The Zebra Aurora suite of machine vision software enables users to solve their track-and-trace, vision inspection and industrial automation needs.

Zebra's 1D and 2D corded and cordless barcode scanners anticipate any scanning challenge in a variety of environments, whether retail, healthcare, T&L or manufacturing.

For what concerns the dimensions, the liquid lens is small, and it just adds a small Hirose 6 pin connector on the side of the optics. The design is compact and robust, and high reliability is assured thanks to billion cycles of tests. In addition, due to the absence of moving parts, it has a lower chance of breaking.

Traditional approaches to overcome those limitations use additional mechanics to change the distance between the camera and the focusing plane, or multiple cameras focused on different distances. Both these have strong limitations in terms of size, reliability and complexity, in particular when it comes to the vision system integration and software elaboration.

Zebra’s line of kiosks can meet any self-service or digital signage need, from checking prices and stock on an in-aisle store kiosk to fully-featured kiosks that can be deployed on the wall, counter, desktop or floor in a retail store, hotel, airport check-in gate, physician’s office, local government office and more.

Another field is the beverage sector, where bottles and cans have different formats and are at a different working distance. Figure 3 better explains this concept.

In today's world, the demands on transportation and logistics companies are higher than ever. Dedicated Warehouse, Fleet and Delivery, and Yard and Terminal solutions enable visibility to every aspect of your business and keep operations running flawlessly around the clock.

In conclusion, it can be asserted that liquid lens technology has the capacity to streamline vision systems that face the task of working with format changes. The main advantages are the increase of versatility of the system and the repeatability that you can achieve compared to a mechanical system.

In particular, the prior has limitations in terms of size, speed and reliability. The latter results in a multiplication of equipment costs, furthermore the increased amount of images taken requires additional steps in the software development.

Zebra's desktop, mobile, industrial, and portable printers for barcode labels, receipts, RFID tags and cards give you smarter ways to track and manage assets.

Figure 2 reports an example of what is mentioned. In this case the response time is equal to 1 [ms], while the setting time is equal to 4 [ms]. This means that to have a totally stabilized focus, the user has to wait 5 [ms].

Sorry your session has expired due to 30 minutes of inactivity. Please start a new chat to continue.

Mount the ET4x-HC tablet in the Presentation Stand via the battery door adapter to create a kiosk for patient self check-in, registration or point-of-sale (POS) application.

Explore Zebra’s printer software to integrate, manage and monitor printers easily, maximizing IT resources and minimizing down time.

Drive down costs while driving up employee, security, and network performance with software designed to enhance Zebra's wireless infrastructure and mobile solutions.

Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 it is designed for healthcare staff inside hospitals and other outpatient centers as well as patients themselves for self check-in and entertainment.

The liquid lens is a cell containing a liquid, this is sealed off with an elastic polymer membrane, all around there is a voice coil. The current is driven through the coil to produce a magnetic field, this causes the membrane to change its shape. By changing the shape, the performance of the whole optical system will change, in particular, the parameter that is affected the most by this is the working distance. Changing the shape of the liquid lens lets you focus on different planes within a certain range which depends on the design of the optic. This means that we are effectively able to refocus the optic at a different working distance by means of an electrical signal.

The Zebra Knowledge Center provides learning expertise that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your environment.

One example is the pharma industries. In this field, for traceability purposes, a complete inspection of vial caps is always required. In particular is it asked to the vision system to be able to perform OCR or matrix data reading. When dealing with large or different sample sizes, multi-camera systems are the preferred solution, but they are complex and cumbersome. The use of liquid lens would eliminate the problem since the system can automatically refocus when changing the format of the product.

With the ET4x-HC Hand Strap enhance the portability of your tablet, making it easier to hold and carry. The Hand Strap is made of silicon rubber and frame is made with disinfectant ready plastics that is able to withstand constant cleaning of harsh chemicals.

For example, consider a conveyor, where the bottles slide at a constant speed. The samples need to be recognized and we want the system to read a barcode that is printed on the cap. In this case the focus must be adapted every time because the dimensions of the cap change and the working distance changes too. Without using a liquid lens a mechanical arm has to be programmed to turn the focus gear. In addition to the encumbrances, this also adds vibrations to the system and could cause unwanted displacement of the camera or of the bottles. This type of application strongly recommends the use of a liquid lens due to its ability to provide rapid responses and the flexibility to adjust focus through software, in addition to other advantages.

