Predictive Triggering Using Proximity Sensor for Barcode Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with trigger mechanisms, such as barcode scanners and digital camera systems, face issues with power consumption and operational latency due to the need for illumination and aiming patterns during the decoding process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proximity sensor near the trigger button to initiate the decoding process before the trigger is pressed, allowing the system to use ambient lighting and reducing the need for built-in illumination and aiming patterns, thus accelerating the decoding process and providing nearly instantaneous results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trigger is pressed to initiate the decoding process, then the barcode can be decoded, but power is consumed for illumination and aiming pattern generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting finger proximity to the trigger and initiating the decoding process before the trigger is actually pressed. The imager captures images and the decoder attempts to decode barcodes in advance, using ambient lighting when possible, so that when the trigger is pressed, decoding has already occurred or is immediately completed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ambient lighting conditions to perform decoding without requiring the built-in illumination source. When sufficient ambient light is available, the imager can capture and decode barcodes using only environmental light, eliminating the need for power-consuming illumination and aiming pattern generation
2Reliability
If the trigger is pressed to start the decoding process, then the barcode can be decoded, but time latency occurs before decoding is successful
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting finger proximity to the trigger and initiating the decoding process before the trigger is actually pressed. Image capture and decoding operations begin in advance, so when the trigger is pressed, the decoding has already been completed or is immediately finalized, making the latency imperceptible to the user
3Measurement precision
If illumination and aiming patterns are used during decoding, then the barcode can be decoded accurately, but power is consumed and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses ambient lighting conditions to perform decoding without requiring the built-in illumination source. When sufficient ambient light is available, the imager can capture and decode barcodes using only environmental light, eliminating the need for power-consuming illumination and aiming pattern generation while maintaining decoding accuracy
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 approach reduces power consumption and perceived latency by enabling decoding before the trigger is pressed, offering immediate user notification of successful decoding while saving energy typically used for illumination and aiming pattern generation.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a capacitive sensor operable to detect a change in capacitance when a user's finger is placed in proximity to the trigger
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus with predictive triggering includes a housing including electronics operable to perform a process that can be activated by a user depressing a trigger with a finger. A trigger is operable to activate the electronics to perform the process. A proximity sensor is operable to detect a user's finger in proximity to the trigger. A processor coupled to the electronics, trigger, and proximity sensor, wherein when the proximity sensor detects a user's finger in proximity to the trigger, before the user's finger actually depresses the trigger, the processor initiates activation of the electronics to perform a portion of the process, and when the user's finger depresses the trigger, the processor directs the electronics to complete the process.