Deformable Autofocus Lens for Extended Working Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging scanners face limitations in extended scan range due to limited depth of field and high power consumption in mechanical autofocus lens systems, which are bulky and costly, making them unsuitable for applications requiring large focus ranges and low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An autofocus lens system using a fixed positioning of lenses with a focusing-module lens that adjusts optical power by electronically controlling the curvature of adjustable surfaces, allowing for a compact, fast, and energy-efficient solution with a wide focus range and low f-number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical autofocus lens system is used to extend the focus range, then the working-distance range is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical autofocus system with an electronic field-based system. Specifically, it uses a deformable lens element whose focal length is controlled by applying electrical voltage to change the lens curvature, thereby eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving the same autofocus functionality. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens by electronically controlling the curvature of the deformable lens element. By applying different voltages, the lens curvature changes, which adjusts the focal length to focus on objects at different distances. This parameter change approach enables extended working-distance range without mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical autofocus lens system is used to extend the focus range, then the working-distance range is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical autofocus system with an electronic field-based system. Specifically, it uses a deformable lens element whose focal length is controlled by applying electrical voltage to change the lens curvature, thereby eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving the same autofocus functionality. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If a fixed lens system is used to reduce mechanical complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the working-distance range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the lens system by making the lens element deformable. The lens curvature can dynamically change in response to applied voltage, allowing the focal length to adapt to different object distances. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain low mechanical complexity while achieving extended working-distance range through electronic control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a high f-number lens is used to increase depth of field, then the working-distance range is improved, but the light collection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens by electronically controlling the curvature of the deformable lens element. By applying different voltages, the lens curvature changes, which adjusts the focal length to focus on objects at different distances. This parameter change approach enables extended working-distance range without mechanical complexity.
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 solution enables imaging scanners to achieve sharp images over a wide range of distances with reduced mechanical complexity and low power consumption, suitable for applications like warehouse environments, while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable lens element's focal length can be changed by changing the curvature of the lens optical surface. The curvature of the optical surface can be changed by application of an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
An autofocus lens system includes no conventional moving parts and has excellent speed and low power consumption. The system includes a small electronically-controlled focusing-module lens. The focusing-module lens includes two adjustable polymeric surfaces (e.g., two adjustable-surface lenses in a back-to-back configuration). The curvature of the surfaces can be adjusted to change focus. The performance of the autofocus lens system is extended by adding a conventional first and second lens, or lens group, on either side of the focusing-module lens. What results is an autofocus lens system with excellent near field and far field performance.