Self-Service POS Scanner Layout for Unobstructed Operator Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-service POS terminals face challenges in accurately monitoring customer operations due to obstructions between the monitoring camera and the scanner, requiring adjustments to capture clear images of the customer and scanner operations.
Innovation Solution
A reading device with a first support member extending vertically, a scanner, an extension member with a camera attached to capture images of the operator from above, and a controller to issue notifications for predetermined operations, ensuring efficient monitoring and minimizing obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the monitoring camera is mounted on an arm member extending from the back side of the reading device to capture images of the front side, then the camera can be positioned to capture customer operations, but other objects such as display devices located between the camera and scanner may be imaged, requiring adjustments to position and imaging range
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is repositioned from a horizontal extension (arm member from back side) to a vertical dimension (extension member from upper portion of first support member). This dimensional change allows the camera to be positioned directly above the scanner without requiring complex angular adjustments, eliminating the problem of imaging display devices while maintaining clear visibility of customer operations.
2Area of stationary object
If the monitoring camera is located at a higher position above the scanner to capture the entire image of the customer, then the imaging coverage is improved, but in conventional configuration the camera must be mounted on an extending arm which increases device complexity and requires adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting structure transitions from a horizontal arm extension to a vertical extension member attached to the upper portion of the first support member. This vertical positioning achieves comprehensive imaging coverage of customer operations while simplifying the mounting structure and eliminating the need for complex angular adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support member serves dual functions: supporting the scanner at its lower portion and supporting the extension member with the camera at its upper portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate arm members, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective monitoring coverage.
3Productivity
If the camera is positioned to capture clear images without obstructions, then monitoring efficiency is improved, but conventional mounting requires adjustments of position and imaging range increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the camera vertically above the scanner through the extension member rather than extending horizontally from the back, the camera achieves an unobstructed top-down view of customer operations. This eliminates the need for complex angular adjustments and positioning tweaks, significantly improving monitoring efficiency while simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A reading device includes a first support member extending vertically, a scanner attached to the first support member and including a window facing a first direction and through which an item can be scanned by an operator, an extension member attached to an upper portion of the first support member and extending in the first direction above the scanner, a camera attached to an end of the extension member in the first direction and configured to capture an image of the operator, and a controller configured to issue a notification signal when the controller detects from the captured image that the operator is carrying out a predetermined operation.