Fold Mirror Housing for Mobile Device Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for adapting wireless mobile devices, such as smartphones, into electro-optical readers for reading bar code symbols are cumbersome, require time-consuming Bluetooth pairing, are expensive, and have battery charging challenges, while also occupying both hands and lacking ergonomic design.
Innovation Solution
A housing system with a fold mirror and trigger assembly that redirects the camera's field of view and allows for single-handed operation, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing and separate batteries, and using a universal handle with interchangeable upper housings to accommodate different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a phone is used as a bar code scanner, then the device cost is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to clumsy handling and lack of dedicated trigger switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary trigger mechanism that couples the user's manual action to the camera's capture function. The trigger assembly includes a trigger switch that mechanically or electrically connects to the camera's shutter release, providing a dedicated scanning initiation point that improves operational ease while keeping the phone itself as the scanning device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent attaches the phone to a handle or holder structure that positions the camera at an ergonomic angle and distance for scanning. This adds a spatial dimension to the setup, transforming the phone from a handheld slab into a gun-like scanner configuration that improves ease of operation without changing the phone itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth pairing is used for data transmission, then wireless communication is enabled, but the loss of time increases due to time-consuming pairing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary pairing actions during device setup or initialization, so that when scanning begins, the Bluetooth connection is already established. The system pre-configures the communication channel between the phone and host computer, eliminating the need for time-consuming pairing during actual scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically manage Bluetooth connections without user intervention. The phone and host computer perform self-service pairing through pre-configured identifiers, automatic connection protocols, or persistent connection profiles that eliminate manual pairing steps and reduce time loss.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate batteries are used in the adaptor, then power supply is provided, but the device complexity increases and battery charging becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function into the existing phone battery, eliminating the need for separate adaptor batteries. The phone's internal battery powers both the camera and any additional scanning components, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate power supply for scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the phone's battery serve multiple functions: powering the camera, the operating system, and any additional scanning or communication components. This universal power source approach eliminates the need for dedicated adaptor batteries and their associated charging infrastructure.
4Ease of manufacture
If the camera lens is mounted at the rear side of the phone, then the field of view is perpendicular to the rear side, but the ease of operation worsens due to clumsy handling for scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches the phone to a handle or holder that repositions the camera at an optimal scanning angle and distance. This adds a spatial dimension to the setup, allowing the camera to capture targets horizontally or at an ergonomic angle rather than requiring the user to hold the phone vertically with the lens facing outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handle or holder as an intermediary structure between the user's hand and the phone. This mediator provides ergonomic grip and positions the camera at the correct orientation for scanning, improving ease of operation without changing the phone's internal camera mounting.
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
Enables rapid adaptation to evolving mobile device designs with minimal investment, provides an inexpensive and ergonomic solution for reading bar code symbols, reduces battery consumption, and eliminates the need for dedicated chargers, allowing for efficient and convenient single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
An optical element, such as a fold mirror, is mounted on the top extension and is spaced away from the camera lens
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device having a camera is adapted to serve as an electro-optical reader for electro-optically reading targets. The device is received and held in a housing having a rear wall. A top extension extends away from the rear wall at a top region of the device. A fold mirror is mounted on the top extension and is spaced away from a camera lens of the device. The fold mirror is inclined relative the rear wall and is operative for receiving at least a portion of a field of view imaged by the camera from each target along a first direction, and for folding and redirecting the field of view along a second direction generally perpendicular to the rear wall through the camera lens to the camera. A handle having a trigger assembly may be connected to the housing.