Handheld Data Capture Terminal with Orientation-Based Module Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld data capture systems, such as laser scanners, imagers, and RFID readers, are cumbersome and prone to accidental data capture when used for different types of data, requiring separate manual triggers or complex mechanisms to differentiate between data capture modes.
Innovation Solution
A data capture terminal with a handheld housing equipped with multiple data capture modules (laser scanning, imaging, and RFID) and an orientation sensor, which automatically selects the appropriate module based on the device's orientation, eliminating the need for separate triggers and reducing accidental data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data capture modules are combined into a single handheld housing, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and risk of accidental data capture increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the data capture mode selection automatic based on the physical orientation of the device. The system transitions from static manual mode selection to dynamic automatic mode selection where the accelerometer detects device orientation and triggers the appropriate data capture module without manual intervention, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically determining which data capture mode to activate based on its own physical orientation. The accelerometer and controller work together to sense the device angle and autonomously select the appropriate module (laser scanner, imager, or RFID reader), eliminating the need for complex manual trigger mechanisms and reducing accidental activations
2Ease of operation
If separate manual triggers are used for each data capture mode, then operational control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically selects the appropriate data capture mode based on its physical orientation detected by the accelerometer. The controller monitors the device angle and autonomously activates the correct module without requiring the user to manipulate multiple triggers, thereby simplifying operation while reducing the complexity of the trigger mechanism
3Device complexity
If a single imager is used for both monochrome and color modes, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen due to shared hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between monochrome and color imaging modes based on the detected device orientation and capture requirements. The single imager is configured to operate in different modes automatically, with the controller managing the imaging parameters and processing to maintain precision while reducing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single imager is designed to perform multiple functions - capturing both monochrome and color images - by switching operational modes. The imager is configured with multiple buried channels that can be selectively activated based on the capture mode required, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through software-controlled hardware configuration
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 and accurate data capture from various targets without the operator needing to manually switch between modes, reducing errors and simplifying the operation of the device.
Implementation Method 1
An orientation sensor, such as an accelerometer, is supported by the housing for detecting the orientations of the housing relative to the targets
Implementation Method 2
A laser in the housing generates a laser beam directed to the symbol, which is located in a range of working distances from the housing and which is associated with a product, for reflection and scattering from the symbol
Implementation Method 3
A laser in the housing generates a laser beam directed to the symbol
Implementation Method 4
The imager comprises an array of cells or photosensors, which correspond to image elements or pixels in a field of view of the imager
Implementation Method 5
The imager-based reader further typically includes an illuminator, preferably comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), to illuminate the symbol during its reading
Implementation Method 6
The RFID reader includes an antenna that emits radio carrier signals to activate the tag and read data from it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~9
AI summary
A data capture terminal (30) for, and a method of, automatically capturing data from targets, employ a handheld housing (120) orientable by a human operator in different orientations relative to the targets; a data capture system, preferably including a plurality of actuatable datacapture modules (60, 70, 80, 30), supported by the housing; an orientation sensor (14) supported by the housing for detecting the orientations of the housing relative to the targets, and for generating respective orientation signals in response to the respective detected orientations of the housing; and a controller (36) operatively connected to the orientation sensor, for independently actuating one of the data capture modules for capturing the data from one of the targets in one data capture mode of operation in response to generation of one of the orientation signals, and for actuating another of the data capture modules for capturing the data from another of the targets in another data capture mode of operation in response to generation of another of the orientation signals.