Handheld barcode scanning module and associated method

Abstract

A handheld barcode scanner (100,fig.1) comprises: an optical sensor 24; decoder circuitry 30; wireless transceiver circuitry 28 configured to wirelessly link the scanner to a computing device (110,fig.1), and transmit decoded data thereto; detection circuitry 34 for detecting removal of the scanner from a housing; alarm circuitry 32 configured to generate at least an audible alarm; and processing circuitry 12 configured to control the alarm circuitry to generate the audible alarm, based at least in part on a determination that the wireless transceiver circuitry has not wirelessly linked the scanner to a computing device within a threshold period of time and removal of the scanner from the housing. A method is further provided comprising detecting removal of the scanner from a housing (401,fig.4); detecting whether the scanner has been linked to a computing device (402,fig.4); and generating an audible alarm (405,fig.4) if a threshold period of time has passed since detecting removal of the scanner from the housing (404,fig.4), without the scanner being linked to the computing device. The wireless link may comprise a pairing of the scanner with the computing device via Bluetooth®. The housing may comprise a docking station for the scanner.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Examples of the disclosure relate to a handheld barcode scanning module and an associated method. Some relate to use of a handheld barcode scanning module in a logistics environment. BACKGROUND A handheld barcode scanning module may be used to scan barcodes of items, such as parcels, in order to track the items in transmit. Unfortunately, in some environments, such handheld barcode scanning modules are susceptible to being stolen or misplaced. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a handheld barcode scanning module, comprising: an optical sensor configured to sense light from a barcode and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the sensed light; decoder circuitry configured to decode the electrical signal into data; wireless transceiver circuitry configured to wirelessly link the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device, and configured to transmit the decoded data to the linked computing device; detection circuitry for detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from a housing; alarm circuitry configured to generate at least an audible alarm; and processing circuitry configured to control the alarm circuitry to generate the audible alarm, based at least in part on a determination that the wireless transceiver circuitry has not wirelessly linked the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device within a threshold period of time of detecting, via the detection circuitry, removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing. The handheld barcode scanning module may further comprise: memory storing a plurality of identifiers identifying a plurality of computing devices. The processing circuitry may be configured to control the alarm circuitry to generate the audible alarm based at least in part on a determination that the wireless transceiver circuitry has not wirelessly linked the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device, identified by one of the identifiers stored in the memory, within a threshold period of time of detecting, via the detection circuitry, removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing. Each identifier may be a unique identifier uniquely identifying a computing device. Each identifier may be a media access control (MAC) address. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine that the handheld barcode scanning module is present in the housing by determining that the detection circuitry is receiving a signal from the housing. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine, from ceasing of the signal, that the handheld barcode scanning module has been removed from the housing. The housing may comprise a docking station for the handheld barcode scanning module. The signal may be a power supply signal for charging a battery of the handheld barcode scanning module. The processing circuitry may be configured to cause the alarm circuitry to cease the audible alarm, based at least in part on determining that the handheld barcode scanning module has become wirelessly linked to a computing device via the wireless transceiver circuitry. Following linking of the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device, the processing circuitry may be configured to determine, from data decoded by the decoder circuitry, that the optical sensor has sensed light from a particular barcode, and respond by removing the wireless link between the handheld barcode scanning module and the linked computing device. The detection circuitry may be configured to detect a signal from the housing. The processing circuitry may be configured, based at least in part on detection of the signal from the housing by the detection circuitry, to activate the optical sensor to sense light from the particular barcode. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method, comprising: detecting removal of a handheld barcode scanning module from a housing, the handheld barcode scanning module comprising wireless transceiver circuitry configured to wirelessly link the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device; and generating an audible alarm based at least in part on determining that at least a threshold period of time has passed since detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing, without the handheld barcode scanning module being linked to a computing device. A plurality of identifiers identifying a plurality of computing devices may be stored in memory of the handheld barcode scanning module. The audible alarm may be generated based at least in part on determining that at least a threshold period of time has passed since detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing, without the handheld barcode scanning module being linked to a computing device identified by one of the identifiers stored in the memory. Each identifier may be a unique