Portable Scanner With Embedded Storage for Computer-Free Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable scanners require connection to a computer for operation and lack autonomous functionality, limiting their portability and efficiency in scanning and storing documents.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered portable scanner with embedded storage and a processor that includes a routing application, allowing for autonomous operation and storage of scanned documents on internal or external memory, with options for transfer via USB, SD cards, or wireless connections like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling scanning without a computer and flexible storage and sorting of documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable scanner is designed to be compact and lightweight for portability, then it cannot have embedded storage and processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (scanning, storage, processing, and wireless communication) into a single integrated portable scanner device. The scanner includes embedded storage memory, a processor with routing application, and wireless communication interface, allowing it to operate autonomously without requiring connection to a external computer for basic scanning and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable scanner is designed with multi-functionality to perform various operations including scanning documents, storing images in embedded or external memory, processing images through routing applications, and transferring data via multiple wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). This universal design allows the device to replace multiple separate tools.
2Ease of operation
If a portable scanner is connected to a computer for operation, then it can process and transfer documents, but it loses portability and autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is equipped with a processor that executes routing applications stored in its memory, enabling it to autonomously process scanned images without requiring external computer assistance. The device can automatically route images to appropriate storage locations (embedded memory, external memory cards, or wireless transmission targets) based on predefined rules or user selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the scanning and processing functions from the computer system, placing them in the portable scanner itself. This segmentation allows the scanner to function independently while maintaining the option to connect to a computer for additional capabilities when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable scanner lacks embedded storage, then it remains simple and lightweight, but it cannot store documents autonomously
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner incorporates embedded storage memory within its structure, and also provides interfaces for external memory cards (such as SD cards). This nested storage architecture allows the device to have both internal storage for immediate use and expandable external storage for larger capacity needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner includes pre-configured routing applications that are already stored in its memory, enabling it to automatically route and store scanned images without requiring external processing. This preliminary preparation of software enables immediate autonomous operation upon scanning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a portable scanner uses wired connection only, then it maintains simplicity, but it lacks flexibility in transferring documents to various devices
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner incorporates multiple wireless communication interfaces (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) in addition to wired USB connection, enabling it to transfer data to various types of devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers regardless of their primary connection type. This multi-interface approach provides universal compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner dynamically selects appropriate communication methods based on the target device and connection availability. The routing application can direct images to different storage locations or transmission targets depending on which interfaces are available and appropriate for the current operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Battery-powered portable scanner, comprising: a scanning unit for scanning documents and forming digital representations thereof; a processor, communicatively connected to the scanning unit and provided for controlling the scanning operation; at least a first embedded storage capabilities, each of which is communicatively connected to the processor and each of which comprises either an internal memory for internally storing the digital representations or a communication link to an external storage medium for externally storing the digital representations. The processor is provided for enabling autonomous operation without connection to a terminal. The processor may be provided with an embedded routing application which is provided for routing the digital representations to a predetermined selection among the embedded storage capabilities.