Customer-Facing Accessory Scanner for Bioptic Checkout Towers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-optical workstations with an upright window facing the clerk hinder customer access and self-service capabilities, leading to underutilization and economic inefficiency in retail environments, as customers cannot easily interact with the scanner without rearranging the workstation.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental accessory reader with an independently operable accessory window is positioned to face the customer, allowing them to scan targets such as codes on smartphones or loyalty cards, reducing the need for clerk assistance and enhancing self-service functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upright window faces the clerk for traditional bi-optical scanning, then the clerk can easily operate the scanner, but the customer cannot access the scanner for self-service
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into two separate scanning interfaces: a primary upright window for clerk operation and a supplemental accessory reader with a second window for customer self-service. This segmentation allows each user group to access the system independently without interfering with the other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental accessory reader acts as an intermediary device between the customer and the main bi-optical workstation. It provides a separate access point that mediates customer interaction with the scanning system, enabling self-service while preserving the original clerk-operated interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a supplemental accessory reader is added for customer access, then customer self-service capability is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental accessory reader is integrated with the existing bi-optical workstation structure, combining multiple scanning functions into a single unified device. The accessory reader shares the workstation housing and operational infrastructure, reducing the overall complexity compared to installing a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory reader is designed to handle multiple target types including bar codes, QR codes, and other optical identifiers using a single imaging sensor and processing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized scanners for different code types, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the accessory reader is positioned to face the customer, then customer access is improved, but the workstation layout requires modification
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory reader is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the main workstation, typically at a different height or angle that naturally faces the customer. This dimensional placement allows customer-facing orientation without requiring major structural rearrangement of the core workstation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory reader is designed with adjustable or flexible positioning capabilities, allowing it to be oriented toward the customer while maintaining compatibility with various workstation configurations. This dynamic adaptability simplifies assembly by reducing the need for precise fixed-position mounting.
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 customer participation in the checkout process, increases the utilization of bi-optical workstations, and addresses concerns around privacy, hygiene, and liability by allowing customers to operate their own devices, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a target being imaged through a respective window
Implementation Method 2
capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a target being imaged through a respective window
Implementation Method 3
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
Implementation Method 4
a laser for emitting a laser beam at a mirrored component mounted on a shaft for rotation by a motor about an axis
Implementation Method 5
A plurality of stationary mirrors is arranged about the axis. As the mirrored component turns, the laser beam is successively reflected onto the stationary mirrors for reflection therefrom through the respective window as a scan pattern of the laser scan lines
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A checkout system includes a workstation having a first workstation window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second workstation window located in a generally upright plane. The workstation includes a data capture arrangement for capturing through at least one of the workstation windows target data of targets associated with the products. The workstation also includes a rear cover having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are located on opposite side-walls of the rear cover and substantially identical in size. The first opening allows light from additional targets entering an accessory reader from an accessory window facing the bagging area, but the second opening is covered by a side cover.