Handheld Indicia Reader with Integrated Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held barcode readers face challenges in configuring and maintaining presentation mode, especially in low-light environments like hospitals, where users struggle to access configuration barcodes and require complex host device interactions, and there is a need for a device that can serve as both an indicia reader and a light source.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held indicia-reading device with a built-in broad-spectrum light source and a charging-and-communication base that simplifies the configuration of presentation mode through a single communication button, allowing continuous reading and illumination, and includes a trigger for activating the reading and lighting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hand-held barcode reader requires scanning a specific configuration barcode to enter presentation mode, then the reader can be configured to read barcodes continuously, but the user must have ready access to the configuration barcode which is often not the case
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its own light source to illuminate the configuration barcode, allowing the system to serve itself by providing the necessary illumination for configuration without requiring external lighting or additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration barcode is pre-positioned on the device housing at a location that can be accessed by the light source, allowing the system to perform configuration actions without requiring the user to locate or access the barcode in low-light conditions
2Productivity
If an application on the host device sends control commands to the scanner to put it into presentation mode, then the scanner can be controlled to read barcodes continuously, but the interface logic and protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The presentation mode configuration function is extracted from the host device application and embedded directly into the handheld scanner device, eliminating the need for complex bi-directional interface protocols and reducing the complexity of host device applications
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld scanner device serves as an intermediary that has its own embedded configuration capability, allowing it to independently enter presentation mode without requiring complex communication protocols with the host device
3Ease of operation
If a hand-held barcode reader is used in low-light conditions, then the reader can maintain portability and ease of use, but the user has difficulty seeing well enough to perform important tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld barcode reader is designed with multi-functionality by integrating a light source that can illuminate both the configuration barcode and the user's work area, allowing the single device to serve both as a barcode scanning tool and a lighting source for reading and notating tasks
4Illumination intensity
If additional components such as a worklight are added to the workstation-on-wheels, then illumination for reading is improved, but the portable nature of the workstation is compromised due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reader and light source are merged into a single integrated handheld device, eliminating the need for separate worklight components and reducing the overall space requirements while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions including barcode scanning and providing illumination, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby maintaining portability while providing necessary illumination
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
The device enables easy configuration of presentation mode and provides reliable indicia reading and illumination, enhancing usability in low-light conditions without the need for additional components, thus improving workflow efficiency in healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
a light-source emitting broad-spectrum, visible light
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a hand-held indicia reader and a charging-and-communication base. The charging-and-communication base's communication button places the hand-held indicia reader in presentation mode when the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging-and-communication base, thereby facilitating hands-free scanning and providing work lamp functionality via activation of the hand-held indicia reader's light source. When the hand-held indicia reader is not seated, the communication button pages the hand-held-indicia reader.