Variable Focus Lens Controller for Code Reading Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In code reading applications, particularly in scenarios with limited computational resources, determining the precise settings for variable focus lenses to achieve desired optical outcomes is computationally complex, overwhelming system resources and requiring efficient solutions to manage resource usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising an image sensor, a fixed focus lens, two variable focus lenses, and a variable focus lens controller, programmed to selectively control the lenses to project short, medium, and long fields of view onto the image sensor, with a processor communicating signals to set specific focal lengths based on predefined settings stored in memory, allowing for efficient switching between viewing modes without overwhelming computational resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable focus lenses are used to achieve multiple optical outcomes, then adaptability is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores optimal lens parameter combinations for different object distances and code sizes in lookup tables. When a code scanning task begins, the system simply retrieves pre-determined parameters rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus achieving high adaptability with minimal computational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts focal length and aperture parameters of variable focus lenses based on detected object distance and code characteristics. By changing these optical parameters adaptively, the system achieves multiple optical outcomes (different fields of view, focal planes) without requiring complex computational processing during operation.
2Productivity
If real-time optical parameter adjustment is implemented, then productivity is improved, but computational resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optimal optical parameters for various scanning scenarios are pre-calculated and stored in memory before operation. During actual code scanning, the system performs rapid parameter retrieval and switching based on detected conditions, achieving real-time adaptability without consuming significant computational resources during the critical scanning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex real-time computational optimization with a simpler retrieval and switching mechanism. Instead of performing intensive calculations during code scanning, the system uses pre-computed lookup tables and simple conditional logic to determine optimal parameters, substituting mechanical/computational complexity with stored data reference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variable focus lenses are used to expand viewing range, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing range is divided into multiple segments (short distance, medium distance, long distance) handled by different variable focus lenses. Each lens is optimized for specific distance ranges, and the system switches between lenses based on detected object distance. This segmentation allows comprehensive viewing coverage while keeping individual lens designs simpler and more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple variable focus lenses with different focal length ranges are combined in the optical system, allowing the system to handle diverse scanning scenarios (different distances, code sizes) with a unified multi-lens architecture. Each lens contributes specific focal length capabilities, and their combined operation provides universal adaptability across all required viewing conditions.
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
Enables efficient code reading at various distances with known size dimensions by projecting appropriate fields of view, optimizing resource usage and ensuring accurate image acquisition without excessive computational burden, thereby enhancing the performance of code reading systems in resource-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first variable focus lens positioned along the optical axis at a second distance from the image sensor... a second variable focus lens positioned along the optical axis at a third distance from the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for acquiring images of a code at variable distances. The systems and methods utilize variable focus lenses (16, 18) with variabel optical powert together with lens of fixed focus (14) to provide operating conditions where acquisition of images of the code at shorter distances provides a wider viewing angle and lower magnification than acquisition of images of the code at longer distance. In some cases, the distances for code image acquisition can be predefined. The predefined distances can have corresponding predefined variable focus lens settings to facilitate image acquisition.