Fluorescent Scanning Window Indicator for Hybrid Optical Code Scanner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulty in determining the optimal location for presenting optical codes to an imaging scanner in a hybrid optical code scanner due to the barcode or item blocking the view of targeting marker beams, leading to reduced scan performance and a poor shopping experience.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid optical code scanner with a vertical scanning window, a laser scanner, an imaging scanner, and a fluorescent material applied to the window that fluoresces under UV light, providing a visual indicator for the optimal scanning location when the imaging scanner is operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging scanner uses a small sweet spot for optimal scanning, then scanning precision is improved, but the operator's ability to locate and see the target area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent material that changes color state by fluorescing under UV light to indicate the sweet spot location. The material appears dark or invisible under normal lighting but glows brightly when activated by the UV light source, providing visual feedback that helps operators locate the small optimal scanning area without compromising precision
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent material acts as an intermediary between the imaging scanner system and the operator. It translates the invisible UV illumination field into visible light that operators can see, bridging the gap between the technical scanning requirements and human visual capabilities
2Measurement precision
If the barcode is presented facing the imaging scanner, then scanning accuracy is improved, but the operator's view of the barcode and targeting beams is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent material provides visual information about the sweet spot location and scanning status through color changes (fluorescence activation), allowing operators to see targeting information without needing to view the barcode from the scanner's perspective. This resolves the information loss by providing alternative visual feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new visual dimension by using UV-induced fluorescence to indicate the scanning zone. Instead of relying on traditional visual alignment methods, the system creates a visible indicator field that operators can use to position barcodes correctly, adding spatial information without blocking existing views
3Measurement precision
If the sweet spot location is made smaller for precision scanning, then measurement precision is improved, but the intuitiveness and visibility of the target area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent material creates a visible indicator that makes the invisible UV illumination field detectable by human operators. When the UV light source activates the fluorescent coating on the scanning window, it creates a visible glow that marks the sweet spot location, making the small precision target area intuitive and easy to locate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the scanning window by applying fluorescent material that responds to UV illumination. This transforms the window from a passive transparent surface to an active visual indicator that dynamically displays the sweet spot location based on the imaging scanner's operational state
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 fluorescent material clearly indicates the optimal scanning location, improving alignment and scan performance by making the scanning process more intuitive and visible to the operator, enhancing the overall scanning experience.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent material applied as a thin band to the inside surface of the vertical scanning window where the material fluoresces when exposed to ultra-violet light from the ultra-violet light source
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid optical code scanner (105) and point-of-sale system (100) are presented for improving an operator's scanning performance. The scanning performance is improved by providing a visual indicator (305) to the operator that identifies the optimal location (370) for presenting an optical code (300) to an imaging scanner (150) in the hybrid optical code scanner (105).