Imaging Engine Focus Switching Under Low Aimer Detectability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices, such as barcode scanners, face challenges in accurately focusing lenses due to inaccurate distance measurements and reduced detectability of aimer patterns in high ambient light conditions, leading to inefficient and time-consuming focus position adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A multi-imager imaging apparatus selects a lens focusing scheme based on the detectability of an aimer pattern, using triangulation when detectable and a priority-based sequence when not, to quickly and accurately determine the focus position for lenses in dual channel scanning systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulation-based focusing is used when aimer pattern is detectable, then focusing accuracy is improved, but in high ambient light conditions the aimer pattern detectability deteriorates leading to focusing failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidaimer pattern detectability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the aimer pattern by adjusting its brightness dynamically. In high ambient light conditions, the aimer pattern brightness is increased to maintain detectability and ensure reliable distance measurement. This parameter adjustment allows the triangulation-based focusing to continue functioning accurately despite challenging lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different focusing schemes based on real-time detection of aimer pattern visibility. When the aimer pattern becomes undetectable due to high ambient light, the system transitions from triangulation-based focusing to alternative focusing methods, and vice versa when the aimer pattern is detectable again. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous reliable operation across varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple focus positions are tested sequentially when aimer pattern is not detectable, then focusing reliability is improved, but the time required for focusing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing success rateVSAvoidfocus adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing a priority sequence of focus positions before actual focusing is needed. When the aimer pattern is not detectable, the system already has a predetermined order of focus positions to test, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time decision-making about which focus position to test next. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time required for focus adjustment while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the imaging device adapts to different lighting conditions by switching focusing schemes, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the focusing control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting condition adaptabilityVSAvoidfocusing control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The focusing control system is segmented into distinct, well-defined modules: an aimer pattern detection module that monitors detectability, a scheme selection module that chooses between triangulation-based and priority-based focusing, and execution modules for each focusing scheme. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple lighting conditions effectively while keeping each individual module simple and manageable, reducing overall system complexity despite high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Improves the snappiness and robustness of imaging devices by enhancing the accuracy and speed of lens focusing in dynamic lighting conditions, ensuring rapid and reliable image decoding.

Implementation Method 1

The imaging engine may use the aimer pattern for distance measurements, for example, to focus the one or more imagers for capturing the one or more images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation: Parallax

Data Source

PatentUS20260046518A1Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for comprehensive focusing in imaging environments

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 HAND HELD PRODS INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for selecting a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of an aimer pattern. An imaging engine projects an aimer pattern onto a target object within a field of view of a first imager of an imaging engine. The imaging engine acquires a first image of the target object via the first imager. The imaging engine selects a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of the aimer pattern in the first image, in which selection of the lens focusing scheme is between a first lens focusing scheme associated with a location of the aimer pattern and a second lens focusing scheme associated with at least one predefined lens position. The imaging engine determines a focus position for a lens in accordance with the lens focusing scheme.