identifier uniquely identifying a computing device. Each identifier may be a media access control (MAC) address. The method may further comprise: determining that the handheld barcode scanning module is present in the housing by determining that the detection circuitry is received a signal from the housing; and determining, from ceasing of the signal, that the handheld barcode scanning module has been removed from the housing. The housing may comprise a docking station for the handheld barcode scanning module. The signal may be a power supply signal for charging a battery of the handheld barcode scanning module. The method may further comprise: ceasing the audible alarm, based at least in part on determining that the handheld barcode scanning module has been wirelessly linked to a computing device. The method may further comprise: determining that a particular barcode has been scanned by the handheld barcode scanning module; and removing the wireless link between the handheld barcode scanning module and the linked computing device. The handheld barcode scanning module may be prompted to scan the particular barcode based at least in part on detection of the signal from the housing. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a network schematic of a handheld barcode scanning module, a computing device and a remote computer; FIG. 2 illustrates a housing for housing handheld barcode scanning modules; FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic showing components of the handheld barcode scanning device; and FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the invention relate to a handheld barcode scanning module that is less susceptible to being stolen or misplaced. After the handheld barcode scanning module is removed from its housing, if the handheld barcode scanning module is not wirelessly linked to a computing device within a threshold period of time, the handheld barcode scanning module generates an audible alarm. This means that the handheld barcode scanning module is less likely to be stolen or misplaced after being taken from its housing by a user. Fig. 1 illustrates a network schematic of a handheld barcode scanning module 100, a computing device 110 and a remote computer 120. The handheld barcode scanning module 100 comprises an optical scanner for scanning barcodes. This is described in further detail below. The handheld barcode scanning module 100 can be used in various configurations. For example, it could be mounted to a stand and used as a hands-free presentation scanner, mounted to a movable cart, mounted to a handle and / or mounted to a glove. The handheld barcode scanning module 100 is configured to be wirelessly linked to the computing device 110, and, following such linking, configured to transmit data to the computing device 110 over a wireless connection. Linking the handheld barcode scanning module 100 may comprise pairing the handheld barcode scanning module 100 with the computing device 110, for instance, in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. If the handheld barcode scanning module 100 and the computing device 110 undergo Bluetooth pairing, the subsequently formed wireless connection between the two may be a Bluetooth wireless connection. The computing device may be a mobile computing device which, in some instances, may be a handheld computing device. The computing device 110 may be configured to communicate with the remote computing system 120 by transmitting information to the remote computing system 120 and / or receiving information from remote computing system 120. The remote computing system 120 may comprise one or more servers. The computing device 110 may be associated with a particular user. That particular user may be the temporary or permanent “owner” of that computing device 110 within a logistics environment. The ownership may be temporary in that it may only last for the during of the user’s shift in the logistics environment. An association between the computing device 110 and the owner / user (hereinafter, the user) may be stored at the remote computing system 120. For example, the remote computing system 120 may store data in memory that associates an identifier, identifying the computing device 110, with the user. The identifier might be a unique identifier, such as a media control access (MAC) address. In the logistics environment, a system may be provided that requires a user to authenticate himself or herself before access to a computing device 110 is provided. This enables the user to be associated with the computing device 110 at the remote computing system 120. By way of example, such a system is described in WO 2023 / 209325 A1. When a handheld barcode scanning module 100 is wirelessly linked to a computing device 110, an association between the handheld barcode scanning module 100 and the user may be made at remote computing system 120 (which could be made via an association with the computing device 110, which is in turn associated with the user at the remote computing system 120). Thus, embodiments of the invention enable a record of the user of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to be created and maintained at the remote computing system 120. In the event that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is misplaced or stolen, the current user can be determined from the association stored at the remote computing system 120. The computing device 110 may comprise a display (e.g., formed from columns and rows of pixels) which is configured to display information to a user. The information displayed to the user may be based on information received from the handheld barcode scanning module 100 and / or the remote computing system 120. For example, the handheld barcode scanning module 100 may be used to scan a barcode and provide decoded barcode data to the computing device 110. The computing device 110 may provide the decoded barcode data to the remote computing system 120 and receive, in response, information associated with the decoded barcode data. Alternatively or additionally, the decoded barcode data may be used by the remote computing system 120 to update information. The received or updated information may include