Fixed Retail Scanner Multi-Port Network Switch for Unified Data and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed retail scanners lack a robust network infrastructure to efficiently manage and synchronize the communication and power distribution between internal and external devices, limiting their capability to perform advanced image analysis and data processing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A fixed retail scanner equipped with a multi-port network switch that serves as a network backbone for both internal and external devices, enabling synchronized communication and power distribution through a single cable, allowing for advanced image analysis and data processing both internally and externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-port network switch is integrated into the fixed retail scanner, then network communication capability and device coordination are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a multi-port network switch directly into the housing of the fixed retail scanner, merging previously separate network infrastructure components with the scanner itself. This consolidation provides robust network communication capabilities while reducing the number of separate devices needed in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated network switch serves multiple functions: it provides network backbone connectivity for internal scanner components, enables communication with external devices such as remote servers and additional cameras, and supports both power distribution and data transmission through a single infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected through the multi-port network switch, then system functionality and image analysis capability are improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables centralized self-service management through the integrated network switch, allowing automatic coordination and synchronization of multiple devices. The switch automatically manages data flow and communication protocols between the scanner, remote servers, and additional cameras without requiring complex manual configuration or maintenance intervention.
3Productivity
If a robust network infrastructure is implemented, then communication efficiency and power distribution are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution and data communication into a single integrated network infrastructure through the multi-port network switch. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power and data cabling, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high communication efficiency and reliable power delivery to all connected devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a fixed retail scanner including a data reader comprising a main board, one or more camera modules, and a multi-port network switch disposed within a housing of the data reader. The multi-port network switch is configured to provide a network backbone for at least some internal devices within the housing of the data reader and for at least some external devices positioned external to the housing of the data reader and operably coupled with the data reader through the multi-port network switch. Related systems may include a remote server operably coupled to the fixed retail scanner through the multi-port network switch such that image data to the remote server may be communicated via the multi-port network switch from at least one of the main board or the at least one camera coupled to the multi-port network switch.