Application-Specific Barcode Scanner Configuration Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information terminals require developers to individually learn dedicated bar code scanner libraries and manage scanner usage among multiple applications, leading to increased development burden and limitations in setting bar-code reading configurations.
Innovation Solution
An information terminal with an acquiring unit, storage unit, specifying unit, reading unit, setting unit, and decoding unit that stores and applies configuration information for each application to decode symbol images based on specific settings, allowing multiple applications to use the scanner unit simultaneously without conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated bar code scanner library is used for each business application, then the scanner unit can be individually configured for each application, but the development burden increases as developers need to learn how to use the dedicated library
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (scanner library manager) that mediates between the scanner unit and multiple business applications. This manager handles the complexity of scanner configuration and library management centrally, allowing individual applications to use the scanner with their specific settings without developers needing to learn the dedicated library directly. The intermediary absorbs the complexity while providing simplified interfaces to applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanner management system that serves multiple business applications simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate dedicated library implementations for each application, a single scanner library manager provides universal access to the scanner unit with application-specific configuration capabilities, reducing development burden while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If multiple business applications run on the handy terminal at the same time, then productivity increases, but it becomes necessary to change or make the scanner unit open/close for each application because applications cannot use the scanner unit at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic scanner management system where the scanner unit can be dynamically allocated to different applications based on their needs. The scanner library manager monitors which application requires the scanner and dynamically switches access permissions, allowing multiple applications to run simultaneously while ensuring the scanner is available to the appropriate application when needed, without requiring manual open/close operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the scanner library manager receives requests from multiple applications and dynamically adjusts scanner access based on current usage states. The manager monitors which application needs the scanner and provides appropriate access control feedback, enabling seamless multi-application operation without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a resident program reads bar codes via keyboard wedge, then the scanner unit can be shared among applications, but the setting for bar-code reading cannot be switched depending on the business application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each application to have its own specific scanner reading settings while sharing the same physical scanner unit. The scanner library manager maintains configuration information for each application and applies the appropriate local settings (such as bar code type, decoding mode, and data format) when each application accesses the scanner, enabling both sharing and application-specific customization.
Data Source
AI summary
An information terminal includes an acquiring unit which scans a symbol to acquire a symbol image; a storage unit which stores configuration information on a decoding method of the symbol for each of applications; a specifying unit which specifies an application of the applications; a reading unit which reads, from the storage unit, the configuration information on the decoding method for the specified application; a setting unit which sets the decoding method in accordance with the read configuration information; and a decoding unit which decodes the symbol image acquired by the acquiring unit on the basis of the set decoding method to acquire symbol data.