Portable Scanner Temperature Sensor Automatic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for contactless temperature measurement and indicia scanning are separate entities, posing a risk of accidental eye injury due to the need to manually select between functions, and there is a lack of automated selection between these functions in combined devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable device equipped with a motion sensor, distance detector, infrared detector, image sensor, and processor that automatically selects between contactless temperature measurement and indicia scanning based on detected conditions, such as distance and orientation, to prevent accidental triggering and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single device combines both indicia scanning and contactless temperature measurement functions, then device versatility and operational efficiency are improved, but the risk of accidental eye injury increases due to potential mis-triggering of the indicia scanning function when pointed at a person's face
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs feedback mechanisms through motion sensors, distance detectors, and orientation sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide real-time information to the processor. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust its operation mode based on detected conditions, such as stopping indicia scanning when a face is detected within the field of view, thereby preventing eye injury while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary detection actions before executing the main scanning function. Motion sensors detect device activation, distance detectors measure the distance to the target object, and orientation sensors determine the angle of the device axis relative to horizontal. These preliminary actions enable the system to predict potential safety issues before indicia scanning begins, allowing preventive measures to be taken in advance
2Ease of operation
If manual selection between temperature measurement and indicia scanning functions is required, then operational control is maintained, but the complexity of operation increases and accidental mis-triggering may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically determining which function to execute based on environmental conditions detected by its sensors. The processor analyzes data from motion sensors, distance detectors, and orientation sensors to autonomously select between temperature measurement and indicia scanning modes without requiring manual input from the operator, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in environmental conditions as the basis for automatic function selection. Specifically, the orientation of the device axis relative to horizontal serves as a key parameter: when the axis is within a predetermined range of horizontal, the system selects temperature measurement mode; when oriented at a significant angle from horizontal, it selects indicia scanning mode. This parameter-based approach enables reliable automatic function selection
3Reliability
If the device automatically selects functions based on detected conditions, then safety and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments its sensing and processing functions into distinct modular components: motion sensors for activation detection, distance detectors for range measurement, orientation sensors for angle detection, infrared detectors for temperature measurement, image sensors for indicia capture, and a processor for integrated decision-making. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve safe automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple sensing and actuation capabilities into a single platform. The processor serves as a universal control unit that handles both temperature measurement and indicia scanning operations based on sensor inputs. The device head serves as a universal interface that can perform both infrared detection and image capture, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices
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
The device effectively combines contactless temperature measurement and indicia scanning while preventing accidental eye injuries by automatically determining the appropriate function to perform based on detected conditions, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared detector configured to capture a temperature of the surface
Implementation Method 2
a distance detector configured to determine a distance between the scanning device and the surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A scanning device includes: a motion sensor to detect motion imparted to the scanning device; a distance detector to determine a distance between the scanning device and a surface; an infrared detector to capture a temperature of the surface; an image sensor to capture an image of an indicia encoding data on the surface; and a processor configured to store the captured image and temperature, configured to operate the motion sensor to detect motion being imparted to the scanning device when in a low power state, and configured to transition the scanning device out of the low power state in response to such imparted motion by: operating the distance detector to determine the distance to the surface; and determining whether to operate the infrared detector to capture the temperature of the surface and whether to operate the image sensor to capture the image of the indicia, based on the distance.