Transreflective Glass for Integrated Barcode Scanner Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fare collection devices face user confusion and spatial challenges due to separate dedicated areas for barcode presentation and display, especially in scenarios with limited real estate.
Innovation Solution
An integrated display device with a transreflective glass layer that allows both display lighting and barcode scanning functionality, incorporating a scanner and processor for decoding barcodes, along with an optional reflector for improved light reflection, and an RFID card reader for comprehensive fare media handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate dedicated area is provided for barcode presentation, then barcode scanning accuracy is improved, but device area and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display surface and barcode scanning surface into a single integrated display device. The display screen serves dual purposes: showing information to users and acting as the landing plane for barcode media. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated areas while maintaining scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it displays dynamic messages, instructions, and information to users, while also serving as the barcode presentation area. The display device becomes a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate barcode scanning equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate dedicated area is provided for barcode presentation, then barcode scanning is enabled, but user confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the display and barcode scanning functions into one surface, users only need to interact with a single unified interface. The display shows both instructions and the barcode landing area, eliminating confusion about where to present fare media.
Solution Approach 2:
The display acts as an intermediary that communicates both operational instructions and the exact location for barcode placement. By showing dynamic messages and visual indicators on the same surface that receives the barcode, users can clearly understand where and how to present their fare media.
3Area of stationary object
If display and barcode landing plane are integrated, then space efficiency is improved, but light interference between display and scanner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transreflective glass with different optical properties to specific regions of the display. The glass is designed to be transmissive in areas where display light needs to pass through, and reflective in areas where barcode scanning light needs to be reflected back to the scanner. This local differentiation of optical properties allows the display and scanning functions to coexist without light interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The transreflective glass acts as an intermediary layer between the display and the scanner. It selectively transmits display light while reflecting scanner light, mediating the interaction between these two light sources and preventing them from interfering with each other.
4Illumination intensity
If transreflective glass layer is added, then light reflection for scanning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transreflective glass, which is a composite material combining transparent and reflective properties in a single layer. This allows the glass to simultaneously transmit display light and reflect scanner light, achieving the desired optical functionality without adding multiple separate layers or components.
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 solution simplifies fare collection by providing a unified display and scanning surface, reducing user confusion and accommodating space constraints while ensuring accurate fare media detection and processing.
Implementation Method 1
a transreflective glass layer positioned between the first glass layer and the display, and displaced from the first glass layer. The device includes a scanner positioned such that it: emits light rays reflected by the transreflective glass layer thru the first glass layer and detects light rays reflected by the transreflective glass layer from the first class layer
Implementation Method 2
a reflector can be used to reflect light rays from the transreflective glass layer to the scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention incorporate one or more features that enable a unique functionality of a barcode scanner integrated into a messaging display device. These features include the use of a transreflective glass on top of the display that allows the display lighting to appear through this transreflective glass (transmissive part) and also allows the barcode scanning beams to reflect from the reflective surface (reflective part). Other embodiments may use different components that provide substantially similar functions to provide similar results.