Smartphone Barcode Scanner Using Camera Copying and Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing barcode scanning processes in the supply chain are labor-intensive, error-prone, and costly due to the use of large, expensive, and bulky Portable Data Terminals (PDTs, which are also at risk of theft and loss.

Innovation Solution

Repurposing smartphones with Android operating systems to function as barcode scanners, utilizing a barcode matching application that allows for various scanning modes and integrating with Bluetooth devices for increased functionality and security, reducing the incentive for theft by using employee-owned devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional PDTs are used for barcode scanning, then barcode matching functionality is achieved, but device weight and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode matching functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the smartphone camera to capture and process barcode images, copying the optical scanning function of traditional PDTs. The camera module replaces the dedicated barcode scanner while maintaining the core functionality of reading and verifying barcodes through image processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone serves multiple functions: it acts as a barcode scanner, runs the verification application, provides GPS tracking for security, and enables communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated PDT hardware while achieving the same barcode matching objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional PDTs are used for barcode scanning, then barcode matching functionality is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode matching functionalityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Employees use their own personal smartphones that they already possess, eliminating the need for the company to purchase and distribute expensive PDTs. The company only needs to provide the verification application, thereby self-serving the hardware requirement and significantly reducing device acquisition costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages widely available, inexpensive smartphones that can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of dedicated PDTs. These consumer devices are replaced more easily and at lower cost if lost or stolen, reducing the financial impact of device replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional PDTs are used for barcode scanning, then barcode matching functionality is achieved, but device size and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode matching functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If company-provided smartphones are used, then functionality is improved, but risk of theft and loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtheft and loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the company providing smartphones to employees (which creates theft risk), the approach is inverted: employees provide their own smartphones to the company. This reverses the ownership relationship and eliminates the incentive for employees to steal company property while maintaining full functionality for barcode scanning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements GPS tracking and remote management capabilities that provide continuous feedback on device location and status. If a smartphone is lost or stolen, the system can track its location and remotely wipe or lock the device, providing security feedback mechanisms that mitigate theft risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10089509B2Apparatus and method for matching barcodes

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 BARCODE-TEST LLC

AI summary

A smartphone and its camera are programmed to function as a barcode scanner, analyze data encoded in a barcode, which also is programmed to “learn” a master barcode, and then scan product barcodes to determine if a product is being loaded onto the correct shipment. A user can choose one of the following modes of operation to start a code match operation: one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-some, or box mode.