information regarding previous and / or future locations of an item, such as a parcel, with which the barcode is associated. FIG. 2 illustrates a housing 130 for housing handheld barcode scanning modules 100. In the illustrated example, the housing 130 includes a plurality of docking stations 132. Each docking station 132 is configured to receive and store a handheld barcode scanning module 100. Each docking station 132 may be configured to supply power to a handheld barcode scanning module 100 (e.g., to charge a battery of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 when the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is not in use). When a user wishes to use a handheld barcode scanning module 100, he may remove one from the housing 130 by extracting it from one of the docking stations 132. All of the docking stations 132 are not labelled with a reference numeral in FIG. 2 for clarity reasons. In other examples, the housing 130 may be structured differently than that illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic showing components of the handheld barcode scanning device 100. The handheld barcode scanning device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises processing circuitry 12, memory 14, at least one optical sensor 24, at least one optical transmitter 26, wireless transceiver circuitry 28, decoder circuitry 30, alarm circuitry 32 and detection circuitry 34. Any number or combination of intervening elements can exist between the illustrated elements 12, 14, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34 (including no intervening elements). The at least one optical sensor 24 and the at least one optical transmitter 26 may be considered to be an optical scanner 22. The optical scanner 22 may be configured to scan barcodes. For example, the optical sensor 24 may be configured to sense light from a barcode and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the sensed light. The optical transmitter 26 may be configured to transmit light towards a barcode, such that light is reflected from a surface at which the barcode is located. The optical sensor 24 may be positioned to sense light that is transmitted by the optical transmitter 26 and reflected from a barcode. The barcodes may include any type of barcode, including one dimensional bar codes (linear barcodes) and two-dimensional bar codes (matrix barcodes). The two-dimensional bar codes may include quick-response (QR) codes. In some embodiments, the optical transmitter 26 may be configured to transmit visible light and / or invisible light. Such invisible light may include infrared and / or ultraviolet light, for example. The optical transmitter 26 may comprise at least one light emitting element, such as at least one light emitting diode and / or at least one laser. The optical sensor 26 may include at least one photodetector, such as at least one charge coupled device, at least one complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and / or at least one photodiode. The optical transmitter 26 is optional. For example, if a barcode is presented on an electronic display that reflects and / or transmits light, use of such an optical transmitter 26 may be unnecessary. The term “optical scanner” 22 is intended to encompass both embodiments in which an optical transmitter 26 is provided, and embodiments in which an optical transmitter 26 is not provided. As explained above, the optical sensor 24 is configured to sense light from a barcode and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the sensed light. The electrical signal is provided to the decoder circuitry 30. In some embodiments, the electrical signal is an analogue signal. The analogue signal could be a waveform, such as a voltage waveform. The decoder circuitry 30 may be combined with the processing circuitry 12. For instance, the decoder circuitry 30 and the processing circuitry 12 may be provided on the same chip or chipset. The decoder circuitry 30 is configured to decode the electrical signal into data, such as digital data. For example, the decoder circuitry 30 might receive an analogue electrical signal from the optical sensor 24 and decode it into digital data (e.g., an alphanumeric string). The decoder circuitry 30 may include at least one digital to analogue converter in this regard. The wireless transceiver circuitry 28 is configured to wirelessly link the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a computing device 110, and configured to transmit the decoded data to the linked computing device 110. The process of wirelessly linking the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a computing device 110 may comprise information about the computing device 110 being stored in the memory 14 of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 and information about the handheld barcode scanning module 100 being stored in memory of the computing device 110. Such information may include an address, a name, profile data about the module 100 / device 110. The information may include a common (secret) key. The information that is stored in the memories of the module 100 and the device 110 may enable a wireless connection to be established between the two on which decoded barcode data can be transmitted from the module 100 to the device 110. The established wireless connection may use frequency hopping. The above-described process of linking the module 100 and the device 110 may be a pairing process which is performed, for instance, in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. If the module 100 and the device 110 undergo Bluetooth pairing, the subsequently formed wireless connection between the two may be a Bluetooth wireless connection. The decoder circuitry 30 may be configured to provide the decoded data to the processing circuitry 12. The processing circuitry 12 may be configured to provide the decoded data to the wireless transceiver circuitry 28 for transmission to the linked computing device 110. The wireless transceiver circuitry 28 is configured to receive inputs from the processing circuitry 12 and to provide outputs to the processing circuitry 12. The wireless transceiver circuitry 28 may be configured to transmit short range