Integrated Scanner, Scale, and Touchscreen Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated scanner and scale systems in harsh retail environments suffer from scratches on glass weigh plates and insufficient robustness of touchscreen technologies, leading to frequent replacements and interruptions in the checkout process.
Innovation Solution
A combined scanner, scale, and touchscreen display with a replaceable glass weigh plate and infrared or capacitive touch detection, integrated into a single unit, allowing for robust operation and ergonomic checkout processes, including multi-touch detection and dynamic partitioning of the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If diamond coated glass or glass with sapphire laminate is used to protect the transparent surface, then the scratch resistance is improved, but the compatibility with clear bright display is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent surface is divided into two separate components: a replaceable transparent protective surface (weigh plate) and a display surface. The protective surface can be made of diamond-coated glass or sapphire laminate for scratch resistance, while the display surface maintains optical clarity. When the protective surface becomes scratched, it can be replaced without affecting the display quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent protective surface (weigh plate) is designed as a replaceable, consumable component that can be easily replaced when scratched. This allows the use of highly durable but optically limiting materials (diamond-coated glass, sapphire) for the protective function, while the permanent display surface maintains optimal optical properties throughout its service life.
2Ease of operation
If resistive or capacitive touch sensing approaches are used to build a touchscreen display, then the display functionality is improved, but the robustness in harsh environment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional resistive or capacitive touch sensing mechanisms with a mechanical weight detection system. Load cells mounted at the corners of the weigh plate detect weight changes when items are placed on the scale, eliminating the need for fragile transparent conductive coatings or resistive layers that are susceptible to scratching and environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The weigh plate serves multiple functions: it acts as the transparent protective surface for the scanner window, the weighing surface for the scale, and the touch interface for user interaction. By using weight detection rather than electrical touch sensing, the system achieves robustness while maintaining functionality.
3Productivity
If a touchscreen display is integrated into the scanner scale arrangement, then the checkout process efficiency is improved, but the susceptibility to scratching and damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the touchscreen display from the transparent protective surface (weigh plate). The display can be positioned on the front face of the housing rather than being integrated into the weigh plate, allowing the weigh plate to focus on providing scratch-resistant protection while the display provides user interface functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate housing structure that mediates between the scanner/scale components and the user interface. The housing provides a protective environment for the display and controls, while the weigh plate provides protective coverage for the scanner window and weighing surface, eliminating the need to integrate fragile touchscreen layers into the weigh plate itself.
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 solution enhances the durability and usability of the checkout system, reducing interruptions and simplifying the checkout process by integrating a robust touchscreen and scale, enabling efficient weight measurement and data input without the need for separate components, thus improving customer service and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The weigh scale includes a load cell mounted at each corner of the weigh plate and operable to detect a weight of an item placed on the weigh scale
Implementation Method 2
The touch screen further includes an infrared sensor mounted at each corner of the weigh plate and operable to detect a position of a finger touching the weigh plate
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated scanner, scale and touchscreen display ("integrated touchscreen scanner") (310 or 610) is described. In one embodiment, the integrated touchscreen scanner (610) further includes a printer (620) for printing receipts, coupons and the like. The integrated touchscreen scanner is designed for flush mounting in a checkout or self-checkout stand. Keystrokes, icon selection and the like may be suitably sensed employing load cells (412, 414, 416, or 418) in the scale of the integrated touchscreen scanner. Additionally, the display (450) may be partitioned into a customer portion (318) and a checker portion (316). This partitioning may be fixed or dynamically adjusted in response to the state of the transaction.