Card Reader Code Imaging Integration via Transmissive Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card readers face challenges in integrating a code imaging part for reading two-dimensional and one-dimensional codes without increasing the device's size or affecting the shape and compatibility with other apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A card reader design featuring a light transmissive cover member with a code imaging part positioned adjacent to the card insertion port, utilizing a flexible printed circuit board for the light emitting element and camera module, and a non-contact communication antenna, allowing for easy recognition and reading of codes without significantly altering the device's shape or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed type code imaging part is provided in a bezel, then a reading function of two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code is added, but a size of the bezel is increased and thus an outer shape of a card reader is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The code imaging part is nested within the existing bezel structure by utilizing the space formed by the light transmissive cover member. The camera module and light emitting element are positioned inside the bezel's longitudinal space, adjacent to the card insertion port, allowing the reading function to be added without increasing the outer dimensions of the card reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The code imaging components are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the card insertion port rather than expanding the bezel's width or height. This dimensional arrangement allows the code reading function to be integrated within the existing footprint of the card reader.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a code imaging part is added at a position below the card insertion port, then code reading function is provided, but a height in the upper and lower direction of a bezel is increased and thus an outer shape of the card reader is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly expanding the bezel height, the code imaging part is positioned locally adjacent to the card insertion port in the longitudinal direction. The light emitting element and camera module are arranged in a compact configuration that utilizes the existing longitudinal space without increasing the overall bezel height.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are mounted on a circuit board to illuminate the card insertion port, then visibility is improved and presentation effect is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is integrated with the code imaging part rather than being a separate component on the circuit board. This merging of the illumination function with the code reading function reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the visibility enhancement.
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
Enables efficient reading of one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes with minimal impact on the card reader's outer shape and compatibility with other devices, enhancing usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element which is disposed on a surface of the board
Implementation Method 2
a cover member which is made of light transmissive material and covers the board
Data Source
AI summary
A card reader includes a card reader main body, a board which is fixed to the card reader main body, a light emitting element which is disposed on a surface of the board, a cover member which is made of light transmissive material and covers the board from an opposite side to the card reader main body, and a code imaging part which images a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. The cover member is formed with a card insertion port, and the code imaging part is held by the cover member and is disposed at a position adjacent to the card insertion port in a longitudinal direction of the card insertion port.