Indicia Reader Firmware Update via Scannable Indicia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indicia reading devices face limitations in efficiently updating firmware and configuration parameters in portable devices, requiring manual processes that are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in remote locations where wireless communication is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for updating firmware and configuration parameters in indicia reading devices, such as PDAs, by scanning specific indicia to retrieve and apply software or firmware updates via a web server, utilizing a communication module and image reader assembly with aiming pattern generators, illumination, and image sensors to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual firmware update processes are used in portable indicia reading devices, then device portability and wireless flexibility are maintained, but update efficiency and accuracy deteriorate due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The indicia reading device automatically retrieves and installs firmware updates by scanning indicia containing update information and communicating with web servers, eliminating the need for manual update operations. The device performs self-upgrading through automated processes including retrieving upgrade software, validating checksums, and installing updates without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-retrieves firmware update information and validates checksums before installation, ensuring update readiness and integrity in advance. The device checks for available updates by scanning indicia and communicates with web servers to obtain update packages before the actual update is applied, preparing the system beforehand to avoid delays during the update process.
2Productivity
If automated web server communication is implemented for firmware updates, then update efficiency and accuracy improve, but device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module serves multiple functions including wireless data transmission for barcode scanning results, firmware update retrieval from web servers, and checksum validation. By integrating these diverse communication tasks into a single multi-functional module, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automated update capabilities.
3Reliability
If checksum validation is performed before firmware installation, then update reliability and error prevention improve, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The checksum validation is performed on the downloaded firmware package before installation to ensure integrity and prevent corrupted updates. This preliminary validation step catches errors early in the update process, avoiding the need for re-downloading or troubleshooting after installation begins, thereby reducing overall update time despite the additional initial validation step.
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 automated and efficient firmware updates and configuration parameter management in portable devices, enhancing their operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention, especially in remote or wireless communication scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Optical indicia reading devices typically transmit light onto a symbol and receive light scattered and/or reflected back from a bar code symbol or indicia
Implementation Method 2
Optical indicia reading devices typically transmit light onto a symbol
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an indicia reader comprising the steps of: requesting upgrade software from a remote server; the remote server sending in response to the request an information bearing indicia (IBI) to a device local to the indicia reader; providing the IBI on a readable medium; reading the IBI; recognizing in the indicia the presence of indicia upgrade information regarding retrieval of the upgrade software; and, retrieving upgrade software from the remote server in response to the indicia upgrade information.