Device for registering goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service checkout systems face challenges in reliably detecting machine-readable markings on goods, especially when the marking is on the underside, due to the limitations of conventional scanning devices and conveyor belt designs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a partially transparent transport device with multiple conveyor belts, where one belt is transparent to optical radiation, allowing for effective scanning of markings from below without obstructing the scanning process, and ensuring the goods are properly aligned and transported over the scanning device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional conveyor belt is used to transport goods, then the goods can be moved along the transport device, but the conveyor belt obstructs the scanning of markings on the underside of goods
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is segmented into multiple sections: opaque sections for transporting goods and transparent sections for allowing optical radiation to pass through. This segmentation enables the conveyor belt to perform dual functions - mechanical transport and optical transparency - resolving the contradiction between transport function and scanning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the conveyor belt have different optical properties. Specifically, certain areas are made transparent to optical radiation while others remain opaque. This local differentiation allows the conveyor belt to enable underside scanning in specific zones while maintaining transport functionality in other zones.
2Reliability
If the conveyor belt is made transparent to optical radiation, then scanning from below becomes possible, but the conveyor belt may scatter radiation and reduce scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt incorporates porous or mesh-like transparent sections that allow optical radiation to pass through with minimal scattering. The porous structure enables radiation transmission while maintaining mechanical integrity for goods transport, thus achieving both transparency and scanning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt uses composite materials that combine transparent, radiation-transmissive properties with mechanical strength and low scattering characteristics. These composite materials enable the belt to be both transparent for scanning purposes and structurally sound for transporting goods without compromising scanning precision.
3Reliability
If multiple scanning units are arranged along an archway, then goods can be scanned from multiple directions, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it transports goods mechanically and simultaneously enables optical scanning from below. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized scanning infrastructure, as the conveyor belt itself becomes part of the scanning enabling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the dimension of vertical scanning capability by making the conveyor belt transparent to optical radiation. This allows scanning units positioned below the conveyor belt to detect markings on the underside of goods, effectively utilizing the vertical space and enabling detection from previously inaccessible angles.
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
This solution enhances the reliability of detecting machine-readable markings on goods from various angles, improving the accuracy of price calculation and payment processing in self-service checkout systems by ensuring clear transmission of optical radiation and efficient transport of goods over the scanning area.
Implementation Method 1
the transport means consists at least partially of a material which has a high transmission for the radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A device for registering goods in a self-service cash register system is proposed, comprising a conveying device (2) for conveying the goods in a predefined conveying direction (3), at least one conveying means (4, 5, 10) of the conveying device onto which goods can be placed for conveying, at least one scanning device (1) which is arranged at the conveying device (2) in a locally fixed manner for registering machine-readable codes with which the goods are equipped, at least one source for emitting optical radiation in the direction of the conveying device, and at least one detector for receiving the radiation that is reflected by the goods located on the conveying device and for generating a signal that corresponds to the intensity of the reflected radiation, wherein the conveying means (10) is pervious to the optical radiation emitted by the source at least in some sections.