Target system and procedure for assembling a target system

Abstract

Target system (170), comprising: a beam source assembly (202) comprising a mounting plate and a beam source (208) for generating an input beam from an exit surface, wherein the exit surface defines a central axis along which the input beam is to propagate; a collimator assembly (222) with a body (224) defining an outer surface (224A) and an inner surface (224B) parallel thereto, wherein the collimator assembly (222) has a lens group (226) arranged between the outer surface (224A) and the inner surface (224B), wherein the lens group (226) defines a tilting axis (228) forming an acute angle to the parallel outer and inner surfaces (224A, 224B), and wherein the tilting axis (228) has a tilting angle α relative to the central axis, wherein the lens group (226) is positioned such that it deflects the input beam from the central axis onto the tilting axis (228), wherein the collimator assembly (222) further comprises a recess (234) positioned above the lens group (226) and an optical element (236) sealed within the recess (234) to convert the input beam into a target pattern at a focal length of the lens group (226); and a frame (212) that defines an outer cavity in which the collimator assembly (222) is mounted and an inner cavity in which the beam source (208) is mounted.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Industrial scanners and / or barcode readers can be used in warehouses and / or other similar environments. These scanners can be used to scan barcodes and other objects. Such scanners are typically housed in a rack to ensure that the optical components are protected from shocks, drops, and / or other potentially damaging events. In some environments, high-performance scanners are desirable that can scan or resolve barcodes (e.g., 100 ml wide) over a wide range of distances, such as from a few centimeters to several meters or more. Such systems require larger optics (e.g., imaging lens systems with an overall diameter greater than 6 mm) to meet the performance requirements, but a trade-off remains between the lens system's size and the limitations imposed by the overall dimensions of the housing and rack.Furthermore, compact imaging systems require highly precise alignment of the optics to avoid optical distortions, which can lead to reduced scan rate efficiency or equipment failure. Additionally, larger systems may experience greater mechanical clamping forces that could damage the frame or other components.

[0002] DE 10 2019 125 977 A1 describes imaging arrangements and barcode readers, including such imaging arrangements. An imaging arrangement for use in a barcode reader includes a housing. The imaging arrangement also includes a light source configured to emit light along a central light axis. The light source is located within the housing. The imaging arrangement also includes a lens with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The lens is located within the housing. The first surface is configured to face the light source and is structured to substantially collimate the light received from the light source into a collimated beam. The second surface includes surface structures designed to produce a structured beam in response to receiving the collimated beam.

[0003] US 2021 / 0 157 994 A1 describes a method and device for controlling a target light of a reader to display the field of view (FOV) of an image sensor within the reader. The device comprises a window and an optical element. The field of view of the image sensor extends through the window. The optical element receives the target light from a targeting device and deflects it so that the central axis of the target light exiting the optical element does not coincide with the central axis of the targeting device at the point of entry into the optical element. The optical element can be configured to project an image onto a target indicating the boundary of the field of view or an image onto the target indicating the center of the field of view.

[0004] US 2020 / 0 134 273 A1 describes imaging systems and barcode readers, including such imaging systems. An imaging arrangement for use in a barcode reader comprises a housing. The imaging arrangement also includes a light source configured to emit light along a central light axis. The light source is housed in the housing. The imaging arrangement further includes a lens having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The lens is housed in the housing. The first surface is oriented to face the light source and is structured such that the light received from the light source is substantially focused into a beam. The second surface comprises surface structures designed to produce a patterned beam upon receiving the collimated beam.

[0005] US 2021 / 0149289A1 describes imaging devices with multiple projectors that utilize integrated illumination and aiming optics.

[0006] DE 11 2015 002 290 T5 describes the imaging of targets to be read by means of image acquisition. A near image captures returning light over a relatively wide imaging field of view from a target located in the near field of view. A far image captures returning light over a relatively narrow imaging field of view from a target located in the far field of view. A single illumination light arrangement is used by both the near and far images.

[0007] DE 10 2019 109 726 A1 describes optical arrangements for use in providing illumination light emitted by a barcode reader.

[0008] There is a need for improved accessories with enhanced functionalities. DESCRIPTION

[0009] According to a first aspect, a targeting system comprises a beam source arrangement with a mounting plate and a beam source for generating an input beam from an exit surface, the exit surface defining a central axis along which the input beam is to propagate. The targeting system further comprises a collimator assembly with a body defining an outer surface and an inner surface parallel to it. The collimator assembly further includes a lens group arranged between the outer surface and the inner surface, the lens group defining a tilting axis forming an acute angle with the parallel outer and inner surfaces, and the tilting axis having a tilt angle α relative to the central axis, the lens group being arranged such that it deflects the input beam from the central axis onto the tilting axis.The collimator assembly further comprises a recess arranged above the lens group and includes an optical element that is sealed within the recess to convert the incoming beam into a target pattern at a focal length of the lens group. The targeting system also has a frame that defines an outer cavity in which the collimator assembly is mounted and an inner cavity in which the beam source is mounted.

[0010] In one embodiment, the lens group comprises a first and a second symmetrical aspherical lens. In another embodiment, the lens group comprises an aspherical lens at an exit end and an inclined planar surface at an inlet end. A further embodiment is a double-convex lens. In various examples, the lens group is integrally formed with the body of the collimator assembly.

[0011] In some examples, the angle α is defined as α > 0.5*atan(h / F), where F is a focal length of the lens group of the collimator and h is a clear height of the beam source.

