Patent ID: 12229627

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1A, an illustration of an illustrative imaging system100that includes an illustrative camera device102is shown. In the embodiment ofFIG.1A, the imaging system100is a handheld barcode reader (e.g., a scanner assembly, a barcode scanner, a 2D imager, etc.) for product code imaging and/or for object identification. The imaging system100may be part of a handheld imaging system that is configured to image and decode machine-readable indicia (e.g., barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, or other machine-identifiable indicia) from a distance away from an object, and to identify the object based on information decoded from the machine-readable indicia. For example, the imaging system100may be configured for use in a retail environment to image products and/or product packaging labels inclusive of machine-readable indicia for product identification and logistics (e.g., tracking) purposes. In other embodiments, the imaging system100may be used to facilitate other forms of interlogistics traceability. In other embodiments, the principles described herein may be integrated into a stationary optical system (e.g., a barcode reader system for a product conveyer system, etc.). There are many other examples of barcode reading systems. Moreover, the principles described herein may be applied to many other types of camera systems, including camera systems that are used to perform imaging without reading machine-readable indicia.

In the embodiment ofFIG.1A, the imaging system100includes a housing104and the camera device102, which is disposed within the housing104. In one embodiment, the housing104defines a housing body106configured to be held by a user and defining an inner cavity for containing, storing, and/or housing the camera device102and other components (e.g., processing circuitry, etc.) therein. The imaging system100may also include a user input device108(e.g., a push-button actuator, a trigger, etc.) that is coupled to or supported by the housing104and that is configured to selectively activate the camera device102or components thereof in response to user input. For example, the user input device108may be configured to activate the camera device102to capture an image of a product and/or product packaging label to read a machine-readable indicia disposed thereon. The user input device may alternatively be used to cause the imaging system to capture an image, start/stop capturing a sequence of images, or otherwise. It should be understood that the imaging system may be controlled remotely (e.g., wired or wireless), as well.

The housing104may define a housing head107that defines a window110(e.g., an opening, an aperture, etc. that frames and supports a transparent or other covering) that is optically aligned with at least a portion of the camera device102. The window110may be optically aligned with an image sensor of the camera device102via a lens device (seeFIG.1B, for example) of the camera device102to collect light (e.g., a scene) via the window110. In one embodiment, the window110of the imaging system100may be a transparent panel (e.g., a plexiglass panel, a glass panel, etc.) to shield and protect the components contained within the housing body106while enabling light to pass therethrough. In one embodiment, the imaging system100may also include at least one light element (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), etc.) (not shown) that is positioned within the housing head107behind the window110to illuminate a target object (e.g., a product and/or product packing label, etc.). The light element(s) may be positioned elsewhere, as well, including being detachable.

The camera device102is disposed within the housing104(either the housing body106or housing head107) and may be coupled to or restrained by the housing104or an internal structural member contained therein using screws, adhesive, or another type of fastener. The camera device102may be positioned within the housing104so that the image sensor and/or lens of the camera device102is in optical alignment with the window110. In being an optical alignment, at least a portion of the light that enters the window110is incident on the camera device102.

FIG.1Bis an illustration of an illustrative camera device102that may be used in the assembly of the imaging system100ofFIG.1A. The camera device102may be part of a camera system that includes at least one PCB112, an image sensor114, a lens device116, and a controller117. In other embodiments, the camera device102may include additional, fewer, and/or different components. The controller117and other electronics may alternatively be positioned on an opposite side of the PCB(s)112from the lens device116, such as being disposed on an opposite side and aligned with the image sensor114, thereby reducing size of the footprint of the camera device102.

The PCB(s)112may be configured to function as a support structure for the camera device102and be configured to secure the image sensor114, the lens device116, and the controller117to the camera device102. In other embodiments, the controller117may be located remotely (e.g., on a separate PCB, etc.) from the PCB(s)112. In one embodiment, the PCB(s)112include at least one substrate119as well as electrical conductors152(e.g., pads, etc.), vias, wire traces, or other electrical connections embedded in or otherwise formed on the substrate(s)119that are used to electrically connect the electrical and/or electronic components of the camera device102conduct electrical power and electrical signals therebetween. The substrate(s)119may be a multi-layer substrate that includes multiple conductive layers that are embedded within the substrate(s)119that provide electrical connections for various components (e.g., controller117) that are physically coupled to the PCB(s)112or positioned separate from the PCB(s)112.

