Barcode Scanner Standby Control via Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode reading apparatuses often consume unnecessary power by maintaining their scanner in a standby state for extended periods before starting the reading operation, leading to increased power consumption and longer startup times.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading apparatus that includes a scanner unit and a processor to determine if the distance between the apparatus and an operating body is within a prescribed range, allowing it to switch to a standby state and wait for an instruction to start reading barcodes, thereby reducing power consumption and shortening startup times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the scanner is maintained in a standby state for extended periods before starting the reading operation, then power consumption is reduced, but the startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scanner's operational state changeable based on detected conditions. The scanner transitions between standby mode and active reading mode dynamically, allowing it to optimize between power consumption and startup time based on whether an operating body is detected within the prescribed distance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the scanner based on detected conditions. When an operating body is detected within the prescribed distance range, the scanner switches from a low-power standby state to an active reading state, effectively changing its operational parameters to balance power consumption and response time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the scanner is brought to touch the barcodes after the user operates the starting switch, then power consumption is reduced, but the reading operation starts later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the operating body in advance and transitioning the scanner to a standby state before the actual reading operation is needed. This preliminary transition allows the scanner to be ready faster when reading is required, reducing the delay between user initiation and actual barcode reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the distance detection unit to control the scanner's operational state. The system continuously monitors the distance to the operating body and adjusts the scanner's state accordingly, creating a feedback loop that optimizes both power consumption and response time based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reading apparatus has a scanner unit for reading barcodes and a processor for controlling whole operation of the apparatus. The barcode reading apparatus judges whether a distance between a operation unit for receiving an instruction to be given by a user and an operating body such as the finger of the user falls with in a prescribed range, and starts up and brings the scanner unit to a standby state, when it is determined that the distance between the operation unit and the operating body falls with in the prescribed range, and waits for an instruction of making the scanner unit start reading barcodes.