Patent Description:
Typically, image capturing devices, such as but not limited to, cameras, barcode scanners, and imagers, include an imaging unit that is configured to capture images of an object. The imaging unit further includes a housing, an image sensor and a lens barrel. The housing may be configured to receive the image sensor and the lens barrel in such a manner that ambient light passes through the lens barrel and is focused on the image sensor. In order to ensure that the light from the lens barrel focuses on the image sensor, the lens barrel and the image sensor need to be aligned with each other. <CIT> discloses an interlock arrangement that may be used to attach a lens barrel to a lens carrier of a camera. In some embodiments, the interlock arrangement may restrict movement of the lens barrel relative to the lens carrier along at least an optical axis. In various examples, the interlock arrangement may include one or more grooves and one or more protrusions. For instance, a groove may be defined by the lens barrel or the lens carrier, and a protrusion may extend from the lens barrel or the lens carrier to at least partially into the groove. In some cases, the interlock arrangement may include an adhesive that at least partially fills gaps within the interlock arrangement between the lens barrel and the lens carrier. According to some embodiments, the interlock arrangement may include one or more recesses that provide inlets for the adhesive to be introduced to the gaps within the interlock arrangement. <CIT> discloses a lens assembly of a viewing element for an endoscope that has lenses and a barrel containing the lenses. The internal surface of the barrel is shaped in accordance with the relative position and size of the lenses and a lens holder encompassing at least a portion of the barrel. The barrel and/or the lens holder are injection-molded and can be variably positioned relative to each other. An optional adhesive layer that reduces or eliminates small particles from the viewing element is positioned on an inner surface of the barrel and/or lens holder and used to remove any internal particulate matter that may otherwise obstruct the field of view. <CIT> discloses an imaging device including a housing having a surface that can engage the face of a patient. A cavity is at least partially defined by the surface. An anterior imaging system includes an optical lens barrel positioned inside the cavity, and the optical lens barrel includes a variable focus lens at one end and an image sensor array at an opposite end. One or more illumination LEDs are positioned around the periphery of the optical lens barrel at opposite sides of the variable focus lens, and are configured to illuminate the cavity to capture images of an anterior of the eye.

Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose an image capturing device. The image capturing device comprises an imaging unit that further includes a housing that comprises an inner surface. The inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel, wherein the inner surface of the lens channel defines a contact point that protrudes outwardly from the inner surface into the lens channel. Further inner surface defines a through hole, in the lens channel, which extends from the inner surface of the lens channel to an outer surface of the housing. The image capturing device further includes a lens barrel received in the lens channel, the lens barrel comprising an outer surface that defines a first portion, a first platform that circumferentially rotates about a first central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel, wherein a first step is defined at a junction between the first platform and the first portion. The lens barrel further defines a groove defined on the first platform, wherein the groove circumferentially rotates about the first central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel, wherein when the first step abuts the contact point, the groove is exposed via the through hole.

Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a housing of an imaging unit. The housing comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel, wherein the inner surface of the lens channel defines a contact point that protrudes outwardly from the inner surface into the lens channel. The inner surface of the lens channel further defines a through hole, in the lens channel, that extends from the inner surface of the lens channel to the outer surface of the housing. The lens channel is configured to receive a lens barrel comprising a groove, wherein the groove is exposed to the through hole when the lens barrel is received in the lens channel.

Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a lens barrel that includes a housing having an outer surface. The outer surface defines a first portion, and a first platform that circumferentially rotates about a first central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel, wherein a first step is defined at a junction between the first platform and the first portion. Further, outer surface defines a groove defined on the first platform, wherein the groove circumferentially rotates about the first central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel. When the first step abuts a contact point defined in a lens channel in an imaging unit, the groove is exposed via a through hole defined in the imaging unit.

Terminology used in this patent is not meant to be limiting insofar as devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations.

The term "comprising" means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as "comprises," "includes," and "having" should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," and "comprised substantially of.