wireless signals, such as short-range radio frequency signals. The term “short-range” is considered to relate to wireless signals with a transmit power of less than 100mW (e.g., with a range of around 1 kilometre or less). The transmit power may be less than 10mW (e.g., with a range of around 100 metres or less). The wireless transceiver circuitry 28 may be configured to operate in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol, such as a Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. The alarm circuitry 32 is configured to generate an alarm which is at least audible. The alarm circuitry 32 may, for example, be or comprise a loudspeaker for generating an audible alarm. The alarm circuitry 32 may comprise circuitry for generating a visual alarm, such as one or more light emitting elements (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes). The alarm circuitry 32 may comprise circuitry for generating a haptic alarm, such as one or more vibrating devices. The detection circuitry 34 is for detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the housing 130, such as from a docking station 132 of the housing 130. The processing circuitry 12 is configured to detect that a handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been removed from the housing 130 based at least in part on at least one input provided by the detection circuitry 34. The detection circuitry 34 may be configured to detect a signal. The signal may be received from the housing 130, such as a docking station 132 of the housing 130. The detection circuitry 34 may communicate the presence and / or absence of that signal to the processing circuitry 12 by providing one or more inputs to the processing circuitry 12. Removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the housing 130 may be detected by the processing circuitry 12 based on the presence / commencement or absence / ceasing of the signal. The signal may be an electrical signal. The signal could be a power supply signal for charging a battery of the handheld barcode scanning module 100. For example, the removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the housing 130 may be detected in response to the ceasing of the power supply signal. In this regard, the detection circuitry 34 may be or form part of charging circuitry of the handheld barcode scanning module 100. The detection circuitry 34 could take a number of different forms. For example, removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the housing 130 may be detected based on the making or breaking of an electrical circuit, which leads to the presence or absence of the aforementioned electrical signal. The detection circuitry 34 could comprise a mechanical switch which makes or breaks the electrical circuit when the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is removed from the housing 130. The detection circuitry 34 may be configured to detect whether a handheld barcode scanning module 100 is (re)inserted into (a docking station 132 of) a housing 130. For example, the detection circuitry 34 may be configured to detect whether a previously removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 is returned to (a docking station 132 of) a housing 130. The detection circuitry 34 might detect whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 is returned to the same housing 130 that it was removed from. Alternatively, multiple housings 130 might be provided and the detection circuitry 34 might detect whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 is returned to any of those housings 130. In some embodiments, the determination made by the processing circuitry 12 as to whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been returned to the housing 130 may be based on the same signal that was used to determine that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 was removed from the housing 130. For example, if removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 was detected by the absence / ceasing of a signal, then return of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a housing 130 may be determined by the presence / (re)commencement of the same signal. If removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 was detected by the presence of a signal, then restoration of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to the housing 130 may be determined by the absence / ceasing of the same signal. In other embodiments, the manner in which the processing circuitry 12 determines whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 is returned to a housing 130 is performed using different signalling from how the processing circuitry 12 determines that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been returned to a housing 130. Some or all of the detection circuitry 34 could be shared with other elements of the handheld barcode scanning module 100, such as the optical sensor 24. For instance, each docking station 132 may include a barcode that can only be read by a handheld barcode scanning module 100 when that handheld barcode scanning module 100 is located in the docking station 132. When the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is located in the docking station 132, the optical sensor 24 may read the barcode which includes data indicating to the processing circuitry 12 that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is located in the docking station 132 / housing 130. The optical sensor 24 may read the barcode automatically upon return to the docking station 132, or following inputs provided at the handheld barcode scanning module 100 by the user (e.g., when the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is located in the docking station 132). In embodiments where the optical sensor 24 reads the barcode automatically upon return to the docking station 132, a mechanical system at the docking station 132 may interact with the handheld barcode scanning module 100 upon its insertion to the docking station 132 which prompts the processing circuitry 12 to active the optical sensor 24 and / or the optical transmitter 26 to read the barcode. Alternatively, a signal may be detected by the detection circuitry 34, such as an