Ring scanner with counting function and method thereof

Abstract

A scanner device attached to an index finger of a user includes a plurality of count buttons located on a housing and actuated by a thumb of the user. A user may count the number of inventory by pressing a count button. Each of the count buttons is assigned a corresponding inventory count. Depending on the number of identified items, a user may perform rapid and accurate counting by pressing a counting button.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 064,175, filed December 9, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Invention Field

[0003] This field generally relates to scanning devices. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, inventory management has become increasingly important. A key part of inventory management is accurately counting the number of items in physical inventory and retail warehouses.

[0005] Inventory workers (users) frequently use scanners to count the number of items. Scanners read barcodes, 2D barcodes, or other identifiers (hereinafter referred to as "codes") printed on products or packages containing multiple products. The inventory control system calculates the number of items based on what the scanner reads.

[0006] Users typically hold the scanner with their hand, but in recent years, ring scanners that attach to their fingers have also become popular. Ring scanners are more comfortable to operate because the optical elements that perform the scan are closer to the user's finger. Ring scanners also allow users to scan more accurately.

[0007] Users sometimes combine a ring scanner with a separate terminal device. Users frequently use the terminal device to display and process information collected from the ring scanner. Processing performed by the terminal device includes displaying product information and communicating with the inventory management system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure provides a scanner device for more accurately counting items. Preferably, the scanner device includes a housing, a counting button located on the housing, an optical scanner located on the housing, and a controller. Preferably, the controller is configured to cause the optical scanner to scan the code of the item, and when the user actuates the counting button, to send an instruction indicating that the item has a predetermined number of counts. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, reference numerals denote the same or similarly functional elements. Additionally, the leftmost numeral of the reference numerals identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1A -F is a schematic diagram illustrating a ring scanner according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an architectural diagram illustrating a ring scanner according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the system architecture according to an implementation method.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user, scanner device, and terminal device according to an embodiment.

[0014] This disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following disclosure provides numerous different implementations or examples for carrying out various features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify this disclosure. Of course, these components and arrangements are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, in the following description, the formation of a first feature over a second feature may include implementations where the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include implementations where additional features are formed between the first and second features so that the first and second features do not directly contact each other. Additionally, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in various examples in this disclosure. Such repetition, in itself, does not indicate a relationship between the various implementations and / or configurations discussed.

[0016] The following description relates to a ring scanner as an example of a scanner device. Following a description of the structure of the scanner device, this disclosure includes an inventory management system for the scanner device, followed by a description of the operation of the scanner device and the terminal device.

[0017] Structure of the scanner device

[0018] Figure 1A -F is a schematic diagram illustrating a ring scanner according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 1A This is a left view of the scanner device 100. The user attaches the scanner device 100 to his or her finger. For example, this disclosure describes a right-hand scanner device. When the user wears the scanner device 100, the user's fingertips are located... Figure 1A On the left side, and the user's wrist is located Figure 1A The right side. The user primarily attaches the scanning device 100 to the user's right index finger. It should be noted that this disclosure may illustrate that the user uses a specific finger to perform certain operations, but this is for ease of understanding of this disclosure.

[0020] The housing 102 of the scanner device 100 houses or encloses the components described below. The housing 102 is primarily made of plastic. However, the material of the housing 102 is not limited to plastic and can be made of a variety of materials.

[0021] The scan button 104 is used to initiate scanning by the scanner device 100. The user primarily uses their thumb to actuate the scan button 104.

[0022] The count button 106 is a button that specifies the number of items scanned by the scanner device 100. The user actuates the scan button 104 to scan items, and then actuates the count button 106 to specify the number of scanned items present. After the user actuates the scan button 104, the user specifies the number of scanned items present by pressing the count button 106. In this disclosure, depending on the context, the term "inventory count" may be used to refer to the number of scanned items.

[0023] Scanning all identical products when they exist in physical inventory or a retail warehouse is time-consuming. Therefore, the scanner device 100 of this disclosure includes a counting button 106 that allows the user to input an inventory count of the scanned items. For example, if the user scans one of four items in inventory, the user uses the counting button 106 to input "4" as the number of items in inventory. This reduces the number of scans, thus saving the user time.

[0024] The scanner device 100 of this disclosure includes a counting button 108, a counting button 110, and a counting button 112. Each counting button has a different function. After a user has scanned an item, the user actuates the counting button 108 when the user enters "1" as the inventory count of the scanned item. Similarly, the user actuates the counting button 110 when the user enters "2" as the inventory count of the scanned item. The user then actuates the counting button 112 to enter "4" as the inventory count of the scanned item. The counting button 106 is described as an example in this disclosure; the scanner device 100 may have only a single counting button.

