Adaptable Optical Sensor for Aerosol Device Indicia Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices face challenges in reliably reading indicia on consumable articles due to limited space, high temperatures, and the sensitivity of optical elements, which affects focus and contrast, leading to unreliable data reading and increased assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical sensing system with adaptable characteristics, such as variable focal length or position, using techniques like deformable liquid interfaces or MEMS technologies, allows for improved focus and contrast maintenance without mechanically moving parts, enabling reliable indicia reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical elements are used to read indicia on consumable articles, then data reading capability is improved, but focus and contrast become sensitive to distance variations leading to unreliable reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adaptable optical sensing system where the focal length or position of optical elements can be dynamically adjusted in response to the distance of indicia from the sensor. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal focus and contrast reading conditions regardless of variations in article placement distance, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reading reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (focal length or position) based on detected distance variations. By monitoring the distance between the optical sensor and the indicia, the system adjusts optical parameters to compensate for distance changes, ensuring consistent reading quality and reliability across different operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensing system is implemented to read indicia, then data reading capability is improved, but device complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a more simplified adaptable optical system. Instead of using multiple moving parts and mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms, the system employs optical elements whose focal length or position can be adapted through less complex means (such as deformable lenses or adjustable positioners), thereby reducing device complexity and assembly costs while maintaining reading accuracy.
3Volume of moving object
If optical elements are positioned close to consumable articles to save space, then device compactness is improved, but focus and contrast are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptable optical sensing system allows the optical elements to dynamically adjust their focal length or position even when positioned in close proximity to the consumable articles. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal focus and contrast reading conditions despite the reduced space available, resolving the contradiction between device compactness and indicia reading quality.
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
This solution enhances the ability to read indicia reliably and densely, reducing errors and assembly complexity, while maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness in aerosol generating devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensing system that is configured to read indicia on a consumable article received in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
an optical element having a focal length and the adapting means is configured to adapt the focal length of the optical element in response to a distance of the indicia from the optical sensing system
Data Source
AI summary
A smoking device (2) comprises an optical sensing system (5) for reading indicia (10) on a consumable article (1). Means are provided for adapting a characteristic of the optical sensing system (5) in response to a distance of the indicia (10) from the optical sensing system (5). The adapting means may change the focal length of an optical clement (120) by applying a potential difference to change a refractive index of the optical element (120) or to change the curvature of an optical surface (130). The optical surface (130) may be an interface between two immiscible liquids (122, 124) that have different electrical properties. The adapting means may alternatively move an element of the optical sensing system (5) in response to the distance of the indicia (10), for example by changing a shape of a support of an optical element (120). The optical element may comprise a pinhole (20) and the adapting means may change the size of its aperture.