Movable Image Directing Device for Dual-Side Optical Code Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical code scanners often require manual reconfiguration to scan codes presented from different sides, such as from the customer and cashier sides, which can be inefficient and may fail to detect optical codes due to ambient light obstruction or lack of user intervention.
Innovation Solution
An optical code scanner with a movable image directing device, a light level detector, and a processor that automatically reconfigures between cashier and customer scanning positions based on ambient light levels or user input, ensuring efficient scanning from both sides without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner is manually reconfigured to scan from the customer side, then optical codes presented by customers can be scanned, but the scanning process becomes inefficient and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner automatically detects when a customer presents an optical code through the customer-facing window and self-reconfigures to scan from that side without requiring cashier intervention. The system monitors ambient light levels and code presence autonomously, switching scanning positions and returning to the default cashier side automatically, making the entire process self-service oriented.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner employs a movable image directing device (mirror assembly) that can dynamically change position between a first position (scanning from cashier side) and a second position (scanning from customer side). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the scanner to adapt its scanning direction in real-time based on customer needs while maintaining high scanning efficiency.
2Productivity
If the scanner automatically detects codes from the customer side, then scanning efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensor serves multiple functions: it detects customer presence, determines when to switch to customer-side scanning, and triggers the automatic scanning process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the customer presence detection, scanning position control, and code scanning functions into a single integrated system. The movable image directing device merges the path switching function with the scanning function, and the light sensor combines presence detection with scanning trigger activation, reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If the scanner remains in the default cashier-side position, then the device complexity is minimized, but it fails to detect optical codes presented from the customer side
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is pre-configured with a movable image directing device and control logic that enables automatic switching to the customer-side scanning position when needed. This preliminary setup allows the system to maintain simplicity in its default state while being prepared to adapt to customer code presentations without complex real-time decision-making.
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 seamless and automatic detection and reading of optical codes from both the customer and cashier sides, improving scanning efficiency and reducing errors caused by ambient light or user oversight.
Implementation Method 1
a light level detector for detecting an amount of ambient light passing through the customer-side window
Implementation Method 2
an image directing device selectively movable between (i) a cashier-scanning position at which light is directed from the cashier-side window to the image capture device and (ii) a customer-scanning position at which light is directed from the customer-side window to the image capture device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An optical code scanner (105) is described. The scanner (105) comprises: a cashier side window (230); a customer-side window (235); an image capture device (145) for reading optical codes (245,250); and an image directing device (155). The image directing device (155) is selectively movable between (i) a cashier-scanning position at which light is directed from the cashier-side window (230) to the image capture device (145) and (ii) a customer-scanning position at which light is directed from the customer-side window (235) to the image capture device (145). The scanner (105) also comprises: a light level detector (150) for detecting an amount of ambient light passing through the customer-side window (235); and a processor (111) for moving the image directing device (155) from the cashier-scanning position to the customer-scanning position in response to the light level detector (150) indicating that the ambient light detected is below a threshold.