Opaque-Surface Scanner Gain Switching for Mixed-Density Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners struggle with detecting objects behind opaque surfaces due to single-mode operation leading to undesirable results with high-density objects and require user intervention for mode switching, causing inefficiency and low customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A scanner system with dynamic gain switching capabilities, utilizing capacitive and metal sensors to automatically adjust sensitivity modes based on signal saturation conditions, allowing continuous and accurate detection of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single scan mode is used to detect low density objects, then detection capability for low density objects is improved, but detection accuracy for high density objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first and second scan modes based on real-time signal characteristics. The controller monitors sensor signals and automatically transitions between high gain sensitivity mode (for low density objects) and low gain sensitivity mode (for high density objects), making the detection system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the gain sensitivity parameter of the capacitive sensors based on detected signal conditions. When saturation is detected in the first scan mode, the system switches to a different gain sensitivity setting, thereby adjusting the detection parameters to match the object density being scanned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scan modes are provided for different object densities, then detection versatility is improved, but user operation complexity increases due to manual mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate scan mode based on real-time signal analysis. The controller monitors sensor outputs and autonomously switches between detection modes without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensor signal characteristics to automatically control mode switching. The controller continuously monitors signal saturation and adjusts the scan mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to detection conditions without user input.
3Measurement precision
If manual mode switching is required for different object densities, then detection accuracy for specific objects is improved, but time efficiency deteriorates due to trial and error switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple scan modes in advance and automatically selects the appropriate one based on real-time conditions. By having detection modes pre-configured and ready, the system eliminates the time-consuming trial-and-error process of manual mode selection while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection mode in real-time based on signal characteristics, enabling rapid adaptation to different object densities without manual intervention. This dynamic switching maintains high detection accuracy across various object types while significantly improving scanning speed.
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 user-friendly detection of objects by dynamically switching gain sensitivity, improving accuracy and reducing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of capacitive sensors and a metal sensor of a scanner, sensor data of the one or more objects behind an opaque surface
Implementation Method 2
a pair of capacitive sensors and a metal sensor of a scanner, sensor data of the one or more objects behind an opaque surface
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention include a system and method for dynamic gain switching in detecting one or more objects behind an opaque surface, comprising: collecting sensor data by a pair of capacitive sensors and a metal sensor of a scanner; monitoring characteristics of signal strengths detected by the pair of capacitive sensors and the metal sensor using the sensor data, including a saturation condition detected by the pair of capacitive sensors and the metal sensor; switching gain sensitivity of the pair of capacitive sensors dynamically from a first gain sensitivity mode to a second gain sensitivity mode, in response to the saturation condition being met; continue collecting sensor data by the pair of capacitive sensors using the second gain sensitivity mode; and informing a user via a user interface of the scanner, information derived from the sensor data collected about the one or more objects behind the opaque surface.