[0012] In some examples, the optical element is a diffracting optical element. In several examples, the optical element has a flat outer surface and an inner diffracting surface arranged to receive the input ray from the lens group. In other examples, the optical element is a refracting optical element.

[0013] In some examples, the collimator assembly further features a beam-shaping aperture located in the recess, and the optical element is sealed to the beam-shaping aperture. In some such examples, the beam-shaping aperture is centered on the central axis.

[0014] In some examples, the collimator assembly further includes a holder for the optical element, which is attached to the outer surface of the collimator assembly body. In some examples, the collimator assembly has a height of 2.5 mm or less. In some examples, the collimator assembly has a height of 2.2 mm.

[0015] In some examples, the body of the collimator unit is centered on the central axis.

[0016] In some examples, the radiation source assembly is attached to a rack mounting part to extend into the inner cavity.

[0017] In some examples, the frame has a height of 7 mm to 7.5 mm.

[0018] According to a second aspect, a method for assembling a targeting system to generate a target pattern on an object in a field of view (FOV) is provided. The method comprises providing a collimator assembly with a body defining an outer surface and an inner surface parallel to it, wherein the collimator assembly further includes a lens group between the outer surface and the inner surface, the lens group defining a tilting axis forming an acute angle to the parallel outer and inner surfaces, and wherein the collimator assembly further includes a recess extending from the outer surface.The method further comprises positioning an optical element in the recess and sealing the optical element in the recess to create a hermetic seal with the lens assembly, wherein the optical element converts an input beam into a target pattern at a focal length of the lens assembly. The method further comprises positioning the collimator assembly above a beam source assembly to generate the input beam from a beam source, wherein the beam source defines a central axis such that the input beam from the beam source is deflected by the lens assembly from the central axis to the tilting axis, wherein the tilting axis has a tilt angle α relative to the central axis, and mounting the collimator assembly and the beam source assembly on a frame.

[0019] In one variant of this embodiment, the method further comprises positioning a beam-shaping opening at the bottom of the recess before inserting the optical element into the recess, and the method further comprises sealing the optical element against the beam-shaping opening.

[0020] In some examples, the procedure involves attaching a mount for the optical element to the outer surface of the body.

[0021] In some examples, positioning the collimator assembly above the beam source assembly to generate the input beam involves providing the frame, which defines an outer cavity with a mounting part and an inner cavity opposite the outer cavity; attaching the collimator assembly inside the outer cavity to the mounting part; and attaching the beam source inside the inner cavity.

[0022] In some examples, the method further includes actively aligning the collimator assembly over the beam source assembly by: adjusting the position of the collimator assembly in a z-axis direction, in an x-axis direction and / or in a y-axis direction during the generation of the input beam until a sufficient output beam condition is met, with the beam source secured in the inner cavity; and securing the collimator assembly in the adjusted position.

[0023] In some examples, the beam source assembly is attached to a mounting plate of the frame at one entrance end of the inner cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying figures, in which identical reference numerals denote identical or functionally similar elements in the individual views, are incorporated into the disclosure together with the following detailed description and form an integral part of the disclosure and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts comprising the claimed invention described herein and to explain various principles and advantages of these embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of an exemplary imaging assembly of an exemplary scanner for capturing images of an object according to various embodiments; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary imaging assembly of Fig. 1 according to various embodiments; Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary lens holder for use with the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 according to different embodiments; Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary frame for use with the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 according to different embodiments; Fig. Figure 5 shows a front view of the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1-4 during a manufacturing process according to different embodiments; Fig. Figure 6 shows a first cross-sectional view of the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1-5 from the front, according to different embodiments; Fig. Figure 7 shows a second cross-sectional view of the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1-6 from the front, according to different embodiments; Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1-7 according to different embodiments; Fig. Figure 9 shows a top view of the exemplary imaging assembly of the Fig. 1-8 according to various embodiments; Fig. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary target system of the Fig. 1-9 from the front, according to different embodiments; Fig. 11A shows a top view of a collimator assembly of the target system of Fig. 10 according to different embodiments; The Fig. 11B and Fig. Figures 11C each show a front cross-sectional view along a different cross-section of the collimator assembly. Fig. 11A was recorded, according to various embodiments; The Fig. Figures 12A-12E show top views of the respective steps of an exemplary assembly procedure for manufacturing the collimator assembly of the Fig. 11A-11C according to various embodiments; and Fig. Figure 12F shows a perspective view of the assembled collimator assembly according to different embodiments.

[0025] Experts will recognize that elements in the figures are shown for the sake of simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve the understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Where appropriate, the apparatus and process components have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the field who refer to the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In general, these various embodiments provide a high-performance autofocus barcode scanner with reduced dimensional requirements and a wide range of autofocus distances. In particular, the scanners described here can be mounted on a support frame, utilizing the full available height of the scanner housing. By positioning the imaging lens system beside the frame (as opposed to inside it), the imaging lens system is not constrained by an upper (i.e., vertical) dimension of the frame and can be dimensioned to occupy the entire vertical dimension. Thus, the scanner can incorporate larger, more powerful optical units capable of resolving barcodes located at greater distances and across wider ranges of distances from the scanner.The scanner also features optical alignment capabilities that allow for highly precise alignment of the imaging optics, enabling the use of smaller, more compact lenses and optical elements. Furthermore, the scanner incorporates aiming units that generate target beams or patterns using a compact, flat assembly. This assembly protects the aiming unit from damaging back reflections of the target beam, reflections that can otherwise disable compact scanners.

