Barcode Scanner Mirror Antenna Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode scanners equipped with RFID tag readers face operator confusion due to non-coinciding reading zones and challenges in integrating RFID tag readers, particularly in finding space for the antenna.
Innovation Solution
A barcode scanner with a pattern mirror having a conductive coating that functions as an RFID tag reader antenna, integrated with the scanner to overlap the barcode label and RFID tag reading zones, utilizing a resonator for efficient wireless coupling and control circuitry for decoding both barcode and RFID information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RFID tag reader and barcode scanner are integrated into a single unit, then reading efficiency is improved, but the reading zones do not coincide causing operator confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID tag reader antenna with the barcode scanner's pattern mirror by applying a conductive coating to the mirror surface. This merging of functions allows both barcode scanning and RFID reading to occur through the same aperture, ensuring that the reading zones coincide and eliminating operator confusion about item placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern mirror is given dual functionality: it serves both as an optical component for barcode scanning and as an antenna for RFID tag reading. The conductive coating on the mirror enables it to perform both roles simultaneously, allowing the single unit to handle both identification technologies without requiring separate reading zones.
2Volume of moving object
If RFID tag reader is integrated into barcode scanner, then space utilization is improved, but finding space for antenna becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern mirror performs dual functions as both an optical element for barcode scanning and as an RFID antenna. By making the existing mirror serve both purposes through the addition of a conductive coating, the patent eliminates the need for a separate antenna component, thereby optimizing space utilization while avoiding the complexity of integrating additional antenna structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the antenna function with the existing pattern mirror structure. Instead of adding a separate antenna that would consume additional space and increase complexity, the conductive coating on the mirror creates the antenna functionality within the same component already present in the barcode scanner.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively integrates RFID tag reading with barcode scanning, reducing operator confusion and optimizing space usage by ensuring overlapping reading zones, enhancing the efficiency of item identification and price determination at checkout points.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror for reflecting a laser beam including a conductive coating
Implementation Method 2
the conductive coating of the one pattern mirror functions as an antenna for the radio frequency identification tag reader
Data Source
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AI summary
An barcode scanner with a pattern mirror that doubles as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader antenna to provide better overlap between barcode label and RFID tag reader reading zones. The barcode scanner includes at least one of pattern mirror with a conductive coating, and a radio frequency identification tag reader coupled to the conductive coating of the one pattern mirror. The conductive coating of the one pattern mirror functions as an antenna for the radio frequency identification tag reader.