Optical Imaging Device With Folded Axis For Fast Code Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based scanning devices face limitations due to regulations on laser output power, leading to restricted distances and fields of view, and vision-based systems have insufficient scan rates for quick code reading, especially when objects are moving, resulting in missed or partially imaged codes.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging device with an area sensor, lens, and reflective surfaces that fold the optical axis to reduce the minimum focused distance and required mounting space, using a predetermined number of pixels and illumination devices to enhance scanning speed and field of view, while incorporating filters to reduce reflections and improve code reading accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If laser output power is increased to extend reading distance and field of view, then reading capability is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates due to safety regulations limiting laser energy output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser-based mechanical scanning system with a vision-based imaging system using area sensors and image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power lasers while achieving comparable or superior reading distances and fields of view through optical imaging and digital code recognition algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If vision-based systems use full sensor resolution to maintain reading accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but scanning rate deteriorates due to increased data processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor array into multiple independently controllable regions or zones. By activating only the necessary sensor regions for each scanning task rather than using the entire sensor array, the system reduces data volume and processing requirements while maintaining adequate reading accuracy, thereby increasing scanning rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by using only the minimum necessary sensor resolution and active sensor regions required for successful code reading. Rather than consistently using full sensor capacity, the system dynamically adjusts resource utilization to match task requirements, improving scanning speed while maintaining sufficient accuracy.
3Area of stationary object
If vision-based systems increase field of view angle to match laser scanners, then coverage area is improved, but minimum focused distance increases requiring greater mounting distance from object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the field of view limitation by transitioning from two-dimensional sensor arrays to three-dimensional imaging approaches, incorporating depth sensing capabilities. This dimensional expansion enables the system to achieve broader effective coverage and overcome the trade-off between field of view angle and minimum focused distance through stereo vision or time-of-flight measurement techniques.
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 faster and more accurate reading of optical codes by increasing scanning speed and reducing the distance between the device and the object, while maintaining or improving resolution, thus overcoming the limitations of both laser and vision-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of reflective surfaces configured to fold the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern by producing an illumination path along the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.