Attachment for a mobile device for reading barcodes and capturing non-barcode images

An attachment for a mobile device, the mobile device comprising a processor, a display screen, an image sensing system, and memory, the memory containing executable code configured to cause the image sensing system to capture image data, the attachment comprising:

• an attachment feature securable to the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is selected from the group consisting of smartphones, tablets, and smartphone/tablets;
• a first set of imaging optics that receives, from within a first field of view, first light defining a first portion of image data captured by the image sensing system, the first portion comprising a barcode image, wherein the first field of view is centered on a first optical pathway;
• and
• a second set of imaging optics that receives, from within a second field of view, second light defining a second portion of the image data, the second portion of the image data comprising a non-barcode image, wherein the second field of view is centered on a second optical pathway nonparallel to the first optical pathway.

A method for decoding a barcode through the use of an attachment for a mobile device, the attachment comprising a housing that retains a first set of imaging optics and a second set of imaging optics, the attachment further comprising an attachment feature secured to the housing, the method comprising:

• securing the attachment feature to the mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises a processor, memory, a display screen, and an image sensing system;
• executing executable code on the processor to run an application;
• with the application, receiving first user input selecting to scan a barcode;
• with the first set of imaging optics, directing first light defining a first portion of image data at the image sensing system, wherein the first portion of the image data comprises a barcode image, wherein the first set of imaging optics defines a first field of view centered on a first optical pathway, wherein the second set of imaging optics defines a second field of view centered on a second optical pathway nonparallel to the first optical pathway, wherein the second field of view encompasses a second angle centered on the second optical pathway, and wherein the second set of imaging optics comprises a selection from the group consisting of a movable lens that moves relative to the image sensing system to change the second angle and a deformable lens that is deformable to change the second angle;
• capturing the image data with the image sensing system;
• and
• in response to receipt of the first user input, initiating decoding of the barcode image to initiate generation of decoded barcode data.