Imaging Reader Mode Switching via Dual Capacitive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging readers face challenges in reliably switching between hands-free and handheld modes due to susceptibility to liquid spills, dirt, and false positives from capacitive touch sensors, which interfere with accurate detection of mode changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a housing with a light-detecting sensor and multiple tactile sensors, including capacitive sensors strategically placed on the handle, allows the controller to accurately differentiate between hands-free and handheld modes by requiring simultaneous actuation of multiple sensors to prevent false activations, thus enhancing mode switching reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-based switch is used to detect hands-free mode, then the imaging reader can reliably detect when set down on a surface, but the electronics become susceptible to liquid spills and dirt which interfere with the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based switch with capacitive touch sensors that detect mode changes through electrical capacitance changes rather than mechanical contact. This eliminates the harmful effects of liquid spills and dirt on mechanical components while maintaining reliable hands-free mode detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitive sensors as an intermediary detection mechanism that senses mode changes through electrical field changes when the reader is placed on conductive surfaces, rather than direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach avoids the harmful interactions between mechanical switches and environmental contaminants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single capacitive touch sensor is used to detect handheld mode, then electronics are protected from liquid spills and dirt, but the system becomes susceptible to false positives from objects capable of holding electrical charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple capacitive sensors positioned at different locations on the handle. By requiring simultaneous activation of multiple sensors to confirm handheld mode, the system segments the detection function to reduce false positives from single objects while maintaining protection from environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor inputs to validate mode changes. The controller analyzes patterns from multiple capacitive sensors to distinguish genuine handheld mode activation from false positives caused by incidental contact with conductive objects, improving detection reliability.
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
This solution significantly reduces false activations and maintains operational integrity by ensuring that both tactile sensors must be activated simultaneously to switch modes, thereby improving the reliability of mode transitions and reducing interference from conductive objects or environmental noise.
Implementation Method 1
A first capacitive tactile sensor and a second capacitive tactile sensor are provided on a handle of the imaging reader
Implementation Method 2
The imaging engine is supported by the housing and includes a light-detecting sensor with a field of view extending through the window. The light-detecting sensor is adapted to capture either light reflected from a target and/or light emitted from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for switching an optical imaging reader between a hands-free mode and a handheld mode using two or more tactile sensors, both of which are actuated by cutaneous contact in order to switch from the hands-free mode to the handheld mode, and which switches from the handheld mode to the hands-free mode if one of the tactile sensors is no longer actuated by cutaneous contact.