[0028] The figures show an assembly 100, or scanning machine, for capturing at least one image of an object appearing in an imaging field of view (FOV). The assembly 100 comprises a printed circuit board 102, an imaging system 110 functionally connected to the printed circuit board 102, and a frame 150. In addition, in some examples, the system 100 may include a targeting system 170 and an illumination system 180, as well as any number of additional components used to assist in capturing an image or images of an object.

[0029] The printed circuit board 102 can contain any number of electrical and / or electromechanical components (e.g., capacitors, resistors, transistors, power supplies, etc.) used for communicative coupling and / or control of various electrical components of the assembly 100. The printed circuit board 102 can, for example, contain any number of component mounting parts 103, which are located in Fig. 2 are shown to accommodate components (e.g., the imaging system 110) and to couple them functionally, and can additionally include a circuit board mounting area 104, which serves to attach the circuit board 102 to the scanner housing (not shown). In the Fig. In the example shown, the printed circuit board 102 also includes a first flexible end connector 105 and a second flexible end connector 106. As will be discussed later, the first flexible end connector 105 is used to connect components arranged in the rack 150 to the printed circuit board 102, and the second flexible end connector 106 is used to connect the printed circuit board 102 to parts of the imaging system 110.

[0030] The imaging system 110 is also functionally connected to the circuit board 102. The imaging system 110 comprises an autofocus system 110 and a rear lens holder 112, both of which contain lenses for imaging. The autofocus system 220 is located near and / or coupled to the rear lens holder 112. The rear lens holder 112 has the form of a generally hollow body, comprising a lower section 112a, an upper section 112b, and a side wall 112c extending between the lower and upper sections 112a and 112b. The rear lens holder 112 can have any number of features, such as shapes and / or cutouts 113, such that the side wall 112c, despite its unique shape corresponding to the shape of the lens or lenses arranged therein, generally has a uniform thickness.These recesses 113 reduce the overall weight of the rear lens holder 112, and due to the uniform thickness of the side wall 112c, the rear lens holder 112 is easier to manufacture compared to lens holders with different thicknesses (e.g. molding with an injection molding machine).

[0031] In some examples, the rear lens holder 112 is connected to the printed circuit board 102 via the component mounting part 103. As a non-limiting example, the component mounting part 103 can be in the form of a field onto which the lower section 112a of the rear lens holder 112 is pressed. The component mounting part 103 can contain an adhesive to aid in the attachment of the rear lens holder 112 to the printed circuit board 102. In other examples, the component mounting part 103 can contain any number of electrical connections that accommodate corresponding electrical connections arranged with or otherwise coupled to the rear lens holder 112. Other examples are possible.

[0032] The rear lens holder 112 also includes a lens holder mounting part 114, which is arranged on an outer circumference of the side wall 112c. The lens holder mounting part 114 includes any number of upper tabs 116 and any number of lower tabs 120. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each of the upper tabs 116 comprises a generally flat, facing surface 116a, a curved upper surface 116b adjacent to the facing surface 116a, an angled surface 116c adjacent to the curved upper surface 116b, and an inner side wall 116d adjacent to the facing surface 116a, the curved upper surface 116b, and the angled surface 116c. In the illustrated example, the respective inner side walls 116d of each of the upper tabs 116 are arranged to face each other. The angled surface 116c is a generally flat surface forming an angle of approximately 30° with the opposite surface 116a. However, other examples of suitable angles are also possible.

[0033] Each of the upper tabs 116 is separated by a cavity 117, which is at least partially bounded by the inner side wall 116d. The cavity 117 is further bounded by the lower tab 120, which has a generally flat end face 120a, an upper surface 120b adjacent to the end face 120a, and an angled surface 120c adjacent to the upper surface 120b. The angled surface 120c is generally a flat surface that forms an angle of approximately 30° with the end face 120a. However, other suitable angles are also possible. Although the upper surface 120b of the lower tab 120 is generally depicted as a flat surface, in some examples the upper surface 120b of the lower tab 120 may be curved.In this configuration, the cavity 117 is at least partially bounded by the inner side walls 116d of the upper tabs 116, the side wall 112c, and the angled surface 120c of the lower tab 120. In some examples, the width of the cavity 117 may gradually decrease from the upper section 112b to the lower section 112a.

[0034] The frame 150 can be made of a rigid material such as a metal or metal alloy (e.g., zinc). The frame 150 comprises a body 151 that defines any number of cavities 152 in which components can be partially or completely arranged. For example, the targeting system 170 and / or the illumination system 180 can be at least partially arranged in the cavity 152 of the frame 150. The targeting system 170 can include components for generating a cosmetic pattern to indicate where the imaging system 110 is aiming. In some examples, the targeting system 170 can include laser-based and / or light-emitting diode (“LED”) light sources. The illumination system 180 assists in illuminating the desired target so that the imaging system 110 can accurately acquire the desired image. The illumination system 180 can include an LED or an array of LEDs, lenses, and the like.For the sake of brevity, the targeting system 170 and the illumination system 180 will not be described in detail.

