Indicia Reader RSSI Alert System for Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively prevent the loss of handheld indicia readers in retail environments, as existing solutions relying on connectivity alerts are inadequate due to the long range of short-range communication protocols, allowing users to inadvertently or intentionally take the devices outside the venue without detection.
Innovation Solution
An indicia reader system that determines the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the wireless signal between the reader and the host, generating alerts when the signal strength falls within specific ranges to indicate potential loss, with escalating alert levels based on distance, including gentle chimes to loud tones and visual alerts to ensure user and venue employee awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectivity alerts are used to detect reader loss, then device loss detection is provided, but the long range of communication protocols causes false negatives where readers are not detected when leaving the venue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alert notification system into multiple channels: local alerts on the reader device itself, and separate notifications to the host system. This segmentation ensures that even if one detection method fails due to range issues, the other can still detect and report the loss event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alert mechanism that operates independently of the long-range communication protocol. The reader generates local alerts and transmits loss notifications to the host using alternative methods, serving as an intermediary to overcome the limitations of the primary communication protocol's excessive range.
2Ease of operation
If a single alert level is used when connectivity is lost, then simple notification is provided, but user awareness and employee response may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic alert levels that change based on the reader's distance from the host. As the reader moves farther away, the alert escalates from gentle chimes to loud tones and visual alerts. This dynamic adjustment maintains operational simplicity while conveying critical distance information to ensure user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the alert signal based on distance conditions. The alert type, volume, and modality are adjusted as parameters according to how far the reader has moved from the host, providing graduated notifications that convey distance information without complicating the user interface.
3Reliability
If alerts are generated only when connectivity is completely lost, then false alerts are reduced, but timely intervention opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating alerts before complete connectivity loss occurs. When the reader moves beyond a threshold distance, alerts are triggered proactively, giving users and employees advance warning before the connection is fully severed. This allows for timely intervention and device recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing complete connectivity loss through early alerting. By notifying users and employees before the reader fully exits the communication range, the system prevents the harmful outcome of total device loss and enables preventive recovery actions.
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
The system effectively prevents loss by providing graduated alerts that notify users and venue employees of the reader's distance from the host, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized removal and ensuring timely intervention to retrieve the device.
Implementation Method 1
determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a wireless signal between the indicia reader and the host
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to generating alert signals based on wireless signal strength measurements between data capture devices, like indicia readers or other mobile devices, and their respective hosts, like their charge cradles. An example method that utilizes this approach includes determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a wireless signal between a mobile device and a host. This determination may be made on either the mobile device or the host. From there, if the RSSI falls within a first RSSI range associated with generating a first alert signal, at least one of the mobile device or the host generates a first alert via its respective alert module. On the other hand, if the RSSI falls within a second RSSI range, at least one of the mobile device or the host generates a second alert via its respective alert module.