Barcode Reading Accessory with Folded Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and other mobile devices face challenges in efficiently reading barcodes due to limitations in their camera and illumination systems, which affect the speed and accuracy of barcode capture and decoding.
Innovation Solution
A barcode-reading accessory that includes an optic system to modify the optical path of the camera's field of view and illumination, along with a supplemental illumination system for targeting and exposure illumination, is designed to enhance barcode reading capabilities by improving focus, zoom, and image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the camera and illumination systems of mobile devices are used for barcode reading, then barcode reading capability is provided, but the speed and accuracy of barcode capture and decoding are limited
Solution Approach 1:
An optical accessory is introduced as an intermediary between the mobile device's camera and the barcode. This accessory includes optical elements such as lenses or prisms that modify the optical path to improve image quality and barcode capture accuracy, directly addressing the limitation of the native camera system while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies optical parameters such as focal length, aperture, and illumination intensity through the accessory's optical elements. By changing these parameters, the system achieves better focus, reduced distortion, and improved contrast for barcode capture, thereby enhancing both reading speed and accuracy simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If the camera field of view is used for barcode capture, then barcode reading is enabled, but focus and zoom capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical accessory serves as a mediator that adds sophisticated optical capabilities (focus adjustment, zoom) without requiring the mobile device itself to become more complex. The accessory handles the complex optical functions while the mobile device remains a simple capture platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into separate functional components within the accessory - distinct lenses for focus, prisms for zoom, and separate illumination elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity.
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 accessory significantly improves the speed and accuracy of barcode reading and decoding on mobile devices by optimizing the camera's optical path and illumination, enabling faster and more reliable barcode capture and processing.
Implementation Method 1
an optic system secured to the outer case and configured to fold an optical path of at least one of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
a supplemental illumination system for targeting illumination and/or exposure illumination
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 is 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.