Ring Scanner and Terminal Interface for Faster Inventory Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inventory management processes are time-consuming due to the inefficiencies in counting items using conventional scanners, particularly when dealing with multiple identical products.
Innovation Solution
A ring scanner device attached to the user's finger, equipped with count buttons and a terminal device, allows for efficient inventory counting by enabling quick entry of inventory counts through intuitive button presses and providing feedback, with the terminal device processing and displaying the information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional scanners are used for inventory counting, then scanning function is provided, but counting efficiency is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ring scanner enables users to directly input inventory counts by pressing buttons on the ring itself, eliminating the need to manually type numbers into a terminal device. The scanner performs self-service by generating and transmitting the count information directly, significantly reducing the time required for inventory counting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual counting and typing process with an automated optical scanning system. The ring scanner uses optical elements to read barcodes and automatically generates count information, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated optical and electronic processes.
2Ease of operation
If ring scanner is used with separate terminal device, then comfort and scanning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the ring scanner attached to the user's finger for comfortable operation and accurate scanning, and the terminal device for processing and display. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the ring scanner and the terminal device. This intermediary enables data transmission between the two separate devices, allowing the ring scanner to maintain its simple, comfortable design while still integrating with the terminal device's processing capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If manual counting is performed, then simplicity is maintained, but accuracy and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual counting with an automated optical scanning system that reads barcodes and automatically generates count information. This substitution significantly improves both the speed and accuracy of inventory counting by eliminating human error and manual processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring scanner provides immediate feedback to the user through visual or tactile indicators when a button is pressed or when scanning is complete. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate data entry and helps users verify the counting process, improving overall measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner system includes a scanner device and a terminal device. A housing of the scanner device is attached to an index finger of a user. The scanner device has a plurality of buttons located on the housing and actuated by a thumb of the user. A user can manipulate a user interface of the terminal device by actuating the plurality of buttons. A controller of the terminal device execute an operation when a single button of the plurality of buttons was pressed. A result of the operation is reflected in the user interface.