaxially within the dark field light pipe, the bright field light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject;
an outer light source in alignment with a proximal end of the dark field light pipe, the outer light source adapted to project a first beam of light into the dark field light pipe and through the dark field light pipe, the angled tip of the dark field light pipe capable of reflecting the first beam of light to provide a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject;
an inner light source in alignment with a proximal end of the bright field light pipe, the inner light source adapted to project a second beam of light into the bright field light pipe and through the bright field light pipe, the bright field light pipe including a distal portion adapted to provide a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject; and
a set of aiming light sources that each project an aiming dot at a predetermined point with respect to the subject to thereby assist aiming of the image sensor at the subject.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the dark field light pipe and the bright field light pipe are cylindrical.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the dark field light pipe and the bright field light pipe are rectangular.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the dark field light pipe and the bright field light pipe are oval.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the bright field light pipe defines a shape that reduces a field of view of the image sensor.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the outer light source and the inner light source comprise LEDs.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the bright field light pipe is approximately the same length as the dark field light pipe.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the bright field light pipe is recessed within the dark field light pipe.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the bright field light pipe is rounded.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the bright field light pipe is flat.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the bright field light pipe includes a frosted surface texture.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of aiming light sources project at least one of a blue, green or red dot.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the aiming dot is at least one of circular, square, or triangular.