Optical Refractor Case for Smartphone Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communications devices, such as smartphones, face limitations in capturing images of objects not aligned with their camera lens, restricting their functionality as scanners or readers.
Innovation Solution
A case with an optical refractor that can be attached to the device, allowing the camera lens to redirect light rays by up to 90 degrees, enabling the capture of unaligned images and reconfiguring the device for barcode reading or scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the camera lens is positioned on the exterior of the device to maintain sleek design, then the device aesthetics and compactness are improved, but the device cannot capture images of objects not aligned with the lens
Solution Approach 1:
An optical refractor is introduced as an intermediary component between the camera lens and external objects. The refractor redirects light rays at approximately 90 degrees, enabling the camera to capture images of objects positioned perpendicular to the device's viewing direction while maintaining the lens's original exterior position for sleek design
Solution Approach 2:
The optical refractor enables the camera system to access a different spatial dimension by redirecting light paths. Objects that are angularly positioned outside the original range of view can be captured by refracting light through a different dimensional path, expanding the effective field of view without changing the lens position
2Device complexity
If the camera lens captures only objects aligned with it, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality as a scanner or reader is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical refractor serves as a minimal complexity intermediary that enables scanning functionality. By positioning the refractor in close proximity to the camera lens and using it to redirect light at approximately 90 degrees, the device gains barcode reading and object scanning capabilities without requiring complex mechanical scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The optical refractor configuration enables the camera lens to serve multiple functions: capturing images of objects in the original viewing direction, capturing images of objects positioned perpendicular to the device, and functioning as a barcode reader or scanner for inventory and identification applications
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 the capture of images from unaligned angles, enhancing the device's functionality as a scanner or reader while maintaining its sleek design and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
An optical refractor can change the direction of light rays that pass through it. Accordingly, the case can align the optical refractor with respect to the camera lens operatively associated with the communications device. As a result, the focal direction of the camera lens can be altered through the optical refractor.
Data Source
AI summary
A case attachable to a mobile communications device such as a smart phone operatively equipped with a camera can accommodate an optical refractor. The optical refractor can be adapted to change the direction of light rays passing through it. The case can align a first optical surface of the optical refractor with the camera lens and can maintain a second optical surface in a non-parallel arrangement with the first optical surface. The optical refractor can redirect light rays from an unaligned object to the camera lens. In an aspect, the object may be a bar code label.