Variable Focus Lenses for High-Speed Code Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging applications where computational resources are scarce, such as code reading, existing optical systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing variable focus lenses without overburdening computational resources, particularly in quickly adjusting focus and zoom to capture high-quality images of objects at varying distances, especially in high-speed conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising an image sensor, a fixed focus lens, and two variable focus lenses controlled by a processor and memory, which selectively adjusts focal lengths to project short, medium, and long fields of view, allowing simultaneous adjustment of focus and zoom to maintain image quality across different object distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable focus lenses are used to achieve wide range optical properties and quick switching between settings, then imaging flexibility and speed are improved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal lens setting combinations for various object distances and code sizes in lookup tables. During operation, the system simply queries these pre-computed tables rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus achieving flexible imaging adaptation without computational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the computational system (software algorithms for determining lens settings) with a data storage system (lookup tables in memory). This substitution transforms the complex computational process into a simple data retrieval operation, maintaining imaging flexibility while eliminating computational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If computational resources are monopolized for image acquisition purposes, then image quality is improved, but other processing functions are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-determines and stores optimal imaging parameters including lens focal lengths, aperture settings, and exposure times in lookup tables based on object distance and code size. During actual operation, the system only needs to retrieve these pre-computed parameters and apply them, minimizing computational resource usage during image acquisition and allowing other processing functions to run concurrently.
3Ease of operation
If focus and zoom are adjusted separately in conventional systems, then individual control is maintained, but adjustment time increases and image quality degrades during rapid transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of focus (first variable focus lens) and zoom (second variable focus lens) into a unified system controlled by pre-computed lookup tables. When an object distance is detected, the system simultaneously retrieves and applies the corresponding focal length settings for both lenses, enabling coordinated adjustment that maintains image quality during rapid transitions while reducing overall adjustment time.
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 high-speed image acquisition with preserved resolution across varying focal distances, reducing the incidence of 'no-reads' and maintaining image quality, even at rapid adjustment speeds, by simultaneously adjusting focus and zoom, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
An optical system includes an image sensor, a fixed focus lens, a first variable focus lens, a second variable focus lens, and a variable focus lens controller
Data Source
AI summary
Optical systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods can include two liquid lenses and an aperture positioned between the two liquid lenses along an optical axis of an imaging device, which axis passes through the two liquid lenses. The systems and methods can retrieve liquid lens settings and set desired focal distances to achieve a variety of outcomes. The systems and methods can operate based on geometric arrangements of flexible membranes associated with the liquid lenses. In some cases, a desired focal distance can be used to configure the settings for the liquid lenses. In some cases, the liquid lens settings are tailored for acquisition speeds associated with rapid scanning and decoding of code candidates.