Docked Handheld Imager Mount Trigger Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld imagers often capture blurry or out-of-focus images when used in presentation mode due to difficulty in actuating the trigger while docked, leading to unintended movement and improper positioning.

Innovation Solution

A mount with a button that can be actuated to trigger image capture, allowing the handheld imager to be positioned stationary, and configuring aspects like field-of-view and resolution based on button actuation sequences, with sensors detecting the imager's presence for controlled image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handheld imager is used in handheld mode, then mobility and ease of operation are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to movement during capture

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the imaging function into two distinct modes: handheld mode for mobility and docked mode for stability. The mount provides a stationary platform that physically separates the imager from the user's hand movements, allowing each mode to optimize for its intended use case without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the handheld imager is docked in presentation mode, then image quality is improved by stabilizing the imager, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in actuating the trigger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidtrigger actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mount acts as an intermediary device that receives the imager and provides its own trigger mechanism. Instead of requiring the user to reach for and actuate the imager's trigger while it's docked, the mount's trigger serves as a mediator that can be easily accessed and operated, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the trigger position is optimized for handheld use, then ease of operation is improved, but usability deteriorates when the imager is docked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger accessibilityVSAvoidusability in docked mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universal usability by providing trigger functionality at two locations: the imager's trigger for handheld operation and the mount's trigger for docked operation. This multi-functional approach ensures that the system remains adaptable and usable across different operating modes, with each trigger optimized for its specific context

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11334730B2Methods and apparatus to image objects using docked handheld imagers

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to capture images using docked handheld imagers are disclosed herein. An example imaging system includes a handheld imager configured to capture images; a mount configured to selectively receive the handheld imager; and a button disposed in the mount, the button configured to, when the handheld imager is disposed in the mount and the button actuated, direct the handheld imager to capture an image and, when the handheld imager is not disposed in the mount and the button is actuated, direct the handheld imager to perform a function other than capture of an image.