Miniature Imaging Engine With Distance-Based Focus and Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial scanners face challenges in efficiently scanning barcodes across a wide range of distances due to the compromise between lens system size and housing dimensions, requiring high precision alignment of optics, and the need for appropriate focus, illumination, and zoom capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A miniature imaging engine with a variable focus optical element, digital zoom module, aiming module, and illumination module, controlled by a microprocessor, that adjusts focus and illumination modes based on target distance for precise barcode scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high powered scanners are used to scan barcodes across a wide range of distances, then scanning capability is improved, but the lens system size increases beyond housing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable focus lens system that can dynamically change its focal length to adapt to different scanning distances. This dynamic adjustment allows the scanner to maintain high scanning capability across a wide range of distances without requiring multiple fixed-focus lenses of different sizes, thus resolving the contradiction between scanning performance and compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (focal length, focus position) based on detected target distance to optimize scanning performance at different ranges. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the scanner achieves long-range scanning capability without permanently increasing lens system size
2Volume of moving object
If compact imaging systems are used to reduce housing dimensions, then device size is reduced, but optical alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an automatic focus system that uses a focus detection sensor to automatically adjust the lens position and achieve optimal focus without manual intervention. This self-adjusting mechanism compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains optical alignment precision in the compact housing, eliminating the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback from the focus detection sensor to continuously monitor and adjust optical alignment. This closed-loop control ensures that optical elements remain properly aligned despite the compact housing dimensions, maintaining scanning precision without requiring oversized components
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable focus and zoom capabilities are added to scan across wide distance ranges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (auto-focus, auto-zoom, illumination control) into a single coordinated system controlled by a microprocessor. This universal control architecture manages all optical adjustments through a unified control logic, reducing the perceived complexity despite the multiple capabilities being provided
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary distance measurement using an aim light pattern detection mechanism before initiating focus and zoom adjustments. This preliminary action allows the microprocessor to pre-calculate the required optical parameters, streamlining the subsequent adjustment process and reducing overall system 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 system achieves high-resolution image capture and accurate barcode reading over long distances with reduced dimensions, improved scanning efficiency, and enhanced optical alignment, allowing for smaller lenses and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
causing, by the microprocessor, a variable focus optical element to focus on the object based on the target distance
Implementation Method 2
an imaging sensor disposed along the optical axis to receive light from the variable focus optical element
Implementation Method 3
an illumination module configured to provide first illumination along a first illumination axis and second illumination along a second illumination axis
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems to implement a miniature long range imaging engine with auto-focus, auto-zoom, and auto-illumination are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting, by a microprocessor, a presence of an aim light pattern within the FOV; determining, by the microprocessor and in response to the detecting, a target distance of an object in the FOV based on a position of the aim light pattern in the FOV, the target distance being a distance from the imaging engine to the object; causing, by the microprocessor, a variable focus optical element to focus on the object based on the target distance; and responsive to making a first determination, by the microprocessor, selecting, based on the target distance, one of a plurality of zoom operation modes.