Aimer-Pattern Detection for Adaptive Lens Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices, such as barcode scanners, face challenges in accurately focusing lenses due to inaccurate distance measurements and environmental factors like varying ambient light conditions, leading to reduced system response and decoding failures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-imager imaging apparatus selects a lens focusing scheme based on the detectability of an aimer pattern, using triangulation when the pattern is clear and a priority-based sequence when it's not, to determine the focus position efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation-based focusing is used when ambient light conditions are dynamic, then focusing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to the need to switch between multiple focusing schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between triangulation-based focusing and priority-based sequence focusing schemes based on ambient light conditions. The system adapts its focusing methodology in real-time, selecting the appropriate scheme according to the detectability of the aimer pattern, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high focusing accuracy and managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the focusing mechanism based on environmental conditions. When the aimer pattern is detectable, triangulation parameters are used for precise focusing; when not detectable, the system switches to a priority-based sequence with predefined focus positions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain accuracy while managing complexity through conditional logic.
2Reliability
If multiple lens focusing schemes are implemented to handle different ambient light conditions, then system robustness improves, but response time decreases due to the need to evaluate and switch between schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a priority-based sequence of focus positions that are pre-determined and stored. When the aimer pattern is not detectable or ambient light conditions prevent reliable triangulation, the system immediately executes the pre-planned sequence without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining robustness while improving response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that quickly assesses ambient light conditions and aimer pattern detectability. This intermediary layer acts as a decision gateway that routes to the appropriate focusing scheme, reducing the time required to switch between methods while ensuring system robustness across varying conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the aimer pattern is used for distance measurement, then focusing precision improves, but the system becomes sensitive to environmental factors like ambient light variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the reliance on aimer pattern-based triangulation based on environmental conditions. When ambient light conditions are favorable and the pattern is clearly detectable, the system uses triangulation for precise distance measurement. When lighting conditions deteriorate, the system transitions to alternative focusing methods, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing sensitivity to harmful environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alternative focusing schemes in advance to cushion against the harmful effects of varying ambient light. By having pre-planned priority-based focus sequences ready, the system can immediately switch away from triangulation when lighting conditions become unfavorable, protecting the measurement process from environmental interference.
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
This approach enhances the snappiness and robustness of dual channel scanning systems by quickly and accurately focusing lenses, improving image decoding success in dynamic ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging engine may use the aimer pattern for distance measurements, for example, to focus the one or more imagers for capturing the one or more images
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for selecting a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of an aimer pattern. An imaging engine projects an aimer pattern onto a target object within a field of view of a first imager of an imaging engine. The imaging engine acquires a first image of the target object via the first imager. The imaging engine selects a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of the aimer pattern in the first image, in which selection of the lens focusing scheme is between a first lens focusing scheme associated with a location of the aimer pattern and a second lens focusing scheme associated with at least one predefined lens position. The imaging engine determines a focus position for a lens in accordance with the lens focusing scheme.