Polygon Housing Barcode Reader with Dual Scanning Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode reading devices require separate scanners for one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes, leading to cable tangling, high power consumption, and increased space usage, as well as potential device damage during mobile coupon transactions.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reading device with a polygon housing containing multiple barcode reading units positioned on different surfaces, allowing for simultaneous scanning of 1D and 2D barcodes through separate windows, reducing cable entanglement and space requirements while enabling convenient mobile coupon scanning without device handover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate 1D and 2D barcode scanners are used, then barcode reading capability is improved, but cable tangling and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple barcode reading units (both 1D laser scanner and 2D imager) into a single integrated device with a unified housing structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate scanners, reducing cable tangling and overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to read both 1D and 2D barcodes simultaneously or independently
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated barcode reading device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can read 1D barcodes through the laser scanner, read 2D barcodes through the imager, and simultaneously process both types of codes. The device serves as a universal scanning solution that replaces multiple specialized scanners with one multi-functional unit
2Productivity
If multiple barcode reading units are integrated, then scanning efficiency is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple barcode reading units are housed within a single polygonal housing structure. The 1D laser scanner and 2D imager are positioned in different compartments or layers within the same device body, allowing compact integration that minimizes the overall footprint while accommodating multiple scanning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning barcode reading units on different surfaces or faces of the polygonal housing. This dimensional distribution allows multiple scanners to be integrated without increasing the device's planar footprint, as they are arranged in different spatial dimensions rather than competing for the same surface area
3Ease of operation
If mobile device is handed over for coupon scanning, then coupon scanning is enabled, but device damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated barcode reading device with multiple scanning units enables the coupon scanner to read both traditional 1D barcodes and 2D codes displayed on mobile devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various coupon formats without requiring physical handover, as the unified device can process different barcode types that may appear on various device screens
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated barcode reading device serves as an intermediary between the customer's mobile device and the point-of-sale system. By providing a unified scanning interface that can read multiple barcode types, it mediates the transaction process without requiring direct physical contact or handover of the mobile device, thereby protecting the customer's property while enabling smooth transactions
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reading device (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) includes a polygon housing (10, 10a, 10b) and a plurality of barcode reading units (32, 34, 34_1, 34_2); a first window (12) is formed on one surface of the polygon housing (10, 10a, 10b) and a second window (14) is formed of another surface thereof; the barcode reading units (32, 34, 34_1, 34_2) are housed within an accommodating space of the polygon housing (10, 10a, 10b). One of the barcode reading units (32, 34, 34_1, 34_2) reads barcode through the second window (14), and the other barcode reading units (32, 34, 34_1, 34_2) read barcode through the first window (12).