Invisible bottle-cap codes: create contrast with UV illumination
Two real source captures show code patterns on dark bottle-cap backgrounds under 365 nm ring illumination. They demonstrate an imaging approach for UV-responsive marks, without claiming a verified decode rate.
Prove the UV image first, then measure the reader performance.
Real camera capture
- Method365 nm UV ring illumination
- EvidenceReal application-lab capture
- SetupSource light identified; imaging kit proposed
- AcceptanceValidate on your own 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
An invisible or low-contrast mark must first produce a stable signal before a code reader can decode it.
Curved cap geometry and printing variation can alter brightness and module shape.
How it was solved
The catalog identifies two 365 nm UV-ring code-imaging examples. They are separate source trials, not a controlled before-and-after pair.
Try the current LS-RS7430-UV365 with the actual ink and cap. Confirm camera-side filtering, exposure and code-reader parameters before selecting production hardware.
Why it works
- 1
A compatible UV-responsive mark can return a visible pattern against a darker cap surface.
- 2
Code visibility is necessary for decoding; it does not demonstrate verifier grade, successful reads or regulatory traceability.
Lighting application-lab catalog capture
Evidence you can inspect
One capture shows a bright dotted code; the other shows a separate code with adjacent digits.
The catalog calls these invisible bottle-cap code inspections under 365 nm illumination and names different ring versions.
No code payload, verifier grade, code standard, read rate, minimum module size or line speed is supplied.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Use production print variation
Include faint, smeared, curved and partially missing marks across ink batches.
- 02
Verify the code requirement
Confirm the intended symbology, smallest module and any required verification standard.
- 03
Measure read performance
Test blind reads at final speed and cap-position variation; record no-reads and false decodes.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightOur pick
LS-RS7430-UV365
62.4 mm UV light, UV series (LS-RS7430-UV365)
365 nm UV ring proposed for a new code-imaging trial. The source uses two different UV ring versions; this 74 mm OD/40 mm aperture/20 mm housing is a current alternative, not a tested substitute.
$129.00
In proposed setup
CameraOur pick
MV-CS050-10GC
Hikrobot MV-CS050-10GC 5MP Area Scan Camera, GigE, IMX264, Color, Basic
5 MP colour global-shutter camera for colour and angle-coded contrast; confirm colour processing and exposure in the trial.
$739.00
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. The illustration uses its printed 0.1x magnification at 152 mm working distance. The proposed camera sensor gives a derived 84.456 × 70.656 mm field. Confirm field, focus and residual distortion on the actual sample; this is not calibrated measurement accuracy.
$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
| Lighting | 365 nm UV ring illumination |
|---|---|
| Evidence | Two independent source code captures |
| Current proposal | LS-RS7430-UV365; source versions differ |
| Camera and lens | Source versions not identified; current proposed parts below |
| 3D spacing | Illustrative, to be confirmed on the sample |
| Derived proposed field | 84.456 × 70.656 mm = sensor dimensions / 0.1x; source field not supplied |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-BT-XZ-G-6-6045; 600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm base, glass tray and two light 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. The illustrated ring position keeps the drawn viewing envelope inside its central aperture; verify vignetting and illumination on the actual sample. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence.
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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.