Low-Profile Scanner-Scale Layout for Multi-Side First-Pass Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanner-scales at checkout lanes are bulky due to their vertical profile, which limits ergonomic placement of a cash drawer and restricts the positioning of other components like the POS terminal, keyboard, and conveyor belt, and they often require re-orientation of items for scanning, reducing efficiency and potentially causing injury to operators.
Innovation Solution
A low vertical profile scanner-scale design that eliminates the need for a vertical scanner window by using imaging technology and planar beam scale technology, allowing for the scanning of multiple sides of an item without the need for re-orientation, and enabling the placement of a cash drawer directly below the scanner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vertical scanner window is used to scan multiple sides of an item, then the scanning capability is improved, but the vertical profile becomes bulky and limits space for cash drawer placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical scanner window configuration to a horizontal scanner window configuration. The imager is positioned horizontally beneath the weigh platter, scanning items as they pass through the scan volume from front to back. This dimensional change eliminates the need for vertical space while maintaining multi-side scanning capability through the horizontal scan path.
2Productivity
If a vertical scanner window is positioned to scan multiple sides, then the first pass read rate is improved, but the positioning of other components like POS terminal, keyboard, and conveyor belt is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the scanner from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, the patent frees up vertical space that can now be utilized for other checkout components. The horizontal scanner window allows the POS terminal, keyboard, and conveyor belt to be positioned more flexibly in the vertical dimension, improving overall checkout lane ergonomics and component arrangement.
3Measurement precision
If items must be re-oriented for scanning, then the scanning accuracy is improved, but the operator efficiency decreases and injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal scanner window configuration enables the scanner to read barcodes on multiple sides of items (front, back, left, right) without requiring item re-orientation. This multi-functional scanning capability maintains high scanning accuracy while eliminating the need for operators to manually re-orient items, thereby improving efficiency and reducing repetitive motion injuries.
4Length of stationary object
If the scanner-scale has a low vertical profile, then the space for cash drawer placement is improved, but the scanning of multiple item sides becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a low vertical profile by eliminating the vertical scanner window and positioning the imager horizontally beneath the weigh platter. The horizontal scanner window compensates for the reduced vertical space by creating a scan volume that extends horizontally, allowing the scanner to capture barcodes on multiple sides of items passing through the checkout lane without requiring vertical space.
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 ergonomic and space-saving arrangements at checkout lanes, improving operator efficiency and reducing the risk of injury by allowing for flexible positioning of components and increasing the probability of successful first-pass scans.
Implementation Method 1
As an optical code is passed through a scan volume (or scanning area), the optical code is read by an optical code reader, such as a scanner, and transformed into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
A low vertical profile scanner-scale design that eliminates the need for a vertical scanner window by using imaging technology and planar beam scale technology
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. On or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile.