Indicia Reader Self-Configuration via Cable Data Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading devices often require manual configuration to match the interface cable, leading to user confusion and inefficiency, as they are typically preprogrammed for a specific interface that may not match the purchased kit, and default to factory settings without indicating the need for further setup.
Innovation Solution
The device detects the absence of a specified sequence of data elements in scanned indicia and configures itself to operate with an interconnect cable by indicating the need for user configuration, using an interconnect cable with embedded bar data elements or RFID tags to provide the necessary sequence, allowing the device to recognize and adapt to the correct interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the indicia reading device is preprogrammed for a specific interface cable, then the device can operate immediately with that cable, but the device cannot adapt to other cable types without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The indicia reading device automatically detects the interconnect cable type through scanned indicia and self-configures the software interface without requiring manual user intervention. The device reads data elements from bar codes or RFID tags on the cable packaging or cable itself, then automatically programs the appropriate interface settings, eliminating the need for users to manually configure the device for different cable types.
Solution Approach 2:
The necessary configuration information is prepared in advance on the interconnect cable or its packaging through bar codes or RFID tags. These pre-prepared data elements contain all the interface configuration details needed, so when the device scans them, the configuration is already ready to be automatically applied without requiring real-time user input or manual setup procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the device defaults to factory settings without indicating the need for configuration, then the device appears ready to use, but users may connect the wrong cable type without realizing it
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides visual feedback through illuminated indicators (such as LEDs) to inform users when configuration is needed or when the correct cable is detected. The system scans the indicia on the connected cable, processes the interface information, and provides immediate feedback through lights or displays to confirm proper configuration or alert users to mismatches, ensuring reliable cable-device matching while maintaining ease of use.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is required to match the interface cable, then the device can be precisely configured, but user confusion and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated optical and electromagnetic detection system. Instead of requiring users to manually read documentation and configure settings, the device uses optical scanners to read bar codes or RFID readers to detect tags on the cable, automatically extracting and applying the interface configuration data. This substitution eliminates manual setup time while maintaining precise configuration accuracy through automated data extraction and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicia reading apparatus includes an interconnect cable and an indicia reading device. The indicia reading device is configured so that, if the indicia reader device is not configured to any interconnect cable and detects an indicia which does not contain one of a plurality of specified sequences of data elements that the indicia reading device will recognize and use to configure itself to operate with the interconnect cable, the indicia reading device will indicate to the user of the indicia reading device that the indicia reading device needs to be configured to operate with the interconnect cable.