VCSEL Aim Pattern Optics for Compact Barcode Scanner Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode scanning systems face challenges in providing adequate guidance to users for positioning targets within the correct field of view at various distances, leading to increased scanning times and errors, especially in portable and handheld devices where size and power constraints limit the implementation of additional optical elements.
Innovation Solution
An optical pattern generating system using a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and flat optical elements, such as a metalens and diffractive optical element, to create an aiming pattern that indicates the field of view, reducing the overall size and power consumption while providing visual guidance for accurate scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional optical elements are added to provide field of view guidance, then user guidance capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation and diffraction pattern generation) into a single integrated optical element. The collimating lens and diffraction grating are merged into one component that performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate optical elements and reducing overall device volume while maintaining field of view guidance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is designed to perform multiple functions: it collimates the VCSEL beam and simultaneously generates the diffraction pattern for field of view indication. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing device complexity and size
2Ease of operation
If additional optical elements are added to provide field of view guidance, then user guidance capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging collimation and diffraction functions into a single optical element, the system reduces the total number of components that require power for operation. The integrated design eliminates redundant power consumption associated with multiple separate optical actuators or illumination sources
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element utilizes the inherent properties of light from the VCSEL to generate the field of view pattern through passive diffraction. The system serves itself by using the laser beam as both the illumination source and the medium for pattern generation, eliminating the need for additional powered components
3Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination systems are used, then illumination coverage is improved, but device portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the illumination system by using a VCSEL source with specific wavelength and beam characteristics, combined with a diffraction-based optical element. This parameter change enables compact design while maintaining adequate illumination coverage for barcode scanning applications
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 system enables efficient scanning by providing a compact and portable solution for indicating the field of view, reducing scanning errors and improving scanning speed, while maintaining a small form factor and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first flat optical element thereon, the first flat optical element being an element that collimates the light
Implementation Method 2
a second flat optical element thereon, the second flat optical element configured to diffract the light to form an optical pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An optical pattern generating system for providing an aiming pattern in a field of view (FOV). The optical pattern generating system includes a light source configured to provide light along an optical axis, the light source including a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. The system further includes an optical substrate disposed along the optical axis configured to receive the light from the light source, the optical substrate having a first surface having a first flat optical element thereon, the first flat optical element being an element that collimates the light, a second surface having a second flat optical element thereon, the second flat optical element configured to diffract the light to form an optical pattern, and a thickness defined by the distance between the first surface and second surface.