[0035] The body 151 of the frame 150 may include a recessed section 153 suitable for receiving part of the first flexible end connector 105 (e.g., a subplate or a connecting element). The frame 150 further comprises a frame mounting part 154 arranged or positioned on an outer circumference of the body 151 of the cavity 150. The frame mounting part 154 comprises a reference surface 155, any number of upper hooks 156, and any number of lower hooks 160.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each of the upper hooks 156 comprises a generally flat end face 156a, a lower surface 156b (which may be curved in some examples) adjacent to the end face 156a, and an angled surface 156c adjacent to the lower surface 156b. The angled surface 156c is generally a flat surface forming an angle of approximately 30° relative to the facing surface 156a. However, other examples of suitable angles are possible. In particular, the angled surface 156c of the upper hooks 156 is configured to abut the corresponding angled surface 116c of the upper tabs 116 of the lens holder mounting part 114, as will be explained in more detail below.Likewise, the angle formed between the angled surface 156c and the facing surface 156a is adjusted to correspond to the angle formed between the angled surface 116c and the facing surface 116a of the upper tabs 116.

[0037] Like the upper hooks 156 of the frame mounting part 154, the lower hook 160 of the frame mounting part 154 also comprises a generally flat end face 160a, a curved lower surface 160b adjacent to the end face 160a, an angled surface 160c adjacent to the lower surface 160b, and outer side walls 160d. The angled surface 160c is a generally flat surface forming an angle of approximately 30° with the end face 160a. However, other examples of suitable angles are also possible. In particular, the angled surface 160c of the lower hook 160 is configured to abut the corresponding angled surface 120c of the lower tab 120 of the lens holder mounting part 114, as will be explained in more detail below.Similarly, the angle formed between the angled surface 160c and the facing surface 160a is adjusted to match the angle formed between the angled surface 120c and the facing surface 120a of the lower tab. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lower hook 160 projects outwards from the reference surface 155. Furthermore, the lower hook 160 can have a width corresponding to the width of the cavity 117. In examples where the cavity 117 has a decreasing or tapered width, the width of the lower hook 160 can also be similarly tapered.

[0038] In relation to Fig. 5. The assembly 100 is assembled by first connecting the imaging system 110 (i.e., the lower section 112a of the rear lens holder 112) to the printed circuit board 102 (i.e., the component mounting part 103). Next, the first flexible end connector 105 is connected to the components arranged in the cavity or cavities 152 by inserting the end of the first flexible end connector 105 into the recessed section 153 of the frame 150. The frame 150 is then positioned in the raised position relative to the printed circuit board 102, as shown by the arrows in Fig. As indicated in Figure 5, the frame 150 is rotated into a lowered position, thereby coupling the frame mounting part 154 with the lens holder mounting part 114. More precisely, the curved lower surface 160b of the lower hook 160 of the frame 150 enters the cavity 117 formed by the lens holder mounting part 114 and engages the corresponding upper surface 120b of the lower tab 120 of the rear lens holder 112, and the lower surface 156b of the upper hooks 156 of the frame 150 engages the corresponding curved upper surface 116b of the upper tabs 116 of the rear lens holder 112. In this way, the frame 150 can be rotated into its final position while pivoting smoothly around the flexible end connector 105 with the circuit board 102. In some examples, the widths of the cavity 117 and the lower hook 160 are dimensioned so that they fit closely together when connected.

[0039] The lower tab 120 of the rear lens holder 112 and the lower hook 160 of the frame 150 interlock to move, push or squeeze the frame 150 against the rear lens holder 112 ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7), and the upper tabs 116 of the rear lens holder 112 and the upper hooks 156 of the frame 150 act as wedges which slide against each other (over the angled surfaces 116c, 156c) until the movement is restricted ( Fig. 6).

[0040] In this arrangement, additional cavities can be formed between the lens holder mounting part 114 and the frame mounting part 154. An epoxy resin or other adhesive 101 can be applied to these areas between the lens holder mounting part 114 and the frame mounting part 154 to ensure that the components cannot move or separate relative to each other. In some of these examples, the connection between the lens holder mounting part 114 and the frame mounting part 154 results in certain dimensional tolerances that can be compensated for by the epoxy resin or adhesive 101. Accordingly, there is a reduced requirement for the lens holder mounting part 114 and the frame mounting part 154 to be precisely aligned, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.In some examples, parts of the frame 150 may have curved or cylindrical surfaces to aid in the positioning and rotation of the frame 150 into its relatively lowered position. Furthermore, in some examples, an epoxy material 101 may be added under or between the frame 150 and the printed circuit board 102.

[0041] As a result of the connection between the lens holder mounting part 114 and the frame mounting part 150, the reference positioning surface 155 of the frame 150 rests against the opposite surface 116a of the upper tabs 116 of the frame. By providing precise dimensions for the frame 150 (and thus for the reference positioning surface 155), accurate relative positioning of the imaging system 110 and the frame 150 (in addition to the components arranged therein) is achieved. By interlocking the frame 150 and the imaging system 110 in the plane, three degrees of freedom are eliminated (i.e., left-right movement, tilting and slanting), while by interlocking the upper and lower tabs 116, 120 of the rear lens holder 110 and the upper and lower hooks 156, 160 of the frame 150, another degree of freedom is eliminated (i.e., vertical movement).The remaining degrees of freedom are eliminated by the surface of a device used during the curing process of the epoxy resin or other adhesive. After the 150 frame has been positioned, a [device / structure] behind the [component / component] ensures [something]. Fig. The 5 components arranged in the nesting area provide the remaining alignment, thereby eliminating the remaining two degrees of freedom.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the second flexible end connector 106 comprises a mounting opening 106a and a series of connecting pieces 106b. The rear lens holder 112 includes a flexible locking tab 122 that projects upward from the rear lens holder 112. The flexible locking tab 122 includes an angled engagement surface 122a that is angled toward the autofocus system 220. When the autofocus system 220 is electrically connected to the circuit board, the second flexible end connector 106 is pushed upward, and the mounting opening 106a is aligned with the flexible locking tab 122. Since the engagement surface 122a of the flexible locking tab 122 is angled towards the autofocus system 220, the connecting pieces 106b are moved or positioned against corresponding connecting pieces 220a, which are positioned on the autofocus system 220, thereby coupling the autofocus system 220 communicatively with the circuit board 102.In some examples, the flexible locking tab 122 may have a notch or other feature that serves to hold the second flexible end connector 106 in place.