The PCB(s)112include and define a PCB-integrated lens holder113for the camera device102that is configured to (i) support the image sensor114and the lens device116in optical alignment therewith, and (ii) to set an axial spacing between the image sensor114and the lens device116. The PCB-integrated lens holder113includes a recessed area120configured to physically support and restrain movement of a lens device, such as a lens device116, thereby avoiding the need for a separate lens holder, as previously described. More specifically, in the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the PCB-integrated lens holder113includes a recessed area120defined by the PCB(s)112and having a mounting surface122disposed therein. The recessed area120defines a first opening124along and defined by an outer surface126of the PCB(s)112, and a cavity115that extends from the first opening124to the mounting surface122. In one embodiment, the profile of the first opening124is circular. Alternatively shaped profiles may be utilized. The recessed area120may be formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically from the first opening124to the mounting surface122. In other embodiments, the shape of the first opening124and/or the recessed area120may be different. For example, the wall(s) of the recessed area120may be layered (e.g., on or more shelves), angled, or have any other shape or profile(s).

In the embodiment ofFIG.1A, the PCB(s)112are positioned within the housing body106of the imaging system100so that the recessed area120is aligned with and faces the window110of the imaging system100(so that light from the window110is directed through the first opening124).

In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the PCB(s)112include a first PCB128(e.g., a lens holder PCB, a frame PCB, etc.) and a second PCB130(e.g., a base PCB, an image sensor support PCB, etc.) that is coupled to the first PCB128. The first PCB128and the second PCB130are planar sheets of a substrate that are arranged in parallel and connected to one another. In an embodiment, the first PCB128may be soldered to the second PCB130. The first PCB128and the second PCB130may be glued or otherwise adhered to or connected to one another. The first PCB128may define a through-hole opening132that defines a cylindrically-shaped sidewall of the recessed area120. The second PCB130encloses an end of the through-hole opening132opposite from the first opening124. The second PCB130defines the mounting surface122at the closed end of the recessed area120. In other embodiments, the recessed area120may be defined by a single PCB panel by an etching or a counterbore operation so that a single substrate (a substrate formed from a single piece of material as a monolithic body) defines both the sidewall and the mounting surface122of the recessed area120. It should be appreciated that the thickness and material of the first PCB120and the second PCB130may vary depending on application specifications.

The image sensor114may be configured to capture images and output image data used to form an image, generally a digital image. In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the image sensor114is disposed within the recessed area120and is coupled to the mounting surface122. In one embodiment, the image sensor114is coupled to the mounting surface122using surface mount technology (SMT) by directly soldering the image sensor114to the mounting surface122(e.g., by electrically connecting the image sensor114to wire traces, pads, and/or electrical conductors on a surface of the PCB(s)112). In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the image sensor114extends substantially parallel to the mounting surface122and extends across (e.g., covers) a substantial portion of the mounting surface122. The image sensor114may include one or more of a charge-coupled device (CCD), an active-pixel sensor (CMOS), or another form of electro-optical image sensor, and typical electronic boundary components. The resolution of the image sensor114may vary based on application specifications.

Referring toFIGS.1B and1C, the lens device116, which may include a lens body134, such as an optical barrel121, or another type of optical support having one or more lenses111that are coupled to or supported by the lens body134. The lens device116may be configured to focus light (e.g., light that is reflected from a target object on which machine-readable indicia are located, etc.) and to direct the focused light towards the image sensor114. In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the lens device116is coupled to the PCB(s)112and extends into the recessed area120. In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the image sensor114is connected to the first PCB128and the lens device116is coupled to the second PCB130. The lens(es)111may be fixed position lens(es) having a fixed focal length or adjustable lens(es) that are adjustable to vary the focal length.

The lens device116is engaged with or otherwise coupled to the PCB(s)112adjacent to a perimeter edge125of the first opening124. For example, the lens device116may include a lens body134and a projection136extending radially away the lens body134at an intermediate axial position along the lens body134. The projection136may extend in a circumferential direction along an entire outer perimeter of the lens body134. In one embodiment, the projection136defines an L-shaped ledge that is configured to engage the outer surface126of the PCB(s)112in a region that circumscribes the perimeter edge125of the first opening124.

