Compact Smoking Device Indicia Detection via Microlens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated smoking devices struggle to reliably distinguish between different smoking articles and identify those that are suitable or unsuitable for use, without erroneously rejecting correct articles, while maintaining a compact size, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The smoking device incorporates a compact sensing system positioned on the periphery of the cavity, featuring a light source, an image detector, and a plurality of microlenses. This system allows for reliable detection of indicia on the smoking article, even on curved surfaces, using a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of microlenses to enhance image resolution and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensing system is added to identify smoking articles, then the ability to distinguish between different smoking articles is improved, but the device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into discrete functional components: a light source for illumination, an image detector for capturing indicia, and a processor for analysis. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and integrated efficiently into the smoking device without requiring a complete sensing system overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
A microlens array is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the image detector. The microlens array focuses light from the smoking article indicia onto the image detector, enhancing image quality and resolution while maintaining a compact form factor. This intermediary component enables effective indicia detection without requiring a large aperture or complex optical system.
2Measurement precision
If a sensing system is added to identify smoking articles, then the ability to distinguish between different smoking articles is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system operates periodically rather than continuously. The processor activates the light source and image detector only when a smoking article is detected in the cavity, triggering indicia identification at specific moments in the smoking cycle. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, while maintaining reliable identification capability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If indicia are marked on curved surfaces of smoking articles, then the ability to mark different smoking articles is improved, but the difficulty of imaging the pattern increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array is specifically designed to work with curved surfaces. Each microlens is positioned and oriented to accommodate the curvature of the smoking article indicia, effectively focusing light from the curved surface onto the image detector. This curvature-aware optical design enables clear imaging of indicia marked on cylindrical or curved smoking article surfaces without requiring flat marking areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from attempting to image the curved surface directly to projecting the curved surface indicia onto a flat image detector plane through the microlens array. This dimensional transformation converts the challenging curved surface imaging problem into a more manageable flat detector imaging problem, maintaining indicia recognition capability while simplifying the detection process.
4Device complexity
If the sensing system is positioned on the periphery of the cavity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into functionally independent components positioned on the cavity periphery: a light source for illumination, an image detector for capturing indicia, and a processor for analysis. This spatial segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and avoiding complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A microlens array is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the peripherally positioned light source and image detector. The microlens array focuses light from the smoking article indicia onto the image detector, enhancing image quality and resolution. This intermediary component enables effective indicia detection from the periphery position without requiring the sensing system to be centrally located or highly complex.
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 enables the smoking device to accurately identify suitable smoking articles, prevent damage from unsuitable articles, and maintain a user-friendly design with minimal power consumption and cost, while ensuring a reliable smoking experience.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, an image detector, and a plurality of microlenses positioned on the image detector
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of microlenses positioned on the image detector
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated smoking device configured to receive a smoking article, is provided, including: a housing defining a cavity to at least partially receive the smoking article; a sensing system configured to detect indicia on the smoking article, the sensing system positioned on a periphery of the cavity and including a light source and an image detector; and an opaque shield disposed between the light source and the image detector, the opaque shield being configured to prevent light from the light source directly entering the image detector, without first being reflected by the smoking article. A smoking system including the electrically operated smoking device and a smoking article is also provided.