Dual Focus Imaging Scanner Using Wavelength Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed focus optical imaging scanners face a trade-off between long and short range focusing capabilities, limiting their ability to capture high density symbologies at both near and far distances due to optical limitations, which prevents them from providing effective scanning for both scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A dual focus optical imaging scanner system with two imaging sensors and two wavelengths of illumination, using a color separation filter to separate and process images from different focal points, allowing for simultaneous near and far range scanning of symbologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed focus lens is set to short range focusing, then high density symbologies can be captured at near distances, but the depth of field is limited and long range imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple sensors (first image sensor and second image sensor) with different focal lengths, allowing each sensor to specialize in capturing images at different ranges. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high measurement precision for both near and far range symbologies simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the optical system by using multiple wavelengths of light (first wavelength and second wavelength) in combination with multiple sensors. This dimensional expansion allows the system to overcome the traditional single-focus limitation and achieve both near and far range imaging capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focus lens is set to long range focusing, then images at farther distances can be acquired, but the ability to image closer high density symbologies is forfeited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple sensors (first image sensor and second image sensor) with different focal lengths, allowing each sensor to specialize in capturing images at different ranges. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high measurement precision for both near and far range symbologies simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system achieves universality by combining multiple sensors with different focal lengths and multiple wavelengths of light, enabling a single system to perform both near range high density symbology capture and far range imaging functions that were previously mutually exclusive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable focus lenses with mechanically movable components are used, then both near and far range focusing is possible, but the system complexity and reliability are reduced due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable focus lens system with a fixed lens combination paired with multiple image sensors having different focal lengths. This substitution eliminates mechanically movable lens components while achieving the same adaptability through optical and sensor diversity, thereby improving reliability and reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of dynamically adjusting a single lens, the system uses multiple fixed lenses/sensors that can be selectively activated based on the imaging range required. This dynamic selection approach achieves adaptability without requiring mechanical movement, simplifying the overall system structure.
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 dual focus system expands the focal range, enabling the scanner to capture and decode symbologies at both short and long distances, overcoming the limitations of single focal length systems and providing improved scanning capabilities for high density and complex symbologies.
Implementation Method 1
a color separation filter positioned to receive the combined reflected symbology target image from the lens assembly, the filter being operative to produce a first symbology image comprised of the first wavelength of light and a separate second symbology image comprised of the second wavelength of light
Implementation Method 2
a lens assembly for collecting a combined reflected image of the illuminated symbology target that comprises the first and second wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 3
The sensor essentially converts sensed or received light energy from the scanned image into electrical signals to create a digitized representation of the scanned symbology image
Data Source
AI summary
A dual focus imaging scanner system and method for reading symbologies such as barcodes. The scanner system includes a light source producing two discrete wavelengths of light for illuminating a symbology target, a lens assembly for collecting a reflected image of the illuminated symbology target, which image preferably comprises the first and second wavelengths of light, and a color separation filter positioned to receive the combined reflected symbology target image from the lens assembly. The filter produces a first symbology image comprised of the first wavelength of light and a separate second symbology image comprised of the second wavelength of light. A first image sensor is positioned for receiving the first image and a second image sensor is positioned for receiving the second image. Preferably, the first and second sensors each have a different local point and focal range to scan near and far symbologies.