Data Capture Interface for Remote Management Without Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers and RFID devices, are difficult to update in the field, leading to costly disruptions and laborious procedures, as they require manual disconnection and reconnection to dedicated configuration computers, and lack status or error reporting capabilities, often resulting in delayed problem detection and service.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface that allows data capture systems to communicate with multiple open applications on a host computer without closing any applications, enabling remote management and upgrading of systems, including a queue handler for prioritizing data, a device handler for identifying systems, and a Windows Management Instrumentation plug-in for seamless integration with Windows operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data capture systems are manually disconnected and reconnected to dedicated configuration computers for updates, then system upgrading can be performed, but operational downtime and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host computer with a communication interface as an intermediary between the data capture system and the upgrade source. This intermediary enables remote management by allowing the host computer to communicate with the data capture system through a queue handler, eliminating the need for direct physical connection to dedicated configuration computers and enabling upgrades during operational hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual disconnection and reconnection process with an electronic communication interface. The queue handler software mechanism substitutes for the physical manual operations, allowing automated or semi-automated updates through the host computer without requiring physical intervention to disconnect and reconnect hardware components.
2Ease of operation
If applications are closed to allow another application to proceed for system management, then management tasks can be performed, but operational continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the queue handler ready to process management data as soon as it is available, without requiring application closure. The system prepares and queues management tasks in advance, allowing them to be executed immediately when resources are available, thus maintaining operational continuity while enabling management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface and queue handler enable continuous management operations without interrupting the data capture system's primary function. Management data can be queued and processed continuously, allowing system administration tasks to occur alongside normal operational activities, thereby maintaining productivity while improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If no status or error reporting capabilities are provided, then system complexity is reduced, but problem detection and service are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the communication interface that enable the host computer to receive status and error information from the data capture system. The queue handler facilitates this feedback loop by transmitting management data and status information, allowing real-time monitoring and timely problem detection without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface enables data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers operative for capturing transaction data to communicate with a plurality of open applications executed by a host computer. A queue arranges the transaction data processed by one of the open applications, and management data processed by another of the open applications. A queue handler transmits the processed transaction data and the processed management data from the queue to each data capture system without closing any of the open applications.