Customer-Facing Imaging System with Support Surface for Device Display Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for imaging systems capable of efficiently obtaining images from displays on portable electronic devices, particularly in customer-facing transactions, where conventional bar code readers are inadequate for handling diverse digital formats and user interactions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a customer-facing imaging system with a housing and imaging subsystem that includes an image sensor array and support surface, allowing users to hold their electronic devices at a comfortable angle for imaging, while the imaging subsystem focuses the display onto the sensor array, and optionally includes features like facial recognition and NFC capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bar code readers are used, then reading traditional bar codes is effective, but handling diverse digital formats on portable electronic devices is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture images of traditional bar codes, QR codes, and other digital formats displayed on portable electronic devices. The system uses a support surface with positioning features that can accommodate different device types and orientations, making it universally applicable to various scanning scenarios while maintaining reliable image capture across diverse formats
2Productivity
If manual handover of devices is required for imaging, then image capture can be achieved, but transaction speed is reduced and user control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service imaging by providing a support surface that allows users to independently position their own electronic devices for scanning. The positioning features guide correct device placement, and the imaging system automatically captures the display content without requiring manual handover to operators, thereby maintaining user control while accelerating transaction processing
3Ease of operation
If users hold electronic devices freely, then user comfort is maintained, but consistent image positioning for the imager is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface acts as an intermediary between the user's electronic device and the imager. It provides a stable, positioned platform that receives the device from the user and presents it at the correct orientation and location for imaging. This mediator maintains user comfort during device transfer while ensuring precise positioning for accurate image capture
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 intuitive, quick, and efficient image capture of electronic device displays, reducing the need for manual handovers and enhancing transaction speed by allowing users to maintain control of their devices, while also supporting various digital formats and additional transaction functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto the image sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic device presented by a presenter holding the electronic device includes a housing having an imaging subsystem disposed in the housing. The imaging subsystem includes an image sensor array and an imaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto the image sensor array. A support includes a support surface and is operable for allowing the presenter to hold the electronic device against the support surface so that the display on the electronic device is positioned towards the imaging system while the image of the display is obtained.