Barcode Reader Ambient Light and Noise Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barcode-reading systems have constant output characteristics, such as indicator light brightness and sound volume, which can be problematic in varying environments, leading to disturbance of patients in hospitals or inability to hear sounds in noisy settings.

Innovation Solution

A barcode-reading system that includes detectors to sense ambient illumination and noise levels, with a controller adjusting outputs like indicator light brightness, sound volume, and tactile feedback based on detected environmental characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If indicator lights are kept at high brightness and sound volume at high level, then visibility and audibility are improved during the day, but patients are disturbed at nighttime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator light brightnessVSAvoiddisturbance to patients

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator light brightness is made dynamically adjustable based on ambient light conditions. The system automatically transitions from high brightness during the day to low brightness at nighttime, resolving the contradiction between visibility and patient disturbance. Similarly, sound volume is dynamically adjusted based on ambient noise levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates ambient light sensors and noise sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts indicator light brightness and sound volume, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preventing patient disturbance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If sound volume is set to standard level for quiet environments, then audibility is improved in hospitals, but user cannot hear sounds in noisy environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudibility in quiet environmentsVSAvoidadaptability to noisy environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sound volume is made dynamically adjustable based on ambient noise conditions. The system automatically increases volume in noisy environments and maintains standard volume in quiet environments, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation in hospitals and adaptability to noisy settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the sound volume parameter in response to detected ambient noise levels. When high ambient noise is detected, the system automatically increases the sound volume parameter to ensure audibility, while maintaining standard volume in quiet environments for optimal ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of brightness and volume is implemented, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different environmentsVSAvoidmanual adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of brightness and volume based on sensor input, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The ambient light sensor and noise sensor automatically detect environmental conditions, and the controller autonomously adjusts output parameters, maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Automatically adjusts outputs to optimize visibility and audibility in different environments, reducing disturbance and improving usability.

Implementation Method 1

a light detector that is configured to detect the intensity of ambient illumination that is present in the environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a sound detector that is configured to detect the volume and/or frequencies of ambient noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound detection: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS11314956B2Barcode-reading system that automatically adjusts certain outputs based on ambient characteristics

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 THE CODE CORP

AI summary

A barcode-reading system may include a barcode reader and at least one detector that is configured to detect a characteristic of an environment in which the barcode-reading system is located. The barcode-reading system may also include a controller that is configured to adjust at least one output of the barcode-reading system based on at least one detected characteristic.