Liquid Lens Image Capture Device with Barrel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices for coded optical information, such as bar code readers, face limitations in depth of field and decoding time due to the complexity and cost of traditional focusing systems, particularly with the use of piezoelectric and voice coil actuators, which are unreliable and have long response times.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a liquid lens with a compact and economical electro-optical element that combines diaphragm and electrical contact functions, using a barrel to support the liquid lens and conductor elements for improved assembly reliability and repeatability, along with a simplified H-bridge circuit for driving the liquid lens with resistors instead of power switches, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional focusing systems with piezoelectric or voice coil actuators are used, then focusing capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical focusing systems (piezoelectric actuators, voice coils) with a liquid lens system that uses electrical fields to change the refractive index of the lens material. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, thereby improving reliability and reducing response time while maintaining focusing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the lens material from solid/mechanical to liquid/electrical control. By applying voltage to change the refractive index of the liquid lens medium, the system achieves focusing without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and response time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture modules with differently focused optics are provided, then depth of field is increased, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple static image capture modules with fixed focal lengths, the patent employs a single dynamic liquid lens that can electronically adjust its focal length in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows one module to replace multiple modules, reducing complexity while maintaining versatile depth of field coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens system provides multi-functionality by enabling a single image capture module to perform focusing at multiple different distances through electrical control. This universal focusing capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized modules, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If electric motors are used to physically move optics for focusing, then focusing capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors that physically move optical components with an electrical field-based liquid lens system. This substitution eliminates mechanical actuation mechanisms, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation through simple electrical control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (liquid lens medium) that responds to electrical fields to achieve focusing. This intermediary approach avoids direct mechanical coupling between control electronics and optical components, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity.
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
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective image capture module with improved depth of field and faster decoding times, enhancing the performance of optical code readers by stabilizing the liquid lens and optimizing the drive circuit for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens (16) having a variable focal length, in particular an autofocus liquid lens
Implementation Method 2
a drive circuit (18) for driving said liquid lens, in particular comprising an H-bridge circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
An image capture module (10), comprising a liquid lens (16) having a first and a second electrode (38, 48), a first and a second conductor element (34, 44) in electrical contact with said first and second electrode (38, 48), respectively, said first and second conductor elements (34, 44) being each intended for connection with a voltage generator (18) for driving the liquid lens (16), wherein the first conductor element (34) comprises an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region (36) for contact with the first electrode (38) of the liquid lens (16), and having a light diaphragm aperture (40) in a central region thereof.