Mobile Device Barcode Transmission via Pulsed Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode scanners struggle to reliably read barcodes displayed on electronic devices due to insufficient contrast ratio and physical limitations, limiting the size and resolution of barcodes that can be displayed.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that generates light-simulated barcodes by extracting barcodes from print content and transmitting them using light-emitting hardware, allowing any print-capable application to access and beam barcodes without requiring integration with specific beaming implementations, using a virtual printer driver and light-emitting diodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If barcodes are displayed on electronic device screens, then barcode information can be presented digitally, but the contrast ratio between bars and spaces is insufficient for reliable scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static optical display system (LCD screen) with a dynamic light emission system using LEDs to simulate barcode patterns. This substitution transforms the problem from displaying visual images to emitting structured light patterns that actively project barcode information into the environment, enabling reliable scanning by external barcode readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic light emission from LEDs to simulate the reflection patterns of printed barcodes. The LEDs pulse on and off in sequences that correspond to the bar and space patterns of the barcode, creating time-varying light signals that encode the barcode information. This periodic action allows barcode scanners to detect and decode the transmitted information reliably.
2Weight of moving object
If barcodes are displayed on small display screens, then portability is maintained, but the physical dimensions and resolution limit the size of barcodes that can be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional display constraints (screen resolution and size) to three-dimensional light projection. By emitting light in multiple directions and utilizing spatial distribution of light patterns, the system overcomes the resolution limits of small screens. The barcode information is projected into the environment rather than confined to the screen surface, effectively increasing the usable display area and resolution.
3Reliability
If specialized SDK integration is required for beaming implementations, then precise control over light emission is achieved, but device complexity and ease of implementation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface layer that allows any application to access the beaming functionality through standard operating system APIs. The system provides a general-purpose framework that works across different applications and devices without requiring application-specific integration. This universal approach maintains control reliability through standardized interfaces while reducing implementation complexity by eliminating the need for specialized SDK integration in each application.
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 communication of barcode information using mobile devices, eliminating the need for SDK integration and allowing any print-capable application to transmit barcodes as pulsed light, overcoming limitations of static screen-displayed barcodes.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an extracted barcode from the mobile device as pulsed light using light-emitting hardware of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for and a method of communicating barcode information using a mobile device. A method comprises steps of: invoking an application print feature using a first software application of the mobile device, the first software application being print-capable; extracting one or more barcodes from the print content using a second software application; and transmitting an extracted barcode from the mobile device as pulsed light using light-emitting hardware of the mobile device.