The PCB(s)112may be structured to position and orient the lens device116in optical alignment with the image sensor114. In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the lens device116is nestably engaged with the recessed area120. A portion138(e.g., an axial end portion) of the lens device116(e.g., the lens body134) extends axially into the recessed area120so that the portion138is disposed within the cavity115of the recessed area120. Engagement between an outer radial sidewall of the portion138and the sidewall of the recessed area120may prevent radial movement of the lens device116relative to the image sensor114. The cavity115of the PCB(s)112functions as a camera lens holder for the camera device102in supporting the lens device116to channel light through to the image sensor114and shield the image sensor114from sideward or peripheral light. In an embodiment, the recessed area120may have feature(s) that may be engaged by reciprocal feature(s) on the portion138of the lens device116, such as threads, projection(s) protrusion(s), or other engagement or locking features.

In one embodiment, the lens device116is configured to receive and focus the light entering the imaging system100(seeFIG.1A) through the window110to enable clear imaging of the target object (e.g., to reduce blurriness of the target object, barcode, etc.). The lens device116may include a barrel lens111disposed within an optical barrel121(e.g., a lens body, a casing, a lens housing, etc.), and a support structure, such as the circumferential projection136to engage and couple the lens device116to the PCB112. The optical component(s) (e.g., the optical barrel121) of the lens device116may include, for example, one or more fixed lenses with fixed focal lengths. In another embodiment, the optical component(s) of the lens device116include a focus lens and/or an iris and/or a zoom optical component that is physically adjustable. In other embodiments, the lens device116may include a different type of lens-PCB interface feature and/or may be a custom designed lens, such as a dynamic focus lens, or another lens type, such as a zoom lens.

The controller117may be part of an electronic control system that is configured to power and/or control the image sensor114and/or the lens device116. The controller117may include a processor140disposed within the housing104and a memory142storing machine-readable instructions thereon that, when read, cause the processor140to perform operations such as capturing an image using the image sensor114and/or adjusting focus and/or zoom of the lens device116or another adjustable lens device (seeFIGS.2-4, for example). In some embodiments, the processor140is communicatively coupled to the user input device108and is configured to control activation of the image sensor114illumination device (not shown), and/or the lens device116, if actively controllable, in response to an input signal123from the user input device108to capture an image through the window110of the imaging system100. In some embodiments, the controller117is coupled to the PCB(s)112, such as to the outer surface126of the PCB(s)112. In other embodiments, the controller117may be mounted within the housing104separately/remotely from the PCB(s)112. It should be appreciated that the geometry and arrangement of the PCB(s)112and/or other components of the camera device102may be different in various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, another illustrative camera device202for use with an imaging system (e.g., a barcode scanning device, etc.) is shown. The camera device202has a similar design as the camera device102ofFIG.1B, but includes multiple lens devices, shown as a first lens device216, which may be a fixed focal length lens, and a second lens device218, which may be an adjustable focal length lens to enable a lens driver or controller260to adjust an adjustable lens of the second lens device218, thereby adjusting image focus. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the first lens device216includes a lens body including an optical barrel221, and at least one lens211. The optical barrel221includes a radial projection238that extends over and engages (e.g., directly or indirectly coupled) an upper surface240of a first or frame PCB228. The radial projection238engages the upper surface of the first PCB228in a region that is adjacent to a perimeter edge225of a recessed area220defined by the first PCB228and a second PCB230(in a region that extends radially outwardly from the perimeter edge225of the recessed area220). The first and/or second PCBs228and230may have multiple layers for including trace lines for routing signals from the image sensor214. A height of the recessed area220sets a focal distance between lens(es)211in the optical barrel221and the image sensor214. It should be appreciated that extra optical height246between the optical barrel221and the image sensor214can be achieved by increasing height of a barrel top portion237extending from the radial projection238of the optical barrel221of the first lens device216. In one embodiment, the first lens device216is coupled to the first PCB228using a curable adhesive product239, such as an ultraviolet (UV) light adhesive product (e.g., UV glue) that is cured by irradiation from a UV light source. Although shown as two “dots,” the curable adhesive product239may extend continuously around the recessed area220on an upper surface240of the first PCB228.

In one embodiment, the second lens device218is an adjustable or tunable lens device (e.g., a tunable lens having variable focal length, etc.) that can be electromechanically controlled to change light passing through the second lens device218or another optical characteristic of light transmitted by the second lens device218to focus on an image sensor214of the camera device202. In one embodiment, the second lens device218is a piezoelectric, electrically actuated lens having an adjustable diopter based on a voltage difference applied to the second lens device218. Other electromechanical and/or electro-optical adjustable lens(es) may be utilized to provide the same or similar function as the second lens device218.

