Handheld Device Visual Code Reader for Storage Container Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating physical objects in storage containers are inefficient, as they often require manual browsing and lack accurate and fast access solutions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device equipped with a reader system to scan unique visual codes on storage containers, a data entry system to capture and store object data, and a query module to determine the container location, providing accurate and rapid access to stored objects by linking object data with container identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual browsing through storage containers is used to locate physical objects, then no additional equipment is required, but the search time is excessive and access efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
Object data including descriptions, images, and container identifiers are captured and stored in advance using the data entry system. This preliminary action creates a searchable database that enables rapid location of physical objects without manual browsing, directly reducing search time and improving access efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of browsing through containers is replaced by an automated electronic system comprising a reader system, data entry system, and query module. The system uses optical scanning of visual codes and electronic data processing to locate objects, substituting human physical search with automated digital search, thereby dramatically improving productivity and reducing time loss
2Measurement precision
If visual codes are scanned and data is captured for each container, then object location accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the reader system scans visual codes, the data entry system captures and stores object data, and the query module searches and displays results. This multi-functional integration improves location accuracy while managing device complexity by combining operations that would otherwise require separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
A data store acts as an intermediary between the visual codes on containers and the query results. The data store links container identifiers with object information, enabling accurate location determination without requiring direct complex processing between the reader and query functions, thus managing system complexity while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld device (1) for determining the location of a physical object (21) stored in a storage container (31). A reader system reads on the storage container (31) a visual code (31.1) which comprises a unique container identifier (31.2). A data entry system is configured to store object data (21.2) identifying the physical object (21) in a data store (1.4) linked to the container identifier (31.2). The data entry system is further configured to capture query data which defines the physical object (21). A query module is configured to determine the container identifier (31.2) by comparing the query data to the object data (21.2) in the data store (1.4), and to indicate the location of the physical object (21) by showing on a display the container identifier (31.2) of the storage container (31) containing the physical object (21).