The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, or may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

The term "image sensor" is referred to as a solid state device that is capable of generating electrical signals corresponding to the light signals that impinges on the image sensor. Some examples of the image sensor may include a color or monochrome 1D or 2D CCD, CMOS, NMOS, PMOS, CID CMD solid state image sensor or any other device, that may be capable to generating electrical signal based on the received light signals.

It is commonly understood that image capturing devices such as indicia readers or barcode scanners have an imaging unit that is capable of capturing and processing images. In some examples, the imaging unit may include a housing for one or more components such as one or more lenses (positioned in a lens barrel), an image sensor and a controller. In an example embodiment, the one or more components may operate in conjunction, to facilitate the image capturing device to capture and process an image of the object. For instance, the one or more lenses in the lens barrel may focus the light obtained from the object on the image sensor that, accordingly, generates electrical signals. The controller may, thereafter, process the electrical signals to render the captured image.

In some examples, an alignment between the lens barrel and the image sensor may govern the quality of the captured image. Misalignment between the lens barrel and the image sensor may lead to capturing of an out of focus image, which may be undesirable. In order to keep the lens barrel aligned with the image sensor, the housing of the imaging unit may define features such as grooves or flanges that may ensure that the lens barrel and the image sensor are aligned with each other. To this end, adhesive may be applied between the lens barrel and the housing to keep the lens barrel fixed at a position within the housing, thereby aligning the lens barrel with the image sensor. In some examples, curing of the adhesive causes the adhesive to shrink by few millimeters or micrometers. Such phenomena may modify the position of the lens barrel within the imaging unit, which may further lead to misalignment between the image sensor and the lens barrel.

The apparatuses described herein disclose an image capturing device that includes an imaging unit. The imaging unit further includes a cuboidal shaped housing (hereinafter referred to as housing) having a first sensor end portion and a scan window end portion. Further, the housing has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the housing defines at least one lens channel. In some examples, the at least one lens channel has a cylindrical shape and extends from the first sensor end portion to the scan window end portion. Further, in some examples, the at least one lens channel is sized to receive a lens barrel. For example, the at least one lens channel may be sized larger than lens barrel such that the lens barrel is seamlessly received in the at least one lens channel.

Further, the inner surface of the housing defines one or more contact points within the at least one lens channel. The one or more contact points protrude out from the inner surface. Further, the one or more contact points thwart the movement of the lens barrel within the lens channel. For example, the one or more contact points thwart the movement of the lens barrel along a first central longitudinal axis of the lens channel. In an example embodiment, the central longitudinal axis may correspond to an axis that extends along a length of the lens channel. For example, the first central longitudinal axis may extend between the scan window end portion and first sensor end portion of the housing.

Additionally, the inner surface of the housing defines at least one glue pocket within the at least one lens channel. The at least one glue pocket extends from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface of the housing. In some examples, the at least one glue pocket corresponds to a through hole that extends from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface of the housing. It is commonly understood that when a through hole is defined in a housing, one or more edge surfaces, defining a periphery of the through hole, are also created. Accordingly, a periphery of the at least one glue pocket may be defined by the one or more edge surfaces that may extend from the outer surface of the housing to the inner surface of the housing. In some examples, the one or more edge surfaces may define a shape of the at least one glue pocket. In one example embodiment, the at least one glue pocket may have an arcuate shape such that a first edge surface of the one or more edge surfaces is parallel to a second edge surface of the one or more edge surfaces. Further a third edge surface and a fourth edge surface of the one or more edge surfaces may have a semi-circular profile. For example, the third edge surface and the fourth edge surface may be C-shaped profile. In an example embodiment, the inner surface of the housing defines the at least one glue pocket in such manner that the first edge surface (of the one or more edge surfaces defining the periphery of the at least one glue pocket) may be positioned proximal to the first sensor end portion of the housing, while the second edge surface (of the one or more edge surfaces defining the periphery of the at least one glue pocket) may be positioned proximal to the scan window end portion of the housing.

In an example embodiment, the at least one glue pocket may be defined proximal to the scan window end portion of the housing such that the at least one glue pocket is defined between the scan end portion of the housing and the one or more contact points. Further, the one or more contact points are defined proximal to the first sensor end portion such that the one or more contact points are defined between the glue pocket and the first sensor end portion of the housing.