electrical signal, which is provided by the housing 130 / docking station 132. This may prompt the processing circuitry 12 to active the optical sensor 24 and / or the optical transmitter 26 to read the barcode. The processing circuitry 12 and the memory 14 may be considered together to form “control circuitry”. The processing circuitry 12 may be or comprise a single core or a multi-core processor. The processing circuitry 12 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processing circuitry 12 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processing circuitry 12. The processing circuitry 12 is configured to read from and write to the memory 14. Although the memory 14 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage. The memory 14 might include multiple memories that are located in different locations. The memory 14 includes at least one non-transitory computer readable medium that stores a computer program 16 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) 18, which controls the operation of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 when loaded into the processing circuitry 12. The computer program instructions 18, of the computer program 16, provide the logic and routines that enables the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to perform the method illustrated in FIG. 4. The processing circuitry 12, by reading the memory 14, is able to load and execute the computer program 16. The memory 14 is illustrated storing a plurality of identifiers 20, where each identifier identifies a particular computing device 110. Each identifier 20 may be a unique identifier that uniquely identifies a computing device 110. Each identifier 20 may, for example, be a media access control (MAC) address, such as a Bluetooth MAC address. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to FIG. 4, which illustrates a flow chart of a method 400. Initially, the housing 130 may house a plurality of handheld barcode scanning modules 100. Each docking station 132 of the housing 130 may store a handheld barcode scanning module 100. A user with a computing device 110 in a logistics environment may wish to make use of one of the handheld barcode scanning modules 100. It may be that each of the handheld barcode scanning modules 100 is freely removable from the housing 130. That is, a user is not required to unlock a lock and / or authenticate themselves in order to remove a handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the housing 130. It may be that each of the handheld barcode scanning modules 100 housed in the housing 130 is not (yet) assigned to particular user. For example, if a user wishes to make use of a handheld barcode scanning modules 100 that is stored in the housing 130, it may be permissible for him / her to remove and make use of any of the handheld barcode scanning modules 100 that are stored in the housing 130. At block 401 in FIG. 4, a user removes a handheld barcode scanning module 100. The processing circuitry 12 of the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 detects, via the detection circuitry 34 of the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100, that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been removed. As explained above, this may occur by determining that a signal, such as an electrical signal, has commenced or has ceased. The method 400 proceeds to block 402 in FIG. 4, in which the processing circuitry 12 determines whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been wirelessly linked, via the wireless transceiver circuitry 28, to a computing device 110. It may be that the user that has removed the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has successfully wirelessly linked the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a computing device 110 prior to the method reaching block 402 in FIG. 4. As explained above, wirelessly linking the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a computing device 110 may involve pairing the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a computing device 110, such as by Bluetooth pairing. In some embodiments, if the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been wirelessly linked to any computing device 110 prior to the method reaching block 402 in FIG. 4, the method 400 proceeds to block 403 in FIG. 4 and the method 400 ends. In these embodiments, if the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has not been wirelessly linked to any computing device 110 prior to the method reaching block 402 in FIG. 4, the method 400 proceeds to block 404 in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, it may be that at block 402 in FIG. 4, the processing circuitry 12 determines whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been wirelessly linked, via the wireless transceiver circuitry 28, to a computing device 110 having one of the identifiers 20 stored in the memory 14 of the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100. If so, in these embodiments, the method 400 proceeds to block 403 in FIG. 4 and the method 400 ends. If, on the other hand, the processing circuitry 12 determines that the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 has not been wirelessly linked to a computing device 110 having one of the identifiers 20 stored in the memory 14, the method 400 proceeds to block 404 in FIG. 4. In block 404 in FIG. 4, the processing circuity 12 determines whether a threshold period of time has elapsed since the handheld barcode scanning module 100 was removed from the housing 130. If not, the method 400 loops back to block 402 in FIG. 4, and the processing circuitry 12 repeats the action of block 402 again by determining whether handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been wirelessly linked to a computing device 110. The method 400 may loop between block 402 and block 404 until a threshold (predetermined) time has elapsed. If the processing circuitry 12 determines in block 404 that a threshold period of time has elapsed since the handheld barcode scanning module 100 was removed from the housing 130, the method 400 proceeds to block 405 in FIG. 4. In block 405 in FIG. 4, the processing circuitry 12 causes the alarm circuitry to generate at least an audible alarm, based at least in part on the determination in block 404 that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 had not been wirelessly linked to a computing device 110 within a threshold period of time of the processing circuitry 12 detecting, via the detection circuitry 34, removal of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the housing 130. