Predictive Focusing via Optical Path-Length Changing Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanning systems require multiple autofocus imaging sensors or optical devices to achieve focusing in multiple directions, increasing implementation costs and complexity, while existing solutions can only tilt or rotate the focus plane in one direction, limiting focusing accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a single autofocus imaging sensor with an optical path-length changing plate that includes multiple path-length changing members positioned away from the center, allowing for optical path length changes and focus plane rotation in multiple directions, enabling predictive focusing by analyzing images from different FoVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple autofocus imaging sensors or optical devices are used to achieve focusing in multiple directions, then focusing accuracy and reliability are improved, but implementation cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into multiple segments by positioning the single autofocus imaging sensor to receive light beams from different fields of view through separate optical paths. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-directional focusing capability without requiring multiple physical sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining focusing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single autofocus imaging sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving light beams from multiple different fields of view simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables the sensor to provide focusing information for multiple directions using a single device, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single autofocus imaging sensor is used, then implementation cost and device complexity are reduced, but focusing capability in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by strategically positioning the single autofocus imaging sensor to intercept light beams from multiple fields of view through different optical paths. This spatial arrangement enables the sensor to acquire focusing information from multiple directions simultaneously, adding multi-directional capability without increasing the number of sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system acts as an intermediary that directs light beams from multiple different fields of view to the single autofocus imaging sensor. This intermediary mechanism enables the sensor to receive multi-directional focusing information without requiring multiple dedicated sensors, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing system complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional focusing methods are used in high-speed scanning systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but image sharpness deteriorates due to inability to perform predictive focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary focusing action by using the autofocus imaging sensor to detect focus deviations in advance during high-speed scanning. The system performs predictive focusing adjustments before the main imaging occurs, ensuring that images are captured at the correct focus position even during high-speed operation, thereby maintaining image sharpness while enabling high productivity.
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 allows for high-speed predictive focusing with improved accuracy and reliability in image scanning systems, reducing costs by using a single sensor and enhancing image sharpness across multiple directions, while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an individual light beam that travels therethrough in a direction along the optical axis experiences a change in optical path length introduced by the plate
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses an apparatus for achieving predictive focusing in an image scanning system. The apparatus comprises an optical path-length changing plate and an image sensor. In one embodiment, the plate comprises a plurality of path-length changing members. The plate further includes a central region configured to provide a substantially constant change in optical path length across the central region, allowing an image passing therethrough to be in-focus captured. Having a light receiving surface, each path-length changing member is configured to provide a substantially non-uniform change in optical path length across the light receiving surface, allowing a focus plane of the image to be tilted such that the image projected onto the imaging sensor can be used for predicting an amount of optical adjustment required to achieve focusing. By using more than one path-length changing member, predictive focusing is achievable with more than one direction of focus-plane tilting.