Head-Mounted Code Scanner with Automatic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile barcode scanners in order picking systems require continuous user activation and restrict the user's ability to handle products effectively, especially when rotating items to find barcodes, due to the need for separate detection and scanning systems.
Innovation Solution
A head-mountable scanner with a code reader that switches between low-power detection and high-power reading modes, integrated with a range finder and wireless communication, allowing for hands-free operation and automatic mode switching based on detected codes within the user's field of vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile barcode scanner is used in order picking systems, then item identification and tracking are improved, but the user's ability to handle and rotate items freely is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the scanning function from manual operation by implementing automatic trigger detection that separates the detection function (continuous monitoring) from the scanning function (activated only when code is detected), allowing users to handle items freely without manual scanner activation
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner performs self-activation through automatic detection of barcode presence in the field of view, eliminating the need for manual user intervention to trigger scanning operations, thus freeing users to handle and rotate items without restriction
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If separate detection and scanning systems are used, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operation time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the detection and scanning functions into a single integrated system where the same optical sensor and processing unit handle both continuous monitoring for code presence and the actual barcode reading, eliminating the need for separate detection and scanning hardware components
Solution Approach 2:
The code reader is designed with multi-functionality to perform both detection (monitoring for code presence) and scanning (reading the barcode) operations using the same hardware components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
3Measurement precision
If the code reader operates in high-power mode continuously, then reading speed and accuracy are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The code reader operates periodically rather than continuously, switching between low-power standby mode and high-power reading mode based on detection triggers, thereby maintaining reading accuracy when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during item handling tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time conditions, transitioning from low-power mode to high-power mode only when a barcode is detected in the field of view, optimizing the balance between reading accuracy and energy consumption
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
Enables efficient, hands-free barcode scanning, allowing users to manipulate items freely while scanning, improving efficiency and safety by merging barcode location identification and scanning into a single activity without requiring manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a code reader (24) having an optical input/output (34)
Implementation Method 2
the code reader (24) comprises a range finder device including at least a wave source and at least a sensor operable to detect feedback from the wave source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The described mobile device for optically reading a machine- interpretable code, used for example in an order picking system for consumer and/or consumable goods, includes a head-mountable scanner (12) with a code reader (24) and a control unit (42) controlling the head-mounted scanner to switch the code reader between a detection mode and a reading mode. In the detection mode, the code reader operates in a low power mode sufficient to detect the presence of a machine-interpretable code. The control unit switches the code reader into the higher-powered reading mode when the code is detected to optically read the code. A wireless communication device may also be provided to wirelessly transmit information corresponding to the scanned code to a remote receiving unit for storage and/or data processing.