Triggerless Electro-Optical Reader Steady State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical readers face issues with physical trigger breakage and excessive energy consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices, and suffer from image blurring due to operator motion during symbol reading.
Innovation Solution
A data collection system and method that uses a software-programmed controller to detect a steady state between the reader and the symbol, automatically actuating the reader without a physical trigger, thereby conserving energy and preventing blurring by only energizing when the symbol is held stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical trigger is used to activate the reader, then the reader can be operated manually, but the trigger is prone to breakage after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trigger system with an optical sensing system. A photodetector detects the presence of the bar code symbol and automatically activates the reader, eliminating the mechanical trigger component that was prone to breakage. This substitution of mechanical activation with optical detection resolves the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the reader is energized continuously to enable immediate reading, then reading readiness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the reader based on detected need. Instead of continuous energization, the reader is activated periodically when the photodetector detects a bar code symbol. This periodic action maintains productivity by ensuring the reader is ready when needed while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Speed
If the reader is activated during operator motion, then reading speed is improved, but image blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the photodetector to control reader activation. The photodetector continuously monitors for the presence of a bar code symbol and provides feedback that triggers reader activation only when the symbol is properly positioned and stationary. This feedback mechanism ensures reading accuracy by preventing activation during operator motion, while still allowing rapid reading when the symbol is correctly presented.
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 solution eliminates the need for a physical trigger, reduces energy consumption, and ensures accurate reading by maintaining the reader and symbol in a stationary position, extending battery life and improving reading accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the laser beam reflected from the symbol is detected and converted into an analog electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a light source consisting of a gas laser or semiconductor laser for emitting a laser beam. The laser beam is optically modified, typically by a focusing optical assembly, to form a beam spot
Data Source
AI summary
A software-programmed controller supported by a mobile electro-optical reader is operative for sensing when the mobile reader is supported in a steady state by the operator for a predetermined time period, and for automatically actuating the mobile reader in response to sensing the steady state to initiate reading of indicia while the mobile reader is supported in the steady state by the operator for the predetermined time period.