Foldable One-Way Mirror Barcode Accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and similar devices have poor barcode reading capabilities, limiting their effectiveness in scanning barcodes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading enhancement system for mobile devices, including an accessory with an optic module and a target-generating structure that projects a targeting pattern, along with a mobile barcode reading application, to improve the camera's field of view and illumination for better barcode capture and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smartphone uses its built-in camera to read barcodes, then the device can perform barcode scanning without additional hardware, but the barcode reading capability is poor due to insufficient field of view and illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foldable mirror that redirects light at an angle, effectively adding a dimensional transformation to the optical path. This allows the camera to capture barcodes from angles that would otherwise be outside its field of view, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple device architecture and improving barcode reading capability through expanded angular coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accessory device as an intermediary between the smartphone camera and the barcode target. This accessory contains optical elements (foldable mirror, lens, aperture) that mediate the light path and image formation process, enabling improved barcode reading capability without modifying the smartphone itself, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If the camera field of view is expanded to capture more barcode areas, then barcode reading accuracy improves, but the illumination quality deteriorates due to light dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an aperture that selectively controls which light rays reach the camera sensor. By creating a localized light path through the aperture while blocking other paths, the system maintains high illumination intensity in the specific region of interest (the barcode) even as the overall field of view expands. This local quality control resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and illumination intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable mirror redirects light from directions outside the camera's original field of view into the camera's optical path. This dimensional transformation allows the system to capture barcodes at various angles while maintaining proper illumination through the mirror's reflective surface, resolving the contradiction between expanded field of view and illumination 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
Enhances the barcode reading capabilities of mobile devices by improving the camera's field of view and illumination, allowing for more accurate and efficient scanning of barcodes.
Implementation Method 1
The optic module may include a one-way mirror with a first side and a second side. The first side may be in the camera field of view and may fold the camera field of view to create the system field of view.
Implementation Method 2
The collimating optic may include a lens and an aperture. The aperture may narrow a field of illumination of the illumination emitted by the light source to create a targeting field of illumination. The lens may sharpen the targeting field of illumination into the targeting pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reading enhancement system for a mobile device is described. The barcode reading enhancement system may include an accessory. The accessory may be securable to the mobile device and include a one-way mirror. A first side of the one-way mirror may fold a camera field of view of a camera of the mobile device in a direction away from a top end of the mobile device. The accessory may also include a target-generating structure that projects a targeting pattern through a second side of the one-way mirror into a center of the folded camera field of view. The targeting pattern may assist a user of the barcode reading enhancement system in placing a barcode in the center of the folded camera field of view and thereby improve the quality of barcode images captured by the camera of the mobile device.