In an example embodiment, the at least one lens channel is configured to receive the lens barrel from the scan window end portion. In an example embodiment, the lens barrel corresponds to lens housing for one or more lenses. As discussed, the one or more lenses may be configured to focus the light received from the object onto an image sensor positioned at the first sensor end portion of the housing. In some examples, the lens barrel has a sensor end, a light receiving end, and an outer surface that extends between the sensor end of the lens barrel and the light receiving end of the lens barrel. The outer surface of the lens barrel defines a platform and a second sensor end portion. In an example embodiment, the platform protrudes out from the outer surface of the lens barrel and may circumferentially rotate about a second longitudinal central axis of the lens barrel. In an example embodiment, the second longitudinal central axis may correspond to an axis that extends between the sensor end and the light receiving end of the lens barrel. In an example embodiment, the platform may extend from the light receiving end to a junction between the platform and the second sensor end portion of the lens barrel. In an example embodiment, a radius of the platform is greater than a radius of the second sensor end portion. Accordingly, a step is defined at the junction between the first sensor end portion and the platform. In some examples, the step may have a predetermined pitch and a predetermined profile. In an example embodiment, the predetermined pitch may correspond to an angle between the step and a lateral axis of the lens barrel. In some examples, the predetermined profile may be indicative of a shape of the step as the step rotates about of the second central longitudinal axis. For example, the predetermined profile of the step may correspond to a shape of a sinusoidal wave. In some examples, when the lens barrel is received in the lens channel, the one or more contact points (defined in lens channel) may abut step, thereby thwarting the movement of the lens barrel along the first central longitudinal axis of the lens channel.

Additionally, the platform may define a groove that may circumferentially rotate about the second central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel. In some examples, the groove may correspond to a recess defined on the platform of the lens barrel. In some examples, the groove may have the same predetermined pitch as the pitch of the step. further, the groove may the same predetermined profile as the profile of the step. In some examples, when the step (defined on the lens barrel) abuts with the one or more contact points (defined in the lens channel), a portion of the groove may be exposed via the glue pocket. Since the predetermined profile of the groove is the same as the predetermined profile of the step, when the lens barrel is rotated within the lens channel while the one or more contact points abut the step, the portion of the groove (defined on the lens barrel) remains exposed through the glue pocket.

When glue is disposed on the groove through the glue pocket, the adhesive may get evenly distributed within the groove because the groove (defined on the lens barrel) has a fixed profile and the groove is exposed through the glue pocket. Accordingly, variations due to curing of the glue (e.g., movement of the lens barrel within lens channel due to curing of the glue) remain consistent during manufacturing of various imaging units. Therefore, any anticipated change in the focal point of the lens barrel (due to glue curing) can be compensated prior to the glue curing consistently across various imaging unit.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view <NUM> of an image capturing device <NUM>, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In an example embodiment, the image capturing device <NUM> may correspond to a barcode scanner that may be capable of scanning and reading machine readable codes such as a barcode, a QR code, 2D code, Datamatrix code, and/or the like. In some example, the image capturing device <NUM> may be further capable of reading and recognizing text from an image, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the image capturing device <NUM> may include a head portion <NUM>, a handle portion <NUM>, and a trigger button <NUM>. In some examples, the head portion <NUM> may have an arcuate shape that has a scan window end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the scan window end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other along a first lateral axis <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the head portion <NUM> may define a scan window <NUM>, at the scan window end <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the scan window <NUM> may be configured to receive an imaging unit <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the imaging unit <NUM> may include one or more components (e.g., processors, lenses, illumination devices, cameras, and/or the like) for performing scanning operations. The structure of the imaging unit <NUM> is further described in conjunction with <FIG>.

