Barcode-Reading Accessory with Folded Optics and Segmented LEDs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and other portable devices lack effective barcode-reading capabilities due to suboptimal camera and illumination systems, which hinder efficient barcode capture and decoding.
Innovation Solution
A barcode-reading enhancement accessory with a diffuse bright field illumination system and optical substrate, along with a dark field illumination system, is secured to the mobile device, enhancing the camera's field of view and illumination for improved barcode detection and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard camera and illumination system are used in smartphones, then the device complexity is low, but the barcode reading accuracy and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent LED light sources positioned at different locations around the camera lens. Each LED can be controlled independently to provide specific illumination patterns (bright field, dark field, or combined), allowing the system to achieve high barcode reading accuracy without requiring a single complex illumination mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The same set of LEDs and optical components serves multiple functions: providing illumination for different barcode types (1D, 2D, Data Matrix), supporting both bright field and dark field imaging modes, and enabling reading at various distances. This multi-functionality improves barcode reading accuracy while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems
2Reliability
If multiple illumination systems are added to improve barcode detection in various lighting conditions, then the barcode reading reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination functions (bright field illumination, dark field illumination) are merged into a single integrated optical assembly surrounding the camera lens. The LEDs are positioned and configured to provide both illumination modes simultaneously or selectively through software control, improving detection reliability across different lighting conditions while maintaining a compact, unified structure rather than adding separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different illumination modes by changing the operational parameters of the existing LEDs (which LEDs are activated, their intensity levels, and timing) rather than adding physically different illumination components. This allows the system to adapt to various lighting conditions and barcode types while keeping the hardware complexity low
3Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view is expanded to capture barcodes at various distances, then the adaptability improves, but the measurement precision may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system incorporates adjustable focus mechanisms that allow the camera to dynamically change focus distance. Combined with the环形 LED illumination that provides consistent lighting across different depths, this enables the system to maintain high barcode image quality whether reading近距离 or远距离 barcodes, thus preserving measurement precision while expanding adaptability
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 solution enables faster and more accurate barcode reading by optimizing the illumination and optics, allowing for efficient decoding of barcodes with improved contrast and focus, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The optical substrate may have a front major surface and a back major surface arranged generally perpendicular to an optical axis of the camera, and between which light from the white light source is transferred by total internal reflection primarily in a direction traverse to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
The dark field illuminator may be a colored light-emitting diode (LED) with an illumination spectrum narrower than an illumination spectrum of the white light source
Data Source
AI summary
This patent specification describes a barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability. The accessory may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device is encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device may be accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage is configured to accommodate a mobile device of a particular size such that a mobile device of a different size may be accommodated in the outer case using a different inner carriage. The accessory may also include an optic system to fold an optical path of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device and/or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device.