Micro-optical system for an auto-focus scanner having an improved depth of field
US6522441B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S359/904
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A micro-optical system with autofocus capability utilizing micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to vary the focus of the beam achieving increased depth of field and improved poor quality reading. The disclosed micro-optical system includes a light source, a micro-optical element positioned adjacent the light source, a detector configured to provide detection information based at least in part on a location of an object, a processor configured to calculate and transmit, and an actuator configured to adjust the relative spacing of the micro-optical element and the light source based at least n part on the actuation information received. In another embodiment, end-user or OEM focus is disclosed wherein the scanner is varied by altering the focus parameters input by the user. In this embodiment, the focus parameters are dependent on the application for which the scanner is to be used. For example, the device may be configured to have a very small “waist” or “spot” to read extremely small barcodes for applications where space for barcode labels is limited or where barcodes are deliberately made unobtrusive. Similarly, a methods of use of the present invention …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.