Ring Scanner Neutral Grip Orientation and Integrated Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring scanners cause user fatigue and discomfort due to the need for repeated hand pronation, lack integrated interactivity, and have limited capabilities for output and remote management, often requiring external devices and static operation.
Innovation Solution
A ring scanner device with an optical detector positioned to scan upright barcodes in a neutral hand position, featuring a touchscreen display and buttons for input, and enabling remote management through a mobile device management console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ring scanner is oriented to capture barcodes with the hand in pronation position, then the scanner can read barcodes effectively, but repeated pronation causes user fatigue, discomfort, and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional hand position requirement by designing the ring scanner to work with the hand in a neutral position rather than requiring pronation. The scanner's optical detector and barcode capture mechanism are oriented to function correctly when the hand remains in its natural neutral position, eliminating the need for repeated forearm rotation and associated fatigue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary device is strapped to the user's forearm to add output and input capabilities, then the scanner gains additional functionality, but the device becomes bulkier and more uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ring scanner with integrated interactivity features including a touchscreen display, physical buttons, and a rechargeable battery pack all within a single unified device. This integration eliminates the need for separate secondary devices strapped to the forearm, reducing overall bulk while maintaining full functionality for data input, output, and power.
3Device complexity
If the ring scanner operates with static preprogrammed settings, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation cannot be updated remotely and adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rechargeable battery pack with USB connectivity that enables communication between the ring scanner and external devices. This feedback mechanism allows remote updates of operation settings and programming through wireless communication, maintaining device structure simplicity while enabling flexible adaptability and remote management capabilities.
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
Reduces user fatigue by allowing hands to remain in a neutral position, provides integrated interactivity for data input and output, and enables remote management of ring scanner devices for enhanced productivity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
An optical detector, positioned on the scanner device, is adapted to read an optical label
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments position a barcode reader, or other optical detector, to scan upright barcodes when the user's hand is in the neutral position. To do this, embodiments rest the body of the ring scanner device on top of the index finger, with the palm facing inward toward the user's body. Embodiments have integrated interactivity, including a touchscreen display and separate buttons that can be used to operate the optical detector and input data into an integrated computing device. The integrated computing device can run software applications on board the ring scanner device. Finally, the integrated computing device can be remotely managed.