Barcode Reader Off-Platter Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barcode readers with weigh platters face issues with incorrect weight measurements due to products extending off the platter, leading to inaccurate pricing, as existing systems fail to detect and indicate the location of off-platter events effectively.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader system equipped with an off-platter detection assembly that includes linearly aligned light sources and a controller to illuminate specific light sources indicating the location of an object extending over the platter edges, providing visual and audio notifications to users, and an overhead imaging assembly for precise edge detection and location display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weigh platter is used to measure produce weight, then weight measurement function is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when produce extends off the platter
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors to detect the position of produce on the weigh platter and provides real-time feedback through illuminated indicators that show users where produce is extending off the platter. This feedback loop allows users to adjust produce placement to ensure accurate weight measurements, resolving the contradiction between providing weight measurement function and maintaining accuracy when produce varies in shape and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication system divides the weigh platter surface into multiple zones with corresponding illuminated indicators distributed along the platter edges. Each indicator represents a specific location, segmenting the continuous detection area into discrete visual feedback points. This segmentation allows precise localization of off-platter produce extensions, enabling users to correct placement issues effectively.
2Measurement precision
If off-platter detection is added to identify produce location, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with optical sensors and light-based indication. Instead of using mechanical switches, pressure sensors, or cameras that require complex processing, the invention uses simple optical detection and illuminated LED indicators to provide off-platter detection. This substitution maintains measurement accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated indication system serves itself by directly lighting up at the specific location where produce is extending off the platter. The system automatically detects and indicates the problem area without requiring user intervention for calibration or adjustment, providing self-service functionality that simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If visual indication of off-platter location is provided, then user ability to correct errors improves, but loss of time for error correction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual indication of off-platter produce placement before the weight measurement is finalized. By illuminating the specific location where produce is extending off the platter in real-time, the system allows users to correct the placement immediately during the weighing process, preventing incorrect measurements rather than requiring time-consuming post-measurement corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication system uses illuminated lights that change state (illuminate or de-illuminate) to communicate off-platter conditions to users. This visual color/light state change provides immediate, intuitive feedback that is easily perceived and understood, enabling users to quickly identify and correct placement issues without requiring time for interpretation or additional verification steps.
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 system accurately identifies and alerts users to off-platter events, allowing for quick correction and preventing incorrect weight measurements by clearly indicating the location of the issue, enhancing measurement accuracy and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an off-platter indication system having a plurality of linearly aligned light sources, each of the plurality of light sources representing a location along the first lateral edge of the weigh platter
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reader having lower and upper housings, a weigh platter in the lower housing, and an off-platter detection assembly. The weigh platter has a proximal edge adjacent the upper housing, a first lateral edge, and a distal edge. The off-platter detection assembly comprises an off-platter indication system having a plurality of linearly aligned light sources, each light source representing a location along the first lateral edge, and controller operatively coupled to the plurality of light sources. The controller is configured to: determine if an object extends over the first lateral edge; determine a location of the object along the first lateral edge; and illuminate a first portion of the light sources representing a distance between the proximal edge of the weigh platter and the object and de-illuminate a second portion of the light sources representing a distance between the object and the distal edge of the weigh platter.