[0025] Users can sum the number of inventory items entered using counter button 106. For example, if a user scans one of six items in the inventory, the user can press counter button 110, and then counter button 112. The order in which the counter buttons are pressed is arbitrary.

[0026] The combination of the counting buttons 106 and the inventory count described above is an example. A user can assign any number to any of the counting buttons 106. For example, one or all of the counting buttons 106 can be assigned any number from 1 to 12 as the inventory count. As another example, one or all of the counting buttons 106 can be configured to be assigned one of 4, 6, or 12 as the inventory count.

[0027] As a preferred example of this disclosure, at least one counting button is a button that can input 4 as the inventory count. Having a counting button that can input 4 as the inventory count is extremely useful for accurate inventory counting. The human brain can recognize up to 4 numbers almost perfectly and instantly (<60ms). However, when counting more than 5 numbers, the human brain takes longer (>350ms) and is less accurate. Therefore, at least one counting button is a button that can input 4 as the inventory count. Preferably, the maximum number of inventory items that can be assigned to the counting button is also 4. Preferably, the inventory count assigned to at least one counting button can default to 4, but the inventory count assigned to the counting button can be changed by the user.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred example. Even if 4 is not assigned as an inventory count to any of the counting buttons, the scanner device 100 described in this disclosure is useful because it saves the user time. Furthermore, allowing the user to freely assign inventory counts to multiple counting buttons improves usability due to changing user needs. Therefore, an implementation that assigns 5 or more inventory counts to the counting buttons is also a preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] If the scanner device 100 has three counting buttons (108, 110 and 112), as discussed in the description of this disclosure, the number of buttons assigned can be 1, 2 and 4, because 1 and 2 are basic numbers for counting, and 4 is the most efficient number in terms of human brain processing capacity, as discussed above.

[0030] If the scanner device 100 has multiple counting buttons 106, as described in the description of this disclosure, one of all the counting buttons and the scanner button 104 can be pressed simultaneously to execute various commands. Examples of commands include turning the flashlight on and off (described later) and turning off an area (described later). Additionally, when the scanner device 100 is used in conjunction with an application installed on a terminal device, “YES” and “NO” commands sent to the application are also included in the examples of commands.

[0031] If the scanner device 100 has multiple counting buttons 106, as described in the present disclosure, the inventory counts assigned to each counting button can be arranged in ascending or descending order according to the direction of the counting button's proximity to the user's wrist. In this way, the user can more easily and intuitively understand which inventory count is assigned to which counting button. In a more preferred example, as described in the present disclosure, the number of inventory counts assigned to each counting button is arranged in ascending order according to the direction of the counting button's proximity to the user. When the user's finger is extended, the counting button whose position is furthest from the user is where the user's finger naturally contacts the counting button. Since smaller inventory counts (e.g., 1) are used more frequently than larger inventory counts, it is necessary to assign smaller inventory counts to the buttons that the user presses in their natural state.

[0032] As a preferred example, the shape of the counting button 106 may differ from that of the scanning button 104. This is because users can visually distinguish between the two buttons that have different functions.

[0033] The counting buttons 106 can be configured in various ways to allow users to visually distinguish counting buttons with different functions. As a preferred example, each of the counting buttons 106 may have a different color. As a preferred example, each of the counting buttons 106 may have a different tactile feel. As a preferred example, at least two of the corresponding counting buttons 106 may be positioned at different heights. Figure 1A (Up and down directions in the middle).

[0034] Speaker 114 plays sound in response to user actions or the state of scanner device 100. When one of the counting buttons 106 is pressed, speaker 114 can play different sounds depending on which counting button is pressed. When a counting button is pressed, speaker 114 can announce the inventory count or the total inventory count.

[0035] Figure 1B This is a front view of the scanner device 100. The optical scanner 116 is an optical unit for scanning product codes. The optical scanner 116 includes a supplementary light 118 for adjusting the image quality of the code. The optical scanner 116 also includes a targeting light 120 for illuminating the direction in which the optical scanner 116 is pointing to the user. The optical scanner 116 also includes a camera 122 for capturing the code. The optical scanner 116 also includes a flashlight 124. When the user scans in the dark, the flashlight 124 illuminates the surrounding environment. The user can turn on the flashlight 124 by pressing and holding the scan button 104.