[0043] With reference to Fig. Section 9 describes in more detail the optical arrangement of the imaging system 110 and the autofocus system 220.

[0044] Configured as and as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the imaging system 110 described here can occupy the entire available height between the opposing large flat mounting surfaces of the frame 150, while being constrained by the body 151 of the frame 150. Instead of attaching the frame 150 directly to the circuit board 102, the imaging system 110 is attached to the circuit board 102, while the frame 150 is coupled to the imaging system 110. Advantageously, such an arrangement isolates the heat from the targeting system 170 and the illumination system 180, which are located in the frame 150, from the optical sensor mounted on the circuit board 102, and at the same time provides additional optical path length for the imaging system 110. Fig. Figure 10 shows an example of the implementation of the targeting system 170. The targeting system 170 is configured to produce a targeting beam that serves as a visual orientation aid for the user during operation of the assembly 100, particularly for the precise positioning of the imaging system 110 and the illumination system 180. While conventional targeting devices can produce bright, central targeting points or patterns, this is typically done on an axis offset from the fields of view of both the illumination system and the imaging system. Furthermore, configurations where the targeting assemblies are designed to tilt the axis of a targeting beam are too large and require wedges or similar optics to be compatible with integrated scanner assemblies such as those described here.In contrast, in various examples, targeting systems offer low stack height designs that can create a tilt of the target point or target pattern axis without increasing the overall height of an integrated scanner assembly.

[0045] In the example of Fig. The target system 170 comprises a beam source assembly 202, which has a frame 204 with a mounting plate 206 on which a beam source 208 is positioned. The beam source 208 can be a laser- or LED-based beam source. In some examples, the beam source 208 is a vertically emitting beam source, such as a surface-emitting laser with a vertical cavity. In other examples, the beam source 208 is a side-emitting or edge-emitting beam source. The frame 204 can be an integrated part with a mounting surface 210 that can be attached to a mounting surface 214 of a mounting plate 211, which can be formed with or attached to a rack 212 to serve as a rack mounting part. In other examples, the frame 204 can be mounted directly onto the rack 212 (e.g. glued or pressed in) without a mounting plate 211.For example, the walls of the lower cavity 221 can be dimensioned to accommodate the mounting plate 206 of the frame 204 and hold the frame firmly in place. In some examples, the mounting plate 211 and / or the mounting plate 206 can provide a heat dissipation function for the laser 208.

[0046] The frame 204 contains a transparent window 215 that seals the laser 208 from the environment and is adjacent to an opening 216 that acts as an aperture through which the generated beam is guided along a beam axis 218. The frame 204 is located in a lower cavity 221 of the rack 212. In some examples, the lower cavity 221 can be sealed from the environment by means of a transparent window at an upper end (not shown). The rack 212 further comprises an outer cavity with rack mounting parts (surfaces) 225 on which the collimator assembly 222 can be placed during assembly and held in place by an adhesive, e.g., a UV-curable adhesive 227, surrounding a lower outer edge of the assembly 222.

[0047] The collimator assembly 222 is a flat assembly with a body 224 having an outer surface 224A and a parallel inner surface 224B. The collimator assembly further comprises a lens group 226, which is arranged between the outer surface 224A and the inner surface 224B. In particular, the lens group 226 defines a tilting axis 228. In the illustrated example, this tilting axis 228 forms an acute angle with the parallel outer and inner surfaces 224A, 224B. Furthermore, the tilting axis 228 defines a tilting angle α relative to the beam axis 218, which can also be considered the central axis. The lens group 226 is also positioned relative to the radiation source 208 such that a beam incident along the beam axis 218 is deflected by the lens group 226 onto the tilting axis 228.In various examples, the tilt angle α is limited by the expression α > 0.5*atan(h / F), where F is a focal length of the lens group 226 and h is a clear height of the beam source 208, in order to prevent back reflection of the beam from an exit window back onto the beam source 208.

[0048] In various examples, the lens group 226 comprises a first lens 230 at an exit end and a second lens 232 at an entry end. Both the lens 230 and the lens 232 can be inclined, i.e., they have a common central axis that is inclined with respect to the beam axis 218. In some examples, one or both of the first lens 230 and the second lens 232 are hemispherical lenses, i.e., lenses whose surface profile consists at least in part of a sphere or a cylinder. In some examples, one or both of the first lens 230 and the second lens 232 are aspherical lenses, i.e., lenses whose surface profiles are not parts of a sphere or a cylinder. In some examples, the lens group 226 can consist of a double convex lens whose central axis is inclined parallel to the axis 228.In some examples, the lens group 226 can be formed from a lens with symmetrical aspheric surfaces, wherein the first lens 230 and the second lens 232 have aspheric curvatures defined by SAG z = c*r. 2 / (1+sqrt(1-c *r 22 )) + A4*r 4 + A6*r 6 , where for lens 230: R = -1.67mm, A4 = 0.0126mm -3 , A6 = -0.00215mm -5 and for lens 232: R = 13.61mm, A4 = -0.0163mm -3 In some other examples, the second lens 232 is instead designed as a generally planar surface, e.g., as an inclined planar surface. In various examples, the lens group 226 is formed integrally with the body 224, so that it is a continuous part.