In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the second lens device218is supported by the first PCB228within the recessed area220(e.g., within an upper cavity215athat is defined by the recessed area220). The first PCB228and the second PCB230together are structured to support the second lens device218in optical alignment with the image sensor214and the first lens device216. As shown, the second lens device218is arranged coaxially with respect to the image sensor214. In one embodiment, the second lens device218is disposed axially between the image sensor214and the first lens device216. A lower cavity215bmay be axially disposed below the upper cavity215aand have a smaller diameter (D1) than a diameter (D2) of the upper cavity215a.

The first PCB228defines a shelf244that is disposed within the recessed area220. The shelf244extends radially inward from a wall surface246(e.g., a cylindrical sidewall, etc.) that is defined by the recessed area220of the first PCB228and establishes the diameter (D1) of the lower cavity215b. The shelf244is spaced axially apart from a first opening224of the recessed area220at an outer end of the recessed area220. As described above, the shelf244may be a protrusion and/or ledge that extends radially inwardly into the recessed area220so as to define the upper cavity215aand axially away from a closed end of the recessed area220as defined by the second PCB230. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the shelf244is a ledge defining a second opening247that is concentric with a first opening224located at the outer end of the recessed area220.

The second lens device218may be directly or indirectly coupled to a top surface254of the shelf244that faces axially toward the first opening224. In at least one embodiment, the recessed area220includes a first internal surface262extending axially from the first opening224to the shelf244, and a second internal surface264extending axially between the second opening247and a mounting surface222. In one embodiment, a height of the shelf244(e.g., the second internal surface264) is greater than a height of the image sensor214. In another embodiment, the height of the shelf244is greater than a combined height of the image sensor214and the second lens device218(the adjustable lens device).

The second lens device218may be directly or indirectly coupled to the shelf244by an electrically conductive adhesive248, such as an electrically conductive glue or epoxy. Among other reasons, using the electrically conductive adhesive248to secure the second lens device218to the shelf244can (i) increase the reliability of electrical connections between the second lens device218and the controller260of the camera device202, and (ii) provide resilience of the connection against failure due to vibrational loading (e.g., as a result of being dropped). Using the electrically conductive adhesive248also allows for the use of optical lenses based on plastic materials instead of high-temperature resistant glass, which may be utilized if the components of the lens device or a separate lens holder are soldered to the PCB. In other embodiments, the second lens device218may be soldered directly to the first PCB228at the shelf244by conductive leads250that extend radially away from the second lens device218. The conductive leads250may be applied to a rigid or flexible component of the second lens device218.

Continuing withFIG.2, the second lens device218may be electrically connected to electrical conductors252(e.g., an electrical via) by the electrically conductive adhesive248. In one embodiment, the conductive adhesive248is a conductive glue, such as a silver epoxy adhesive or another electrically conductive adhesive having a volume resistivity of less than or equal to approximately 3×10−5 ohm-cm. Other conductive adhesives with different volume resistivity may be utilized. Moreover, other techniques for electrically attaching the second lens device218to the electrical conductors252may be utilized. In one embodiment, the electrical connection(s)252a,252bextend through the first PCB228(by connection252a) and the second PCB230(by connection252b) from the top surface or first outer side254of the first PCB228to a second outer side256of the second PCB230that is opposite the first outer side254. The connections252a,252bmay be electrically connected to one another by a solder paste that connects the first PCB228to the second PCB230. The electrical connection(s) (e.g., the connection252bas shown inFIG.2) may extend through the second PCB230so as to connect to the controller260disposed on the second outer side256of the second PCB230. In one embodiment, the electrical conductor(s)252may be disposed proximate to an inner perimeter surface258(e.g., the second internal surface) of the recessed area220that extends axially through the first PCB228.

In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the camera device202includes the two electrical conductors252that extend axially through the shelf244and the second PCB230. The electrically conductive adhesive248provides both an electrical connection to the electrical conductors252as well as a mechanical connection securing the second lens device218to the first PCB228(e.g., on the upper surface254of the shelf244).

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, the camera device202includes a lens driver or the controller260coupled to the second PCB230, in this case the second outer side256of the second PCB230, that is configured to power and control operation of the second lens device218and/or the first lens device216, if active elements are functioning therein. The electrical conductor(s)252may be power conductors (e.g., electrical conductors capable of applying up to 60V DC or higher differential or absolute across the second lens device218, etc.). The controller260may also be configured to provide control signals through the electrical conductor(s)252(or other electrical conductors) to control operations of the second lens device218.

