Imaging Reader Distance Determination via Collimated Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in determining target distance at variable ranges without using rangefinders or extra sensors, leading to slow performance and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system employing a collimated light beam with a constant beam spot size, using a solid-state imager and controller to calculate target distance by comparing calibration and target image sizes, eliminating the need for rangefinders or parallax estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rangefinder or ultrasonic sensor is used to determine target distance, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system uses its own existing imaging components (imager and illuminator) to determine target distance, rather than adding separate rangefinder or ultrasonic sensors. The system serves its own distance measurement need through self-contained image capture and analysis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing imager and illuminator components are made multi-functional by using them both for primary imaging purposes and for distance determination. The same hardware infrastructure serves multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated distance measurement sensors.
2Measurement precision
If a rangefinder is used to determine target distance, then distance measurement accuracy is improved, but system reliability degrades due to additional failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system determines distance using its own existing components without relying on external rangefinders, thereby eliminating additional failure points and improving overall system reliability while maintaining measurement capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical auto-focus/zoom systems with extra sensors are used, then focusing performance at different distances is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance determination through image capture and analysis before adjusting focus settings. This preliminary action provides the optical system with advance information about target distance, enabling precise focusing without complex real-time sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image analysis (target image size measurements) to determine distance and adjust focus accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise focusing by continuously monitoring and responding to target characteristics.
4Measurement precision
If parallax of aiming spot is used to estimate target distance, then distance estimation capability is improved, but measurement precision and reliability degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical parallax-based estimation methods with an optical/image-based measurement approach. By using the imager to capture and analyze target image sizes, the system achieves more reliable and precise distance determination without relying on subjective parallax judgment.
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 method enhances system performance and reliability by enabling accurate target distance determination and intelligent focusing, allowing for faster decode times and extended working ranges without additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the imager is operative for capturing return light of a target image size from the system target
Data Source
AI summary
A target distance to a system target located at variable distances from an imaging system is determined by illuminating a calibration target at a calibration distance with a collimated light beam during a calibration mode of operation, by illuminating the system target at the variable target distance with the collimated light beam during an imaging mode of operation, by configuring the collimated light beam with a beam spot of a generally constant size during both modes of operation, by capturing return light of a calibration image size from the calibration target during the calibration mode, by capturing return light of a target image size from the system target during the imaging mode, and by determining the variable target distance based on the calibration distance, the calibration image size, and the target image size.