[0049] Fig. Figure 11A shows a top view of the collimator assembly 222, wherein the Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C shows cross-sectional views along various lines. The body 224 defines a recess 234 that extends below the outer surface 224A and provides a seating surface 235 for the attachment of an optical element 236 (see Fig. 10). As in the examples of the Fig. 11B and Fig. As shown in Figure 11C, the recess 234 can have a chamfered insertion surface 237, which can be angled, such as a chamfer, or curved, such as a fillet, and provides for a quickly aligned seat of the optical element 236 during assembly and a contact point for the application of a sealing adhesive 238 (in Fig. (shown in Figure 10) provides a body 224 that holds the optical element 236 in place and provides an environmental seal for the area between it and the lens group 226. In some examples, the body 224 defines a further seat 239, which may also include angled insertion surfaces to accommodate an aperture for an optical element 240. During fabrication, the aperture 240 is inserted into the recess 234 prior to the insertion of the optical element 236 and can be held in place by physical engagement with the optical element 236 and / or by an adhesive or other fastening mechanism. The aperture 240 defines an opening through which the deflected beam propagates along the axis 228, the shape of which may be square, rectangular, circular, or any other suitable shape.In some examples, the diffracting optical element on the inner surface 236B coincides only with the shape of the aperture, while in other examples, the diffracting optical element extends over a larger part of the inner surface 236B than the aperture or a smaller part than the aperture. The aperture 240 can be centered about the axis 218, the axis 228, or in some other way, as long as the target beam can be generated and preferably as long as the aperture is dimensioned such that the penetration of stray light into the lens 230 is prevented or substantially prevented.

[0050] If you compare the Fig. 11B and Fig. In 11C, the inclination of the second lens 232 is visible along one cross-section and not visible along the other. In examples where the lens group 226 is formed from other structures, such as curved aspherical surfaces, the inclination may be different or there may be no inclination at all. An example of the positioning of the beam source 208 is also shown. Preferably, the height of the collimator assembly 222 is 3 mm or less, more preferably 2.5 mm or less, and more preferably, in the example shown, 2.2 mm, measured from an outer surface 224A and an inner surface 224B. Furthermore, in some examples, the central axis of the recess 234 coincides with the central axis of the lens group 226 and the central axis of the body 224, as well as with the beam axis 218.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the optical element 236 is, in various examples, a diffracting optical element that can have a planar outer surface 236A and a diffracting element on an inner surface 236B, the latter being arranged to receive the input beam from the lens group 226. The sealing adhesive 238 therefore not only holds the optical element 236 in the recess 234 but also provides an environmental seal that prevents contamination of the diffracting element located on the inner surface 236B. In other examples, the optical element 236 can be a refractive optical element or a combination of diffracting and refractive elements. The optical element 236 is configured to convert the input beam into a target pattern that appears at a focal length of the lens group 226.This configuration enables a compact design while still allowing the conversion of an input beam into a complex beam pattern in the far field. Such patterns can be geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, etc., but also more complex shapes like logos, text, images, etc. The optical element 236, as part of the lens group 226, can further interact with the aspherical surface 230 to collimate the incident input beam and simultaneously tilt its propagation axis. A holder for the optical element 243, also referred to as an eye-safe holder, is attached to the upper surface 224A, for example with an adhesive, to further protect the optical element 236 from falling out of the targeting system 170.The mount 243 can include an opening positioned and sized to allow the transmission of the deflected aiming beam, while the remainder of the mount 243 may be opaque. The mount 243 may, for example, be made of a black material or another opaque medium, or even a partially transparent medium such as a diffuser. The mount 243 thus allows the deflected aiming beam to pass through its opening, but otherwise prevents or minimizes back reflections and scattered light from entering the lower cavity 221 and striking the laser 208, causing disturbing reflections and flickering brightness. The mount 243 also prevents the optical element 236 from becoming detached from the path of the deflected aiming beam if the adhesive 238 fails.In some examples, the holder 243 for the optical element also includes sensor electrodes positioned on it so that an external circuit can detect whether the window itself has been moved (e.g., in response to a received signal, a change in the measured impedance, or some other electrical detection) and send a warning signal to the operator.

[0052] In various examples, a beam-shaping aperture 240 is first inserted into the recess 234 to shield the lens group 222 from extraneous, off-axis stray light, ambient light, or other illumination. The optical element 236 can then be mounted above this aperture 240.

