Ear-Mounted Code Reader With Guide Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information code reading apparatuses are difficult to use for tasks other than reading, as they require one hand for operation, and are cumbersome for accurate mounting and detachment, leading to inefficiencies in operation and data management.
Innovation Solution
A portable information code reading apparatus with an imaging unit, processing unit, and attaching portion that allows for easy attachment to the user's ear or body, enabling hands-free operation and flexible mounting, along with a guide portion for accurate reattachment and a light source control unit for efficient data decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reading apparatus is completely fixed to a band or headset that is fitted onto the user's head, then the reading apparatus cannot be easily detached for temporary use, but this configuration makes mounting and detachment operations troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The reading apparatus is divided into separable components: the main body unit and the band/headset. The main body can be detached from the band, allowing the user to wear only the lightweight band when the reader is not in use, while still maintaining secure attachment when needed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both stable operation during use and easy detachment for temporary storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable clips, magnetic attachments, or snap-fit mechanisms that allow quick connection and disconnection. This dynamic design enables the reading apparatus to transition between fixed and mobile states, providing stability during reading operations while facilitating rapid mounting and detachment when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reading apparatus is made detachable for temporary use, then the apparatus can be temporarily detached and reused, but the operation for attaching and positioning the reading apparatus becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The band or headset is pre-adjusted to the user's head size and shape before the reading apparatus is attached. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the main body is detached and reattached, it automatically aligns with the correct positioning features on the band, eliminating the need for complex repositioning operations and reducing reattachment time.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning features such as guide rails, alignment pins, or magnetic guides act as intermediaries between the main body and the band. These intermediaries automatically guide the main body into the correct position during attachment, simplifying the reattachment process and ensuring accurate positioning without requiring manual adjustment by the user.
3Ease of operation
If the reading apparatus is held in the hand for operation, then the user can perform reading operations, but the user is unable to use one hand for other operations
Solution Approach 1:
The reading apparatus is transferred from hand-held operation to head-mounted operation, changing the spatial dimension of interaction from manual to cranial attachment. This allows the user's hands to be freed for other tasks while the reading apparatus remains securely positioned on the head, enabling simultaneous hand-free operation and manual task performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information code reading apparatus includes an image unit imaging an information code, a processing unit encoding the information code imaged by the imaging unit, a case that holds the imaging unit and the processing unit. An attaching member is produced integrally with the case or produced as a separate member from the case. The attaching member is used to hook the case on a user's ear.