Low-Height Proximity Optical Code Reader with Baffle-Controlled Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical code readers are expensive and require large volumes of space, making them unsuitable for compact applications such as reading printed information on glucose test strips or similar clinical diagnostic strips.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, low-height, non-imaging optical reader that uses a light source with a baffle to project a narrow beam cone onto the strip, allowing for high data bit density and multi-level encoding without the need for lenses, and can be used in transmissive or reflective configurations with mechanical or manual strip movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning lasers or fixed illumination with imaging systems are used, then optical code reading capability is achieved, but device cost and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the imaging system and lens components from the optical code reader, retaining only the essential light source and photodetector elements. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device volume and complexity while maintaining code reading functionality through a simplified non-imaging optical path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical imaging system with a direct optical scanning approach using a light source that projects light through or reflected from the code onto a photodetector array. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical focusing components while achieving the same measurement function through a simpler optical-mechanical interaction
2Illumination intensity
If lenses are used to focus light, then optical focusing is achieved, but adaptability for compact spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes lenses and other focusing optical elements from the system, achieving optical focusing through alternative means such as geometric light path control and direct projection. This extraction of lens components enables the device to be adapted to compact spaces where lenses would be difficult to accommodate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves light focusing and spatial control by utilizing the temporal dimension of scanning and the geometric arrangement of light paths rather than relying on lens-based spatial focusing. This dimensional shift allows for compact integration by replacing three-dimensional lens focusing with two-dimensional geometric control and temporal scanning
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical readers are used, then code reading function is provided, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, code interaction region, and photodetector into a single compact assembly where the light path is directly projected through or reflected from the code onto the detector without intermediate optical components. This merging of functional elements into a unified compact structure maintains code reading functionality while dramatically reducing the overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical imaging systems with a streamlined optical scanning mechanism that uses direct light projection and reflection. This substitution of the optical-mechanical system enables the code reading function to be achieved in a much smaller volume by eliminating the need for separate lens assemblies, image sensors, and complex positioning mechanisms
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 high-resolution reading of binary and multi-level printed information in compact spaces, achieving high data bit density and robustness against alignment errors, while maintaining a low manufacturing cost and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to project light through or reflected from the printed information onto a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for optically reading an encoded pattern on a patterned test strip or other patterned target placed in proximity and moved with respect to an optical code reader. The reader can include an LED light source. A transmit baffle located between the LED light source and the target can define a transmit aperture for passing light originating from the LED light source to a target location on the patterned target. A photodetector arranged to receive light associated with the target location can produce a response signal providing information about the encoded pattern at the target location. A receive baffle located between the photodetector and the target can define a receive aperture for passing light from the target to the photodetector. Signal processing circuitry can be coupled to the photodetector to receive the response signal, and to decode information about the encoded pattern.