Multi-Window Optical Scanner with Customer Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanners often require users to present barcodes in a limited orientation, limiting their effectiveness and convenience, especially in scenarios where customers need to scan auxiliary data like coupons or loyalty cards simultaneously with products during checkout.
Innovation Solution
A multi-window optical scanner with a customer interface that includes two scanning systems: one for scanning target barcodes and another for auxiliary data, using a combination of imaging cameras and laser light sources, allowing for simultaneous scanning through vertically and horizontally oriented windows, enabling users to scan auxiliary data from different orientations without needing to transfer items to the clerk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single scanning system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning versatility and ability to handle multiple orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two separate scanning systems: a first scanning system for reading barcodes on target objects and a second scanning system for reading auxiliary data. Each system has its own field of view and can operate independently, allowing simultaneous scanning of multiple items in different orientations without requiring a single complex system to handle all cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical scanner is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a first scanning system for standard barcode reading and a second scanning system for auxiliary data reading. This universal design allows the device to handle various scanning scenarios including product barcodes, coupons, and loyalty cards through different orientations and positions.
2Productivity
If customers manually present each item for scanning, then scanning accuracy is maintained, but transaction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second scanning system is positioned to automatically capture auxiliary data such as coupons and loyalty cards before the customer completes the transaction. This preliminary scanning action occurs simultaneously with the main barcode scanning, eliminating the need for separate manual presentation of each auxiliary item and thereby reducing overall transaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
Both scanning systems operate continuously and simultaneously throughout the checkout process. The first scanning system continuously reads barcodes as items are placed on the conveyor, while the second scanning system continuously captures auxiliary data in its field of view, maintaining uninterrupted scanning operations that accelerate the transaction process.
3Reliability
If items are transferred to the clerk for scanning, then scanning completeness is improved, but the risk of item damage or contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanner enables self-service scanning by positioning the second scanning system to automatically read auxiliary data such as coupons and loyalty cards directly from the customer's perspective. Customers simply place items on the conveyor without needing to manually present auxiliary items to the clerk, and the system automatically captures all necessary data, eliminating item transfer and associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The second scanning system acts as an intermediary between the customer and the point-of-sale system for auxiliary data capture. Instead of requiring direct interaction between the customer and clerk for item transfer, the scanning system mediates the data collection process by automatically reading auxiliary information from the customer's side, thereby preventing physical item transfer and potential damage.
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
Enhances scanning efficiency and convenience by allowing customers to scan auxiliary data independently, reducing transaction time and minimizing the risk of item damage or contamination, while maintaining ergonomic compatibility with existing checkout systems.
Implementation Method 1
A barcode is a coded pattern of graphical indicia comprised of a series of bars and spaces of varying widths, the bars and spaces having differing light reflecting characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The first scanning system comprises one of an imaging camera and a laser light source positioned within the housing interior region defining a field of view for reading the target barcode
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner (600) and method of operating same includes a housing (16) supporting first (34) and second scanning systems (202), the first scanning system for scanning indicia on a target object, the housing defining an interior region of the scanner. The first scanning system comprises one of an imaging camera (208/209) and a laser light source (38) disposed within the housing interior region defining a first field of view for reading indicia located on a target object. The second scanning system (202) comprises a separate imaging camera (602) disposed in the housing interior region for reading auxiliary data from an auxiliary object relating to one or more target objects being scanned, the second scanning system defining a second field of view (604). A locator platform (620) is recessed within the housing for positioning an auxiliary object within the second field of view during use of the scanner.