Zebra’s mobile computing, scanning, and printing solutions connect each operational area in your warehouse to give you the agility to realize transformational gains.

Zebra's environmental sensors monitor temperature-sensitive products, offering data insights on environmental conditions across industry applications.

Deep optics

Don't worry, after the chat ends, you can save the transcript. Click the agent name in the header and then click Save Transcript.

With Zebra's family of fixed industrial scanners and machine vision technologies, you can tailor your solutions to your environment and applications.

Zebra's Industry Solutions can give your business a competitive advantage by connecting people, assets and data to help you make better decisions.

Tunablelens

Zebra's VisibilityIQ Foresight is a cloud based solution that aggregates data from MDM and other device data sources to provide you with the business intelligence you need to get the most out of your data investment.

The liquid lens can be driven in two different modes: current mode and power mode. By changing the current driven to the lens you are changing its focal power and vice versa, but you need to pay attention because the focal power is a function of both the current and the temperature of the lens.

Aurora Vision Studio, an image processing software for machine & computer vision engineers, allows quick creation, integration & monitoring of powerful OEM vision applications.

Tubelens

The integrated barcode scanner captures virtually any barcode in any condition with point-and-shoot simplicity, allowing caregivers to verify patient identification, validate medication administration and more. Document wound condition with ultra-high resolution photos. Enable telehealth consultations with video calling. Turn tablets into two-way walkie talkies or PBX handsets and enable secure text messaging for sensitive communications in public areas.

Empower your field workers with purpose-driven mobile technology solutions to help them capture and share critical data in any environment.

VisibilityIQ puts Zebra device data intelligence into your hands when and how you need it with different solutions and dashboards that provide you with the business intelligence needed to improve productivity and get the most out of your investment.

Designed for experienced programmers proficient in vision applications, Aurora Vision Library provides the same sophisticated functionality as our Aurora Vision Studio software but presented in programming language.

Zebra's healthcare technology solutions provide patient identity management, mobile health devices, and business intelligence data to improve efficiency.

The vision system Depth of Field (i.e. the range of distances from the optics where the acquired image shows an “acceptable” focusing) is limited by several specifications, among the most important ones there is the diameter of the optics’ aperture stop (i.e. the working f-number). Since the Depth of Field increases proportionally to the f-number increase, vision systems which require long focusing ranges usually implements high f-number values. This choice must accept drastic limitations on the achievable image brightness and resolution, which limit the vision system acquisition speed and overall performances.

If you’re planning to purchase rugged Windows mobile tablets for your workforce, this whitepaper is for you. In addition to a helpful criteria list to assist in the selection of the right tablet for your organization, it explains the many competitive advantages that Zebra Windows mobile tablets provide.

Aurora Design Assistant™, formerly Matrox Design Assistant, integrated development environment (IDE) is a flowchart-based platform for building machine vision applications, with templates to speed up development and bring solutions online quicker.

Zebra's rugged tablets and 2-in-1 laptops are thin and lightweight, yet rugged to work wherever you do on familiar and easy-to-use Windows or Android OS.

Zebra DNA is the industry’s broadest suite of enterprise software that delivers an ideal experience for all during the entire lifetime of every Zebra device.

Easily stage and set up devices out of box with the simple scan of a barcode. From enrollment into EMM, to device configurations, StageNow simplifies ​ barcode-based setup.

Make the most of every stage of your scanning journey from deployment to optimization. Zebra's barcode scanner software lets you keep devices current and adapt them to your business needs for a stronger ROI across the full lifecycle.

Reduce uncertainty when you anticipate market volatility. Predict, plan and stay agile to align inventory with shifting demand.

Boost warehouse and manufacturing operations with Symmetry, an AMR software for fleet management of Autonomous Mobile Robots and streamlined automation workflows.

See how our global community of over 10,000 partners in 54 countries can provide a performance edge to your front-line workers and improve your business outcomes. Visit our New Partner Locator and contact an authorized Zebra Partner today.

Advanced medical grade plastics enable the constant disinfecting required to prevent the spread of germs. It’s rugged — you can drop it, use it indoors and outside in the rain and snow, and it still works. A dedicated programmable emergency button enables caregivers to call the right person for help in a split second. 5G and Wi-Fi 6 provide the fastest and most dependable wireless connections. And more.

