Removable Module for Mobile Terminal Decoding and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication terminals lack enhanced functionality for decoding decodable indicia, such as barcodes, and face challenges in preventing unauthorized use of application software, while also managing user profile settings effectively.
Innovation Solution
A removable module is mechanically attached to the mobile communication terminal, equipped with an encoded information reading device, illumination module, and optical system, which provides expanded functionality, including decoding capabilities, and stores a secret string for security validation, ensuring authorized use and user profile management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a removable module is added to provide decoding functionality and security features, then the functionality and security are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mobile communication terminal into a main body and a separate removable module. The removable module contains the decoding functionality (imaging device, optical system, illumination module) and security features (memory with secret string), allowing these advanced features to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the base terminal device.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable module is designed to provide multiple functions including decoding decodable indicia, preventing unauthorized software use through secret string validation, and storing user profile settings. This multi-functional approach consolidates several features into a single component, improving versatility while managing complexity.
2Reliability
If secret string validation and decryption are implemented, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable module automatically performs secret string validation and decryption operations without requiring user intervention. The system handles security verification in the background, maintaining high security while keeping the user interface simple and easy to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expanded functionality is provided through a removable module, then adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating advanced features into a removable module, the base terminal can be manufactured using standard processes, while the removable module can be manufactured and tested independently. This segmentation allows for more flexible manufacturing and quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable module is designed to attach to the terminal body through a connector, with the module containing its own housing and components. This nested structure allows the module to be manufactured separately and then integrated with the terminal, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while providing expanded functionality.
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 solution enhances the mobile terminal's ability to read and decode decodable indicia, prevents unauthorized software use, and securely manages user profiles, thereby improving scanning and application-specific functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system configured to focus the light reflected by a physical object located within a field of view of the two-dimensional image sensor onto the two-dimensional image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an illumination module
Data Source
AI summary
A decodable indicia reading system can comprise a mobile communication terminal and a removable module. The mobile communication terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an imaging device comprising a two-dimensional image sensor, all disposed within a housing. The removable module can comprise a housing at least partially containing an encoded information reading (EIR) device, an illumination module, and/or an optical system configured to focus the light reflected by a physical object located within a field of view of the two-dimensional image sensor onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The decodable indicia reading system can further comprise a decoding program executable by the microprocessor, which can be configured to input an encoded information item the imaging device and/or the EIR device. The removable module can be mechanically attached to the mobile communication terminal. The removable module can further comprise a memory configured to store a secret string. The decoding program can be further configured to output a decoded message by decoding the encoded information item responsive to validating the secret string and/or decrypting, using the secret string, at least one data item stored in the memory.