Smart Trigger Scanner with Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld barcode scanners have limited user interface elements, which can detract from productivity and increase failure rates, and typically require a mechanical trigger for scanning, with force and distance characteristics specific to manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A scanner with a pressure-sensitive component and haptic feedback system that allows activation of functions through pressure and biometric data, providing distinct haptic feedbacks for different operations, reducing the need for mechanical triggers and enhancing user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple user interface elements are added to handheld barcode scanners, then user interaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases and failure rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger component is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical switch for activation and a haptic feedback device through integrated vibration motors. This allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate UI elements, providing diverse user interaction capabilities while maintaining low device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the trigger mechanism with haptic feedback functionality by integrating vibration motors directly into the trigger component. This merging of activation and feedback functions into a single integrated component reduces the total number of parts while enhancing user interaction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical trigger is used in handheld barcode scanners, then scanning activation is achieved, but mechanical failure points are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning activationVSAvoidmechanical failure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical trigger mechanisms with a simplified pressure-sensitive activation system combined with electronic sensors. The trigger component uses minimal moving parts and incorporates vibration motors for feedback, substituting heavy mechanical systems with lighter electro-mechanical systems that have fewer failure points while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If limited user interface elements are used in handheld barcode scanners, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is detracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface elementsVSAvoidscanning productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger component incorporates vibration motors that provide immediate haptic feedback to confirm successful scanning activation. This feedback mechanism allows users to quickly verify whether a scan was triggered successfully without needing additional UI elements, thereby maintaining high scanning productivity with minimal interface components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback system provides self-service confirmation by directly communicating scan status to the user through tactile sensation. This eliminates the need for additional display elements or auditory feedback devices, as the trigger itself serves the dual purpose of activation and status communication, maintaining productivity with simplified UI

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 scanner enables efficient operation with reduced mechanical failure points, allowing single-handed use and providing clear feedback on scanning success, while maintaining a limited number of user interface components.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure-sensitive component is also adapted to read a pressure exerted on it by an object (e.g., a finger)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensitivity: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

The haptic feedback component is adapted to provide a plurality of haptic feedbacks, where each of the plurality of haptic feedbacks may be provided on a surface at least in part coincident with the external active surface of the pressure-sensitive component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

a scanner configured to detect biometric data such as a fingerprint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiometric detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10943150B2Smart trigger

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 DATALOGIC IP TECH

AI summary

A scanner that includes a pressure-sensitive component and a haptic feedback component. The pressure-sensitive component can active a function of the scanner. The scanner may include a biometric-sensitive component which may activate additional or similar functions of the scanner. When a function is activated, a plurality of haptic feedbacks may be presented by the haptic feedback component. A method of manufacturing the scanner is also provided.