[0053] The Fig. Figures 12A - 12E show various installation steps according to an example procedure for assembling a target system. Fig. Figure 12A shows the collimator assembly 222 in a top view. The next installation step, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 12B, a beam-shaping aperture 240 is attached to the base of the recess 234. The aperture 240 can be fixed by an adhesive or other fastener, or it can be held in place by the seat surface of the recess 234. In the next step, which is shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12C, the optical element 236 is inserted into the recess 234 above the aperture 240 and sealed in place with the sealing adhesive 238, which surrounds a circumference of the optical element 236, as shown in Fig. 12D representation, creating a hermetic seal with a lens group. In a subsequent installation step, which is shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12E, a holder for the optical element 242 is inserted into an outer recess defined by the seating surfaces 244, providing further structural support for the optical element in its place on the body 224. Fig.Figure 12F shows a collimator assembly 222 during an active alignment process. The collimator assembly 222 can be moved along the z-axis, x-axis, and / or y-axis while the beam source assembly (not shown) is mounted on a rack (not shown) and generates an input beam. A detector (not shown) is positioned at a distance from the collimator assembly 222 to detect an output beam and determine when the collimator assembly 222 is in the desired position relative to the beam source assembly. When the condition of a sufficient output beam is met, e.g., sufficient beam focusing at the detector, a sufficient beam pattern at the detector, sufficient beam intensity at the detector, etc., the collimator assembly 222 can be mounted on the rack 212, e.g.,by curing an adhesive with which the assembly 222 is secured in an upper cavity of the frame. This process is referred to as active alignment. The mounting process includes the correct alignment (e.g., using active alignment) between the collimator assembly and the beam source by positioning the collimator assembly above the beam source to deflect an input beam from propagation along the central axis to propagation along a tilting axis with a tilt angle α relative to the central axis. Furthermore, a transparent window 248 can be mounted at an output end of the frame 212 above the collimator assembly to transmit the target pattern along the tilting axis. In addition, the beam source 208 can be mounted on a printed circuit board, the mounting also including securing the printed circuit board to the mounting surface 214 of the frame 212.

[0054] The above description refers to a block diagram in the accompanying drawings. Alternative embodiments of the example shown in the block diagram include one or more additional or alternative elements, methods, and / or devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the example blocks of the diagram may be combined, split, rearranged, or omitted. The components represented by the blocks of the diagram are implemented by hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination thereof. In some examples, at least one of the components represented by the blocks is implemented by a logic circuit. As used herein, the term "logic circuit" is expressly defined as a physical device containing at least one hardware component configured (e.g.,Logic circuits are designed to control one or more machines (by operating according to a predetermined configuration and / or by executing stored machine-readable instructions) and / or to perform operations on one or more machines. Examples of logic circuits include one or more processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more hardware accelerators, one or more special-purpose computer chips, and one or more system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. Some example logic circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs, are specially configured hardware for performing operations (e.g.,one or more of the operations described herein and illustrated in the flowcharts of this disclosure, if any). Some example logic circuits are hardware that executes machine-readable instructions to perform operations (e.g., one or more of the operations described herein and illustrated by the flowcharts of this disclosure, if any). Some example logic circuits comprise a combination of specially configured hardware and hardware that executes machine-readable instructions.

[0055] As used herein, each of the terms “accessible machine-readable medium”, “non-transitory machine-readable medium”, and “machine-readable storage device” is expressly defined as a storage medium (e.g., a disk of a hard disk drive, a digital versatile disc, a compact disc, flash memory, read-only memory, random access memory, etc.) on which machine-readable instructions (e.g., program code in the form of, for example, software and / or firmware) are stored for any suitable duration (e.g., permanently, for a longer period (e.g., during the execution of a program associated with the machine-readable instructions), and / or for a short period (e.g., during the temporary storage of the machine-readable instructions and / or during a buffering process)).Furthermore, the terms “accessible, machine-readable medium”, “non-transitory, machine-readable medium”, and “machine-readable storage device” are expressly defined here in such a way as to exclude the transmission of signals. This means that none of the terms “accessible, machine-readable medium”, “non-transitory, machine-readable medium”, and “machine-readable storage device”, as used in the claims of this patent, can be read as being implemented by a propagating signal.

[0056] Certain embodiments have been described in the foregoing description. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the description and the figures are to be understood as illustrative rather than limiting, and all such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, the described embodiments / examples / implementations are not to be understood as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially combinable if such combinations are in any way permissive. In other words, any feature disclosed in one of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0057] The benefits, advantages, problem solutions, and all elements that may lead to or enhance a benefit, advantage, or solution are not to be understood as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all claims. The claimed invention is defined exclusively by the accompanying claims, including all amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of these claims as granted.

[0058] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such an entity or action between such entities or actions. The expressions "includes," "comprising," "has," "have," "exhibits," "exhibiting," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, product, or device that includes, has, exhibits, or contains a list of elements may not only have those elements but may also have other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, product, or device. An element that "includes," "has," "exhibits," or "contains"The use of the term "a" does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, product, or device that comprises, has, features, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "a" are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "essentially," "generally," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof are defined in such a way as to be understood by a person skilled in the art in this field, and in one non-restrictive embodiment, the expression is defined as within 10%, in another embodiment as within 5%, in yet another embodiment as within 1%, and in yet another embodiment as within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is at least also configured in that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0059] The summary of the disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the essence of the technical disclosure. It is provided with the understanding that it is not intended to be used for interpreting or limiting the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, it can be inferred from the preceding detailed description that various features in different embodiments have been summarized for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This type of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, the inventive step lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment.The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

