Parallel Aiming Beams for Symbol Reader Depth Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine-readable symbol readers face accuracy issues due to singular alignment of illumination sources, which complicates the alignment of aiming patterns across the depth of field, increasing manufacturing and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a machine-readable symbol reader with at least two optical components positioned relative to the illumination source to direct light as parallel aiming beams, providing a visible aiming indication that remains aligned with the optical axis across the depth of field, using a splitter and reflector to generate and control the beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single illumination source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy of aiming patterns across depth of field deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single illumination beam into multiple parallel beams using optical components (beam splitter and reflector). This segmentation allows the system to maintain alignment accuracy across the depth of field by providing multiple reference points while still using only one illumination source, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (beam splitter and reflector) between the single illumination source and the target. These intermediaries transform the single beam into multiple parallel beams that remain aligned with the optical axis across the depth of field, enabling accurate aiming without requiring multiple illumination sources.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple illumination sources are used to maintain alignment across depth of field, then aiming accuracy is improved, but manufacturing and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple illumination sources, the patent segments a single illumination beam into multiple parallel beams using optical components. This approach achieves the same alignment accuracy across the depth of field while avoiding the complexity and cost of manufacturing and aligning multiple illumination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies of the illumination beam using beam splitters and reflectors. These copied beams serve as reference markers for aiming accuracy without requiring additional illumination sources, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining alignment precision.
3Ease of operation
If angularly spaced illumination sources are used, then aiming indication is provided, but alignment with optical axis across depth of field is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of angling the illumination sources relative to the optical axis to provide visibility, the patent inverts the approach by making the beams parallel to the optical axis and using their positions (created by optical intermediaries) to provide the aiming indication. This maintains alignment with the optical axis while still providing visible aiming feedback to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical intermediaries to create parallel beams that are positioned to provide aiming indication while remaining aligned with the optical axis. The intermediaries mediate between the need for visible aiming feedback and the requirement for precise optical alignment, allowing both goals to be achieved simultaneously.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and performance of machine-readable symbol readers by ensuring the aiming patterns are aligned with the optical axis, allowing for precise image acquisition and processing across the depth of field without the need for multiple illumination sources, thereby reducing manufacturing and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical component reflects a portion of the light emitted by the illumination source as a first beam and which passes a second portion of the light emitted by the illumination source. The second optical component reflects at least some of the second portion of the light as a second beam.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An engine for a machine-readable symbol reader includes an image sensor; at least one optical component positioned in an optical path of the image sensor, the image sensor and the at least one optical component having a receiving optical axis and a depth of field; an illumination source; and at least two optical components positioned relative to the illumination source to direct light emitted by the illumination source outward of the engine as a first beam and at least a second beam. The first and the second beams are each parallel to the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component at least along the depth of field of the image sensor and the at least one optical component. The first and the second beams are opposed to one another across the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component to provide a visible aiming indication when impinging on an object.