Ring Scanner Ergonomics and Remote Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring scanners are inefficient due to the need for users to repeatedly put them down, leading to fatigue and discomfort, and lack integrated output and input capabilities, remote management, and dynamic operation updates.
Innovation Solution
A ring scanner device with a processor, network interface, optical detector, input device, and display that allows for remote management, integrated interactivity, and ergonomic design to reduce user strain, featuring a touchscreen and buttons for data input and output, and the ability to receive updates from a remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld barcode scanner is used, then the user can easily operate the scanner, but the user has to repeatedly put down and pick up the scanner, resulting in lost productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barcode scanner with a wearable device (smartwatch or ring scanner) that can be continuously worn on the user's body. This merging allows the scanner to remain accessible and operable at all times without needing to be put down, thus maintaining both ease of operation and continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device integrates multiple functions including barcode scanning, data display, and communication capabilities in a single unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and allows continuous operation across different tasks without requiring the user to switch or put down equipment.
2Productivity
If a ring scanner is used to maintain continuous operation, then productivity is improved, but repeated pronation of the hand leads to fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to pronate the hand to operate the scanner, the patent inverts the interaction model by providing a display and input capabilities directly on the wearable device. The user can view scan results and input data through the smartwatch or ring scanner interface without needing to maintain an awkward hand position, thus eliminating fatigue while preserving continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display device (smartwatch or ring scanner) that mediates between the barcode scanner and the user's hand. This intermediary provides visual feedback and input capabilities without requiring the user to pronate the hand, thus eliminating the harmful effect of repeated pronation while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional capabilities are added to the ring scanner by attaching a secondary device, then functionality is improved, but bulk and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary device capabilities (display, input, processing) directly into the wearable device itself. By combining these functions in a single integrated unit worn on the wrist or finger, the system provides enhanced functionality without the bulk and discomfort of attaching separate devices to the forearm.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed to provide multiple functions including barcode scanning, data display, input capabilities, and communication in a single compact unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate secondary devices while providing all necessary capabilities in a form factor that does not add significant bulk or discomfort.
4Device complexity
If the ring scanner lacks remote management capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to update operations remotely is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device includes self-service capabilities through automated application updates and remote management functions. The device can automatically receive, install, and configure updated applications and settings without requiring physical intervention, thus providing remote management capability while maintaining operational simplicity for the end user.
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 data capture and processing while reducing user fatigue and discomfort by allowing continuous use with both hands, providing integrated output and input capabilities, and enabling remote management and dynamic operation updates.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector configured 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 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 users 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.