Laser Parallax Focusing for Barcode Imaging on Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in quickly and accurately focusing on data carrying graphical symbols, such as 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional barcodes, especially when the symbols are on items with varying heights or curved surfaces, leading to potential false or inaccurate evaluation results.
Innovation Solution
The use of parallax focusing techniques in conjunction with a fixed on-display focusing target to adjust the distance between a fixed focal length imaging device and the item, aided by a laser source and indicator, ensures that the item is properly aligned and focused within the imaging device's focal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed focal length imaging device is used, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to accommodate items with varying heights or curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A laser alignment system serves as an intermediary tool between the operator and the imaging device. The laser projects a focal plane indicator onto the item surface, enabling the operator to adjust the item position to achieve proper focus without requiring a complex variable focal length lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complexity of variable focal length lenses with a simpler fixed focal length lens combined with a laser alignment system. Instead of mechanically adjusting the lens focal length, the system uses a laser to indicate the focal plane position, allowing focus adjustment through item positioning rather than optical system modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual focusing adjustment is required for items with varying heights, then adaptability improves, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser alignment system enables the item to effectively focus itself. By projecting the focal plane indicator onto the item surface, the system provides self-aligning guidance that allows operators to quickly position items at the correct height without complex manual adjustment procedures or time-consuming trial-and-error focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser provides a visual indicator (light projection) that changes position based on focal plane location. This visual feedback mechanism allows operators to quickly understand whether an item is in focus or out of focus and make appropriate adjustments, significantly reducing focusing time compared to systems without visual guidance.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging device is positioned overhead for overhead imaging, then ease of item placement improves, but accurate distance adjustment between the imaging device and item surface becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The laser alignment system acts as an intermediary that bridges the overhead imaging configuration and the item surface. By projecting the focal plane indicator down onto the item, the laser provides a visual reference that guides operators in achieving the correct distance between the overhead imaging device and the item surface, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex adjustment task.
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 allows for accurate and efficient focusing of imaging devices on items with varying heights or curved surfaces, reducing the likelihood of false evaluation results and enabling high-quality image collection and print quality evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
activating a laser source for producing a laser beam and an associated laser spot indicator
Implementation Method 2
repeatedly displaying, upon an available display means, images captured by the imaging device including the face of the item of interest and the laser spot indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting an object distance for focusing upon a face of an item, including a data carrying graphical that is placed within a field-of-view of a fixed focal length imaging device. The method employs using parallax focusing techniques to produce a laser spot indicator, and further calls for providing a fixed on-screen focusing target to indicate a location to which the laser spot indicator must be moved and positioned before in-focus imaging activities can be realized. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.