Mobile Display Backlight Bit Time Mix for Barcode Scanner Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication devices face challenges in determining the optimal bit time mix choices of frequencies for optically transmitted barcodes to be compatible with various laser barcode scanners, which is crucial for successful data transmission in mobile commerce applications, especially at points of sale where different scanners with diverse scan rates are used.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the proximity of barcode scanners to a mobile communication device and adjust bit time mix choices of scan rate frequencies based on predetermined criteria, such as location, to ensure compatibility and successful data transmission, using a modulated display backlight to transmit barcode data at compatible frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed scan rate is used for transmitting barcode data, then the transmission is simple and consistent, but compatibility with diverse barcode scanners with different scan rates is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scan rate variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the scan rate of the transmitted barcode signal based on the detected scan rate of the target barcode scanner. This allows the transmission system to adapt to different scanner types (laser, CCD, CMOS) and their varying scan rates, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of scan rate from a constant value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted. By detecting the scan rate of the target scanner and modifying the transmission scan rate accordingly, the system achieves compatibility across diverse scanner types without requiring complex hardware modifications, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scan rate is manually adjusted for each scanner type, then compatibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user knowledge and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the transmission system to automatically detect the scan rate of the target barcode scanner and adjust its own transmission parameters accordingly. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment without requiring user knowledge of different scanner types or manual configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by detecting the scan rate of the target scanner and using this information to adjust the transmission scan rate. This closed-loop approach allows the system to automatically adapt to different scanner types based on real-time detection, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining high compatibility.
3Reliability
If multiple scan rate frequencies are transmitted to ensure compatibility, then reception probability is improved, but use of energy increases due to multiple transmission frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the scan rate of the target barcode scanner before transmitting the barcode data. This advance detection allows the system to configure the optimal transmission scan rate in advance, ensuring high reception probability while avoiding the energy waste of transmitting multiple frequencies. The system prepares the transmission parameters beforehand based on detected scanner characteristics.
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 the mobile device to transmit barcode data effectively to different models of laser barcode scanners without user intervention, ensuring high probability of reception by any proximal scanner, thereby facilitating mobile commerce transactions.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting optical pulses for data communication in accordance with the bit time mix choices
Data Source
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AI summary
Barcodes (340) stored by mobile devices (102) can be used in commerce. In sending barcode data optically (678) from a display backlight (104) of a mobile communication device (102) to a barcode scanner (120) optical receiver, the transmitted data bit time needs to be compatible with the frequency range the barcode scanner is designed to receive. The disclosed methods and mobile devices can send barcode data optically (678) at different frequencies (444, 446, 448) from a modulated display (104) backlight to different models/makes of laser barcode scanners 120 that may be used at a point of sale (POS). The disclosed are methods and devices for processing (272) the bit time mix choices make a determination (672) of bit time mix choices based upon predetermined criteria. Location of the device (102) is an example of predetermined criteria. A location may have a particular bit time mix signature that may be accessed, for example, in a look up table (266).