Optical Mouse Barcode Reading Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical computer mice and barcode readers lack integration, resulting in increased complexity and reduced efficiency when used together, as they do not share common parts, and existing optical mice do not effectively utilize their imaging and processing systems for barcode reading.
Innovation Solution
An optical computer mouse is designed to switch between navigation and barcode reading modes using the same set of components, employing a subset of optical sensing elements for faster frame rates and reduced processing requirements, allowing accurate barcode reading at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical barcode reader and mechanical mouse are used together, then barcode reading function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barcode reader and optical mouse into a single integrated device that shares common components including the optical sensor, illumination source, and signal processing circuitry. The optical sensor serves dual purposes: detecting surface patterns for mouse navigation and reading barcode patterns when activated in barcode reading mode, thereby providing barcode reading functionality without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor and processing system are designed to perform multiple functions: they detect motion patterns for cursor control during normal mouse operation, and switch to detect stationary barcode patterns when barcode reading mode is activated. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components in each device
2Measurement precision
If full imaging array is used for barcode reading, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging array is segmented into multiple regions, with only the relevant portion(s) activated for barcode reading based on the detected barcode position and orientation. This selective activation reduces the number of pixels that need to be processed while maintaining complete coverage of the barcode pattern, thereby reducing processing time without sacrificing reading accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously activating the entire imaging array for barcode reading, the system activates only the necessary subset of sensor elements required to capture and decode the barcode. This partial action approach reduces processing load and time while maintaining sufficient data quality for accurate barcode recognition
3Speed
If high frame rate is used for navigation, then speed is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on the detected pattern type: for moving surface patterns during navigation, it uses reduced processing with lower frame rates; when a stationary barcode pattern is detected, it switches to enhanced processing mode with higher frame rates and activated barcode decoding algorithms. This dynamic adaptation optimizes processing requirements according to the specific operational context
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 optical mouse achieves improved accuracy and speed in barcode reading by optimizing processing and frame rates, enabling seamless operation between navigation and barcode reading modes without adding complexity or requiring shared parts.
Implementation Method 1
An optical computer mouse measures motion of the mouse and converts the motion to an electrical signal... A photo-diode in the reader converts the light and dark lines of the barcode pattern into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical computer mouse has a support structure that can be moved across a surface. An illumination source that illuminates a region of the surface is coupled to the support structure. An imaging system in the mouse includes an optical sensor array that receives light from the illuminated region of the work surface and an image processor that receives data from the optical sensor array. The optical computer mouse may be switched between a navigation mode of operation, in which the image processor detects motion of the optical computer mouse over the work surface, and a barcode reading mode of operation, in which the image processor senses a barcode as the optical computer mouse is moved across a barcode.