Barcode Reading Accessory with Folded Optical Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and other mobile devices have limitations in barcode-reading capabilities due to suboptimal camera lens settings for focus and zoom, which delay response times and affect barcode capture and decoding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A barcode-reading enhancement accessory that includes an optic system to fold the optical path of the mobile device's field of illumination or camera view, along with a supplemental illumination system for targeting and exposure illumination, allowing for improved barcode capture and decoding without the need for autofocus or autozoom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If smartphone camera uses standard autofocus and autozoom settings, then the device is easy to operate, but barcode reading response time is slow and decoding accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the camera with fixed focus and zoom settings optimized for barcode reading before the actual scanning operation. The camera lens is set to a predetermined focus distance and magnification level that are ideal for capturing barcodes, eliminating the need for real-time autofocus and autozoom adjustments during barcode scanning. This pre-configuration ensures rapid response time while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera field of view is widened to capture barcodes at various distances, then adaptability improves, but measurement precision of barcode details deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a focused, concentrated beam of light that illuminates only the specific region containing the barcode. This localized illumination approach ensures that the camera's field of view and focus are optimized for the immediate area of interest, providing high measurement precision for barcode decoding. The illumination system adjusts to highlight the barcode region specifically, maintaining adaptability while ensuring decoding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the illumination parameters (intensity, direction, focus) based on the detected barcode position and distance. The system modifies lighting conditions to optimize the contrast and clarity of the barcode for decoding, allowing the camera to maintain high measurement precision across various distances while preserving adaptability to different scanning scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If additional illumination systems are added to improve barcode visibility, then decoding accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the illumination system directly with the camera housing, combining two separate functions (illumination and image capture) into a single unified device. The LED light source is positioned within the camera assembly, and the control circuitry coordinates both illumination and imaging operations through a single interface. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining improved barcode decoding accuracy through enhanced visibility.
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
Enhances barcode reading efficiency by reducing response time and improving decoding accuracy, enabling rapid and effective barcode capture across a wider range of distances and conditions.
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.