PCB Piezoelectric Lens Focus Adjustment for Barcode Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode scanners face challenges in imaging product labels at variable distances and orientations, requiring manual calibration and setup, which is time-consuming and difficult to achieve clear image quality and resolution.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical focus adjustment system using a PCB piezoelectric motor integrated with the barcode scanner to automatically adjust the lens focus, minimizing manual intervention and enabling remote control of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual calibration and setup is used for focusing the barcode scanner, then the setup process can be performed with simple equipment, but the setup time increases and requires technician intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic focus calibration without requiring technician intervention. The microprocessor controls the piezoelectric motor to automatically adjust the lens focus based on feedback from the optical sensor, enabling the system to calibrate itself during operation rather than requiring manual setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of lens focus is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. A piezoelectric motor driven by a microprocessor automatically adjusts the lens position, substituting the need for manual mechanical calibration with an automated electronic control system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the barcode scanner is designed with fixed focus, then the device structure is simpler, but the image quality degrades at variable distances
Solution Approach 1:
The focus of the lens is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The piezoelectric motor enables real-time adjustment of the lens position along the optical axis, allowing the system to adapt focus to different distances and orientations during operation, thereby maintaining image quality across variable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts focus for different distances, compensates for varying orientations, and enables both manual and automatic operation modes. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to handle diverse imaging requirements without requiring separate systems for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If an automated focus adjustment system is added to the barcode scanner, then image quality improves over variable distances, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The focus adjustment mechanism is integrated with the existing optical system components. The piezoelectric motor is coupled to the lens assembly, and the microprocessor that controls it is part of the scanner's existing control architecture. This merging reduces the need for completely separate independent systems and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves improved image resolution by dynamically changing the physical parameter of lens position. The piezoelectric motor precisely adjusts the lens position along the optical axis, changing the focal distance parameter to match different object distances, thereby maintaining sharp focus and high resolution across variable ranges.
4Productivity
If manual focusing is required for different environments, then the system can be kept simple, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs focus calibration automatically during the startup or initialization phase before actual scanning operations begin. The microprocessor controls the piezoelectric motor to pre-adjust the lens focus based on expected operating conditions, so that when scanning begins, the system is already optimized and ready for immediate high-efficiency operation.
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
Facilitates faster and easier setup of barcode scanners with improved image quality and resolution over varying distances and orientations, reducing the need for manual calibration and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include a printed circuit board (PCB) piezoelectric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system, such as a scanner system for imaging machine-readable indicia may include a lens device, an adapter ring, and a PCB piezoelectric motor. The lens device may include an adjustable optical component operably coupled to a rotatable feature. The adapter ring may be engaged to the rotatable feature of the lens device so as to control movement of the rotatable feature. The PCB piezoelectric motor may include a stator mounted thereto, and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator. The rotor may be coupled to the adapter ring so that applying rotational energy to the stator causes the adapter ring to rotate, thereby causing the adjustable optical component to be adjusted.