[0036] Figure 1CThis is a rear view of the scanner device 100. The slide lock 128 is a slider knob operated to remove the battery of the scanner device 100. The charging connector 130 is a terminal for charging the battery of the scanner device 100.

[0037] Figure 1D This is a right view of the scanner device 100. Figure 1E This is a bottom view of the scanner device 100. (Example) Figures 1C to 1E As shown, the strap loop 126 is used to secure the user's finger to the scanner device 100. The strap loop 126 can be configured to wrap around the user's index finger or the user's index and middle fingers to grip the scanner device 100. By wrapping around the fingers, the strap loop 126 allows the user to use their hand while maintaining contact with the scanner 100.

[0038] Figure 1F This is a top view of the scanner device 100. The battery cover 132 is the cover of the battery compartment of the scanner device 100.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a ring scanner. (Example:) Figure 2 As shown, the electronic components including the scanner device 100 are connected via bus communication and electrical connection.

[0040] The controller 200 controls the electronic components that constitute the scanner device 100. Unless otherwise stated in this disclosure, the controller 200 operates the scanner device 100 by controlling each component.

[0041] The memory 202 is a storage medium that temporarily or permanently stores information necessary for the operation of the scanner device 100. The information necessary for the operation of the scanner device 100 includes user preferences for configuring the controller 200 (and thus the scanner device 100) and the operation of the counting button 106.

[0042] Battery 204 provides power to the components of scanner device 100. Battery 204 of scanner device 100 is removable.

[0043] Vibrator 206 vibrates in response to user operation or the state of scanner device 100. When counter button 106 is pressed, vibrator 206 may vibrate in different modes depending on which counter button is pressed. In this disclosure, speaker 114 and vibrator 206 are examples of feedback devices. Depending on which counter button is pressed, the feedback device may provide different feedback to the user.

[0044] Bluetooth interface 208 connects scanner device 100 to terminal device for communication. Scanner device 100 may include other preferred or wireless interfaces for connecting to terminal device. Scanner device 100 may have other wired or wireless interfaces for connecting to terminal device.

[0045] System Architecture

[0046] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the system architecture according to an implementation method.

[0047] Scanner device 100 communicates with terminal device 300. An example of terminal device 300 is a portable terminal with an operating system such as Android. The user uses the terminal device by, for example, attaching it to his / her arm. Wired or wireless communication paths other than Bluetooth can also be used for communication between scanner device 100 and terminal device 300.

[0048] Terminal device 300 can represent a general-purpose computing device. Terminal device 300 has a processor, memory, and a touch panel display. Terminal device 300 also has a communication interface for communicating with external devices via network 302.

[0049] The application is installed on the terminal device 300. The user views information on the terminal device 300 and inputs information into the terminal device 300 using the application.

[0050] The communication between the scanner device 100 and the terminal device 300 includes various aspects. For example, the scanner device 100 sends the scanned code and symbol (the image code actually printed on the item) to the terminal device 300. The details of the communication that occurs when a user performs a scan will be described later.

[0051] Communication between the scanner device 100 and the terminal device 300 includes communication that occurs other than when the user is scanning. An example of this communication is when the scanner device 100 is configured using the terminal device 300. When configuring the settings of the scanner device 100, the user uses the configuration mode of the application installed on the terminal device 300.

[0052] Users can use the application to configure various settings. Examples of settings include setting parameters such as the value of the inventory count assigned to the counter button 106, the time interval setting between scans, the decoding time setting, the timing of data upload (manual or automatic), the type of code ID character setting (symbol code ID, AIM code ID, or code ID off), and the parameter selection table mode setting (enabled or disabled). Examples of settings further include settings related to the operation of the scanner device 100, such as turning the vibrator 206 on / off, sleep setting, the volume or tone of the speaker 114, the scanner function setting (on or off), the lighting brightness setting, the lighting function setting (on or off), and the connection settings between the terminal device 300 and the scanner device (Bluetooth SPP, Bluetooth BLE, USB SPP, USB HID, or Bluetooth HID), etc.

[0053] Terminal device 300 and inventory management system 304 are connected via network 302. An example of inventory management system 304 is an application server with inventory management software installed. Inventory management system 304 uses information obtained from terminal device 300 to update database 306.