Zebra's Circular Economy Program helps you manage today’s challenges and plan for tomorrow with smart solutions that are good for your budget and the environment.

Furthermore, the seamless integration with cameras confers an additional benefit, facilitating the accessibility of this technology. This development increases the potential for new applications in the foreseeable future thanks to the additional versatility provided by this technology.

Keep labor costs low, your talent happy and your organization compliant. Create an agile operation that can navigate unexpected schedule changes and customer demand to drive sales, satisfy customers and improve your bottom line.

The ZQ600 Plus Series takes the popular QLn platform and makes it even better–adding advanced technology and innovative design that drive productivity, ease of use, and manageability to a new level. The industry’s first Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) mobile printer, the ZQ600 Plus Series provides fast, secure, dependable wireless connections and includes standard, healthcare and RFID models.

Learn how Zebra's public sector technology solutions empower state and local governments to improve efficiency with asset tracking and data capture devices.

This second mode is incredibly useful because by fixing the optical power, the focus remains stable, and it is not lost during the acquisition. The implementation of this mode is possible because of the presence of a temperature sensor on the liquid lens. These functions have been implemented on the internal driver of the camera, so they are easily accessible from the GenICam tree. Using GenICam or GigE Vision communication interfaces it is possible to set up these two modes and use the liquid lens.

With both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity, it is design for caregivers working in expansive medical facilities and providers out in the community going in and out of patients homes or nursing homes.

Designed specifically for quality professionals in the manufacturing industry, this session aims to equip you with the tools and strategies to transform your role and your organization's approach to quality.

Zebra’s manufacturing technology solutions enable manufacturers to become more agile, optimize plant floor performance and embrace market changes.

The TC2x Series delivers the best of all worlds—a smartphone styling, and pricing, with big business features that boost productivity and customer service quality.

Advance your digital transformation and execute your strategic plans with the help of the right location and tracking technology.

The DS9900 Series features a one-of-a-kind hybrid design that offers both handheld and hands-free scanning. It delivers industry-leading scanning technology, superior ease of use and a wide range of innovative features that boost productivity, including optional RFID capability.

The software part is also simplified, because with the camera with the integrated driver, only one software is required. Conversely, if using an external driver, the user needs two software, one for the camera and one for the lens when doing the development of the system. This may create issues since these two software have to be used in parallel and synchronized.

Zebra's range of mobile computers equip your workforce with the devices they need from handhelds and tablets to wearables and vehicle-mounted computers.

Zebra Aurora Focus brings a new level of simplicity to controlling enterprise-wide manufacturing and logistics automation solutions. With this powerful interface, it’s easy to set up, deploy and run Zebra’s Fixed Industrial Scanners and Machine Vision Smart Cameras, eliminating the need for different tools and reducing training and deployment time.

With the VESA Mount Adapter and third party mounting accessories, easily mount the ET4x-HC tablet at bedside in patient rooms to allow patients to view their health information or access entertainment

Powerful pre-installed Zebra DNA Professional tools are ready to use, at no cost. Increase security and device manageability, control the applications and device features workers can access, easily integrate all the features of these tablets into your workflows and more. And the optional Zebra DNA Enterprise license takes caregiver productivity to the next level with more tools that makes it even easier for your workers to capture the extensive amount of data required throughout the workday.

Zebra DNA for Tablets is a suite of enterprise solutions designed to help maximize mobile user productivity and minimize IT complexities over the lifespan of a Zebra computer, tablet or wearable device. Our secure solutions help support every stage of your device’s lifecycle, simplifying device lifecycle management and lowering total cost of ownership.

Figure 1 shows an example of a system with optics integrating liquid lens technology and a traditional camera (left) and with a camera equipped with liquid lens driver (right). You can see that using a traditional camera the system has an increased complexity due to the usage of an additional cable and driver.

Optotune

Our team of partners and sales associates know the ins and outs of every industry to deliver tailored solutions to customers. Let us connect you with a Zebra expert in your area to select and implement the right Zebra solution that best fit your business needs.

Zebra has a wide variety of courses to train you and your staff, ranging from scheduled sessions to remote offerings as well as custom tailored to your specific needs.

ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  ©2024 Zebra Technologies Corp. and/or its affiliates.

Find ways you can contact Zebra Technologies’ Support, including Email and Chat, ask a technical question or initiate a Repair Request.

