Modular Scan Engine for Mobile Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile computers used for scanning machine-readable indicia are bulky, leading to ergonomic and efficiency issues for workers, particularly in tight spaces and hazardous environments, as they require fixed attachment of scan engines which limits their usability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computer system featuring a releasable scan engine module that operates autonomously, allowing for wireless or wired communication with the mobile computer, and can be easily attached or detached without tools, enabling single or batch scan modes and reducing operator fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile computers are made smaller and lighter to improve ergonomics, then ease of operation is improved, but scanning functionality and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent components: a handheld mobile computer for user interaction and a separate scan engine module for scanning operations. The scan engine module contains the scanning functionality, image sensor, processor, and battery, while the mobile computer provides the user interface and data processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mobile computer remains lightweight and ergonomic while the scan engine module provides robust scanning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The scan engine module is designed to be universally compatible with different mobile computer devices through standardized communication protocols and wireless connectivity. The module can function independently or in conjunction with various mobile computers, making the scanning system adaptable to different user needs and device configurations.
2Reliability
If scan engines are fixedly attached to mobile computers, then reliability of scanning operation is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the mobile computer and scan engine module is made dynamic rather than fixed. The module can be wirelessly connected when needed for scanning operations and disconnected when not needed, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements. The module can be carried separately by the worker and attached to the mobile computer only during scanning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the mobile computer and scan engine module, enabling data transfer without physical connection. This allows the scan engine module to maintain reliable scanning operations while being independently portable and adaptable to different work environments including tight spaces and hazardous areas.
3Strength
If rugged industrial tablets are used for vehicle-mounted terminals, then scanning durability is improved, but ease of operation and worker comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy-duty scanning functionality is segmented into a separate, dedicated scan engine module that can be selectively attached to mobile computers. This allows the main mobile computer device to remain lightweight and comfortable for workers to carry and use, while the robust scanning capabilities are concentrated in the separate module that is only present when scanning is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of scanning a machine-readable indicia may include, in response to determining that the scan engine module is in an engaged state and electrically connected to a computer, communicating the decoded data to the computer via a wired communications channel. Otherwise, in response to determining that the scan engine module is in a released state and wirelessly connected to the computer, communicate the decoded data to the computer via a wireless communications channel. The scan engine module may be configured to operate autonomously from the mobile computer to be able to scan machine-readable indicia, decode the machine-readable indicia to generate decoded data, and store the decoded data. In response to the machine-readable indicia being electrically connected to the mobile computer, the machine-readable indicia may be batched uploaded to the mobile computer.