The handle portion <NUM> may extend out from the head portion <NUM> along a first longitudinal axis <NUM> of the image capturing device <NUM>. In some examples, the trigger button <NUM> may be positioned on the handle portion <NUM>. In some examples, the trigger button <NUM> may be positioned on the head portion <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

By way of example, a user of the image capturing device <NUM> may point the image capturing device <NUM> in the direction of a target object such that the scan window end <NUM> is pointed towards the target object. The user may input a command (e.g., via the trigger button <NUM>) and cause the imaging unit <NUM> to scan the target object. In some embodiments, the information gathered by the imaging unit <NUM> may be transmitted a host (not shown) over a communication network (not shown).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a perspective view <NUM> and an exploded view <NUM> of the imaging unit <NUM>, respectively, according to one or more embodiments described herein. Referring to <FIG>, the imaging unit <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a lens barrel <NUM>, an illumination lens <NUM>, an aiming lens assembly <NUM>, and an image sensor <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the imaging unit <NUM> corresponds to a cuboidal housing that includes a scan window end portion <NUM> and a first sensor end portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the scan window end portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first sensor end portion <NUM> along a second lateral axis <NUM>. The first sensor end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be configured to fixedly receive the image sensor <NUM>. Further, the scan window end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be configured to be pointed towards the scan window end <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>, in an instance in which the imaging unit <NUM> is received in the head portion <NUM> of the image capturing device <NUM>.

Further, the housing <NUM> of the imaging unit <NUM> has a top portion <NUM>, a bottom portion <NUM>, a first side portion <NUM>, and a second side portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the bottom portion <NUM> is parallel to the top portion <NUM>. Further, the bottom portion <NUM> and the top portion <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along a vertical axis <NUM>. In some examples, the first side portion <NUM> is parallel to the second side portion <NUM>. Further, the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are spaced apart along a second longitudinal axis <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second lateral axis <NUM>, the vertical axis <NUM>, and the second longitudinal axis <NUM> are perpendicular to each other.

In some examples, the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has a top surface <NUM>, while the bottom portion <NUM> has a bottom surface <NUM>. Similarly, in some examples, the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> has a first side surface <NUM> and a second side surface <NUM>, respectively. In an example embodiment, the top surface <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM>, the first side surface <NUM>, and a second side surface <NUM>, together define an outer surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the top surface <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> may define a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> may be defined at the scan window end portion <NUM>, while the second edge <NUM> may be defined at the first sensor end portion <NUM>. In some examples, the first edge <NUM> may be parallel to the second edge <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the imaging unit <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> defines a lens channel <NUM> such that the lens channel <NUM> is positioned proximal to the first side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and distal from the second side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the lens channel <NUM> may extend between the scan window end portion <NUM> and the first sensor end portion <NUM>, of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the lens channel <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape. Further, the lens channel <NUM> is sized to receive the lens barrel <NUM>. For example, a radius of the lens channel <NUM> may be greater than the radius of the lens barrel <NUM> allowing the lens barrel <NUM> to be received within the lens channel <NUM>.

Further, the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> defines a glue pocket <NUM> in the lens channel <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the glue pocket <NUM> corresponds to a through hole that extends from the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, in the lens channel <NUM>, the glue pocket <NUM> extends from the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the top surface <NUM> (that constitutes the outer surface <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>.

