Handheld Terminal with Fixture for Reliable Object Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object identification systems face reliability issues due to interference with RFID signals, require human intervention for manual identification, and are not economically viable for widespread implementation, especially when high-value items are involved, necessitating a combination of manual and automatic identification methods for efficient and accurate tracking.

Innovation Solution

A handheld terminal with rechargeable power and multiple sensors for automatic or manual data capture, capable of being docked for portal use, allowing for automatic identification when possible and manual identification when necessary, with a fixture for secure support and connectivity to external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If RFID automatic identification is used, then identification speed is improved, but identification reliability deteriorates due to signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification speedVSAvoididentification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple identification methods (RFID automatic identification, barcode scanning, and manual visual identification) into a single integrated system. The system automatically attempts RFID identification first, and if that fails due to signal interference, it seamlessly transitions to alternative methods, thereby maintaining high speed while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its identification approach based on real-time conditions. When RFID signal quality is poor or interference is detected, the system automatically switches to alternative identification methods, creating a flexible, condition-responsive identification process that optimizes both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual identification is used, then identification reliability is improved, but identification speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoididentification speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies manual or alternative identification methods only when necessary - specifically when automatic RFID identification fails. This partial application of slower methods minimizes the impact on overall identification speed while ensuring reliability is maintained for problematic cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Extent of automation

If fixed portal RFID readers are used, then automatic identification capability is improved, but system portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic identification capabilityVSAvoidsystem portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a handheld terminal that can function both as a portable manual identification device and as an automatic identification system when docked in a fixed portal position. This multi-functional design allows the same device to serve both portable and fixed installation needs, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If RFID tags are applied to all objects, then automatic identification coverage is improved, but implementation cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic identification coverageVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses barcode labels as an intermediary identification method that is cheaper than RFID tags. When RFID tags are not present or fail, the system can still perform automatic identification using barcode scanning, providing a cost-effective fallback that maintains automatic identification coverage without requiring expensive RFID tags on all objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reliable and fast identification of objects by seamlessly combining automatic and manual identification methods, maintaining high accuracy while allowing for portability and cost-effective implementation, thus addressing the limitations of current systems.

Implementation Method 1

The handheld terminal includes a rechargeable power storage for operation of the handheld terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRechargeable battery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which uses radio waves to power a passive identification tag, so that said tag can reflect identification data stored on the tag back to the RFID interrogator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2017691B1Method, system and support mechanism for object identification

Publication Date: 2017.08.30 PSION INC

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AI summary

A method, system and support mechanism for object identification is provided. A removable handheld terminal (311) is operable as a stand-alone device. A fixture (330) is connectable to the handheld terminal (311) for a portal use. The terminal (311) includes one or more sensors being automatically or manually activated. The fixture (330) includes a decking member (310) for removably connecting the handheld terminal (311) to the fixture (330).