Smartphone Attachment Targeting Optic System for Barcode Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones have poor barcode reading capabilities due to inadequate illumination and glare issues when trying to read barcodes, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of the process.
Innovation Solution
An attachment for smartphones that includes a targeting optic system to direct illumination from a white light source towards a target area, preventing glare and optimizing the illumination for barcode reading, featuring a collimating element and a target generating optic to form a targeting point or pattern within the camera's field of view, along with a proximity sensor to assist in focusing and an optional mirror to change the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a white light source is positioned directly in front of the camera's image sensor to illuminate the target area, then the illumination intensity is maximized, but glare is generated that degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a directional dimension to the illumination by using a collimating element that transforms omnidirectional light from the white light source into a directed beam. This dimensional change in light propagation allows the illumination to reach the target area effectively while avoiding direct reflection into the camera sensor, thus eliminating glare while maintaining illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimating element acts as an intermediary between the white light source and the target area. It receives light from the source and redirects it in a controlled manner toward the barcode, serving as a mediator that achieves both goals: providing sufficient illumination while preventing harmful glare from reaching the sensor.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned close to the target area to capture detailed barcode information, then the measurement precision is improved, but the field of view becomes too narrow to properly frame the barcode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a collimating element that creates a parallel light beam. This parameter change allows the light to travel longer distances without diverging, enabling the camera to be positioned at an optimal distance that provides both sufficient field of view to frame the barcode and close enough proximity to capture detailed information for accurate reading.
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
Enhances the barcode reading capabilities of smartphones by preventing glare, optimizing illumination, and improving focusing accuracy, allowing for more efficient and accurate barcode scanning.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment may also include a collimating element collimating the illumination directed towards the target area
Implementation Method 2
a targeting optic system that receives illumination emitted by the white light source and direct the illumination towards the target area
Implementation Method 3
a target generating optic that forms one of a targeting point or a targeting pattern within the target area
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an attachment for a smartphone. The smartphone may include i) a camera with an image sensor and a focusing lens located on a back side of the smartphone for capturing an image of a target area; and ii) a white light source on the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may include a targeting optic system. When the attachment is secured to the back side of the smartphone, the targeting optic system may receive illumination emitted by the white light source and direct the illumination towards the target area from a location that is not directly in front of the camera's image sensor. The location may be farther from the focusing lens than the white light source when measured parallel to the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may also direct the illumination into the target area via the targeting optic system.