[0054] The application in terminal unit 300 assists the user with inventory management by executing various processes in addition to those described above. Examples of these processes are listed below:

[0055] The application provides instruction codes for connecting the scanner device 100 and the terminal device 300. The user connects the scanner device 100 and the terminal device 300 by scanning the instruction codes using the scanner device 100.

[0056] - The application can display scanner devices with asset tags that are present near terminal device 300.

[0057] - The application can connect to a scanner device 106 with the correct asset tags without any password.

[0058] - The application sends instructions to the scanner device 106 to configure the initial settings.

[0059] The application can configure the scanner device 106 using a QR code. When the user scans the QR code shown in the application, the MAC ID address of the scanner device 106 is transmitted to the application. After configuration, the scanner device 106 restarts and automatically connects to the terminal device 300 and the application.

[0060] - An SDK can be used to customize the application.

[0061] Operation of scanner and terminal devices

[0062] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user, scanner device, and terminal device according to an embodiment.

[0063] The operation described below is the process by which a user in the warehouse uses scanner device 100 and terminal device 300 to send the number of items present in the warehouse to inventory management device 304. Before performing the operation described below, the user runs an application on terminal device 300. The user switches the application from configuration mode to counting mode before starting the following operation. Unless otherwise indicated, the operation described below is primarily implemented by the user, the controller 200 of scanner device 106, and the processor or application of terminal device 300.

[0064] In operation 400, the user actuates the scan button 104 with their thumb. The user uses the aiming light 120 to point the optical scanner 116 at the code of the item and then actuates the scan button 104.

[0065] In operation 402, the scanner device 100 drives the optical scanner 116 to scan a code. In response to the scan button 104 being pressed, the controller 200 of the scanner device 100 causes the optical scanner 116 to scan with the camera 122.

[0066] Additionally, operation 402 decodes the code scanned by scanner device 100. The image scanned in operation 402 should contain an image of the code. The processor 200 of scanner device 100 extracts the image of the code (symbol) from the scanned image and decodes the symbol to extract a code consisting of a string. In operation 402, scanner device 100 sends the code consisting of the extracted symbol and string to terminal device 300.

[0067] Additionally, during operation 402, the speaker 114 or vibrator 206 can provide feedback to the user. Depending on the outcome of what is performed in operation 402, the scanner device 100 can change the way it provides feedback. For example, if a code (symbol) is not present in the scanned image, the scanner device 100 can provide abnormal feedback to inform the user. For example, if transmission to the terminal device 300 fails, the scanner device 100 can provide abnormal feedback to inform the user.

[0068] In operation 404, terminal device 300 updates the barcode field in the application. The application on terminal device 300 has fields for inputting information about the barcode of the scanned item, the quantity of the item, and the scanned area. In operation 404, the barcode field is updated. Terminal device 300 verifies conditions based on the information received in operation 404, such as whether the product corresponding to the code has been registered in database 306. Verification of these conditions is performed to prevent incorrect data from entering database 306. During operation 404, terminal device 300 communicates with and interacts with the inventory management system 304. During operation 404, terminal device 300 can display the verification results and information about the item on its own display.

[0069] In operation 406, the user actuates the counting button 106 with his / her thumb. The user actuates the counting button 106, which has a corresponding inventory count, based on the number of items he / she has viewed. Details of this operation are described in the description of the counting button 106. It should be noted that if the user actuates the scanner button 104 instead of the counting button 106, the operation returns to operation 400.

[0070] In operation 408, the scanner device 100 sends an instruction containing an inventory count corresponding to the pressed counter button 106 to the terminal device 300.

[0071] In operation 410, terminal device 300 receives an instruction containing an inventory count sent from scanner device 100. If the user executes operation 410 again before proceeding to operation 412, terminal device 300 receives the new inventory count and adds it to the previously received inventory count. Terminal device 300 then inputs the received inventory count into the quantity field of the application.

[0072] In operation 412, the user who has previously pressed the counter button 106 actuates the scan button 104 to scan for new items.

[0073] In operation 414, the scanner device 100 performs the same process as in operation 402 and executes the same procedure.

[0074] In operation 416, terminal device 300 saves the quantity field of previously scanned items in the application. Additionally, in operation 416, terminal device 300 updates the quantity field of newly scanned items in the application in the same manner as in operation 406.

[0075] Repeat these steps until the user has scanned all the items present in the designated area of ​​the warehouse.

[0076] In operation 418, when the user determines that all items in the predetermined area have been scanned, the user can close the area. The user can manipulate the scanner device 100 to close the area. An example of manipulation involves the user simultaneously pressing the scan button 104 and one of the counting buttons 106.

