Angled Fingerprint Reader for Ergonomic Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Banks and retail establishments face challenges in using combined fingerprint readers and second electronic transmission devices due to space constraints and awkward user access, as previous attempts at integration have been unsuccessful and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A combined device comprising a first portion with a second electronic transmission device and a second portion with a fingerprint reader, where the second portion is attached proximate to the first, with a slanted top surface and adjustable elevation to facilitate ergonomic scanning of all fingers and thumbs, and includes proximity sensors and data ports for orientation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fingerprint reader and a second electronic transmission device are used as separate devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the counter space required increases and the overall system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fingerprint reader and a second electronic transmission device (such as a signature pad) into a single integrated unit. The fingerprint reader is positioned in a first portion while the second electronic transmission device is positioned in a second portion attached proximate to the trailing edge of the first portion, allowing both devices to occupy a compact footprint on the counter while maintaining their individual functional optimizations
2Area of stationary object
If a combined fingerprint reader and second electronic transmission device are integrated, then counter space is reduced, but the device becomes awkward to use and the fingerprint reader is difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the second portion containing the fingerprint reader at an elevated dimension relative to the first portion containing the second electronic transmission device. Specifically, the leading edge of the second portion is disposed at an elevation of between about 0 inches and about 4 inches above the trailing edge of the first portion. This vertical dimensionality change allows the fingerprint reader to be easily accessible without requiring the entire unit to be rotated, while still maintaining a compact counter footprint
3Ease of operation
If the second portion is positioned at an elevated configuration, then ergonomic scanning of fingers and thumbs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the combined device into two distinct portions: a first portion containing the second electronic transmission device and a second portion containing the fingerprint reader. The leading edge of the second portion is attached proximate to the trailing edge of the first portion, with the second portion positioned at an elevation of between about 0 inches and about 4 inches above the first portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex rotation mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The combination of an electronic fingerprint reader and a second electronic transmission device includes a first portion with a top surface and an electronic transmission device disposed therein and a second portion having a top surface with a width between about 2 inches and about 12 inches and a depth between about 1 inch and about 12 inches. A fingerprint reader is disposed in the top surface of the second portion. The top surface of the second portion is disposed at an angle of between about 0° and about 30° with respect to the horizontal such that the top surface of the second portion slants forwardly from the trailing edge of the second portion towards the leading edge of the second portion. The leading edge of the second portion is disposed at an elevation between about 0 inches and about 4 inches above the trailing edge of the first portion. The second electronic transmission device can be an electronic signature pad, a display screen, a keypad, a card reader, a mag-stripe reader or other electronic transmission devices.