Single Trigger Barcode Scanner Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held barcode scanners face challenges in accurately distinguishing between desired and non-desired barcodes, particularly in long-range imaging scenarios with multiple barcodes in the field-of-view, leading to potential false reads due to existing triggering mechanisms that either require costly dual triggers or assume a fixed aiming time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a single trigger for hand-held barcode scanners, where the first trigger pull sets the scanner to aiming mode and a second trigger pull within a predetermined time sets it to decoding mode, allowing for more cost-effective and efficient operation by minimizing false reads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual trigger system is used to distinguish between aiming mode and decoding mode, then the reliability of barcode scanning is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate triggers into a single trigger mechanism. The single trigger performs multiple functions: when pulled it initiates aiming mode, and when released it initiates decoding mode. This merging of functions reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the reliability of distinguishing between aiming and decoding operations through temporal sequencing of the pull-release cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic temporal parameters to the single trigger system. The system uses a predetermined time period threshold to dynamically distinguish between a quick pull-release sequence (aiming mode) and a sustained pull (decoding mode). This dynamic timing mechanism allows one physical trigger to control multiple operational modes without requiring additional hardware.
2Device complexity
If a single trigger with fixed timeout is used for aiming mode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to potential false reads or premature decode mode entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a predetermined time period threshold before the actual decoding operation. When the trigger is pulled and released within this threshold, the system prepares the aiming mode in advance. This preliminary timing check prevents premature entry into decode mode and eliminates false reads by ensuring the user has completed the aiming action before decoding begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through temporal response: if the trigger release occurs within the predetermined time period, the system confirms aiming mode activation; if exceeded, it transitions to decode mode. This feedback mechanism based on timing allows the system to adapt its state based on user input patterns, improving reliability without requiring complex hardware.
3Reliability
If the aim mode timeout is extended to reduce false reads, then the reliability improves, but the productivity decreases due to longer decode time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the predetermined time period parameter to achieve the best balance between reliability and productivity. By carefully selecting this threshold value, the system reduces false reads while minimizing the impact on decode time. This parameter optimization allows the scanner to quickly distinguish between aiming and decoding intentions, maintaining high productivity while ensuring accurate operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a barcode reader. The method includes (1) detecting a first pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the waiting mode; (2) detecting a first release of the trigger within a first predetermined time period after the first pulling of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the aiming mode if the first release of the trigger is detected within the first predetermined time period,; and (3) detecting a second pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the aiming mode within a second predetermined time period after the first release of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the decoding mode if the second pulling of the trigger is detected within the second predetermined time period.