[1] Target system (170), comprising: a beam source assembly (202) comprising a mounting plate and a beam source (208) for generating an input beam from an exit surface, wherein the exit surface defines a central axis along which the input beam is to propagate; a collimator assembly (222) with a body (224) defining an outer surface (224A) and an inner surface (224B) parallel thereto, wherein the collimator assembly (222) has a lens group (226) arranged between the outer surface (224A) and the inner surface (224B), wherein the lens group (226) defines a tilting axis (228) forming an acute angle to the parallel outer and inner surfaces (224A, 224B), and wherein the tilting axis (228) has a tilting angle α relative to the central axis, wherein the lens group (226) is positioned such that it deflects the input beam from the central axis onto the tilting axis (228), wherein the collimator assembly (222) further comprises a recess (234) positioned above the lens group (226) and an optical element (236) sealed within the recess (234) to convert the input beam into a target pattern at a focal length of the lens group (226); and a frame (212) that defines an outer cavity in which the collimator assembly (222) is mounted and an inner cavity in which the beam source (208) is mounted. [2] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the lens group (226) comprises a first and a second symmetrical aspheric lens. [3] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the lens group (226) has an aspherical lens at an exit end and an inclined planar surface at an entry end. [4] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the lens group (226) comprises a double convex lens. [5] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the lens group (226) is integrally formed with the body (224) of the collimator assembly (222). [6] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the angle α is defined as α>0.5*atan(h / F), where F is a focal length of the lens group (226) of the collimator and h is a clear height of the beam source (208). [7] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the optical element (236) is a diffracting optical element [8] Target system (170) according to claim 7, wherein the optical element (236) has a planar outer surface (224A) and an inner surface (224B) of the diffracting element, which is arranged to receive the input beam from the lens group (226). [9] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the optical element (236) is a refractive optical element. [10] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the collimator assembly (222) further comprises a beam-shaping opening arranged in the recess (234), and wherein the optical element (236) is attached to the beam-shaping opening in a sealing manner. [11] Target system (170) according to claim 10, wherein the beam-shaping opening is centered on the central axis. [12] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the collimator assembly (222) further comprises a holder for the optical element (236) which is attached to the outer surface (224A) of the body (224) of the collimator assembly (222). [13] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the collimator assembly (222) has a height of 2.5 mm or less. [14] Target system (170) according to claim 13, wherein the collimator assembly (222) has a height of 2.2 mm. [15] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the body (224) of the collimator assembly is centered on the central axis. [16] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the beam source assembly (202) is attached to a frame mounting part and extends into the inner cavity. [17] Target system (170) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (212) has a height of 7 mm to 7.5 mm. [18] Method for assembling a target system (170) to produce a target pattern on an object in a field of view (FOV), wherein the method comprises: Providing a collimator assembly (222) with a body (224) defining an outer surface (224A) and an inner surface (224B) parallel thereto, wherein the collimator assembly (222) further comprises a lens group (226) between the outer surface (224A) and the inner surface (224B), wherein the lens group (226) defines a tilting axis (228) forming an acute angle to the parallel outer and inner surfaces (224A, 224B), wherein the collimator assembly (222) further comprises a recess (234) extending from the outer surface (224A); Positioning an optical element (236) in the recess (234) and sealing the optical element (236) in the recess (234) to create a hermetic seal with the lens group (226), wherein the optical element (236) converts an input beam into a target pattern at a focal length of the lens group (226); and Positioning the collimator assembly (222) above a beam source assembly (202) to generate the input beam from a beam source (208), wherein the beam source (208) defines a central axis such that the input beam from the beam source (208) is deflected by the lens group (226) from the central axis to the tilting axis (228), wherein the tilting axis (228) has a tilting angle α relative to the central axis; and Mounting the collimator assembly (222) and the beam source assembly (202) on a frame (212). [19] The method of claim 18, further comprising: prior to inserting the optical element (236) into the recess (234), positioning a beam-shaping aperture at a bottom of the recess (234), the method further comprising sealing the optical element (236) against the beam-shaping aperture. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein the beam-shaping opening is centered on the central axis. [21] The method of claim 18, further comprising: Attaching a holder for the optical element (236) to the outer surface (224A) of the body (224). [22] Method according to claim 18, wherein the positioning of the collimator assembly (222) over the beam source assembly (202) to generate the input beam comprises: Providing the frame (212) which defines an outer cavity with an attachment part and an inner cavity opposite the outer cavity; Attaching the collimator assembly (222) inside the outer cavity to the mounting part; and Securing the radiation source in the inner cavity. [23] Method according to claim 22, further comprising actively aligning the collimator assembly (222) over the beam source assembly (202) by: Adjusting the position of the collimator assembly in a z-axis direction, in an x-axis direction and / or in a y-axis direction during the generation of the input beam until a sufficient output beam condition is met, wherein the beam source (208) is fixed in the inner cavity; and Secure the collimator assembly in the set position. [24] Method according to claim 22, wherein the beam source assembly (202) is attached to a mounting plate of the frame (212) at an inlet end of the inner cavity. [25] Method according to claim 18, wherein the lens group (226) comprises a first and a second symmetrical aspheric lens, an aspheric lens at an exit end and an inclined planar surface at an entry end or a double convex lens. [26] Method according to claim 18, wherein the lens group (226) is integrally formed with the body (224). [27] Method according to claim 18, wherein the angle α is defined as α>0.5*atan(h / F), where F is a focal length of the lens group (226) of the collimator and h is a clear height of the beam source (208). [28] Method according to claim 18, wherein the optical element (236) is a diffracting optical element having a planar outer surface (224A) and a diffracting inner surface (224B) of the diffracting element which is positioned to receive the input beam from the lens group (226). [29] Method according to claim 18, wherein the collimator assembly (222) has a height of 2.5 mm or less. [30] Method according to claim 18, wherein the collimator assembly (222) has a height of 2.2 mm.

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