Modular Barcode Reader Layout for Orientation-Stable Portable Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable terminals with barcode readers cannot be manipulated effectively when oriented in any direction, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

A portable terminal design that allows for stable manipulation irrespective of orientation, featuring a modular barcode reader module that can be attached to the main body and a strap system for secure grip, ensuring the barcode reader and camera are accessible and unobstructed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a barcode reader is provided in a fixed position on the portable terminal, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be manipulated effectively when oriented in any direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation capability in any orientationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable terminal is divided into a main body and a separately attachable barcode reader module. The barcode reader module can be detached and reattached to different positions (left side, right side, top, or bottom) depending on the user's hand and orientation needs, enabling versatile manipulation without complicating the main device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode reader module is designed to be dynamically repositionable on the portable terminal. It can be attached to different sides of the main body according to usage scenarios, allowing the device to adapt to various orientations and user preferences while maintaining a simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the barcode reader module is made detachable for flexible positioning, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmodule attachment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode reader is separated from the main body as an independent module with its own housing and attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows flexible positioning while keeping the attachment system simple and modular, avoiding complex integration in the main device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be universal, allowing the barcode reader module to be attached to any side of the portable terminal main body. This multi-position attachment capability provides positioning flexibility without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the barcode reader is integrated into the main body, then the device structure is compact, but the camera may be obstructed when held in certain orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera accessibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode reader module is separated from the main body, allowing it to be positioned on the side opposite to or away from the camera. This segmentation prevents the barcode reader from obstructing the camera lens when the device is held in various orientations, while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode reader module is designed with an asymmetric attachment system that allows it to be positioned on specific sides of the portable terminal. This asymmetric positioning ensures that the barcode reader does not interfere with the camera's field of view, improving camera accessibility while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3561637B1Portable terminal
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3561637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561637B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A portable terminal includes a main body having a first surface and a second surface, and a first camera. The main body is divided into nine divisional matrix regions. The second surface is attachable to a barcode reader module. The barcode reader module has a second camera for reading a barcode. When the barcode reader module is attached to the second surface, the second camera is readable the barcode in a state that the second surface is directed to the barcode and the second camera is located in the second region of the second surface.