Adaptive Laser Aiming for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices used for Automatic Identification & Data Capture (AIDC) operations face challenges in aiming targets efficiently across various environments due to differing ambient lighting conditions, with high-power lasers posing optical radiation hazards indoors and low-power lasers being less visible outdoors, affecting the perceptibility of laser beams.
Innovation Solution
A system that detects ambient lighting intensity levels and adjusts the power of the aiming laser beam accordingly, using a high-power laser for outdoor conditions and a low-power, Class 2 laser for indoor settings to ensure safe and effective aiming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a high-power laser is used to illuminate the scan target, then the perceptibility of the laser beam is improved, but optical radiation hazards are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the laser power adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the laser output power based on ambient lighting conditions detected by a sensor. In bright outdoor environments, higher power is used to ensure beam visibility, while in dim indoor environments, lower power is used to eliminate optical hazards, thus resolving the contradiction between perceptibility and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter of the laser based on ambient lighting conditions. By detecting ambient light levels and adjusting the laser power accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between beam perceptibility and optical radiation hazard. This parameter adjustment resolves the technical contradiction by adapting the laser output to match environmental conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a low-power laser is used to reduce optical radiation hazards, then safety is improved, but the perceptibility of the laser beam deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts laser power based on ambient lighting detection. In bright outdoor conditions where high perceptibility is needed, the system safely increases power only when necessary, while maintaining low power in indoor conditions where both safety and perceptibility are acceptable, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The laser power parameter is changed based on ambient light detection. The system uses ambient light sensors to determine when higher power is needed for perceptibility without compromising safety, resolving the contradiction by adapting the power level to environmental conditions
3Illumination intensity
If the laser power is increased for outdoor use, then the perceptibility in bright ambient lighting is improved, but the suitability for indoor use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser power dynamic and adaptable to different environments. By using ambient light sensors to detect whether the device is in indoor or outdoor conditions, the system automatically adjusts the laser power to be optimal for the current environment, thus achieving both high perceptibility outdoors and safety indoors, resolving the contradiction between outdoor performance and environmental versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same laser system to operate optimally in both indoor and outdoor environments. The ambient light detection and adaptive power control allow the device to universally function across different lighting conditions, resolving the contradiction between specialized outdoor performance and general environmental adaptability
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
Enables efficient and safe AIDC operations in various environments by ensuring the laser beam's perceptibility is maintained across different lighting conditions, reducing the risk of optical hazards while enhancing aiming accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
directing a visible linear light beam emitted by the laser at the scan target
Implementation Method 2
observation of a reflection of the illumination of the scan target by the laser beam directed thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Aiming a device at a target within a use environment is described. An intensity level of ambient lighting associated with the use environment is detected and a corresponding signal is generated. An emission of a beam operable for the aiming of the device is controlled. Upon the generated signal corresponding to a first detected ambient lighting intensity level, a first laser is activated to emit the aiming beam at a first power intensity level. Upon the generated signal corresponding to a second detected ambient lighting intensity level, which exceeds the second detected ambient lighting intensity level, a second laser is activated to emit the aiming beam at a second power intensity level. The first power intensity level exceeds the second power intensity level.