Authors:
Dan Kelaher, Cheng Hwee Chua
Abstract:
What is proposed is a novel way to allow the scanner to activate solely by the orientation of the device. This way the scanner LED is not always lit which would be a major irritant when it is not used, but turned on automatically when it is used based on the device's orientation.
Background:
Many retailers are now using mobile device payment terminals in tablet and handheld form factors. A popular use case is to use the integrated barcode scanner to scan barcodes during purchase transactions, inventory management, or product returns. While handheld scanners have a well-placed trigger that is easy to actuate while holding the device, tablets do not have a natural button location due to the hand posture needed to hold the device. We propose a novel way to allow a tablet’s built-in scanner to activate solely by the orientation of the device. This way the scanner LED is not always lit which would be a major irritant when it is not used, but turned on automatically when it is used based on the device's orientation.
Description:
The idea is to make use of the built-in gyroscope that is practically available on almost all tablets and mobile devices. To scan a barcode, the user typically needs to tilt the tablet or mobile device in order to aim the scanner at the barcode. Instead of pressing a button to trigger the scan, the gyroscope can detect the tilt on the tablet/mobile device and if it is within a pre-set range of angles, the tablet will automatically trigger the scan. The scanner is triggered until a valid scan is registered or until timeout occurs. The software on the tablet or mobile device needs to have a scanner setting that allows the user to set the minimum and maximum tilt angle within which the scanner will be activated. This gives the user flexibility to fine-tune to the optimum tilt angle that best suits his/her usage.
Usages:
- Tilt device to point scanner at barcode.
- Scanner is triggered once device orientation is stable and within the range of angles for triggering the scanner.
- Move scanner LED projection onto barcode.
- Scan is registered with the device
Enabling Technology:
- The device needs to have a built-in gyroscope.
- Software development:
- Set maximum and minimum angles for scan trigger.
- Send trigger command to scanner.
Supporting Art:
Use Your iPhone 15 Pro's New Action Button for More Than One Thing - CNET
Use the Lift to wake feature on your Galaxy phone (samsung.com)
TGCS Reference 4816
