PHOB
When time counts…
PHOB is a smart, self-contained, wireless scanner with programmable, capacitive touch keys. PHOB can be worn on a lanyard around the neck, on a belt, or on a watch band on the wrist.
Vision
Innovation Project
Problem Statement:
With the spread of voice directed input and acceptance of wearable technology, our industry is ripe for new thinking around how users capture and input data.
Industrial mobile computers are bulky and awkward to manage (especially while performing tasks with the hands). Consumer grade devices using scanning “sleds” are less reliable and just not rugged enough for most deployment environments. BYOD devices using cameras to scan are slow, unreliable and difficult to manage in an enterprise setting.
Users performing repetitive tasks quickly learn to input data without looking at the device. This input often involves a confirmation of the completion of a task either before or after the scan of a barcode. A bulky mobile computer with a display is not needed for this if an alternative means is used to convey vital data-rich information to and from the user during this process.
Commercial software apps are becoming “smarter” with predictive technologies that allow the user to focus on the tasks that the humans perform best. The by-product of these advances is less information needs to be passed along by the user to complete a transaction.
Is a big, expensive mobile computer that tries to be a “one-size-fits-all” product really the best solution?
What if these technologies are mashed together with predictive AI into a compact form-factor that can be used via voice and tactile input?
Technological Proposal
Introducing PHOB…
PHOB is a smart, self-contained, wireless scanner with programable, capacitive touch keys. PHOB can be worn on a lanyard around the neck or wrist, on a belt, or on a watch band on the wrist.
PHOB relies on a data connection to a mobile or fixed computer and can provide scanned barcode information as well as contextually relevant data from its programmable keypad.
PHOB relays data to the user using advanced haptics and audio (not just a BEEP). The RGB LED array located under the PHOB keypad can provide additional feedback and guidance to the user.
PHOB is ideal for distribution centers where multiple users provide input to fixed computers. PHOB also increases performance in the package delivery DE by freeing up the hands of the drivers and reducing device handling time.
PHOB is the future… let’s get started!
ID
Honeywell’s PHOB is the first industrial “smart scanner”. PHOB relays auditory information, acquires voice commands, collects barcode information and keyed, input from users. It’s simple LED array provides user feedback, input guidance and critical alert information. PHOBs aggressive haptic engine reinforces user feedback. Multiple donning options make PHOB the perfect data collection solution for just about any deployment environment.
ID
Honeywell’s PHOB incorporates key elements from the Honeywell H+ design language system. The design is clean, uncluttered and simple. The strategically placed grip features and form cues of PHOB’s design encourages tactile interaction.
ID
Examples of using a 12 pixel matrix of animated RGB LEDs to reinforce user input and interactions with PHOB
Click on image to play videos of interaction animations.
“GOOD READ” scan
“BAD READ” scan
Acknowledge “YES”
Acknowledge “NO”
Alert Indication
ID
Key attributes
-Pocketable | Portable | Small
-Less expensive, more durable than a mobile computer
-Multiple handling options
-Contextually aware, multi-function keys
-Full audio, advanced haptic and LED array feedback
-Enables screen-driven devices in adverse conditions
Deployment
Technical Information
Processor- Quad core 64 bit ARM
OS- Linux
Radios- BT, WIFI, FM, GPS
Memory- 4GB Flash, 1 GB RAM
Sensors- Accelerometer. Gyro, Magnetometer, Pressure
Audio- DAC, ADC
Speaker- 2 speakers
Microphones- 1 forward-facing, 1 rear-facing
Battery- 1500 mAh 103450 LI ion prismatic
Imager- HON 6603
Environmental- IP67
Input- Voice, gesture, 12 physical, capacitive, programable keys
I/O Ports- Custom USB 2.0
User Feedback- 12 RGB programable LED array, haptics
Accessories- Adjustable lanyard, attachment sled, belt clip, wrist band,
nylon pouch, 4 bay charge/comm dock, USB charging adapter.
Conclusion
Our industry is notorious for hanging on to old technology simply because it “works”. Our customers often have thousands of devices maintained and used in hundreds of interconnected locations. From an enterprise perspective, it is a daunting challenge to make any substantive change to the system. By making our technology less expensive and the customer’s work-flow more intuitive, Honeywell can lower the hurdle for companies making these difficult decisions.
-The primary reason customers choose our large keyed handhelds is “blind keyed” entry. If this is the case, can we build an effective, inexpensive data collection device with keys, but without a display?
-By eliminating the backlit display, PHOB eliminates one of the most expensive and failure-prone elements of a traditional data collection device. No display means more freedom to design the “right” form-factor for our users.
-Users are becoming more accustomed to interacting with tech using their voice. Enterprise apps need to evolve to be contextually aware of the work-flow, reducing tedious and repetitive interaction with users.
-We should strive to make our technology simpler and less cumbersome for the user to carry and interact with. The technology should “melt” away and allow the user’s task-at-hand to become the focus of
their efforts.