EP2218033A1 - Optical code scanner with automatic focusing - Google Patents

Optical code scanner with automatic focusing

Info

Publication number
EP2218033A1
EP2218033A1 EP07844971A EP07844971A EP2218033A1 EP 2218033 A1 EP2218033 A1 EP 2218033A1 EP 07844971 A EP07844971 A EP 07844971A EP 07844971 A EP07844971 A EP 07844971A EP 2218033 A1 EP2218033 A1 EP 2218033A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
scanner
illumination
optical code
code
distance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07844971A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2218033A4 (en
Inventor
Yasutake Kawashima
Tohru Takahashi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Optoelectronics Co Ltd
Opticon Inc
Original Assignee
Optoelectronics Co Ltd
Opticon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Optoelectronics Co Ltd, Opticon Inc filed Critical Optoelectronics Co Ltd
Publication of EP2218033A1 publication Critical patent/EP2218033A1/en
Publication of EP2218033A4 publication Critical patent/EP2218033A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10792—Special measures in relation to the object to be scanned
    • G06K7/10801—Multidistance reading
    • G06K7/10811—Focalisation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B3/00—Simple or compound lenses
    • G02B3/12—Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses
    • G02B3/14—Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10712—Fixed beam scanning
    • G06K7/10722—Photodetector array or CCD scanning
    • G06K7/10732—Light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K2207/00—Other aspects
    • G06K2207/1013—Multi-focal

Definitions

  • the present convention relates generally to autofocus scanning systems and, more particularly, concerns code scanners capable of reading effectively over a wide range distances from a near field to a far field.
  • Barcode scanners are a common form of code scanner. Some scanners of this type are handheld and need to recognize codes on labels in a large range of sizes over a large range of distances. For example, a barcode reader should, ideally, to be able to read anything from a tiny label with a resolution of 0.127 mm at a distance of 50 mm (near field) to a huge label with a resolution of 1.4 mm at a distance of 3 m (far field). Some scanners need to recognize two-dimensional codes, which presents an even more stringent requirement.
  • the fundamental problem is that the scanning system must retain sharp focus over a large depth of field (DOF), the distance, included in the near to far fields.
  • DOF depth of field
  • the effective DOF can be increased by a using an automatic focus or zoom focus mechanism, such as one having a voice coil motor, to operate the optics or, the like.
  • they tend to have a relatively slow response (I do not think that this is true.), involve the use of moving parts (reliability issue) (If so all digital cameras and mobile phones have the same issues.), and have a relatively limited focal range (I do not think that this is true.). They are also not easily retrofitted into existing systems, since they must be introduced in the middle of the optics, requiring redesign of all the lenses.
  • an object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which is capable of detecting a code image effectively over all distances from a near field to a far field. It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which is capable of detecting a code image a relatively quickly, preferably in 20 ms, or less.
  • a code scanner which illuminates a scanned code from a distance, includes a liquid lens which focuses the reflected image of the code on an image sensor.
  • the scanner includes a range detector, preferably laser- based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the liquid lens is controlled to focus at the detected distance.
  • a code scanner which illuminates a scanned code from a distance includes a range detector, preferably laser-based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the source of illumination is uncontrolled to maintain its intensity substantially constant, regardless of the distance of the scanned code. This can be achieved by controlling the intensity of illumination (directly), or the dispersal angle of illumination in relationship to the distance.
  • FIG. 1 is schematic diagram illustrating a code scanner 10 embodying the present invention.
  • the scanner 10 has a light source 12, which illuminates an optical code 14, such as a barcode, at a distance.
  • the light L reflected from barcode 14 forms an image on image sensor 16, which is processed to decode the bar code 14.
  • a liquid lens 18 is interposed in the light path L between bar code 14 and image sensor 16.
  • this an electro optical type of device which has a optical interface between two transparent layers. Through the adjustment of an applied voltage, the shape of that interface maybe changed, changing the focal length of the lens.
  • the distance between the lens 18 and image sensor 16 remains fixed, however, the distance to the left of lens 18 of the plain on which the lens will focus will vary with the applied voltage.
  • a ranging apparatus which preferably comprises a laser device and a laser detector 24.
  • Pulsing technology measures the delay time between the initiation of a laser pulse and the return of its reflection.
  • Parallax technology projects a light beam to form a spot on a target and then measures the position of the detected spot on the target. The distance of the target can be determined from the position of the detected spot.
  • laser device 22 and detector 24 define a parallax ranging subsystem.
  • Laser 22 projects a light beam onto bar code 14 and detector 24 senses the position of the resulting dot and determines the distances of bar code 14. It then produces a signal representative of that distance, which is applied to controller 20. In response, controller 20 is then able to apply a voltage to lens 18 to focus it appropriately.
  • the output signal of detector 24 is also applied to light source 12, the intensity of which is controlled accordingly.
  • source 12 could be a ray of light emitting diodes, and the intensity could be controlled by the numbers of diodes on the array that are turned on (more simply by changing optical output power).
  • the intensity of light source 12 could also be controlled by varying the dispersion angle of the light at the midst.
  • Those skilled in the art will appreciate that that could be achieved mechanically by controlling the angle of vain- like devices or the like, or it can be achieved optically with a condensing lens. It would be possible to provide a plurality of condensing lens and select among them or to provide a zooming lens, possibly even a liquid lens.
  • liquid lens 18 is ARCTIC-414 or ARCTIC-416 produced by Varioptic.
  • liquid lenses may be utilized as well.
  • the laser is mounted atop of the camera module, instead of at the sides or on the bottom. Additionally, the laser should be offset from the optical axis by an amount equal to 6-15 mm. Moreover, if a LEDs are used for illumination, they should be mounted on the opposite of the module from the laser, in order to minimize the effects of reflection.
  • the present invention exhibits advantages over the prior art in that it is capable of focusing a code image more quickly; in that it avoids the use of moving parts, eliminating the associated reliability issues; in that it has a substantially greater focus range; and in that it is easily retrofitted into existing scanning systems

