Handheld Scanner Indicator Window Optical Trigger Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of handheld scanners face difficulties in quickly changing modes, such as barcode parsing, due to cumbersome host system controls and complex mechanical button designs, which are often complicated by sealing and electro-static discharge requirements.

Innovation Solution

A handheld scanner design incorporating a housing with a front-facing opening, an image sensor, indicia decoder, indicator windows, light sources, and light detectors, allowing mode control through reflection detection of emitted indication light, enabling users to control modes without mechanical buttons or host system reliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical button is added to control mode, then mode switching capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to sealing and electro-static discharge requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmechanical button design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button system with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through an indicator window, and a light detector senses the reflected light when a user's finger touches the window, triggering mode switching without any mechanical moving parts. This eliminates sealing and electro-static discharge concerns while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator window serves as an intermediary between the user and the scanner's control system. Instead of directly pressing a mechanical button, the user touches the indicator window, which transmits the touch signal optically to the light detector, enabling mode control through a non-mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If control is made through host system, then mode control functionality is achieved, but operational speed and user autonomy deteriorate due to cumbersome host system dependency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode control functionalityVSAvoidmode switching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld scanner controls its own mode switching independently without requiring host system intervention. The light detector detects finger contact with the indicator window and directly triggers mode changes in the scanner, enabling quick, autonomous operation that eliminates the time delay and complexity of host system control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical button is added for mode control, then user interaction capability is improved, but sealing and electro-static discharge requirements worsen design feasibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidsealing and electro-static discharge compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical buttons with an optical touch interface. The indicator window is a simple transparent or translucent surface that users can touch, and the light detector beneath senses the touch through optical reflection changes. This maintains full user interaction capability while eliminating mechanical components that would require complex sealing and electro-static discharge 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

Enables quick and efficient mode switching by using reflection detection of indication light, improving user interaction and reducing design complexities related to sealing and electro-static discharge, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is disposed inside the housing and positioned to emit indication light through the indicator window to provide an indication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The light detector is disposed inside the housing and positioned to detect a reflection of the emitted indication light received from an object positioned in front of or on the indicator window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12067452B2Methods and apparatus for using an indicator window of a handheld scanner as a trigger

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for using an indicator window of a handheld scanner as a trigger are disclosed herein. An example handheld scanner includes: a housing; an image sensor to capture image data through a front-facing opening; an indicia decoder; an indicator window positioned to face generally away from the front-facing opening and toward a user when the handheld scanner is in a handheld position; a light source disposed inside the housing to emit indication light through the window to provide an indication; a light detector disposed inside the housing and positioned to detect a reflection of the indication light received from an object positioned in front of or on the window outside the housing; and a processor configured to control a mode of the handheld scanner and/or a device in communication with the handheld scanner in response to the light detector detecting the reflection of the emitted indication light.