Dual Optical Assemblies for Extended Indicia Reading Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading terminals face challenges in increasing their working range while maintaining low cost, ease of manufacture, reliability, and durability, as existing solutions often result in high complexity, reduced reliability, and durability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual optical assembly system with a first optical assembly that focuses light onto a majority of the image sensor array's pixels for short-range decoding and a second optical assembly with a double folding prism for long-range decoding, optimizing focal lengths and best focus distances to enhance working range without increasing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single optical assembly is used in traditional indicia reading terminals, then the device maintains low cost and simplicity, but the working range is limited and cannot decode indicia at various distances effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical assemblies, each optimized for specific distance ranges. The first optical assembly handles close-range decoding while the second optical assembly handles far-range decoding, allowing each component to be simpler and more specialized rather than requiring a single complex assembly to handle all ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical assemblies are designed with different local qualities - specifically different focal lengths and focus distances - to optimize performance for their respective operational ranges. The first optical assembly has focal length and focus distance optimized for close range, while the second has parameters optimized for far range, allowing each to excel at its designated task.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple optical assemblies with different focal lengths are used to increase working range, then decoding capability at various distances is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical function into separate assemblies that can be manufactured independently using standard processes, then integrated together. This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical assemblies share common components and mounting structures, allowing them to be manufactured using similar processes and integrated into a single device. The image sensor array serves as a common platform for both optical assemblies, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite having multiple specialized components.
3Quantity of substance
If optical assemblies are added to extend working range, then decoding capability improves, but reliability and durability may be reduced due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into specialized assemblies, each component can be optimized and tested for its specific function, potentially improving reliability within each segment. The modular nature allows for easier identification and replacement of specific components if failures occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical assemblies are merged around a common image sensor array and control system, creating a unified device where components work together. This integration reduces the number of separate systems that need to be maintained and improves overall system reliability through coordinated operation.
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 configuration increases the terminal's working range while minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost, reducing optical distortion, and improving decoding efficiency by maintaining minimal keystone distortion and high light energy throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array
Implementation Method 2
a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an indicia reading terminal having an image sensor array including a plurality of pixels, a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array and a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array. The indicia reading terminal can be adapted to process image data corresponding to pixels of the image sensor array for attempting to decode a decodable indicia.