High Dispersion Lens Optical Code Scanner Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical code scanners using image scanning technology face limitations in depth of field and require high illumination levels, and moving optical elements increase complexity and cost while reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
An optical code scanner employing a fixed optical system with a high dispersion lens and a digital processor that emits different narrow bands of light at varying wavelengths to capture images across a wider depth of field without moving optical elements, utilizing chromatic aberration to focus different wavelengths to the same location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image scanning technology is used to scan optical codes, then the ability to read various optical code types is improved, but the depth of field becomes short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the lens by introducing a high dispersion optical lens with specific refractive index properties. This lens has a dispersion value (Abbe number) of less than 50, which alters how different wavelengths of light are focused, thereby extending the depth of field while maintaining the ability to read various optical code types
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses a composite lens structure combining materials with different optical properties. The high dispersion optical lens is integrated with other optical elements to create a composite optical system that achieves both extended depth of field and versatility in reading different optical code types
2Adaptability or versatility
If image scanning technology is used to scan optical codes, then the ability to read various optical code types is improved, but the required illumination level becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The high dispersion optical lens modifies the light gathering and focusing parameters of the optical system. By optimizing the refractive index and dispersion properties, the lens improves light utilization efficiency, allowing the system to read optical codes at lower illumination levels while maintaining versatility
3Length of stationary object
If optical elements are moved to achieve increased depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving optical elements to change focus and depth of field, the patent inverts the approach by using a fixed optical lens with specially engineered dispersion properties. The depth of field extension is achieved through the inherent optical characteristics of the high dispersion lens material rather than mechanical movement, thereby reducing system complexity
4Length of stationary object
If optical elements are moved to achieve increased depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but the reliability of the optical system reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates moving optical elements by using a fixed high dispersion optical lens. The extended depth of field is achieved through the optical properties of the lens material itself rather than mechanical adjustment, thereby improving system reliability by removing failure-prone moving parts
5Length of stationary object
If optical elements are moved to achieve increased depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive moving optical elements with a cost-effective fixed high dispersion optical lens. By achieving depth of field extension through optical material properties rather than mechanical systems, the overall system cost is reduced while maintaining the desired depth of field performance
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 approach enhances the depth of field by up to 300% while maintaining low illumination levels, improving first-pass reading performance and reducing system complexity and cost compared to moving-element technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The high dispersion optical lens maximizes a characteristic of the high dispersion lens that is minimized or corrected in the standard optical lens. This characteristic is known as chromatic aberration. Most optically transparent materials have a different refractive index for different wavelengths or colors of light which causes different colors of light to be focused to different locations.
Implementation Method 2
causing a plurality of illumination devices to emit a first narrow band of light directed to a scanning area of the optical code scanner for a first time period; capturing an image of the scanning area during the first time period wherein the image passes through a high dispersion optical lens before being captured
Data Source
AI summary
An optical code scanner is presented that includes image capture technology to scan optical codes. The image capture technology uses a fixed aperture, a fixed standard optical lens, a fixed high dispersion optical lens and at least one illumination device that generates different colors of light. Together, these elements increase the effective depth of field of the optical code scanner by capturing images of an item presented to the optical code scanner using different colors of light.