Scanning device with improved efficiency and household appliance comprising said scanning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning devices become cumbersome when handling a plurality of different items, as they require manual initiation and selection for each item, leading to inefficiency and reduced comfort in use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld scanning device equipped with a spectral sensor, proximity and distance sensor, and a touch-sensitive display, allowing for automatic sequential scanning and multiple functions initiation based on force thresholds, enabling efficient scanning of multiple items without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual initiation and selection is used for each item, then the scanning device can accurately process individual items, but the efficiency and comfort of use deteriorates when handling a plurality of different items
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning device automatically detects items using the proximity sensor and initiates scanning sequences without requiring manual input from the user. The control unit autonomously determines when to scan based on detected item presence, allowing the device to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor continuously monitors for item presence before the actual scanning is needed. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to prepare and automatically initiate scanning sequences in advance, eliminating the need for manual initiation and improving overall scanning efficiency.
2Productivity
If automatic sequential scanning is implemented, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects item presence, determines when to initiate scanning, and can potentially differentiate between different types of items. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Ease of operation
If force-sensitive display with multiple thresholds is used, then the ease of operation improves through intuitive control, but the device complexity increases due to force detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The force detection capability is merged with the existing display component, combining two functions (display information and detect user intent) into a single integrated element. This reduces the need for separate buttons or controls, improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 significantly enhances comfort and efficiency by allowing automatic scanning of multiple items, reducing the need for manual input and enabling quick switching between scanning modes, thus improving the handling of various items in household appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The spectral data may comprise and/or may depend on a reflection and/or an absorption spectrum of the item
Implementation Method 2
The spectral data may comprise and/or may depend on a reflection and/or an absorption spectrum of the item
Implementation Method 3
The spectral sensor may be or may comprise a near infrared sensor
Implementation Method 4
The proximity and/or distance sensor may e.g. comprise an ultrasonic, optical, capacitive and/or inductive proximity and/or distance sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A handheld scanning device (110) for determining spectral data regarding a plurality of different items (111) is described. The scanning device (110) comprises a spectral sensor (201) configured to determine spectral data regarding an item (111). Furthermore, the scanning device (110) comprises a touch and pressure sensitive display (310) configured to provide a virtual button (311). In addition, the scanning device (110) comprises a control unit (205) configured to determine whether the virtual button (311) has been actuated to enable a repeated scanning process. The control unit (205) is further configured to automatically initiate a sequence of scanning processes using the spectral sensor (201) for determining spectral data for the plurality of items (111), if it is determined that the virtual button (311) has been actuated to enable a repeated scanning process.