Removable Scanning Module for Mobile Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication terminals, such as smartphones and tablets, face challenges in scanning performance due to illumination and imager-related constraints, and are not robust enough for retail or manufacturing environments, limiting their effectiveness in reading decodable indicia.
Innovation Solution
A removable scanning module is provided, which includes optical and non-visual information reading devices, along with auxiliary devices like illumination sources, designed to enhance the scanning capabilities of mobile communication terminals, featuring a 2D imaging device and a variable focus imaging lens for improved focus and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an embedded camera is used in mobile communication terminals, then the device form factor can be minimized, but the scanning performance deteriorates due to illumination and imager-related constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a mobile communication terminal and a removable scanning module. The scanning module contains specialized imaging devices and illumination sources optimized for scanning performance, while the terminal maintains its compact form factor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable scanning module acts as an intermediary device that connects to the mobile terminal via a communication interface. It provides enhanced scanning capabilities with dedicated illumination sources and imaging devices, then communicates the scanned data back to the terminal for processing, effectively bridging the gap between compact terminal design and robust scanning performance.
2Illumination intensity
If an embedded illumination source is added to mobile communication terminals, then illumination for image processing can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is segregated from the mobile terminal and placed within the removable scanning module. This allows the illumination system to be optimized for scanning performance without adding complexity to the terminal's internal structure. The illumination module can be easily attached or removed as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable scanning module serves multiple functions: it provides enhanced illumination for image processing, houses specialized imaging devices for scanning, and acts as a communication interface with the terminal. This multi-functionality consolidates several potential additions into a single modular unit.
3Ease of operation
If standard mobile communication terminals are used for scanning, then ease of operation is maintained, but robustness for retail or manufacturing environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static terminal design to a dynamic configuration where the scanning module can be attached or removed based on operational needs. The module includes adjustable focus mechanisms and variable illumination settings that can be dynamically adapted to different scanning scenarios in retail or manufacturing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning module incorporates adjustable parameters including focus distance, illumination intensity, and imaging device settings. These parameters can be modified to optimize performance for different environmental conditions, making the system robust enough for diverse retail or manufacturing applications while maintaining ease of operation through automated or semi-automated parameter adjustment.
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 removable scanning module enhances the scanning performance of mobile communication terminals by providing robust mechanical protection and improved illumination and focus capabilities, enabling effective reading of decodable indicia in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a 2D imaging device and a variable focus imaging lens for improved focus and illumination
Implementation Method 2
along with auxiliary devices like illumination sources, designed to enhance the scanning capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4a
AI summary
A decodable indicia reading system can comprise a mobile communication terminal and a removable scanning module. The mobile communication terminal can comprise a microprocessor and a memory. The mobile communication terminal can further comprise at least one wired communication interface including a first electromechanical connector mechanically attached to the terminal housing. The removable scanning module can comprise an encoded information reading (EIR) device and/or an illumination module at least partially disposed within the scanning module housing. Both the mobile communication terminal and the scanning module can be at least partially received by a common housing. The removable scanning module can be configured to be communicatively coupled to the mobile communication terminal via an electromechanical interface comprising a first plurality of wires electrically coupling a second electromechanical connector to a third electromechanical connector. The second electromechanical connector can be electromechanically coupled to the first electromechanical connector. The electromechanical interface can comprises a second plurality of wires electrically coupling the scanning module to the first plurality of wires.