Optical Code Decoding for Auto-Adjusting Cigarette Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electronic cigarette lighters require manual settings for different cigarettes, leading to inconsistent heating and potential issues with cigarette smell, and they consume significant power.

Innovation Solution

An optical decoding device with an image sensor, processing circuit, and decoding device that automatically detects cigarette type and adjusts heating parameters without manual input, while switching between power-saving modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electronic cigarette lighters use manual settings for different cigarettes, then users can control heating parameters, but the device complexity increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual setting requirementVSAvoidsetting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects cigarette type through optical coding and self-adjusts heating parameters without manual user input. The system reads codes from cigarette packaging and autonomously configures heating settings, eliminating the need for manual intervention while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates optical detection to read cigarette identification codes and uses this feedback to automatically adjust heating parameters. The feedback loop ensures the device adapts its operation based on detected cigarette type, achieving automated control without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If traditional electronic cigarette lighters use manual settings, then users can optimize heating for different cigarettes, but power consumption increases due to continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic detectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection and parameter adjustment occur periodically only when a cigarette is inserted, rather than continuously operating. The system activates sensors and processing circuits temporarily during cigarette insertion to read codes and adjust settings, then enters low-power mode, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining automatic detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the device decodes all sensing images in all modes, then decoding accuracy is maximized, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode decoding accuracyVSAvoidprocessing power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial decoding by processing only the necessary sensing images based on detected conditions. When a cigarette is detected, the system activates full decoding capability for accurate code reading. When no cigarette is present, the system skips decoding operations entirely, consuming minimal power while maintaining accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The decoding operation dynamically adjusts its intensity based on operational context. The system transitions between active decoding mode (when cigarette is detected) and inactive mode (when no cigarette is present), optimizing the balance between decoding accuracy and power consumption by making processing behavior adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device ensures consistent heating of cigarettes without manual settings and reduces power consumption by optimizing operation based on detected cigarette type.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor, configured to sense first sensing images and second sensing images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12572765B2Optical decoding device which can decode invisible code and color code

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

An optical decoding device, comprising: an image sensor, configured to sense first sensing images and second sensing images; a processing circuit, configured to determine a relative movement between the optical decoding device and an object according to the first sensing images; and a decoding device, configured to decode the second sensing images in a first mode to generate a decoding result and does not decode the second sensing images in a second mode. The decoding device switches between the first mode and the second mode according to the relative movement, thus can save power. A barcode, a color code which can be provided on a curved surface and an invisible code are also disclosed. An electrical cigarette lighter using the optical decoding device to provide heat is also disclosed.