Imaging Reader Out-of-Range Indication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state imaging readers face challenges in focusing and capturing images within a specific working range, leading to frustration for operators when targets are positioned outside this range, as the optical assembly can only be focused over a limited distance, resulting in inadequate image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an out-of-range indication system that alerts operators when the target is outside the working range of the imaging reader, using visual, auditory, or haptic cues, allowing for real-time adjustments to reposition the reader or target for optimal focus and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the optical assembly is designed to focus at extremely close distances (e.g., two inches for reading DPMs), then close focus capability is improved, but the ability to focus on objects far away (e.g., 200 inches for warehouse applications) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autofocus components that dynamically adjust the optical assembly to focus images at different distances. The system includes a motor-driven focusing mechanism that can shift the lens position to accommodate varying working distances, enabling the reader to transition from close-focus DPM reading to far-distance warehouse scanning applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by implementing variable aperture control and adjustable focal length mechanisms. The system can modify the aperture size to control depth of field and adjust the focal length to extend or reduce the working range, thereby adapting to different scanning scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-focus optical assemblies.
2Length of moving object
If the optical assembly is designed for very far distance focusing (e.g., 200 inches for warehouse applications), then far distance capability is improved, but close focus capability (e.g., two inches for reading DPMs) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autofocus components that dynamically adjust the optical assembly to focus images at different distances. The system includes a motor-driven focusing mechanism that can shift the lens position to accommodate varying working distances, enabling the reader to transition from close-focus DPM reading to far-distance warehouse scanning applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by implementing variable aperture control and adjustable focal length mechanisms. The system can modify the aperture size to control depth of field and adjust the focal length to extend or reduce the working range, thereby adapting to different scanning scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-focus optical assemblies.
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical assembly is designed to capture images with acceptable quality at typical DPM ranges (e.g., one-half to one and a half inches), then close focus image quality is improved, but the device size and cost increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid optical system that uses a primary optical assembly optimized for standard barcode reading distances combined with an auxiliary close-focus optical assembly. The system activates only the necessary component based on the detected target distance, providing excellent close-range image quality without requiring the entire system to be oversized for close-focus capability alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where a single reader device can handle both standard-distance barcode scanning and close-range DPM reading. The system uses sensor-based target detection to automatically switch between optical assemblies or adjust focus, providing universal functionality across different reading scenarios without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the operator positions the imaging reader outside the working range (e.g., one inch from a target when minimum focus is two inches), then portability and ease of positioning are improved, but image capture capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system using distance sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, or capacitive) that continuously measure the distance between the reader and the target. The system provides real-time feedback to the operator through visual or audible signals indicating when the target is within or outside the acceptable working range, enabling the operator to maintain optimal positioning without requiring precise manual measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated focus assistance system that uses the distance sensor data to automatically adjust the optical assembly's focus position. The system self-corrects for positioning errors by motorizing the lens movement to maintain optimal focus, reducing the burden on the operator to manually achieve precise positioning while maintaining high image quality.
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
Enables operators to easily recognize and correct positioning issues, ensuring accurate image capture and decoding of barcodes or DPMs by providing clear indications when the target is too close or far, thereby improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly for capturing return illumination light scattered and/or reflected from a target in a field of view (FOV) centered on an imaging axis
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly for capturing return illumination light scattered and/or reflected from a target in a field of view (FOV) centered on an imaging axis
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor produces electrical signals representing image frames of the images of the target on the image sensor
Implementation Method 4
In some instances, the optical assembly includes autofocus components for adjusting optical components of the optical assembly to focus images of the target on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing out-of-range indications are disclosed. An example imaging reader includes an image sensor and an optical assembly. The imaging reader may include a distance determining module configured to determine a distance to a target. The imaging reader may include an indication determining module configured to determine an out-of-range indication when the distance satisfies a first condition. An indicator may be included and configured to present the out-of-range indication. The image sensor may be configured to capture a representation of an image of the target when the distance satisfies a second condition. The imaging reader may include an indicia decoder configured to decode an indicia in the representation to determine an indicia payload and/or a communication interface to convey the indicia payload to a host system.