Code Scanner Focus Adjustment via Laser Distance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional code scanners face challenges such as high operational costs due to high-performance solid-state image pickup devices, inability to decode unfocused blurred images, and complex structures that hinder quick and precise reading of code symbols, especially when the distance and moving speed of objects are unknown.
Innovation Solution
An optical information reader equipped with a laser output device, an image pickup device with a global shutter CMOS sensor, a distance measurement device, and controllers that adjust focus and illumination based on detected reflection light, enabling periodic image pickup and decoding of code symbols with adjustable focus and illumination settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-performance solid-state image pickup device is used to decode blurred images, then the ability to decode unfocused images is improved, but the operational cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing focus adjustment and illumination optimization before the actual code reading operation. The system pre-adjusts the optical focus and illumination conditions based on the measured distance to the target, ensuring that when the image is captured, the conditions are already optimized for clear decoding, thereby avoiding the need for complex post-processing of blurred images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting focus and illumination parameters based on the measured distance to the code symbol. The system changes the focal length and illumination intensity according to the target distance, ensuring optimal image quality for decoding without requiring high-performance image pickup devices capable of handling severely blurred images
2Measurement precision
If multiple test modes are performed to optimize reading conditions, then the reading precision is improved, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting focus and illumination optimization in advance based on distance measurement before the actual code reading takes place. This pre-adjustment ensures that when reading occurs, conditions are already optimized, eliminating the need for multiple iterative test modes during the reading process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error approach of multiple test modes with an automated optical measurement and adjustment system. By using distance measurement to directly determine optimal focus and illumination parameters, the system substitutes iterative mechanical testing with a more efficient measurement-based adjustment mechanism
3Device complexity
If the focus and illumination are fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to read codes at varying distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus and illumination adjustable based on the measured distance to the target. The system dynamically changes the focal length and illumination intensity according to the target distance, enabling the device to adapt to varying distances without requiring a fixed, limited configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a system that can handle multiple reading scenarios at different distances through a single device configuration. The adjustable focus and illumination parameters enable the same device to effectively read codes whether the target is close or far, providing multi-functional capability without requiring multiple specialized devices
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
Enables quick and precise reading of code symbols regardless of object distance and speed, reducing operational complexity and costs by using a CMOS image sensor with a global shutter and adjustable focus and illumination, ensuring accurate decoding even from unfocused images.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device with a global shutter CMOS sensor... enabling periodic image pickup... analyzing an image picked up by the image pickup device... when a spot of a reflection light by the object to be read of the laser light outputted from the laser output device is detected
Implementation Method 2
a distance measurement device that analyzes an image picked up by the image pickup device... when a spot of a reflection light by the object to be read of the laser light outputted from the laser output device is detected in the image, measures a distance to the object to be read based on a position of the spot in the image
Implementation Method 3
an image pickup device with a global shutter CMOS sensor... has a device that adjusts a focus of an optical system for forming an image of an incident light on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A decoder 20 of a code scanner 1 measures a distance to a baggage 4 based on a reflection light by the baggage 4 of a laser light 15a outputted by a laser light generator 15, which is detected by a CMOS image sensor 13, adjusts focus of a focus lens 11 and irradiation light amount of illumination by a pulse LED 14 at image pickup based on the measured distance, analyzes the image including a code symbol 5 on the baggage 4 whose image is picked up under conditions after the adjustments, and decodes information indicated by the code symbol.