Mobile Device Case for Multi-View Bar Code Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for bar code scanning, including those using mobile devices, face limitations such as the need for specialized hardware, difficulty in capturing clear images due to autofocusing delays, and an unsuitable form factor for natural scanning motions, which restrict their effectiveness and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device case with optical elements that allows the camera to view multiple fields of view simultaneously, enabling different image capture parameters for each field and facilitating bar code scanning while maintaining the device's general-purpose functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional mobile device camera is used for bar code scanning, then the device can capture images, but the autofocusing delays prevent clear image capture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage clarityVSAvoidautofocusing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the camera to focus at a fixed distance optimized for bar code scanning. This eliminates the need for real-time autofocusing during scanning operations, as the focus is predetermined and set in advance based on the typical working distance for bar code recognition, thereby resolving the contradiction between image clarity and focusing delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the focus parameter from a dynamic autofocusing state to a fixed focus state at a specific distance. By adjusting the focus parameter to a predetermined value optimized for bar code scanning distance, the system eliminates focusing delays while maintaining image clarity for the intended application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If specialized hardware is used for bar code scanning, then scanning effectiveness improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning effectivenessVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the mobile device camera to perform both general photography functions and specialized bar code scanning functions using the same hardware components. The case with optical elements allows the camera to achieve scanning effectiveness without requiring dedicated scanning hardware, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability for the intended purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary case with optical elements that mediates between the standard mobile device camera and the bar code scanning requirement. This intermediary component enables effective scanning by directing light appropriately without requiring complex specialized hardware integration into the device itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera views multiple fields of view simultaneously, then bar code scanning capability improves, but image capture parameter configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning capabilityVSAvoidparameter configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single camera field of view into multiple distinct fields of view using optical elements in the case. Each field of view can be independently optimized for different scanning scenarios, allowing the system to handle various bar code orientations and positions while maintaining manageable parameter configuration through modular optical paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient bar code scanning by allowing the mobile device to capture clear images with optimized exposure and focus settings, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and improving user experience through natural scanning motions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical element conveys light between the second opening and the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11570340B2Mobile device case and techniques for multi-view imaging

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SCANDIT AG

AI summary

Described herein are embodiments of a mobile device case that allows a mobile device camera to view and/or capture images from multiple fields of view. The case may allow the mobile device camera to simultaneously capture image information from multiple different directions relative to the camera or mobile device. The fields of view may not be contiguous fields of view, such that there is a gap or other discontinuity between the fields of view. One field of view may be a field visible from or facing a surface of the mobile device on which the camera is disposed (e.g., the back of the mobile device) and another field of view may be one visible from or facing a different surface of the mobile device. Also described are embodiments of techniques for configuring a mobile device to capture and/or process images from multiple fields of view.