Relay Application for Barcode Sled Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode sled readers are not compatible with legacy client/server systems, as they cannot directly send decoded barcode data to the server over a network connection without modifying the smartphone application and server software.
Innovation Solution
A relay application on a mobile device processes and sends decoded barcode data from a barcode sled reader to an intermediary device, which then forwards it to the legacy system as plain text via a TCP/IP connection, allowing integration with legacy systems without requiring compatibility with their communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a barcode sled reader is connected to a mobile device to read barcodes, then barcode data can be captured and decoded, but the system cannot directly send the decoded data to a legacy server without modifying the application and server software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a PC or server) that acts as a mediator between the mobile device with barcode sled reader and the legacy server. The intermediary device receives decoded barcode data from the mobile device via TCP/IP connection and then transfers it to the legacy server through the existing client application, thereby enabling integration without requiring modifications to either the mobile application or the legacy server software.
2Reliability
If the barcode sled reader sends data through the mobile device application, then data can be transmitted, but the legacy server cannot receive it without software modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device serves as a bridge that receives reliable TCP/IP data transmissions from the mobile device and converts them into a format compatible with the legacy server's existing communication protocols. This approach maintains transmission reliability while avoiding the need to modify the legacy server software or implement complex new communication protocols.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses a direct connection between mobile device and legacy server, then data transfer is simplified, but the legacy server must be modified to support mobile device protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device enables easy data entry from the mobile device by receiving decoded barcode data through standard TCP/IP protocols, then automatically transferring it to the legacy server through the existing client application. This maintains protocol compatibility with the legacy server while providing a simple, direct-like user experience for data entry.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a relay application configured to send decoded barcode image data to an intermediary device as text via a TCP/IP connection. The relay application is executed by a processor of a mobile device that is in communication with the barcode sled reader. The barcode sled reader includes a barcode reader that generates image data of a barcode and a decoding processor that decodes the image data.