Barcode Reader Oscillator Time Stamping Without RTC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Barcode scanners without an embedded real-time clock (RTC) face challenges in time and date stamping image files, as adding an RTC increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that initialize and track time and date using an internal oscillator of the barcode reader, allowing time stamping of captured images without a separate RTC, enabling cost reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an embedded real-time clock (RTC) is added to the barcode scanner to enable time stamping, then time stamping functionality is achieved, but the cost of the scanner increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime stamping functionalityVSAvoidscanner cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time tracking function from the separate RTC component and integrates it into the existing oscillator that is already present in the barcode scanner for synchronization purposes. This eliminates the need for a separate RTC component while maintaining time stamping functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillator in the barcode scanner is made multi-functional by having it serve both its original synchronization function and the additional time tracking function for time stamping. This allows a single component to perform multiple roles, eliminating the need for an additional RTC component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If an embedded real-time clock (RTC) is added to the barcode scanner to enable time stamping, then accurate time tracking is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime tracking accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the time tracking function with the existing oscillator component that is already present in the barcode scanner for synchronization. By combining these functions into a single component, the device structure remains simple while time tracking accuracy is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillator is designed to perform multiple functions including both synchronization and time tracking. This multi-functionality approach maintains device simplicity by avoiding additional components while achieving accurate time tracking through the existing oscillator's capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables time and date stamping of image files without the need for an RTC, reducing costs and maintaining functionality in barcode scanners.

Implementation Method 1

tracking the current time and date using an oscillator of the barcode reader

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillator: Harmonic Oscillator

Data Source

PatentUS8313032B2Method and apparatus for time and date stamping of image files

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for time stamping an image file generated by an imaging based barcode reader. The method includes initializing a current time and date on the barcode reader and tracking the current time and date using an oscillator of the barcode reader. The date and time value are set whenever the barcode reader is powered on. The method further includes capturing an image of a target object using the imaging based barcode reader and time stamping the captured image using the time tracked by the oscillator. The time stamped image is then transmitted to a host device.