Indicia Reader Wireless Headset Audio Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In noisy environments, operators wearing ear protection struggle to confirm successful barcode scans due to compromised auditory feedback from traditional indicia readers, leading to potential misinterpretation of other noises as successful scans.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a BLUETOOTH™ wireless communication system with noise-cancelling headphones that receive audio data from the indicia reader, providing clear auditory feedback of successful scans while reducing ambient noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional auditory feedback from indicia readers is used in noisy environments, then operators can confirm successful scans through sound, but ear protection blocks the feedback making it impossible to verify scans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan verification reliabilityVSAvoidambient noise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless headset as an intermediary device that receives audio feedback from the indicia reader via Bluetooth communication and delivers it directly to the operator's ear. This mediator bypasses the ambient noise environment, ensuring reliable scan verification while the operator wears ear protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/acoustic feedback system (speaker in the reader) with an electronic wireless communication system. The audio feedback is transmitted electronically via Bluetooth to the headset, substituting the direct acoustic path with an electronic intermediary that is immune to ambient noise interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If operators rely on auditory feedback in loud environments, then they can quickly confirm scans, but they may misinterpret other noises as successful scans leading to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan confirmation speedVSAvoidscan confirmation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless headset acts as a dedicated communication channel between the reader and operator, filtering out ambient noises. The operator receives only the intended scan confirmation sounds through the headset, eliminating misinterpretation of environmental noises while maintaining quick confirmation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides localized audio feedback directly in the operator's ear through the headset, creating a private audio zone isolated from the noisy environment. This localized delivery ensures that only the intended feedback is heard, improving both speed and accuracy of scan confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If traditional speakers are used in indicia readers, then audio feedback is provided, but the feedback is compromised in noisy environments requiring ear protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator protectionVSAvoidaudio feedback loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless headset serves as an intermediary that captures the audio feedback from the reader and delivers it directly to the operator's ear. This allows the operator to wear ear protection for safety while the headset ensures no audio feedback is lost by delivering it through a protected channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the traditional built-in speaker system with a wireless audio transmission system. The audio feedback is converted to electronic signals and transmitted via Bluetooth to the headset, replacing the direct acoustic radiation with an electronic delivery mechanism that is not affected by ambient noise or ear protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures the operator can confidently verify successful scans even in loud environments, minimizing errors caused by misinterpretation of ambient sounds, and maintaining focus on scanning tasks.

Implementation Method 1

an indicia reader system having BLUETOOTH communication with an operator wearing a headphone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

noise-cancelling headphones that receive audio data from the indicia reader

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNoise cancellation: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS8550354B2Indicia reader system with wireless communication with a headset

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 HAND HELD PRODS INC

AI summary

An indicia reader system including: an indicia reader to read information bearing indicia (IBI); an actuator for activating the indicia reader; a first device for wirelessly sending audio data; a headphone for wear by the operator, the headphone having a second device for accepting the audio data and at least one audio feedback device provided therein for utilizing the audio data to provide audio feedback to the operator.