Dynamic Pairing of Barcode Readers with Medical Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require physical connections and direct associations between barcode readers and devices, making it cumbersome to input data, especially in medical settings where HIPAA and privacy regulations complicate the process of attaching images to patient records using smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables dynamic pairing of mobile devices and barcode readers with medical applications using a barcode system server, allowing for wireless operation across different devices and software applications through dynamic assignment of barcode readers and the use of both physical and software-generated barcodes, eliminating the need for specific drivers or hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless barcode reader is used without direct physical connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for drivers and connection options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that manages barcode reader connections and data routing. Instead of requiring direct driver installations on multiple devices, the server acts as a central mediator that handles communication protocols and data transmission, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal functionality by supporting multiple barcode readers and various devices through a single centralized system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for each device to have specific drivers or connection options, as the server handles all communication universally, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a barcode reader is directly associated with a specific device, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when moving between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic association where barcode readers are not permanently bound to specific devices but can be flexibly assigned and reassigned as needed. The system maintains active associations in memory, allowing reliable operation during an active session while enabling easy reassignment to different devices, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the association into temporary, context-specific linkages rather than permanent bindings. Each barcode reader association is created and maintained independently for specific tasks or sessions, allowing reliable operation within each context while enabling easy reconfiguration for different devices and applications.
3Ease of operation
If multiple images are transferred through multiple locations, then ease of operation is improved for mobile input, but loss of information increases due to privacy regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image data directly from the mobile device and transfers it in a single operation to the destination system through the server. This eliminates the intermediate storage and multiple transfer steps that cause privacy concerns and information loss, while maintaining ease of operation through automated single-step transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical file system approach (saving, uploading, selecting files through multiple locations) with a direct data transmission mechanism. The server-mediated transfer system substitutes the traditional file-based workflow with a more efficient direct transfer process that reduces privacy risks and information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile or embedded devices are dynamically paired with medical applications. By displaying identifying information associated with the medical application and capturing the display with a sensing device, the identifying information may be used by a server to route sensed data from the sensing device to the medical application for the patient. Barcodes or other identifying information may be used. The mobile device may be a smart phone, allowing smart phones to be dynamically paired with the medical application as desired by the user.