Scanner-Scale Overhang Detection Using Light Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data readers, such as barcode scanners with scale apparatus, face inaccuracies in weighing when items extend beyond the scale perimeter, leading to revenue loss due to incorrect weight recordings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an item overhang detection system that uses light sources and light guides to alert operators of off-scale conditions, allowing for corrective action, and employing the detection system's output to initiate alternate functions like scanner-scale wake-up, scan speed monitoring, and double-read control, ensuring accurate weighing and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source and light guides are used to detect item overhang, then accurate detection of off-scale conditions is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Light guides serve as intermediary elements that channel light from the light source to the detection point around the weigh platter perimeter. This allows the detection system to monitor off-scale conditions without requiring direct line-of-sight placement of detectors, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into separate functional components: a light source, multiple light guides positioned at different locations around the weigh platter, and detectors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation and maintenance while achieving comprehensive overhang detection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the scanner-scale remains in sleep state to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but response time to detect and weigh items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The item overhang detection system performs preliminary detection of items approaching or placed on the weigh platter while the scanner-scale is in sleep state. When an item is detected, the system triggers a wake-up signal that activates the scanner-scale, ensuring immediate response without requiring continuous operation of all system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system automatically monitors the weigh platter area and self-activates the scanner-scale when needed, eliminating the need for manual activation or continuous operation. The system serves itself by detecting items and autonomously transitioning from sleep to active state, optimizing both energy efficiency and response time.
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
The system effectively reduces erroneous weighings by alerting operators to off-scale conditions and utilizing detection outputs for additional functions, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of data reading systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that generates a light beam and a plurality of mirrors directing the light beam along a path around a perimeter of the weigh platter
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of mirrors directing the light beam along a path around a perimeter of the weigh platter
Implementation Method 3
The detector receives the light beam and an alarm coupled to the detector is operative for alerting an operator when the item is placed in the light beam path
Data Source
AI summary
In a scanner-scale system for passing items through a read zone over a weigh platter of the scanner-scale, the system including an item overhang detection system operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter, systems and methods are disclosed for using output from the item overhang detection system to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter (such as by alerting the operator that an item overhang condition has been detected and thus prompting the operator to reposition the item so as to be fully on scale) and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.