[0077] In operation 420, the scanner device 100 communicates to the terminal device 300 the area that the user has closed.

[0078] In operation 422, terminal device 300 indicates on the display that the terminal device is closing the current region and transitioning to the next region, and updates the region field of the application. The user can open the closed region by manipulating the application when necessary.

[0079] Repeat the described steps until the user exits the application.

[0080] Key functions of the scanner device

[0081] The structure and operation of the scanner device 100 have now been described. The following sections describe in detail the functions achievable by operating the scan button 104 and the count button 106 on the scanner device 100. In the following embodiments, it is assumed that colors are assigned to the count buttons 108, 110, and 112, including the count button 106. In this case, red is assigned to count button 108, yellow to count button 110, and green to count button 112.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the function of the scan button 104 depends on which field is the focus of the application on the terminal device 300. If the focused field is a region field, and the user briefly presses or holds down the scan button 104, the scanner device 100 can scan the region. If the focused field is a barcode field, and the user briefly presses or holds down the scan button 104, the scanner device 100 can scan the barcode. If the focused field is a quantity field, and the user briefly presses or holds down the scan button 104, the scanner device 100 can input the quantity of the item and move the focus to the barcode field. If the focused field is a quantity field, and the user briefly presses or holds down the scan button 104, the scanner device 100 can scan the barcode of the next item. The following table summarizes the operations described above.

[0083] Keys used short / long Contents of the field Function Trigger (Scan button 104) short / long area Scanning area short / long barcode Scan barcode short / long quantity Enter / press and move the barcode field short / long quantity Scan the next barcode

[0084] The second embodiment involves setting an inventory count value on one of the counting buttons 106 when both the scan button 104 and one of the counting buttons 106 (e.g., counting button 112) are pressed briefly at the same time. The following table summarizes the operation described above.

[0085] In this example, only the counter button 112 is configurable, but values ​​can also be set for counter buttons 108 and 110.

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] The third implementation is that when one of the counting buttons 106 is briefly pressed, the function performed is to input a value regarding the quantity of the item, as described above. At this time, the application of the terminal device 300 focuses on the quantity field. When the focus is not on the quantity field, the behavior of briefly pressing one of the counting buttons 106 can be user-configurable, or it can perform no operation. The following table summarizes the operations described above. Counting buttons 108, 110, and 112 are assigned inventory counts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The inventory count of counting button 112 is configurable.

[0089]

[0090] A fourth embodiment allows the value of a field being focused on by the application to be deleted when one of the count buttons 106 (e.g., count button 108) is pressed and held. Another example of the fourth embodiment is that when one of the count buttons 106 (e.g., count button 110) is pressed and held, the area or code being focused on by the application is verified, and if the application is focused on a quantity field, the application instructs the user to move to the next area. Another example of the fourth embodiment is that when one of the count buttons 106 (e.g., count button 112) is pressed and held, the flashlight 124 is turned on as a flashlight beam. The following table summarizes the operations described above.

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] A fifth embodiment allows the inventory count assigned to each button to be summed and set as the inventory count when two or more of the counting buttons 106 are pressed briefly at the same time. For example, when counting button 108 (assigned value 1) and counting button 110 (assigned value 2) are pressed briefly together, the value 3 can be sent as the inventory count. Another example of the fifth embodiment is that when two or more of the counting buttons 106 are pressed briefly at the same time, the value of the inventory count not assigned to any of the counting buttons 106 can be sent as the inventory count. For example, when counting button 110 (assigned value 2) and counting button 112 (assigned value 3) are pressed briefly together, the value 6 can be sent as the inventory count. This value can also be configurable. The following table summarizes the operations described above.

[0094] Keys used short / long Contents of the field Function Red + Yellow short area n / a short barcode n / a short quantity Value -3 Green + Yellow short area n / a short barcode n / a short quantity Value -6, even if configured

[0095] The sixth embodiment allows any of the functions / operations described above or a new function to be performed when two or more of the counter buttons 106 are pressed and held simultaneously. The following table summarizes the operations described above.

[0096] Keys used short / long Contents of the field Function Red + Yellow long area free long barcode free long quantity free Green + Yellow long area free long barcode free long quantity free

[0097] Depending on the duration of button press, the feedback device (e.g., speaker 114 or vibrator 206) can provide different feedback to the user. For example, if the button is pressed and held for a long time, the feedback device may emit two beeps or vibrate twice; if the button is pressed for a short time, the feedback device may emit one beep or vibrate once to provide feedback to the user. The feedback device may also emit beeps at different frequencies depending on the button or combination of buttons pressed. The following table summarizes the operation described above.

