Variable Lens Assembly for Laser Scanning Indicia Reading Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning indicia reading terminals face challenges in increasing reading range and maintaining focus accuracy, particularly when the terminal is significantly out of focus relative to the target, leading to failed decoding attempts despite optimized operational controls.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning indicia reading terminal with a variable setting imaging lens that allows for multiple planes of optimum focus, enabling the terminal to adjust its scanning width and operational parameters such as laser light source energization and amplifier gain based on the current lens setting, optimizing signal-to-noise ratio and improving decoding success.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed focal length lens is used in the laser scanning terminal, then the device structure is simple, but the reading range is limited and focus accuracy deteriorates when the terminal is significantly out of focus relative to the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable focal length lens assembly that can dynamically adjust its focusing properties. The lens assembly transitions from a fixed focal length configuration to a variable focal length configuration, allowing the system to adapt its focus plane according to different reading distances. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the terminal to maintain focus accuracy across a broader range of distances, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the focal length parameter of the lens assembly. By changing the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens, the system can adjust the plane of optimum focus to match different target distances. This parameter adjustment allows the terminal to maintain decoding accuracy whether the target is near or far, effectively resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and avoiding increased device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reading range is increased using a variable lens assembly, then the terminal can read targets at different distances, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a variable lens assembly that performs multiple functions: it can focus on near targets, far targets, and intermediate distances within a single optical component. This multi-functional lens assembly eliminates the need for multiple separate lenses or complex mechanical switching mechanisms, thereby increasing reading range adaptability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the lens assembly allows it to adapt to different reading scenarios. By making the focal length variable rather than fixed, the single lens assembly can serve multiple distance ranges, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If operational parameters are optimized for a specific lens setting, then decoding accuracy improves for that setting, but performance deteriorates when the lens setting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by establishing an association between lens settings and operational parameters. The system monitors the current lens setting and automatically adjusts operational parameters (such as laser power, scan speed, or signal processing gains) based on the detected setting. This feedback mechanism ensures that decoding accuracy is maintained across different lens settings, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting operational parameters according to the lens setting. When the lens setting changes, the system modifies related operational parameters to maintain optimal performance. This coordinated parameter adjustment ensures that decoding accuracy is preserved across varying lens configurations, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility.
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
The terminal achieves improved likelihood of successful reading and reduced read time by optimizing operational parameters for the current lens setting, even when out of focus, by varying the plane of optimum focus and associated parameters, enhancing decoding accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a laser scanning indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment a first predetermined scanning width can be associated to the first lens setting and a second scanning width can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting scans to a first width and with the lens setting set to a second setting scans to a second width. In addition to or in place of the scan width operational parameters different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.