Retail Scale Operator Identification via Camera Code Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operator identification on retail scales are complex and costly, requiring advanced technologies such as wireless transmitters, biometric devices, and barcode scanners.
Innovation Solution
A retail scale with a control device that uses a camera to automatically recognize an operator's code, such as on a name tag or badge, and matches it with stored codes in a personal data memory, reducing the need for manual entry and integrating with existing hardware like printers for low-cost implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless transmitters or biometric devices are used for operator identification, then operator identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the operator's code (a visual copy) instead of requiring complex wireless transmitters or biometric sensors. The captured image is then processed to extract identification information, achieving accurate operator identification through a simpler optical copying mechanism rather than complex electronic identification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic identification systems (wireless transmitters, biometric sensors) with a simpler optical-mechanical system using a camera and image processing. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining identification functionality by using light-based capture and computational analysis instead of sophisticated hardware.
2Reliability
If complex identification systems are implemented, then operator identification reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive camera modules and processes temporary image data to achieve reliable identification. The system captures an image, extracts the code, verifies the operator identity, and then can discard the image data, using cheap optical components rather than expensive persistent biometric hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator presents their own code (on badge, clothing, or skin) for the camera to capture and recognize. The system uses the operator's self-presented visual information for identification, eliminating the need for complex active identification devices worn by the operator.
3Productivity
If manual entry of operator identity is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's identification is automatically captured and processed by the camera system without requiring manual entry. The operator simply presents their code, and the system automatically completes the identification process, enabling the operator to focus on the weighing task while the system handles administrative data entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs operator identification automatically before the weighing process begins. By capturing and verifying the operator's code in advance, the system prepares the sales process with pre-verified operator data, eliminating the need for subsequent manual entry and streamlining the overall workflow.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a scale with a housing in which a load sensor, a load plate, and a camera are arranged. A control device controls the scale and the camera. To enable convenient operator recognition, the control device uses the camera to detect a code attached to the operator and, by comparing this code with codes stored in a personal database, automatically assigns a weight value to the operator.