RF Scanner Power Reporting for Mobile Device Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless scanner systems face reliability issues due to the finite battery power of mobile devices, which can lead to unexpected unavailability, especially in high-volume, fast-paced scenarios, where subtle power level indicators on these devices may be overlooked, resulting in system unreliability.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to monitor and report the battery power level of both RF scanners and mobile devices, using existing computing resources, by polling the mobile device for its power level, processing the data, and presenting alerts on the RF scanner and mobile device indicators, ensuring timely notification of low power conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery power is used to supply the mobile wireless scanner, then portability is improved, but the finite power source leads to continuous power consumption and eventual operational unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of battery power levels and proactively communicates status to the base station before complete power depletion occurs. This allows advance warning and preventive action (recharging or replacement) to be taken, avoiding unexpected operational failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner continuously monitors its own battery power level and provides feedback to the base station through wireless communication. This feedback loop enables the system to track power consumption and alert operators when recharging is needed, transforming the finite power constraint into a manageable parameter.
2Reliability
If battery power monitoring and alert features are added to the scanner, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner autonomously monitors its own battery power level using internal sensors and processing capabilities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external monitoring equipment or manual battery checks, improving reliability without adding significant external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing wireless communication interface and processing unit of the scanner are leveraged to perform both data transmission and power status reporting functions. By making the communication system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated separate hardware for monitoring, thus minimizing complexity increases.
3Reliability
If the scanner continuously monitors and reports power levels, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring and transmission, the system implements periodic power level checks and communicates status at defined intervals or when threshold levels are reached. This periodic approach maintains reliability by providing regular updates while significantly reducing the energy expenditure associated with constant communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Power level information is presented for a mobile device used with a scanner for processing information scanned therewith. The mobile device is polled from the RF scanner, in relation to a power level present in a battery source thereof. Responsive to the polling, checked power level data is reported to the scanner, processed and evaluated. Upon the evaluation detecting that the mobile device battery power level is low, presentation of a corresponding alert is commanded. The alert is presented on an indicator of the RF scanner. Data corresponding to the alert may also be presented at the mobile device and a remote computer.