Segmented Optical Exit Window for Reflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical devices face issues such as internal reflection and optical distortion due to the proximity of the exit window to optical components, particularly in mobile devices where space is limited, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

An integrated optical exit window with multiple segments, each having specific optical properties, is designed to minimize internal reflection and enhance optical performance by optimizing the distance and angle between the scanning engine and the exit window, allowing for improved illumination and imaging focus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the exit window is positioned close to the imaging engine to save space in mobile devices, then the device compactness is improved, but internal reflection and optical distortion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidinternal reflection and optical distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exit window is divided into multiple segments with different optical properties. Each segment can have customized characteristics such as anti-reflective coatings, different refractive indices, or varying thicknesses to optimize optical performance while maintaining compact device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the exit window are assigned different optical properties tailored to local requirements. For example, certain segments may have enhanced anti-reflective properties where internal reflection is most problematic, while other segments optimize for light transmission or focal characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a conventional single-segment exit window is used, then the device structure is simple, but optical performance is suboptimal due to unavoidable internal reflection and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow structure simplicityVSAvoidoptical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exit window employs composite construction with multiple materials or layers, each contributing different optical properties. This allows the window to simultaneously achieve low reflection, minimal distortion, and appropriate light transmission characteristics that a single homogeneous material cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution reduces internal reflection and optical distortion, resulting in improved image capture quality and efficiency, enabling better aiming and focusing capabilities in optical devices like scanners and cameras.

Implementation Method 1

The exit window is located in the housing and allows light to pass from an exterior of the device to the imaging engine within the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

An integrated optical exit window with multiple segments, each having specific optical properties, is designed to minimize internal reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8167207B2Integrated optical exit window

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A device including a housing, an imaging engine and a transparent exit window. The imaging engine is located within the housing. The exit window is in the housing allowing light to pass from an exterior of the device to the imaging engine within the housing. The exit window has a plurality of segments. Each of the segments has a corresponding optical property.