Adjustable Aperture Imaging Scanner Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging scanners with fixed focusing lenses fail to provide sharp images over a wide range of scanning distances, leading to the complexity and cost of autofocusing systems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable aperture system is introduced, where a selectable aperture with varying sizes is positioned transverse to the optical axis of a fixed imaging lens, allowing for optical enhancement of the focused image by an actuator, thereby improving image clarity across different scanning distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed focusing lens is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image sharpness deteriorates over a wide range of scanning distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (aperture size) of the fixed lens system to achieve focusing adjustment. By varying the aperture diameter, the depth of field is modified, allowing the same fixed lens to produce sharp images at different object distances without mechanical focusing movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture size is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system transitions from a static aperture to a dynamic one that can be changed based on the scanning distance, enabling the fixed lens to adapt to different focusing requirements without becoming mechanically complex.
2Manufacturing precision
If an autofocusing system is implemented, then the image sharpness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function from the mechanical lens movement system and transfers it to the aperture control mechanism. By removing the need for actuator-driven lens movement and replacing it with aperture-based depth of field adjustment, the system eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining image sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical autofocusing system (actuators moving lenses) with an optical control system (adjustable aperture). This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while achieving the same focusing effect through optical parameter adjustment rather than physical lens movement.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the aperture size is increased, then the light gathering capability is improved, but the depth of field decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture size is made dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to optimize the balance between light gathering and depth of field based on the specific scanning scenario. The aperture can be enlarged for distant targets requiring more light, or reduced for close-range scanning requiring greater depth of field, providing adaptability across different operating conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable aperture system enhances image focus and depth of field, reducing the need for complex and costly autofocusing systems while maintaining image quality over a wider range of scanning distances.
Implementation Method 1
One of a plurality of apertures located within a selectable aperture of varying sizes is selected for optically enhancing the fixed imaging lens
Implementation Method 2
A fixed imaging lens having an optical axis in alignment with the imaging sensor focuses the reflected image onto the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 3
An actuator is coupled to the selectable aperture for selectively selecting the one of the plurality of apertures in a direction transverse to optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided for focusing an image of a target object. The apparatus comprises imaging circuitry for analyzing an image reflected from a target object that is projected onto an imaging sensor coupled to the imaging circuitry. A fixed imaging lens having an optical axis in alignment with the imaging sensor focuses the reflected image onto the imaging sensor. One of a plurality of apertures located within a selectable aperture of varying sizes is selected for optically enhancing the fixed imaging lens. An actuator is coupled to the selectable aperture for selectively selecting the one of the plurality of apertures in a direction transverse to optical axis for optically enhancing the fixed imaging lens.