Because the controller260is mounted to the second outer side256of the second PCB230as the recessed area220, the controller260is spaced axially apart from the image sensor214by the second PCB230. In another embodiment, the controller260is mounted to another surface of the first PCB228or the second PCB230(e.g., a surface in which the recessed area220is formed, the top surface of the first PCB228, etc.).

The mounting arrangement of the second lens device218may be different in various embodiments. For example, referring toFIG.3, an illustrative camera device302is shown that includes a second lens device318(e.g., an adjustable lens device, a tunable lens, etc.) that is directly coupled to or integrated into a first lens device316(e.g., a lens device having fixed or variable focal length, etc.). The first and second lens devices316and318may be coupled to the first PCB328and/or the second PCB330of the camera device302. In such an embodiment, the recessed area320defined by the first PCB328and the second PCB330may include a single, vertical sidewall extending in an axial direction from a first opening324of the first PCB328to a mounting surface322of the recessed area320. As withFIG.2, if the optical barrel of the first lens device316has a circular profile, then the profile of the recessed area320may have a circular profile.

The second lens device318and/or the first lens device316may both be electrically coupled to electrical connection(s)352a,352bby an electrically conductive adhesive340. The electrical connection(s)352a,352bmay be the same as or similar to the electrical connection(s)252a,252bdescribed with reference toFIG.2. In the embodiment ofFIG.3, the electrical conductors352extend axially through an entirety of the first PCB328and the second PCB330, thereby enabling electrical power and/or data signals to control the second lens318by controller360with internal electrical conductors352so as to simplify assembly of the camera device302.

FIG.4is an illustration of another embodiment of an illustrative camera device402having first and second lens devices428and430and an image sensor414that are arranged similarly to the camera device202ofFIG.2. In this embodiment, PCB412is a single PCB panel that is formed of a single-piece, monolithic substrate (instead of multiple substrates that are soldered or otherwise coupled together). The camera device402includes a recessed area420that is etched or otherwise formed into an outer surface426(e.g., a top surface) of the PCB412. The PCB412also includes a shelf424protruding radially inward at a closed end425of the recessed area420for supporting (e.g., suspending) second lens device430within a cavity415of the recessed area420and in a position axially between the first lens device428and the image sensor414. The camera device402also includes electrical connection(s)452that extend through the PCB412. The second lens device420may be electrically connected to the electrical connection(s)452using an electrically conductive glue440.

FIG.5is an illustration of another illustrative camera device502that is made from a single PCB512. The camera device502includes a second lens device530that is integrated into (e.g., coupled directly to, etc.) a first lens device528, similar to the arrangement described with respect toFIG.3, which was formed with multiple PCBs, including the first PCB328and the second PCB330.

It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the PCB integrated lens holder (e.g., the recessed area, the shelf, etc.) described with respect to any of the foregoing embodiments may be different than those shown and may be tailored to the size of the lens device(s) and image sensor being used. Alternative PCB-integrated lens holders may be utilized to provide the same or similar function.

Referring toFIG.6, a flow diagram of an illustrative method600of making a camera device is shown, such as any of the camera devices described with reference toFIGS.1A-1BorFIGS.2-5. In other embodiments, the method600may include additional, fewer, and/or different operations.

Operation602may include positioning an image sensor within a recessed area defined by at least one PCB. In one embodiment, operation602may include forming the recessed area into the PCB(s) by etching, machining, or otherwise forming the recessed area in a PCB substrate. Operation602may include etching the recessed area into a single PCB substrate (see, for example,FIG.4). In other embodiments, operation602may include etching or drilling a through-hole opening through a first PCB and soldering or otherwise coupling the first PCB to a second PCB to enclose one end of the through-hole opening (see, for example,FIG.3). In such embodiments, operation602may include aligning at least one corner of the first PCB with at least one corner of the second PCB, or by using standard surface mount technology (SMT) processes to ensure precision of alignment between the first PCB and the second PCB.