In some examples, defining a glue pocket (e.g., the glue pocket <NUM>) creates one or more edge surfaces in the housing <NUM> that may define a periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>. The one or more edge surfaces may extend from the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>) includes a first edge surface <NUM>, a second edge surface <NUM>, a third edge surface <NUM>, and a fourth edge surface <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the first edge surface <NUM> of the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>) may be proximate to the first sensor end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, while the second edge surface <NUM> of the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>) may be proximate to the scan window end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Further, the first edge surface <NUM> of the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>) is parallel to the second edge surface <NUM> of the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>). Additionally or alternatively, the first edge surface <NUM> of the one or more edge surfaces is spaced apart from the second edge surface <NUM> along the second lateral axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the second edge surface <NUM> being parallel to the first edge surface <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first edge surface <NUM> may not be parallel to the second edge surface <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the first edge surface <NUM> and the second edge surface <NUM> may be parallel to the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In some examples, the third edge surface <NUM> of the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>) may be parallel to the fourth edge surface <NUM>. Further, the third edge surface <NUM> is spaced apart from the fourth edge surface <NUM> along the second longitudinal axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, the third edge surface <NUM> may be proximal to the first side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, while the fourth edge surface <NUM> may be proximal to the second side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the third edge surface <NUM> being parallel to the fourth edge surface <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the third edge surface <NUM> and the fourth edge surface <NUM> may have a C-shaped profile and inverted C-shaped profile, respectively. In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the third edge surface <NUM> and the fourth edge surface <NUM> having the C-shaped profile and inverted C-shaped profile, respectively. In an example embodiment, the third edge surface <NUM> and the fourth edge surface <NUM> may have any other profile, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> defines one or more contact points (further described in <FIG>) in the lens channel <NUM>. The structure of the one or more contact points is further described in conjunction with <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates sectional views 400A and 400B, respectively, of the housing <NUM> obtained when the housing <NUM> is cut by a first plane <NUM> passing through the glue pocket <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM>, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The sectional view 400A of the housing <NUM> illustrates that the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> defines a first platform <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first platform <NUM> may protrude out from the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> within the lens channel <NUM>. Further, the first platform <NUM> rotates about a first central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens channel <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first platform <NUM> may divide the lens channel <NUM> into a lens receiving section <NUM> and a rear section <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the lens receiving section <NUM> may correspond to a portion of the lens channel <NUM> that may be configured to receive the lens barrel <NUM> (refer <FIG>). Additionally, the lens receiving section <NUM> may extend from the scan window end portion <NUM> to a junction <NUM> between the rear section <NUM> and the lens receiving section <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the rear section <NUM> may correspond to portion of the lens channel <NUM> that may be proximal to the first sensor end portion <NUM> (refer <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>. Further, the rear section <NUM> may extend from the junction <NUM> (between the rear section <NUM> to the lens receiving section <NUM>) to the first sensor end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Additionally, the rear section <NUM> may be composed of the first platform <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, a radius of the rear section <NUM> is less than a radius of the lens receiving section <NUM>. Accordingly, a first step <NUM> is defined at the junction <NUM> between the rear section <NUM> and the lens receiving section <NUM>, as is observed from the scan window end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Additionally or alternately, the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may define the one or more contact points 414a and 414b (refer <FIG>). In an example embodiment, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b may extend out from the first step <NUM> in a direction towards the scan window end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (i.e., along the first central longitudinal axis <NUM>). Additionally or alternately, the one or more contact points <NUM> a (refer <FIG>) and 414b may protrude from the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the contact point 414a may be positioned opposite to the contact point 414b along the vertical axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the contact point 414a may be defined proximal to the bottom portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the contact point 414b may be defined proximal to the top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the structure and the dimensions of the contact point 414a may be similar to the structure and the dimensions of the contact point 414b.

In an example embodiment, the contact point 414a has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second end <NUM> along the first central longitudinal axis <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second end <NUM> may be proximal to the scan window end portion of the <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and distal from the first sensor end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the contact point 414a may be coupled to the first platform <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first end <NUM> may be molded with the first platform <NUM> during manufacturing of the housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second end <NUM> of the contact point 414a may have a curved profile. For example, the second end <NUM> of the contact point 414a may have a semi-circular profile. In another embodiment, the second end <NUM> of the contact point 414a may have a conical profile. In some examples, the second end <NUM> of the contact point 414a may have any other profile without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The purpose of the profile of the second end <NUM> (of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b) is further described in conjunction with <FIG>. In an example embodiment, the second end <NUM> of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b may be defined at a first predetermined distance from the first edge surface <NUM> defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the one or more contact points 414a and 414b extending out from the first platform <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b may be defined independent from the first platform <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the lens channel <NUM> may be devoid of the first platform <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to having only two contact points (i.e., 414a and 414b). In an example embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may define more than two contact points 414a and 414b. For example, the inner surface <NUM> may define another contact point in the lens channel <NUM>, where the other contact point is defined proximal to the first side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Additionally, the inner surface <NUM> may define yet another contact point in the lens channel <NUM> that is proximal to the second side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment, the lens channel <NUM> may not include any of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b. In such an embodiment, the lens channel <NUM> may only include the first platform <NUM>. Further, to this end, the first step <NUM> (created due to difference in radius of the first platform <NUM> from the radius of the lens receiving section <NUM>) may have a first predetermined profile. In an example embodiment, the first predetermined profile of the first step <NUM> may correspond to a shape of the first step <NUM>, as the first step <NUM> rotates about the first central longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, the first step <NUM> may have a shape representing a sinusoidal wave. Accordingly, the first predetermined profile of the first step <NUM> may have a peak region and a valley region. In some examples, the first step <NUM> may have more than one peak regions and valley regions. Further, in such an embodiment, the functionality of the peak region may be similar to the functionality of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b.