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 12 may also cause the alarm circuitry 32 to generate a visual alarm and / or a haptic alarm as explained above. The presence of the alarm generated by the alarm circuitry 32 may alert nearby people that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is at risk of being misplaced or stolen. Advantageously, this may be avoided by the presence of the alarm. While the alarm circuitry 32 is providing the alarm, the processing circuitry 12 may continue to monitor whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 becomes wirelessly linked, via the wireless transceiver circuitry 28, to a computing device 110 in one of the manners described above in relation to block 402. In the event that the processing circuitry 12 determines that the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 has become wirelessly linked to such a computing device 110, the processing circuitry 12 may control the alarm circuitry 32 to cease providing the alarm. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry 12 may monitor whether the removed handheld barcode scanning module 100 is returned to a housing 130 (e.g., while the alarm is being provided). If the processing circuitry 12 detects that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been returned to a housing 130, the processing circuitry 12 may control the alarm circuitry 32 to cease providing the alarm. If the user successfully wirelessly links the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a computing device 110, a wireless connection is established between the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to the computing device 110 on which data may be transmitted from the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to the computing device 110. For example, the handheld barcode scanning module 100 may be used to scan barcodes and data from the decoded barcode data may be provided to the computing device 110. The user may wish to return the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a housing 130 after its use (e.g., at the end of a shift in a logistics environment). If the user delinks (unpairs) the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the computing device 110 prior to returning the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a housing 130, a threshold period of time may be provided from the delinking for the user to return the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to the housing 130. The processing circuitry 12 may detect the delinking and may monitor whether the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is returned to the housing 130 within the threshold period of time. If it is not, the processing circuitry 12 may cause the alarm circuitry 32 to generate the alarm in the manner described above in relation to block 405. The threshold period of time may be the length of time as that described above in relation to block 404 in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, it may be possible for the user to return the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a housing 130 before the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is delinked from the computing device 110. In these embodiments, the user might be able to delink the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the computing device 110 while the computing device 110 is located in the housing 130 / docking station 132. The user may prompt this delinking at the computing device 110. The processing circuitry 12 may determine that the handheld barcode scanning module 100 has been returned to a housing 130 / docking station 132 in response to the delinking (which return may be determined in the manner described above), and consequently the processing circuitry 12 may refrain from causing the alarm circuitry 32 to generate an alarm following the delinking. In some embodiments, including those where it is possible for the user to return the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to the housing 130 before the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is delinked from the computing device 110, return of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to the housing 130 may cause the processing circuitry 12 to control the wireless transceiver circuitry 28 to delink the handheld barcode scanning module 100 from the linked computing device 110. Detection of the return of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to a housing 130 may be performed as described above. Embodiments of the invention may advantageously reduce misplacement or theft of handheld barcode scanning modules 100 by causing an alarm to be provided if the handheld barcode scanning module 100 is not wirelessly linked to a computing device 110 within a threshold period of time of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 being removed from a housing. An association between the linked computing device 110 and a user may be stored at a remote computing system 120 which may enable the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to also be associated with the user at the remote computing system 120. This enables use of the handheld barcode scanning module 100 to be tracked. References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann) / parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc. The blocks illustrated in the accompanying Figs may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the computer program 16. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one...” or by using “consisting”. In this description, the wording ‘connect’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components. As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, "determine / determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. 5 l / we claim: 10

