Detachable Imaging Scanner for Retail Checkout Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging scanners at retail checkout terminals lack ergonomic efficiency and have a large footprint, restricting throughput and causing operator fatigue, while handheld scanners cannot seamlessly integrate with stationary scanners due to differing optical paths and cabling constraints.
Innovation Solution
A detachable imaging scanner that can operate in both handheld and fixed configurations, integrated with a bi-optic barcode scanner, featuring a rechargeable power supply and wireless transceiver, which can be charged and used in conjunction with a bi-optic barcode scanner, allowing for efficient data transmission and reduced footprint through a scalable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed imaging scanner is used at the checkout terminal, then two-dimensional barcodes and non-barcoded items can be scanned, but the footprint of the scanning portion increases and ergonomic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: it can scan traditional linear barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, and even non-barcoded items using image recognition. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized scanners, thereby reducing the overall footprint while maintaining comprehensive scanning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed imaging scanner is used at the checkout terminal, then two-dimensional barcodes and non-barcoded items can be scanned, but operator fatigue increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging scanner incorporates adjustable optical parameters and dynamic focus capabilities that allow it to adapt to different scanning scenarios in real-time. The system can dynamically adjust its optical path and focusing mechanisms to optimize scanning speed and accuracy for different barcode types and distances, thereby maintaining high throughput while reducing operator fatigue from manual adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If handheld barcode scanners are integrated with stationary barcode scanners, then scanning flexibility improves, but integration is difficult due to different optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging scanner serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between handheld and stationary scanning requirements. It incorporates a rechargeable power supply and wireless transceiver, allowing it to operate independently like a handheld device while also being integrable with stationary systems. The optical design accommodates both handheld portability and fixed installation configurations, simplifying integration across different operational modes.
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
Enhances ergonomic efficiency, reduces operator fatigue, and minimizes the overall footprint of the checkout terminal, leading to increased throughput, reduced queuing times, and improved customer satisfaction by allowing flexible and efficient scanning of various items, including two-dimensional barcodes and non-barcoded products.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a rechargeable power supply and wireless transceiver, which can be charged and used in conjunction with a bi-optic barcode scanner
Implementation Method 2
detachable imaging scanner that can operate in both handheld and fixed configurations, integrated with a bi-optic barcode scanner
Data Source
AI summary
An optical code recognition station (104) comprises a fixed optical code scanning station (110, 138, or 146) and an optical code imager (108, 136, or 144), the optical code imager (108, 136, or 144) being operable in both a hand held and a fixed configuration. In the fixed configuration the optical code imager (108, 136, or 144) is mounted on the fixed optical code scanning station (110, 138, or 146). Communication between the fixed optical code scanning station (110, 138, or 146) and the optical code imager (108, 136, or 144) is wireless and the optical code imager (108, 136, or 144) operates without a wired connection to the fixed optical code scanning station (110, 138, or 146) when in the hand held configuration.