Referring back to <FIG>, the lens channel <NUM> is configured to receive the lens barrel <NUM>. The structure the lens barrel <NUM> is further described in conjunction with <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective view 500A and a side view 500B of the lens barrel <NUM>, respectively, according to one or more embodiments described herein. Referring to <FIG>, the lens barrel <NUM> includes a lens housing <NUM> that may be configured to receive a lens assembly (not shown). The lens housing <NUM> may correspond to a cylindrical housing that has a light receiving end <NUM> and a sensor end <NUM>. Further, the lens housing <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> that extends between the light receiving end <NUM> and the sensor end <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the light receiving end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> may be configured to receive the light from the object to be captured by the imaging unit <NUM>. In some examples, the sensor end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> may face towards the image sensor <NUM> in the imaging unit <NUM> when the lens barrel <NUM> is received in the lens channel <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> defines a platform <NUM> and a first portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the platform <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> may extend between the light receiving end <NUM> and a junction <NUM> between the platform <NUM> and the first portion <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the platform <NUM> may be defined to circumferentially rotate about a second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> may extend between the light receiving end <NUM> and the sensor end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may extend between the sensor end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> and the junction <NUM> between the platform <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the radius of the platform <NUM> is greater than the radius of the first portion <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. Accordingly, a second step <NUM> is defined at the junction <NUM> between the platform <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. Since the platform <NUM> is defined to rotate about the second central longitudinal axis <NUM>, the second step <NUM> may rotate about of the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second step <NUM> may have a second predetermined profile and/or a second predetermined pitch. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined pitch may correspond to an angle between the second step <NUM> and the second lateral axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM> may correspond to a shape of the second step <NUM>, as the second step <NUM> rotates about the second central longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, the second step <NUM> may have a shape representing the sinusoidal wave. Accordingly, the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM> may define a peak region <NUM> and a valley region <NUM> (refer <FIG>) on the second step <NUM> (as the second step <NUM> rotates about the second central longitudinal axis <NUM>. In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM> defining one peak region <NUM> and one valley region <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM> may define more than one peak region and more than one valley region, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the second predetermined profile representing the sinusoidal wave. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined profile may correspond any other shape that defines one or more peak regions and one or more valley regions, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> defines a groove <NUM> in the platform <NUM>. In some examples, the groove <NUM> main be defined to rotate circumferentially about the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, defining the groove <NUM> defines a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>, where the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> may define the periphery of the groove <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> may rotate about the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be positioned proximal to the sensor end <NUM> and distal from the light receiving end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. Further, the second edge <NUM> may be positioned proximal to the light receiving end <NUM> and distal from the sensor end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In some examples, the first edge <NUM> is defined at a second predetermined distance from the second step <NUM>, along the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined distance may be same as the first predetermined distance between the first end <NUM> of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b, and the first edge surface <NUM> defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> may be parallel and may have a third predetermined profile. In an example embodiment, the third predetermined profile of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> may correspond to a shape of first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM>, as the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> rotate about the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the third predetermined profile of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> is same as the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM>. Accordingly, the first edge <NUM>, the second edge <NUM>, and the second step <NUM> may be parallel to each other. Since the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> define the periphery of the groove <NUM>, the groove <NUM> may have the third predetermined profile. Accordingly, the groove <NUM> may be parallel to the second step <NUM>.

