Multi-Camera Barcode Reader for Front-and-Back Check Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dedicated check scanners at point of sale (POS) systems are costly, prone to mechanical failures, and clutter space, necessitating additional service contracts and potential downtime when malfunctioning.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera bar code reader that integrates both bar code scanning and document imaging capabilities, eliminating the need for a dedicated check scanner by using multiple cameras to capture front and rear images of documents, including checks, within a single housing, allowing for simultaneous bar code reading and document processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated check scanner is installed at the point of sale station, then check imaging capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code reader is designed to perform multiple functions: it can read bar codes on products and also capture images of checks. The same housing, transparent window, and camera system are used for both bar code scanning and check imaging, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated check scanner and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the check scanning functionality with the existing bar code reader by integrating a second camera system that captures images from the back of checks through the same transparent window, merging two separate functions into one unified device
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated check scanner is installed, then check processing is enabled, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code reader housing serves dual purposes: it provides the reading field of view for bar code scanning and simultaneously functions as the imaging chamber for check documentation, eliminating the need for separate space allocation for a dedicated check scanner
3Extent of automation
If a dedicated check scanner with mechanical mechanisms is used, then check feeding is automated, but reliability decreases due to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical check feeding mechanisms with an optical imaging approach where the customer simply presents the check to the transparent window and the camera system captures the image, eliminating mechanical components that could fail while maintaining automated image capture functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The check imaging process is designed to be self-service oriented where the customer places the check on the window and the system automatically captures the image without requiring mechanical feeding mechanisms, reducing points of failure
4Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated check scanner is installed, then check imaging is provided, but operational downtime increases due to service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating check imaging into the existing bar code reader, the system eliminates the need for separate maintenance schedules and service contracts for a dedicated check scanner, reducing operational downtime as the bar code reader is already a established component in the POS system
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
This solution reduces costs, minimizes space requirements, and eliminates the need for service contracts by enabling retailers to use the POS space more efficiently while ensuring uninterrupted check processing through reliable image capture and decoding.
Implementation Method 1
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Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and image documents. The bar code reader includes a housing including a vertical and a horizontal transparent window H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have image capture sensor arrays positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of an object within a camera field of view. Two specific cameras can capture the front and back images from a document such as a check 100 placed on the horizontal transparent window.