Interpretation Engine for User-Configurable Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data capture terminals have fixed operational configurations, making it difficult for end users to customize their terminals to capture only specific data or in a desired order, leading to unsatisfied user needs and delays in meeting changing requirements without manufacturer intervention.
Innovation Solution
A data capture terminal with an interpretation engine that allows users to customize the processing of multiple data types and symbologies by loading user-selected logic, enabling selective data capture and output in any desired order without the need for customized firmware, allowing for standard firmware upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the terminal uses a fixed operational configuration set by the manufacturer, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal's operational configuration is made dynamic and changeable by the end user. The controller can be reconfigured through an interpretation engine that accepts user-defined logic inputs, allowing the processing sequence and selection of target data to be customized without changing the physical hardware structure. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling operational adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the terminal (processing sequence, data selection criteria, output format) rather than its physical structure. Users can modify these parameters through software configuration and logic loading, allowing the same device to adapt to different needs without requiring manufacturer intervention or hardware changes.
2Reliability
If the terminal processes all symbols on a target, then complete data capture is achieved, but the processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and processes only the specific symbols or data elements that the user needs, rather than processing all symbols on the target. The controller uses user-defined logic to identify and extract relevant data, skipping unnecessary processing steps. This reduces processing time while maintaining reliability for the required data capture objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs partial processing by selectively capturing and decoding only certain symbols based on user specifications. Instead of processing all symbols exhaustively, the system performs the minimum necessary action to meet user needs, thereby reducing time loss while achieving sufficient data capture completeness for the intended application.
3Loss of information
If the terminal decodes multiple symbols in sequence, then all available data is captured, but the productivity decreases due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The user pre-configures the logic and criteria for which symbols need to be decoded before the actual data capture process. This preliminary action allows the controller to quickly filter and process only relevant symbols during operation, improving productivity while ensuring that all necessary information is captured according to user specifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customized firmware is provided for each user's specific logic requirements, then the adaptability to user needs is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal incorporates a universal interpretation engine that can handle multiple different user logic requirements through a single standardized interface. Instead of creating customized firmware for each user, the system provides a multi-functional platform where users can load and execute their own logic programs. This maintains adaptability while avoiding the complexity of multiple customized firmware versions.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can copy and modify existing logic templates or programs to create their customized processing logic. Rather than developing entirely new firmware for each application, users work with standardized logic structures that can be replicated and adapted, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different needs.
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 end users to customize their terminals post-delivery to meet changing requirements, avoiding delays and ensuring compatibility with the latest firmware updates, while allowing for efficient processing of selected data in a desired format.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging reader includes a solid-state imager having an array of photocells or light sensors, which correspond to image elements or pixels in a field of view of the imager
Implementation Method 2
an illuminating light assembly for illuminating the field of view with illumination light from an illumination light source, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
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AI summary
A data capture terminal for, and a method of, processing one or more target data, such as symbols, arranged at spaced-apart locations on a target, employ an electro-optical reader for electro-optically reading the data on the target, and a controller for processing at least one of the data, and for determining whether the at least one data has been successfully processed. An interpretation engine customizes the controller with user-selected logic. The interpretation engine is operative, preferably after the at least one data has been successfully processed, to instruct the controller with logical conditions under which the other data on the target is to be processed.