Abstract

A code scanner, which illuminates a scanned code from a distance, includes a liquid lens which focuses the reflected image of the code on an image sensor. The scanner includes a range detector, preferably laser-based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the liquid lens is controlled to focus at the detected distance. A source of illumination is uncontrolled to maintain its intensity substantially constant, regardless of the distance of the scanned code. This can be achieved by controlling the intensity of illumination (directly), or the dispersal angle of illumination in relationship to the distance.

Description

OPTICAL CODE SCANNER WITH AUTOMATIC FOCUSING
BACKGROUND ART
The present convention relates generally to autofocus scanning systems and, more particularly, concerns code scanners capable of reading effectively over a wide range distances from a near field to a far field.
Optical scanning systems find wide application throughout industry. Barcode scanners are a common form of code scanner. Some scanners of this type are handheld and need to recognize codes on labels in a large range of sizes over a large range of distances. For example, a barcode reader should, ideally, to be able to read anything from a tiny label with a resolution of 0.127 mm at a distance of 50 mm (near field) to a huge label with a resolution of 1.4 mm at a distance of 3 m (far field). Some scanners need to recognize two-dimensional codes, which presents an even more stringent requirement.
The fundamental problem is that the scanning system must retain sharp focus over a large depth of field (DOF), the distance, included in the near to far fields. The effective DOF can be increased by a using an automatic focus or zoom focus mechanism, such as one having a voice coil motor, to operate the optics or, the like. However, they tend to have a relatively slow response (I do not think that this is true.), involve the use of moving parts (reliability issue) (If so all digital cameras and mobile phones have the same issues.), and have a relatively limited focal range (I do not think that this is true.). They are also not easily retrofitted into existing systems, since they must be introduced in the middle of the optics, requiring redesign of all the lenses.
Even if the shortcomings of autofocus mechanisms could be overcome, the achievement of an ideal DOF could not be achieved. Illumination for reading the code is provided by the scanner, and it falls off steeply with distance. Thus, an illumination which is barely sufficient in the far field would be much too bright in the near field.
Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which is capable of detecting a code image effectively over all distances from a near field to a far field. It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which is capable of detecting a code image a relatively quickly, preferably in 20 ms, or less.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which avoids the use of moving parts, eliminating the associated reliability issues.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which has a substantially greater focus range than available optical code scanners. It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which is easily retrofitted into existing scanning systems.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an optical code scanner which is convenient and reliable in use, yet relatively simple and inexpensive in construction.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a code scanner, which illuminates a scanned code from a distance, includes a liquid lens which focuses the reflected image of the code on an image sensor. The scanner includes a range detector, preferably laser- based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the liquid lens is controlled to focus at the detected distance.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a code scanner, which illuminates a scanned code from a distance includes a range detector, preferably laser-based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the source of illumination is uncontrolled to maintain its intensity substantially constant, regardless of the distance of the scanned code. This can be achieved by controlling the intensity of illumination (directly), or the dispersal angle of illumination in relationship to the distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The foregoing brief description, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be understood more completely from the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments in accordance with the present invention, with reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is schematic diagram illustrating a code scanner embodying the present invention.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Turning now to the details of the drawings, Figure 1 is schematic diagram illustrating a code scanner 10 embodying the present invention. The scanner 10 has a light source 12, which illuminates an optical code 14, such as a barcode, at a distance. The light L reflected from barcode 14 forms an image on image sensor 16, which is processed to decode the bar code 14. A liquid lens 18 is interposed in the light path L between bar code 14 and image sensor 16. Those skilled in the art will understand that this an electro optical type of device which has a optical interface between two transparent layers. Through the adjustment of an applied voltage, the shape of that interface maybe changed, changing the focal length of the lens. The distance between the lens 18 and image sensor 16 remains fixed, however, the distance to the left of lens 18 of the plain on which the lens will focus will vary with the applied voltage. It is therefore possible to focus barcodes 14 at a range of distances from image sensors 16 by simply varying a voltage that controller 20 applies to lens 18. Mechanical movement of the lens is not necessary. However, it will be appreciated that the control voltage applied to lens 18 must be correlated to the actual distance of barcode 14 from lens 18 and, therefore, from image sensor 16.
