Reflective barcode imaging: compare four lights at a source-reported 35 µs
Four real captures show the same printed barcode/serial region under four coaxial line lights, each labelled 35 µs exposure. Their different brightness and bar contrast make a useful exposure-budget comparison without claiming a successful decode or transport speed.
Preserve the barcode structure before claiming a short-exposure reading result.
Real camera capture
- Source exposure35 µs on all four captures
- Proposed acquired line2048 pixels
- Proposed line field (derived)183.8 mm at the printed lens pair
- Source acquisitionCamera/motion not identified
Lighting application-lab image sheet
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 reflective surface can lose the narrow bars in a weak signal or a bright background. A reliable reader needs preserved modules, margins and contrast at the required exposure.
How it was solved
The source names white LS-4COXL300, LS-4COHL300, LS-3COHL300 and LS-4COSL300. Each frame explicitly states 35 µs; its source camera and acquisition mode are not identified.
The proposed system uses a 2048-pixel line-scan camera and a matched M42 lens. It is a new moving-material concept, not evidence that the original test used line-scan acquisition. The illustrative transport is external to the quoted optical kit.
Why it works
- 1
Coaxial line illumination aligns a concentrated bright field with a narrow inspection region. Enough light can support short exposure, but excessive brightness can also weaken the visible print contrast.
- 2
Exposure time alone does not establish a line rate, conveyor speed or decoding performance. The proposed line rate must be calculated from the required field, sampling and motion, then verified on real codes.
Lighting application-lab image sheet
Evidence you can inspect
The four captures have different background brightness and barcode/serial contrast at the labelled 35 µs exposure.
The source states 35 µs for all four named lights but gives no source camera, transport speed, line rate or decoder result.
An application-lab lighting demonstration, not a customer deployment or a qualified production inspection. Proposed camera, lens, fixture and scene spacing require a fresh trial. Source observations do not establish a defect-size limit, accuracy guarantee or production false-call rate.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Check real code quality
Include the required symbology, module width, quiet zones and acceptable print variation.
- 02
Budget motion and line rate
Calculate sampling, encoder triggering and permitted pixel travel using the actual transport speed.
- 03
Validate decoding
Test correct reads, no-reads and substitutions over representative reflective finishes at the chosen light and exposure settings.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-4COXL300
Coaxial line scan light, 340 x 56 x 115 mm (LS-4COXL300)
White source light selected as the proposed trial starting point. Printed 340 × 56 × 115 mm envelope;294 × 15 mm viewport and 300 × 24 mm emitting area. It is not claimed to be the best light for every code.
$729.00
In proposed setup
LightTested
LS-4COHL300
Coaxial line scan light, 340 x 142.1 x 56 mm (LS-4COHL300)
White light in the same 35 µs source comparison.
$729.00
Separate test / alternative
LightTested
LS-3COHL300
Coaxial line scan light, 300 x 58 x 168.5 mm (LS-3COHL300)
White light in the same 35 µs source comparison.
$659.00
Separate test / alternative
LightTested
LS-4COSL300
Coaxial line scan light, 340 x 157.1 x 58 mm (LS-4COSL300)
White light in the same 35 µs source comparison.
$729.00
Separate test / alternative
CameraOur pick
MV-CL024-91GM
Hikrobot MV-CL024-91GM 2k linescan camera, mono, GPixel, 7μm
GigE monochrome line camera with 2048 × 7 µm pixels and external line triggering. This is a proposed replacement for an unspecified source camera.
$1,209.00
In proposed setup
LensOur pick
LS-AF2524M-M42
25mm, F2.4, Image Size φ29mm, Recommended Magnification 0.04~0.18X, M42-Mount (LS-AF2524M-M42)
25 mm, 29 mm image circle, M42 × 1 and 12 mm flange back. Printed magnification is 0.078x at 300 mm WD.
$639.00
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, glass tray and two lighting holders. Proposed bench fixture; actual load, travel, clamps, mounting fasteners and light clearance must be confirmed.
$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
| Source exposure | 35 µs, as printed on each source capture |
|---|---|
| Source camera/acquisition | Not identified; no source line rate or speed given |
| Proposed camera | MV-CL024-91GM · 2048-pixel line scan |
| Proposed lens/field | LS-AF2524M-M42 · printed 0.078x at 300 mm WD; derived 183.8 mm line field |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045 · test station; external transport must be specified |
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. The light drawing gives the 340 × 56 × 115 mm body and 294 × 15 mm viewing port. The off-centre port, rotated housing and clear acquired line are shown; internal source and 45-degree optics are schematic. The acquired line is not a full area-camera frame. Part shape, unencoded 3D bars, transport, brackets and spacing are illustrative; no source conveyor or actual barcode payload is reproduced. Confirm optical/mechanical clearance, light drive and trigger timing. Light paths are not an optical simulation.
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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.