Serial marks on a dark cover: light the code without losing the part
The supplied capture shows a bright two-dimensional mark and small serial characters on a dark rectangular cover. A white bar provides a starting recipe for resolving the mark while controlling the bright edge around it.
Make the mark repeatable in the image before measuring traceability performance.
Real camera capture
- Light in sourceLS-2BS23738-RGBW · white
- EvidenceReal application-lab image
- Imaging kitCamera, lens and fixture proposed
- AcceptanceValidate on representative parts
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
What the camera saw
Cropped from the source test sheet; original test annotations are retained. Captures are not generated or enhanced. Drag a comparison slider, or open any image full size.
The challenge
A small mark can be lost when the camera exposure is set by a much brighter outer edge.
The code and text may have different minimum feature sizes, and both can move with part placement.
How it was solved
The source identifies the white bar for serial-number identification. Its image shows the marked area inside a dark part rather than providing a decoded result.
Define a region of interest around the mark and use a repeatable cover fixture. Confirm illumination direction and focus on the actual surface finish before choosing a reader.
Why it works
- 1
An oblique bar arrangement gives a direction to the reflected signal instead of lighting every surface identically.
- 2
The code region is visible, but the source does not establish a symbology, payload, OCR recipe or successful-decode percentage.
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
Evidence you can inspect
Small bright characters and a two-dimensional mark are visible inside the dark cover boundary.
The catalog labels the example serial-number identification under a white bar light.
One application image with no decoded payload, read statistics, code grade, source camera or working distance.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Collect actual marking variation
Test faint, displaced, incomplete and overmarked samples with verified identities.
- 02
Preserve the quiet region
Keep the whole required code region and margins in focus without saturating adjacent reflective edges.
- 03
Validate the complete reader
Test both part localization and mark reading at the final fixture variation and exposure.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-2BS23738-RGBW
237 x 32 mm Bar light (LS-2BS23738-RGBW)
White version of the 237 × 38 × 27 mm source bar, explicitly named for serial-number identification. One bar is included; the exact source angle and quantity are not documented.
$159.00
In proposed setup
CameraOur pick
MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE)
Hikrobot MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE) 5 MP GigE area scan camera, IMX264, Gen 2 basic version, Mono, Without PoE
5 MP monochrome global-shutter camera proposed for a contrast trial. Confirm field, sampling, exposure and algorithm on the actual application.
$819.00
In proposed setup
LensOur pick
LS-KF1628M-ML
16mm, F2.8, 1.1", C-mount, Macro lens (52 mm (-0.25X) to 546 mm (-0.03X)) (LS-KF1628M-ML)
Proposed 16 mm C-mount macro lens at its printed 0.1x magnification / 152 mm working-distance pair. The proposed 2448 × 2048 sensor with 3.45 µm pixels gives a derived 84.456 × 70.656 mm field; confirm focus, coverage and residual distortion on the real sample.
$319.00
In proposed setup
Camera test stationOur pick
LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045
Camera stand with XZ adjustment and glass tray, height 600 mm (LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045)
600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm breadboard, XZ adjustment, glass tray and two lighting holders as listed. Proposed bench fixture; confirm loads, travel and camera/lens clamps.
$359.00
In proposed setup
"Tested" identifies the part named in the source. "Our pick" is a proposed alternative or supporting part. Confirm colour, optics, controllers, power supplies, cables and mounting before ordering.
The set-up
| Tested light | LS-2BS23738-RGBW, white |
|---|---|
| Source camera / lens | Not specified in the source image caption; proposed parts below |
| Proposed lens point | 0.1x at 152 mm, printed lens pair |
| Derived proposed field | 84.456 × 70.656 mm = sensor dimensions / 0.1x; not a source test field |
| Bar housing (printed) | 237 × 38 × 27 mm |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045; 600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm base, glass tray and two included lighting holders |
Mount the optics with intent
The station is an optical test bench, with its two lighting holders included in the catalog listing. The 3D column and base follow the published height and footprint. Carriages, clamps and part supports are schematic: confirm camera screw pattern, lens support, light fasteners, permissible load and actual travel before ordering.
Complete the electrical system
Select a controller against the exact light voltage, drive mode and power, then confirm camera data/power/I/O cables and a suitable PC. These are not silently added to the proposed optical kit.
Build this system
Start from this setup, adapt it to your part.
The configurator opens with this study's camera, lens, light and station picked. Swap any part, check fit and price, then buy or ask for a quote.
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence. The specimen and lighting angle are representative, not dimensions or settings recovered from the source capture.
Electronics and devices
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Make the next trial specific.
Tell us the part size, smallest defect or tolerance, available working distance, material and line speed. Include what a good part and a reject look like.
About this case study: the photos and camera images come from the application laboratory of the maker of the lighting and optics we sell, imaged on the parts shown; your results depend on your part, camera and set-up. This is an application-lab study, not a LumaSpec customer deployment. Source figures are reported results; proposed components require a fresh trial. The 3D scene illustrates the arrangement and does not simulate imaging performance.