Passive Add-On Lens Optics for Simpler Code Reader Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing code reading and verification devices with active illumination devices are costly and complex, requiring separate light sources, which complicates assembly and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A passive optical attachment for code reading and verification devices that utilizes a modular design without active illumination units, allowing for simplified assembly and disassembly, and includes interchangeable optical units to adapt to different light source geometries and conditions, enhancing imaging quality and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If active illumination devices with separate light sources are used in code reading devices, then illumination capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illumination function with the existing light source unit of the image sensor, eliminating the need for separate active illumination devices. The attachment optics integrates with the light source unit to provide both illumination and imaging path modification, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining illumination capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment optics serves multiple functions: it modifies the imaging beam path and works with the light source unit for illumination. By designing the attachment to be adaptable to different light source geometries and conditions, it provides universal functionality across various configurations without requiring separate dedicated illumination devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If active illumination devices with separate light sources are used in code reading devices, then illumination capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illumination function with the existing light source unit of the image sensor, eliminating the need for separate active illumination devices. The attachment optics integrates with the light source unit to provide both illumination and imaging path modification, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining illumination capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment optics serves multiple functions: it modifies the imaging beam path and works with the light source unit for illumination. By designing the attachment to be adaptable to different light source geometries and conditions, it provides universal functionality across various configurations without requiring separate dedicated illumination devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If passive optical attachment with modular design is used, then assembly simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different light sources may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to light sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a modular attachment optics design that can be dynamically configured for different light source geometries and conditions. The interchangeable optical units allow the system to adapt to various light sources while maintaining simple assembly through standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment optics is designed with adjustable and interchangeable optical units that can be configured to match different light source parameters such as geometry, position, and characteristics. This allows the passive attachment to adapt to various light sources by changing optical parameters rather than requiring complex active control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 passive optical attachment simplifies design and assembly, reduces costs, and improves imaging quality by providing adaptable illumination and imaging paths, enabling efficient and flexible use with various light sources.

Implementation Method 1

the optical unit has at least one lens for changing an imaging beam path of the code reading and/or code verification device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4268002B1Add-on lens system, system and method for using an add-on lens system
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 IOSS INTELLIGENTE OPTISCHE SENSOREN & SYST
  • EP4268002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4268002B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4268002B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to devise an add-on lens system (12a-f) of the type in question which has improved properties in terms of its design, an add-on lens system (12a-f) for use with at least one light source unit (18a-f) of an image sensor (14a-f), in particular of a code reader and/or code verifier, has an optical unit (20a-f) with at least one lens (22a-f) for modifying an imaging optical path (24a-f) of the code reader and/or code verifier.