Pluggable Imaging Assembly with Type Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encoded information reading (EIR) terminals face challenges in supporting multiple types of replaceable two-dimensional image sensors, requiring a solution that allows for efficient configuration and control of imaging assemblies to ensure seamless operation across different sensor types.
Innovation Solution
The EIR terminal features a pluggable imaging assembly with a type identifier, communicatively coupled to the system bus via a multi-pin connector, allowing for retrieval of configuration information and control of the imaging assembly, including parameters such as power-up sequence, data format, pixel number, and exposure mode, enabling flexible adaptation to various image sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the EIR terminal uses a fixed imaging assembly, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot support multiple types of image sensors and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging assembly is designed as a separate, replaceable module that can be independently configured and exchanged. This segmentation allows the terminal to support multiple sensor types by simply changing the imaging assembly, without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal incorporates a universal configuration system that can automatically detect and adapt to different imaging assembly types through type identifiers and configuration information items. This universal interface enables the same terminal hardware to work with multiple sensor types (e.g., different resolutions, exposure modes) without requiring hardware changes.
2Productivity
If the EIR terminal manually configures each imaging assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but configuration time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores configuration information items for different imaging assembly types in memory. When a new imaging assembly is installed, the terminal automatically retrieves the pre-configured parameters (exposure mode, pixel format, resolution) from memory, eliminating the need for manual configuration and significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging assembly includes a type identifier that automatically identifies its own characteristics to the terminal. The terminal autonomously retrieves and applies the correct configuration information based on this identifier, making the configuration process self-service rather than requiring user intervention.
3Reliability
If the EIR terminal stores all imaging assembly configurations in memory, then configuration reliability is improved, but memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete imaging assembly hardware descriptions in the terminal's main memory, the system uses a simplified configuration information items structure that contains only the necessary operational parameters. This copying approach maintains configuration reliability while minimizing memory usage and complexity.
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
This solution enables the EIR terminal to efficiently acquire and decode images from different types of decodable indicia, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance across various imaging assemblies, enhancing its versatility in applications like point-of-sale systems.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signal representative of the light reflected by an object located within the field of view of the imaging assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor communicatively coupled to a system bus, a memory, a communication interface, and a pluggable imaging assembly identified by a type identifier and configured to acquire an image comprising decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can comprise a two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signal representative of the light reflected by an object located within the field of view of the imaging assembly. The EIR terminal can be configured to output, by processing the analog signal, the raw image data derived from the analog signal and/or a decoded message corresponding to the decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can be communicatively coupled to the system bus via an imaging assembly interface comprising a plurality of wires and a multi-pin connector. The imaging assembly interface can comprise one or more wires configured to carry the imaging assembly type identifier. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to receiving the type identifier via the one or more wires, to retrieve from the memory one or more imaging assembly configuration information items corresponding to the type identifier and/or to receive via the communication interface one or more imaging assembly configuration information items corresponding to the type identifier. The EIR terminal can be further configured to control the imaging assembly using the imaging assembly configuration information items.