Zebra's market-leading solutions and products improve customer satisfaction with a lower cost per interaction by keeping service representatives connected with colleagues, customers, management and the tools they use to satisfy customers across the supply chain.

Unlock the power of 3D measurement data to identify root causes, prevent dimensional issues, and gain actionable insights for quality assurance in this comprehensive 60-minute webinar.

Mx adds a layer of functionality not available in off the shelf Android, features that make Zebra's Android-based mobile computers enterprise-ready and easier to manage.​

When the focus is changed, the response time and the setting time must be also taken into account. The response time is the time which the liquid lens takes to change its focal power in response to the given current change. The setting time is the time required for the full stabilization of the optical power.

Build your reputation with Zebra's certification offerings. Zebra offers a variety of options that can help you progress your career path forward.

Aurora Imaging Library™, formerly Matrox Imaging Library, machine-vision software development kit (SDK) has a deep collection of tools for image capture, processing, analysis, annotation, display, and archiving. Code-level customization starts here.

Zebra's range of Banking technology solutions enables banks to minimize costs and to increase revenue throughout their branch network. Learn more.

Giacomo Martinetti, application engineer at Opto Engineering (Mantova, Italy). For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.opto-e.com.

Build your reputation with Zebra's certification offerings. Zebra offers a variety of options that can help you progress your career path forward.

Our Zebra OneCare Support and Service goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to cover it all, including normal wear and tear, and accidental damage.

Liquidcrystallens

Discover Zebra’s range of accessories from chargers, communication cables to cases to help you customize your mobile device for optimal efficiency.

Zebra's hospitality technology solutions equip your hotel and restaurant staff to deliver superior customer and guest service through inventory tracking and more.

Liquid lens is a new technology which has been developed with the aim of making the adjustment of focus of the optic an easier process. This technology performs the change of focus using an electrical signal instead of a mechanical stimulation of the optic. In this article we will explore the working principles of liquid lenses, how to integrate them with industrial cameras and possible applications.

Choose Zebra's reliable barcode, RFID and card supplies carefully selected to ensure high performance, print quality, durability and readability.

Empower the front line with prioritized task notification and enhanced communication capabilities for easier collaboration and more efficient task execution.

Zebra ET50 tablets help McDonald's Brazil to streamline customer service in its drive-thrus, keeping customers happy and getting them back on the road.

Zebra's location technologies provide real-time tracking for your organization to better manage and optimize your critical assets and create more efficient workflows.

When you’re committed to setting a higher standard, you need a tablet that’s not only rugged, but also designed to work exactly the way you need it to. Reimagine your workday with a purpose-built tablet that’s perfectly matched and personally customized to work your way. Bring your highest aspirations within reach with Zebra.

Adding innovative tech is critical to your success, but it can be complex and disruptive. Professional Services help you accelerate adoption, and maximize productivity without affecting your workflows, business processes and finances.

RFID development, demonstration and production software and utilities help you build and manage your RFID deployments more efficiently.

Throughout the machine vision industry it has always been a challenge to keep 3D products in focus under the camera or to quickly scan various objects at different distances.

To control the liquid lens and supply the current we need a driver. Usually the driver could be either a USB stick or a circuit board, but these solutions require the integration of an additional product. A possible solution to this problem is to integrate the drivers of the liquid lens directly into the camera. Since each vision system has at least one camera, by having the lens driver directly in it, we are not required to use an additional component into the system.

Scale and energize your retail strategy with a digital backbone that unifies your team, informs priorities and drives results with Zebra's retail technology solutions.

Liquid lensedmund optics

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Quality audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Quality or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

RFID development, demonstration and production software and utilities help you build and manage your RFID deployments more efficiently.

Zebra's Managed Service delivers worry-free device management to ensure ultimate uptime for your Zebra Mobile Computers and Printers via dedicated experts.

5G, WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E is designed to help companies determine where and how these technologies fit best in their organization — and when to begin migration or deployment.

The liquid lens technology allows for a faster refocus compared to mechanical focusing by step motors or hand adjustment. Furthermore, the focus is more precise compared to the rotation of a focusing gear. This is a strong advantage of this technology because it increases the repeatability across different systems and different focus positions.

Device uptime, confidence, and savings — that’s what you get with Zebra OneCare™ maintenance plans. You protect business-critical devices and eliminate disruptions and unplanned repair expenses.