In an embodiment, where the lens channel <NUM> is devoid of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b, the lens housing <NUM> may define the one or more contact points. For example, the outer surface <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> may define the one or more second contact points that may protrude out from the outer surface <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. Additionally, the one or more second contact points may extend out from the second step <NUM> along the second central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. The structure of the one or more contact points may be similar to the one or more contact points 414a and 414b (defined in the lens channel <NUM>). For example, the one or more second points may have a first end and a second end. The second end of the one or more second contact points may be at the second predetermined distance from the first edge <NUM> defining the periphery of the groove <NUM>. Further, the second end of the one or more second contact points may be positioned proximal to the sensor end <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. Further, the first end of the one or more second contact points may be coupled to the second step <NUM>.

Further, to this end, the second step <NUM> (defined in the lens housing <NUM>) may not have the second predetermined pitch. For example, the angle between the second step <NUM> and the second lateral axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (of the imaging unit <NUM>) may be zero degrees. However, the groove <NUM> may have the third predetermined pitch.

In yet another embodiment, the lens housing <NUM> may not define specific features that may correspond to the one or more second contact points. Instead the peak region <NUM> defined by the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM> may act as the one or more second contact points.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, to assemble the imaging unit <NUM>, the image sensor <NUM> is mounted at the first sensor end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the image sensor <NUM> is mounted at the first sensor end portion <NUM> such that the image sensor <NUM> aligns with the lens channel <NUM>. Further, in an example embodiment, the lens channel <NUM> is configured to receive the lens barrel <NUM>. In an instance in which the lens barrel <NUM> is received in the lens channel <NUM>, the second end <NUM> of one or more contact points 414a and 414b (defined in the lens channel <NUM>) slidably abuts the second step <NUM> (defined on the lens barrel <NUM>). For example, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b may slide over the second step <NUM> when the lens barrel <NUM> is rotated within the lens channel <NUM> (while the second end <NUM> of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b abuts the second step <NUM>). Additionally or alternatively, the abutment between the one or more contact points 414a and 414b, and the second step <NUM> may thwart the movement of the lens barrel <NUM> along the first central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the lens channel <NUM>.

As discussed supra, the first predetermined distance between the first edge surface <NUM> (defining the periphery of the glue pocket <NUM>) and the second end <NUM> of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b is same as the second predetermined distance between the second step <NUM> and the first edge <NUM> (defining the periphery of the groove <NUM>). Therefore, the groove <NUM> is exposed through the glue pocket <NUM> when the second end <NUM> of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b abut the second step <NUM> (defined on the lens barrel <NUM>). In an example embodiment, when the lens barrel <NUM> is rotated within the lens channel <NUM>, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b may slide over the second step <NUM> based on the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM>. When the lens barrel <NUM> is rotated within the lens channel <NUM>, the second predetermined profile corresponds to the shape of the sinusoidal wave, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b may slide over of the second step <NUM> in accordance with the sinusoidal wave. Therefore, during rotation of the lens barrel <NUM> within the lens channel <NUM>, the lens barrel <NUM> may also move along the first central longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, a distance between the sensor end <NUM> of the lens barrel <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be maximum when the one or more contact points 414a and 414b abut the peak region <NUM> on the second step <NUM>. Further, the distance between the sensor end <NUM> of the lens barrel <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be minimal when the one or more contact points 414a and 414b abut the valley region <NUM> on the second step <NUM>. Such variations in the distance between the sensor end <NUM> of the lens barrel <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> due to rotation of the lens barrel <NUM> within the lens channel <NUM> facilitates adjusting of the focal point of the lens barrel <NUM> during manufacturing of the imaging unit <NUM>.

