Barcode Reader with Anti-Microbial Illumination for Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers require time and resources to manually adjust settings when changing orientations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple dedicated devices, while also facing challenges in effectively disinfecting surfaces without damaging materials or using harmful chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader that automatically adjusts settings and functions based on detected orientation, incorporating anti-microbial illumination for disinfection, which can be activated manually, periodically, or automatically, using LEDs emitting between 380-470 nm wavelengths to deactivate bacteria without interrupting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dedicated barcode readers are installed for different orientations, then operational efficiency and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reader is designed to perform multiple functions by automatically adjusting its settings based on detected orientation. A single device can scan barcodes at various angles and orientations without requiring manual reconfiguration, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated readers while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode reader incorporates dynamic orientation detection capabilities that automatically adjust scanning parameters based on the device's current orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the single reader to efficiently handle multiple scanning scenarios that previously required multiple static devices.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of settings is required when changing orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reader automatically detects its own orientation and adjusts its scanning settings without requiring manual intervention. The device serves itself by monitoring its orientation state and autonomously reconfiguring parameters, thereby eliminating time loss while adding minimal complexity through integrated sensors and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates orientation sensors that provide real-time feedback about the device's angular position. This feedback is automatically processed to adjust scanning parameters, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates manual adjustment time while maintaining straightforward device operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning chemicals are used to disinfect surfaces, then hygiene and cleanliness are improved, but harmful factors and material degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning methods with a physical/photonic approach using anti-microbial illumination. LEDs emitting blue light in the 380-470 nm wavelength range are used to deactivate bacteria and germs through photochemical processes, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals that degrade polycarbonate and ABS materials while maintaining effective disinfection.
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 operation with minimal disruption by automatically adapting to different orientations and effectively disinfecting surfaces without the need for harmful chemicals, reducing costs and maintaining equipment integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning function may include emitting an anti-microbial illumination that is used to clean or disinfect surface(s) onto which the barcode scanner illuminates with the anti-microbial illumination. The anti-microbial illumination is an illumination with a wavelength that causes microbes (e.g., bacteria) to be deactivated or killed.
Data Source
AI summary
A code reader may include a housing configured to be adjustably oriented. The housing may include at least one orientation corresponding with a cleaning function. A scanner may be disposed within the housing, and be configured to scan a machine-readable indicia in a target area. An illumination source may be configured to emit an anti-microbial illumination. A processing unit may be in communication with the scanner and illumination source, and be configured to select the cleaning function to cause the illumination source to emit the anti-microbial illumination toward the target area to disinfect surfaces in the target area.