Bi-optical Checkout Workstation with Rear Window and Offloaded Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-optical workstations at checkout systems are underutilized due to the rear wall blocking customer access to the windows, and the image processing burden on customer-operated accessory readers is high, making them large, heavy, and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A dual-window bi-optical workstation with a clerk-operated data capture arrangement and a customer-operated accessory reader, where the accessory reader captures images and sends them to the workstation microprocessor for processing during standby mode, reducing the image processing burden and enabling customer participation in the checkout process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the accessory reader performs full image processing locally, then reading accuracy is improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image processing function from the accessory reader and relocates it to the workstation microprocessor. The accessory reader retains only the essential data capture capability (imager and basic processor), while the computationally intensive image processing tasks are performed by the workstation's more powerful microprocessor, thereby reducing the accessory reader's size, weight, and cost while maintaining reading accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the accessory reader and the workstation. The accessory reader captures images and transmits them through this interface to the workstation microprocessor for processing, allowing the system to achieve high reading accuracy without requiring a complex processor in the accessory reader itself
2Productivity
If the bi-optical workstation is used for self-service, then customer service efficiency is improved, but customer access is blocked by the rear wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new spatial dimension to the workstation by incorporating a rear window on the back side of the workstation housing. This allows customers to access the workstation from behind the counter while clerks continue to use the front windows, effectively resolving the access conflict by utilizing a different spatial dimension rather than competing for the same physical space
3Speed
If the workstation processes images continuously, then response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by placing the workstation microprocessor into standby mode between image processing tasks. The microprocessor remains active only when images need to be processed (such as when products are scanned or customer transactions occur), and enters low-power states during idle periods, thereby maintaining fast response capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption
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 configuration allows for customer-operated self-service while reducing the accessory reader's size, weight, and cost by offloading image processing to the workstation microprocessor, making the system more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Each imager has a one- or two-dimensional array of photocells or light sensors (also known as pixels), and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a target being imaged through a respective window over a field of view, and for projecting the return light onto the sensor array to initiate capture of an image of the target
Data Source
AI summary
A checkout system for, and a method of, processing target data electro-optically readable by a clerk-operated workstation and a customer-operated accessory reader, include a data capture arrangement at the workstation for capturing target data associated with products to be checked out by the clerk in a transaction, and a data capture assembly at the accessory reader for capturing additional target data related to the transaction. A workstation microprocessor processes the target data during an active mode, and stands by during a standby mode. An accessory microprocessor acquires the additional target data, and sends the acquired additional target data to the workstation microprocessor for processing during the standby mode.