Claims

1. A handheld barcode scanning module, comprising:an optical sensor configured to sense light from a barcode and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the sensed light;decoder circuitry configured to decode the electrical signal into data;wireless transceiver circuitry configured to wirelessly link the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device, and configured to transmit the decoded data to the linked computing device;detection circuitry for detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from a housing;alarm circuitry configured to generate at least an audible alarm; andprocessing circuitry configured to control the alarm circuitry to generate the audible alarm, based at least in part on a determination that the wireless transceiver circuitry has not wirelessly linked the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device within a threshold period of time of detecting, via the detection circuitry, removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing.

2. The handheld barcode scanning module of claim 1, further comprising: memory storing a plurality of identifiers identifying a plurality of computing devices, whereinthe processing circuitry is configured to control the alarm circuitry to generate the audible alarm based at least in part on a determination that the wireless transceiver circuitry has not wirelessly linked the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device, identified by one of the identifiers stored in the memory, within a threshold period of time of detecting, via the detection circuitry, removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing.

3. The handheld barcode scanning module of claim 2, wherein each identifier is a unique identifier uniquely identifying a computing device.

4. The handheld barcode scanning module of claim 2 or 3, wherein each identifier is a media access control (MAC) address.

5. The handheld barcode scanning module of any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine that the handheld barcode scanning module is present in the housing by determining that the detection circuitry is receiving a signal from the housing, and the processing circuitry is configured to determine, from ceasing of the signal, that the handheld barcode scanning module has been removed from the housing.

6. The handheld barcode scanning module of any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a docking station for the handheld barcode scanning module.

7. The handheld barcode scanning module of claim 5 or claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the signal is a power supply signal for charging a battery of the handheld barcode scanning module.

8. The handheld barcode scanning module of any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the alarm circuitry to cease the audible alarm, based at least in part on determining that the handheld barcode scanning module has become wirelessly linked to a computing device via the wireless transceiver circuitry.

9. The handheld barcode scanning module of claim 8, wherein, following linking of the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device, the processing circuitry is configured to determine, from data decoded by the decoder circuitry, that the optical sensor has sensed light from a particular barcode, and respond by removing the wireless link between the handheld barcode scanning module and the linked computing device.

10. The handheld barcode scanning module of claim 9, wherein the detection circuitry is configured to detect a signal from the housing and the processing circuitry is configured, based at least in part on detection of the signal from the housing by the detection circuitry, to activate the optical sensor to sense light from the particular barcode.

11. A method, comprising:detecting removal of a handheld barcode scanning module from a housing, the handheld barcode scanning module comprising wireless transceiver circuitry configured to wirelessly link the handheld barcode scanning module to a computing device; andgenerating an audible alarm based at least in part on determining that at least a threshold period of time has passed since detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing, without the handheld barcode scanning module being linked to a computing device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a plurality of identifiers identifying a plurality of computing devices are stored in memory of the handheld barcode scanning module, and the audible alarm is generated based at least in part on determining that at least a threshold period of time has passed since detecting removal of the handheld barcode scanning module from the housing, without the handheld barcode scanning module being linked to a computing device identified by one of the identifiers stored in the memory.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each identifier is a unique identifier uniquely identifying a computing device.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein each identifier is a media access control (MAC) address.

15. The method of any of claims 11 to 14, further comprising:determining that the handheld barcode scanning module is present in the housing by determining that the detection circuitry is received a signal from the housing; and determining, from ceasing of the signal, that the handheld barcode scanning module has been removed from the housing.

16. The method of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the housing comprises a dockingstation for the handheld barcode scanning module.

17. The method of any of claim 15 or claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the signal is a power supply signal for charging a battery of the handheld barcode scanning module.5 18. The method of any of claims 11 to 17, further comprising:ceasing the audible alarm, based at least in part on determining that the handheld barcode scanning module has been wirelessly linked to a computing device.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:10 determining that a particular barcode has been scanned by the handheld barcode scanning module; andremoving the wireless link between the handheld barcode scanning module and the linked computing device.15 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the handheld barcode scanning module isprompted to scan the particular barcode based at least in part on detection of the signal from the housing.

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