Indicia-Reader Housing Integrated Optical Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging barcode readers in mobile computing devices suffer from limitations in illumination, alignment, and image quality, making them less effective compared to dedicated imaging indicia readers, and there is a need for a compact, integrated solution within hand-held devices.
Innovation Solution
An imaging engine with an integrated optical structure within the housing, comprising an imaging module, an aiming module, and an illuminating module, using optically transparent materials like polycarbonate or PMMA, and co-molded lenses for improved alignment and illumination, reducing size and weight by integrating optical elements directly into the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical components (lenses, illuminators, aligners) are used in the imaging engine, then optical performance and image quality are improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate optical components (imaging lens, illuminating lens, aligning lens, aperture) into a single integrated optical structure formed as one piece from optically transparent material. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting and alignment of individual components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the optical functions of each element
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the imaging lens for capturing barcode images, the illuminating lens for projecting light onto the target, the aligning lens for projecting the visible aligning pattern, and defines the aperture. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining all necessary optical capabilities
2Reliability
If multiple separate optical components are used, then optical functions are well-defined, but the size and weight of the imaging engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical components into a single integrated structure, the total material volume and weight are reduced compared to having separate components with their own mounting structures, housings, and alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical structure is formed from optically transparent material such as glass or plastic that provides both the necessary optical properties and structural integrity, eliminating the need for additional metallic mounting components and reducing overall weight
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate optical components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing cost and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical structure can be manufactured as a single piece using precision molding or glass blowing techniques, eliminating the need for multiple separate manufacturing processes, assembly steps, and quality control checks for individual components
Solution Approach 2:
While the structure is integrated, the design incorporates distinct optical zones within the single piece that correspond to different optical functions (imaging, illumination, alignment), allowing each function to be optimized independently during the design and molding process without requiring separate physical components
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 integrated optical structure enhances image quality, reduces part count and assembly complexity, and allows for a compact design suitable for hand-held devices, improving performance and user experience by providing uniform illumination and precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of the housing imaging lens and one or more imaging-module lenses form a lens group. This lens group is used to render (i.e., focus) an image onto the image sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The housing aiming lens is part of the housing's integrated optical structure and is configured to create a visible aligning pattern on the target.
Implementation Method 3
The housing illuminating lens is part of the housing's integrated optical structure and is configured to provide uniform illumination within the imaging engine's field of view.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging engine for an indicia reader that includes a dual-purposed housing is disclosed. The housing is configured to provide support and alignment for the imaging engine's optical modules. In addition, the housing includes an integrated optical structure to focus or project light to or from the various optical modules.