[0098]

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] It should be understood that the "Detailed Description" section, rather than the "Summary" and "Abstract" sections, is intended to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention as conceived by the inventors, but not all exemplary embodiments, and therefore are not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0102] The invention has been described above using functional building blocks, which illustrate implementations of specified functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and their relationships are properly performed.

[0103] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will fully disclose the general nature of the invention, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge in the art without departing from the overall concept of the invention, without engaging in undue experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive rather than restrictive purposes, and that the terminology or terminology of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0104] The breadth and scope of this invention should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0105] The claims in this application differ from those in the parent application or other related applications. Therefore, the applicant withdraws any abandonment of the scope of the claims made in the parent application or any prior application. It is therefore advisable that the examiner may need to re-examine any such previous abandonment and the cited references they circumvented. Furthermore, the examiner is advised not to read any abandonment made in this application in comparison with the parent application.

Claims

1. A scanner device, characterized in that, The scanner device includes: A housing that is attached to the user's index finger; A plurality of counting buttons, the plurality of counting buttons being located on the housing and actuated by the user’s thumb, wherein each of the plurality of counting buttons is associated with a predetermined number; An optical scanner, the optical scanner being located on the housing; and Controller, the controller is configured to The optical scanner scans the code of the item; and When the user's thumb actuates a corresponding one of the plurality of counting buttons, an instruction is sent indicating that the item has a predetermined number of counts associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of counting buttons.

2. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined number associated with one of the counting buttons located closer to the user's thumb is greater than the predetermined number associated with another of the counting buttons located further away from the user's thumb.

3. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 4 by default.

4. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 1 by default; The second predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 2 by default; as well as The third predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 4 by default.

5. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanner device further includes: Feedback device, the feedback device being located within the housing; The processor in the feedback device is also configured to provide the user with different feedback corresponding to each counting button when the user's thumb actuates at least one of the counting buttons.

6. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counting of the items, indicating that the items have the predetermined number, includes fixing the count of the items to the predetermined number in response to the actuation of the corresponding counting button.

7. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The count of the item previously set by the instruction is incremented in response to the actuation of the corresponding counting button.

8. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of counting buttons includes an independent button cap.

9. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the user simultaneously activates two or more of the counting buttons, an instruction is sent indicating that the item has a count of the sum of the multiple predetermined numbers associated with the simultaneously activated counting buttons.

10. The scanner device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the user simultaneously activates two or more of the counting buttons, an instruction is sent indicating that the item has a configured number of counts associated with the combination of the simultaneously activated counting buttons.

11. A method for scanning an article using a scanner device, characterized in that, The scanner device includes a housing attached to a user's index finger, an optical scanner, and a plurality of counting buttons located on the housing and actuated by the user's thumb, wherein each of the plurality of counting buttons is associated with a predetermined number, and the method includes: This causes the optical scanner to scan the code of the item; and When the user's thumb actuates a corresponding one of the plurality of counting buttons, an instruction is sent indicating that the item has a predetermined number of counts associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of counting buttons.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The predetermined number associated with one of the counting buttons located closer to the user's thumb is greater than the predetermined number associated with another of the counting buttons located further away from the user's thumb.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 4 by default.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 1 by default; The second predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 2 by default; as well as The third predetermined number associated with at least one of the plurality of counting buttons is set to 4 by default.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: Feedback device, the feedback device being located within the housing; and The method further includes causing the feedback device to provide the user with different feedback corresponding to each counting button when the user's thumb actuates at least one of the counting buttons.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The counting of the items, indicating that the items have the predetermined number, includes fixing the count of the items to the predetermined number in response to the actuation of the corresponding counting button.

17. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The count of the item previously set by the instruction is incremented in response to the actuation of the corresponding counting button.

18. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of counting buttons includes an independent button cap.

19. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes sending an instruction indicating that the item has a count of the sum of the plurality of predetermined numbers associated with the simultaneously activated counting buttons when the user simultaneously actuates two or more of the counting buttons.

20. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes sending an instruction indicating that the item has a configured number of counts associated with the combination of the simultaneously activated counting buttons when the user simultaneously actuates two or more of the counting buttons.

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