As discussed in <FIG>, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b are in the same plane, therefore, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b (at any position of the lens barrel <NUM> within the lens channel <NUM>) may abut two separate points on the second step <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the two separate points may have same phase and same amplitude with response to sinusoidal wave profile. For example, if the contact point 414a abuts the peak region <NUM> of the second step <NUM>, the contact point 414b may also abut the other peak region in the second step <NUM>. In an example embodiment, as discussed above, the second predetermined profile of the second step <NUM> may define more than one peak region, Accordingly, the contact point 414b may abut the other peak region in the second step. In another example, if the contact point 414a abuts the valley region <NUM> of the second step <NUM>, the contact point 414b may also abut the other valley region in the second step <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as discussed, in some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the one or more contact points 414a and 414b defined in the lens channel <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the one or more second contact points may be defined on the lens barrel <NUM> and the lens channel <NUM> may be devoid of the one or more contact points 414a and 414b. Further, to this end, the first step <NUM> may have the first predetermined profile and the second step <NUM> may not have any profile. Accordingly, the one or more second contact points may slide over the first step <NUM> to adjust the distance between the image sensor <NUM> and the lens barrel <NUM>. Since the first predetermined profile of the first step <NUM> is same as the third predetermined profile of the groove <NUM>, the groove <NUM> may remain exposed through the glue pocket <NUM> when the lens barrel <NUM> is rotated within the lens channel <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment, when both the lens barrel <NUM> and the lens channel <NUM> is devoid of the one or more second contact points and the one or more contact points 414a and 414b, the first step <NUM> may directly abut the second step <NUM>. The first predetermined profile and the second predetermined profile of the first step <NUM> and the second step <NUM> may allow the lens barrel <NUM> to rotate within the lens channel <NUM> to adjust the distance between the lens barrel <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM>. Further, when the first step <NUM> abuts the second step <NUM>, the groove <NUM> remain exposed via the glue pocket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a sectional view 600A and top view 600B of an assembled imaging unit <NUM> when a plane <NUM> intersects the imaging unit <NUM>, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

As observed from the sectional view 600A, the one or more contact points 414a and 414b abut the second step <NUM> defined on the lens barrel <NUM>. Further, it can be observed that the groove <NUM> is exposed via the glue pocket <NUM> (refer <FIG>). In an example embodiment, when the glue is disposed through the glue pocket <NUM>, the glue may seep in the groove <NUM> and may distribute uniformly within the groove <NUM>. Since the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> of the groove <NUM> define the periphery of the groove <NUM>, the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> may not allow the glue of spill out from the groove <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another sectional view <NUM> of the assembled imaging unit <NUM> according to one or more embodiments described herein. As depicted in the sectional view <NUM>, the glue <NUM> is uniformly distributed within the groove <NUM>. In an example embodiment, after the curing of the glue, the glue may tightly couple the housing <NUM> with the lens barrel <NUM>. Since the groove <NUM> on the lens barrel <NUM> is of fixed size, an amount of glue to be disposed remains constant across the various imaging units as well. Accordingly, variations due to curing of the glue (e.g., movement of the lens barrel within lens channel due to curing of the glue) remain consistent during manufacturing of various imaging units. Therefore, any anticipated change in focal point of the lens barrel <NUM> can be compensated prior to curing of the glue.

Claim 1:
An image capturing device (<NUM>) comprising:
an imaging unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) that comprises an inner surface (<NUM>), wherein the inner surface (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) defines a lens channel (<NUM>), wherein the inner surface (<NUM>) of the lens channel (<NUM>) defines:
a contact point (414a, 414b) that protrudes outwardly from the inner surface (<NUM>) into the lens channel (<NUM>), and
a through hole (<NUM>), in the lens channel (<NUM>), which extends from the inner surface (<NUM>) of the lens channel (<NUM>) to an outer surface (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>); and
a lens barrel (<NUM>) received in the lens channel (<NUM>), the lens barrel (<NUM>) comprising an outer surface (<NUM>) that defines:
a first portion (<NUM>),
a first platform (<NUM>) that circumferentially rotates about a first central longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the lens barrel (<NUM>), wherein a radius of the first platform (<NUM>) is greater than a radius of the first portion (<NUM>) so that a first step (<NUM>) is defined at a junction (<NUM>) between the first platform (<NUM>) and the first portion (<NUM>),
a groove (<NUM>) defined on the first platform (<NUM>), wherein the groove (<NUM>) circumferentially rotates about the first central longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the lens barrel (<NUM>),
wherein when the first step (<NUM>) abuts the contact point (414a, 414b), the groove (<NUM>) is exposed via the through hole (<NUM>).