Modular Image Capture System with Conditional Plug-in Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held optical reading devices are limited in their ability to modify and extend functionalities without detailed knowledge of the hardware platform, communication interfaces, and user interfaces, leading to constraints in reading high-density 1D and 2D bar codes and requiring costly and time-consuming software modifications.
Innovation Solution
A digital image capture and processing system with a modular software development platform that allows third-party plug-ins to modify and extend system features and functionalities independently of the firmware, enabling users to design and install plug-in modules without knowledge of the hardware or user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art imaging-based bar code symbol readers are used, then they can read 2D symbologies and have lower manufacturing costs, but they are statically-configured and have limited capacity for easy integration into third-party products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bar code reading system into independent plug-in modules that can be separately developed, configured, and integrated. Each plug-in handles specific decoding algorithms or processing functions, allowing the system to be customized for different third-party applications without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of bar code decoding algorithms and processing functions through plug-ins. This multi-functional architecture enables the same hardware platform to serve diverse third-party product requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated image-processing based bar code symbol reading devices are used, then they provide specialized functionality, but they have very limited resources such as volatile and non-volatile memories and lack rich software tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary file-based configuration system that mediates between the limited onboard memory and the need for rich software functionality. Configuration files stored externally define plug-in behaviors and parameters, allowing sophisticated software control without requiring large amounts of onboard memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses file-based configuration copies to store software behavior definitions externally. Instead of embedding all software tools and configurations in limited onboard memory, the system references configuration files that can be updated and expanded without increasing hardware memory capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image-processing based bar code symbol reading systems are modified by contacting the device manufacturer, then software changes can be made, but the process is both costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables end-users to perform software customization themselves through a plug-in architecture with standardized interfaces. Users can independently develop, configure, and install plug-ins without requiring manufacturer intervention, thereby eliminating the time and cost associated with official software modification services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static software architecture into a dynamic, user-modifiable system. Plug-ins can be added, removed, or configured at runtime based on user needs, allowing the system to adapt quickly to changing requirements without formal re-compilation or re-design cycles.
4Ease of operation
If prior art readers are used, then they have established hardware platforms, but end-users are not permitted to modify features and functionalities without detailed knowledge about the hardware platform, communication interfaces and user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software configuration and customization logic from the hardware platform dependencies. By using abstracted plug-in interfaces and file-based configurations, the system separates functional customization from hardware-specific implementation details, allowing users to modify features without needing to understand underlying hardware architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system supporting a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The digital image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. The configuration file that controls (i.e. conditions) the multiple third-party plug-ins includes conditional programming logic that chains (i.e. orders) the multiple third-party plug-ins so that the customer can enable interaction and configuration between multiple plug-ins, and achieve enhanced system functionality.