Multi-Camera Scanner Bar for Orientation-Free Checkout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners require users to orient barcodes away from their sight and rotate packages, leading to inefficient checkout processes and potential product switching during scanning.
Innovation Solution
A modular scanner bar design with multiple optical cameras capturing images from different angles, allowing for efficient product tracking and verification without the need for user orientation, using overlapping fields of view and LED indicators for real-time scanning feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional scanners are used, then barcode scanning can be performed, but users must orient barcodes away from their sight and rotate packages, reducing checkout efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point scanning approach to a multi-dimensional imaging approach by using multiple cameras positioned at different angles (front, rear, left, right) to capture barcode images simultaneously from multiple dimensions, eliminating the need for users to rotate packages or orient barcodes in specific directions
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner bar is designed with multiple cameras that can scan barcodes in various orientations and positions simultaneously, making the scanning system universal and adaptable to different barcode placements without requiring specific user actions or package orientations
2Reliability
If conventional single-camera scanners are used, then scanning can be performed, but product switching during scanning cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cameras into a single integrated scanner bar assembly, combining front, rear, left, and right cameras along with LED lights and indicators into one unified structure that maintains scanning accuracy while preventing product switching through multi-angle image comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses LED indicators to provide real-time feedback to users about scanning status and product verification results, enabling immediate detection and prevention of product switching during the scanning process through visual confirmation of successful scans
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
Facilitates fast and accurate scanning by eliminating the need for barcode orientation, reducing errors, and preventing product switching through efficient image tracking and real-time visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a first camera having a first field of view and arranged to capture first images exterior to the enclosure via the first opening; and a second camera having a second field of view and arranged to capture second images exterior to the enclosure via the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a scanner. The scanner may include an enclosure, a first camera, and a second camera. The enclosure may define a first opening and a second opening. The first camera may be arranged to capture first images exterior to the enclosure via the first opening. The second camera may be arranged to capture second images exterior to the enclosure via the second opening. The first images and the second images may be of a product passing through a field of view defined by the first camera and the second camera.