In order to ensure appropriate control of lens 18, a ranging apparatus is provided which preferably comprises a laser device and a laser detector 24. Two types of laser ranging technology are well known in the art. Pulsing technology measures the delay time between the initiation of a laser pulse and the return of its reflection. Parallax technology projects a light beam to form a spot on a target and then measures the position of the detected spot on the target. The distance of the target can be determined from the position of the detected spot. Preferably, laser device 22 and detector 24 define a parallax ranging subsystem. Laser 22 projects a light beam onto bar code 14 and detector 24 senses the position of the resulting dot and determines the distances of bar code 14. It then produces a signal representative of that distance, which is applied to controller 20. In response, controller 20 is then able to apply a voltage to lens 18 to focus it appropriately.
The output signal of detector 24 is also applied to light source 12, the intensity of which is controlled accordingly. In its simplest form, source 12 could be a ray of light emitting diodes, and the intensity could be controlled by the numbers of diodes on the array that are turned on (more simply by changing optical output power). The intensity of light source 12 could also be controlled by varying the dispersion angle of the light at the midst. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that that could be achieved mechanically by controlling the angle of vain- like devices or the like, or it can be achieved optically with a condensing lens. It would be possible to provide a plurality of condensing lens and select among them or to provide a zooming lens, possibly even a liquid lens.
In any event, through the controller focus distance and light source illumination in relationship to the distance of the bar code, it becomes possible to achieve DOF performance which approaches the ideal. Preferably, liquid lens 18 is ARCTIC-414 or ARCTIC-416 produced by Varioptic.
However, other liquid lenses may be utilized as well.
In a preferred arrangement, the laser is mounted atop of the camera module, instead of at the sides or on the bottom. Additionally, the laser should be offset from the optical axis by an amount equal to 6-15 mm. Moreover, if a LEDs are used for illumination, they should be mounted on the opposite of the module from the laser, in order to minimize the effects of reflection.
As indicated previously the present invention exhibits advantages over the prior art in that it is capable of focusing a code image more quickly; in that it avoids the use of moving parts, eliminating the associated reliability issues; in that it has a substantially greater focus range; and in that it is easily retrofitted into existing scanning systems
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for a illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additions, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:
1. A scanner for imaging a remote optical code comprising: an image sensor receiving an image of the code made up of light reflected therefrom; a liquid lens interposed between the code and the image sensor creating the image on the sensor and having a control input for a signal which controls focus of the lens; a range detector producing a range signal related to the distance of the optical code, a signal being applied to the control input of the lens which is related to the range signal.
2. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the range detector comprises a laser radiator projecting a beam onto the optical code to create a spot thereon and a laser detector sensing a reflection from the spot and determining the distance of the optical code.
3. The scanner of claim 2, wherein the sensor responds to the sensed position of the spot.
4. The scanner of claim 1 further comprising a source of illumination directed towards the optical code and a controller constructed to control the illumination in relationship to the range signal.
5. The scanner of claim 4 wherein the controller is constructed to control the intensity of illumination in relationship to the range signal.
6. The scanner of claim 4 wherein the controller is constructed to control the angle of disbursement of illumination in relationship to the range signal.
7. The scanner of claim 4 wherein the range detector comprises a laser radiator projecting a beam onto the optical code to create a spot thereon and a laser detector sensing a reflection from the spot and determining the distance of the optical code.
8. The scanner of claim 7, wherein the sensor responds to the sensed position of the spot.
9. A scanner for imaging a remote optical code comprising: an image sensor receiving an image of the code made up of light reflected therefrom; optics interposed between the code and the image sensor creating the image on the sensor; a range detector producing a range signal related to the distance of the optical code; a source of illumination directed towards the optical code; and a controller constructed to control the illumination in relationship to the range signal.
10. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the range detector comprises a laser radiator projecting a beam onto the optical code to create a spot thereon and a laser detector sensing a reflection from the spot and determining the distance of the optical code.
11. The scanner of claim 10, wherein the sensor responds to the sensed position of the spot.
12. The scanner of claim 10 wherein the controller is constructed to control the intensity of illumination in relationship to the range signal.
13. The scanner of claim 10 wherein the controller is constructed to control the angle of disbursement of illumination in relationship to the range signal.
14. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the controller is constructed to control the intensity of illumination in relationship to the range signal.
15. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the controller is constructed to control the angle of disbursement of illumination in relationship to the range signal.
EP07844971A 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Optical code scanner with automatic focusing Withdrawn EP2218033A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/084043 WO2009061317A1 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Optical code scanner with automatic focusing