Operation602may further include stenciling solder with a mask to solder the first PCB to the second PCB and to electrically connect conductors from the first PCB to the second PCB. For example, operation602may include electrically connecting a first electrical conductor of the first PCB that extends through the first PCB to a second electrical conductor that extends through the second PCB. In other embodiments, operation602includes bonding the first PCB to the second PCB using an electrically conductive adhesive. The first and second electrical conductors may be disposed proximate to the recessed area to enable one or more electrically powered lens devices to be powered and controlled when positioned in or at the recessed area. If two or more PCBs are used for the camera device, electrical conductor pads (e.g., copper pads), connectors, or other junction structures may be applied to the opposing sides of the PCBs and electrically connected to respective electrical conductors, thereby electrically connecting the electrical conductors to one another.

In one embodiment, operation602includes positioning the image sensor within the recessed area and engaging the image sensor with a mounting surface at the closed end of the recessed area. In some embodiments, operation602includes using SMT processes to align and place the image sensor on the mounting surface within the recessed area.

Operation604may include coupling an image sensor to the mounting surface within the recessed area. In one embodiment, operation604includes soldering or otherwise electrically connecting the image sensor to electrical conductors disposed along the mounting surface, such as the electrical conductors that extend through the first PCB and the second PCB.

Operation606optionally may include coupling a second lens device (e.g., an adjustable lens device, a tunable lens, etc.) to one of a first lens device (e.g., a lens device having fixed focal length, etc.) (seeFIGS.3and5) or an inner ledge of the recessed area (seeFIGS.2and4). Rather than coupling a second lens device to a first lens device, a first lens device inclusive of a second lens device may be selected and assembled to the camera device. In one embodiment, operation606includes placing the second lens device into the cavity defined by the recessed area. Operation606may include optically aligning the second lens device with the image sensor, for example, by engaging the second lens device (e.g., electrical terminals of the second lens device) with a shelf extending radially inward toward a central axis of the recessed area. Operation606may include bonding the second lens device to the shelf, and the electrical conductors positioned along an axially-facing surface of the shelf using an electrically conductive adhesive or solder to supply electrical power and/or signals for controlling the second lens. In other embodiments, operation606includes directly connecting the second lens device to a first lens device that is configured to engage with and mount to the recessed area. It should be understood that the second lens device may be attached to and electrically connected to the first lens device or to the PCB(s) based on a configuration thereof.

Operation608may include coupling the first lens device to the at least one PCB so that the first lens device extends into the recessed area. In one embodiment, operation608includes optically aligning the first lens device with the image sensor and/or the second lens device. Operation608may include engaging the first lens device with the recessed area of the PCB(s) by inserting an optical barrel or another first portion of the first lens device into the recessed area and engaging a radial protrusion or another second portion of an optical barrel of the first lens device with an outer perimeter surface of the PCB(s) proximate to a perimeter edge of the recessed area (see, for example,FIGS.2-5). Operation608may include positioning the first lens device and/or the second lens device so that the second lens device is disposed axially between the first lens device and the image sensor. Operation608may include bonding or otherwise coupling the first lens device to the PCB(s), for example, using a curable UV adhesive material. In such implementations, operation608may include using a focalization device and/or machine to ensure proper focal length between the image sensor and the first lens device after installation. Operation608may include recording an image from the sensor in a first position, when the optical distance/point is established between the first lens device and the image sensor, supporting the first lens device in the first position, and curing the curable UV adhesive to secure the first lens device in the first position by irradiating the UV adhesive with UV light.

The principles described herein provide for a low-cost solution for camera devices and supports high miniaturization for use in camera systems. Installing the camera device described herein supports installation of the camera device with no additional mechanical parts to hold the PCB-integrated lens holder in place as the PCB(s) are already installed in a camera system. Moreover, existing lens holder alignment processes may be avoided because an image sensor and the PCB-integrated lens holder are intrinsically aligned by construction (i.e., the image sensor is mounted to a surface of the PCB within the PCB-integrated lens holder in which a lens barrel of a lens device of the camera device is mounted. An optional, simplified electro-mechanical connection is possible with a tunable lens that may be disposed in the PCB-integrated lens holder or with the lens device by configuring the PCB with through-hole electrical conductors from a controller disposed on a side opposite the lens device. The principles of the camera device described herein further provide for lower manufacturing costs, smaller camera modules, and smaller scan engines for use in code scanners.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the methods. Although process flow diagrams may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed here may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and methods were described without reference to the specific software code being understood that software and control hardware can be designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description here.

When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed here may be embodied in a processor-executable software module which may reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. A non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable media includes both computer storage media and tangible storage media that facilitate transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory processor-readable storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory processor-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storage medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used here, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.