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2218033A1 true EP2218033A1 (en) 2010-08-18
EP2218033A4 EP2218033A4 (en) 2010-12-29

Family

ID=40626033

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07844971A Withdrawn EP2218033A4 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Optical code scanner with automatic focusing

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2218033A4 (en)
JP (1) JP2011504247A (en)
CN (1) CN101855639A (en)
WO (1) WO2009061317A1 (en)

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US8348168B2 (en) * 2010-05-17 2013-01-08 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Focus adjustment with liquid crystal device in imaging scanner
JP5605627B2 (en) * 2010-09-22 2014-10-15 カシオ計算機株式会社 Pattern or image reading apparatus, control method thereof, and program
JP2013025507A (en) * 2011-07-19 2013-02-04 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Printed information reading device
US8576390B1 (en) * 2012-07-31 2013-11-05 Cognex Corporation System and method for determining and controlling focal distance in a vision system camera
US8873892B2 (en) * 2012-08-21 2014-10-28 Cognex Corporation Trainable handheld optical character recognition systems and methods
TWI505198B (en) * 2012-09-11 2015-10-21 Sintai Optical Shenzhen Co Ltd Bar code reading method and reading device
US10491790B2 (en) 2016-03-22 2019-11-26 Symbol Technologies, Llc Imaging module and reader for, and method of, variably illuminating targets to be read by image capture over a range of working distances
JP6327294B2 (en) * 2016-06-22 2018-05-23 カシオ計算機株式会社 Light irradiation apparatus and program
CH712734A1 (en) * 2016-07-22 2018-01-31 Tecan Trading Ag Recognition device and method for detecting labels and / or features of laboratory objects.
DE102020109928B3 (en) * 2020-04-09 2020-12-31 Sick Ag Camera and method for capturing image data

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US5864128A (en) * 1991-10-15 1999-01-26 Geo Labs, Inc. Lens with variable focal length
US20050218231A1 (en) * 2004-01-23 2005-10-06 Intermec Ip Corp. Autofocus barcode scanner and the like employing micro-fluidic lens
US20070063048A1 (en) * 2005-09-14 2007-03-22 Havens William H Data reader apparatus having an adaptive lens
US20070153644A1 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-07-05 Datalogic S.P.A. Device and method for focusing a laser light beam
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2011504247A (en) 2011-02-03
WO2009061317A1 (en) 2009-05-14
CN101855639A (en) 2010-10-06
EP2218033A4 (en) 2010-12-29

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