Patent Application
20080283603
Barcode scanners typically include a simple interface including one or two light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a speaker for producing “beep” tones.
Scanner diagnostic are typically identified by a specific number code. Both visual and audio feedback representing that number code is used to indicate a specific scanner error. Use of double digit number codes result in many audio beeps or visual flashes to represent a given error which can lead to misinterpretation of the error and potentially cause a delay in correcting the error.
Current scanner displays limit the type of information and resolution of problem states for Scale Zero Indications. Users do not currently receive specific feedback regarding an off-zero scale state from the scanner when the scale is idle.
More recent innovations have incorporated the detection and deactivation of loss prevention tags into the scanner/scale. While these integrated tag deactivation devices are generally successful in detecting and deactivating electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, the operator does not receive feedback about the states of these tags during checkout. Typically the only feedback that an operator receives is the EAS/RFID tag sensor alarm sounding as the customer leaves the store.
It would be desirable to provide a barcode scanner operator interface that provides more information to an operator about the scanner and any systems incorporated into the scanner.
A barcode scanner operator interface is provided.
The interface includes a visual indicator including positions capable of being individually illuminated, and control circuitry for monitoring states of the barcode scanner and for illuminating the positions of the visual indicator to produce codes indicative of the states of the barcode scanner.
With reference to
Optical scanner 10 may additionally include scale 36, electronic article surveillance system 38, image scanner 40, and radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 42.
Optics engine 14 includes lasers 12a and 12b, mirrored spinner 16, collectors 20a and 20b, detectors 22a and 22b, analog electronics 24, and motor 26.
Laser 12a and 12b produce laser beams. Each of lasers 12a and 12b include one ore more lasers. In the example embodiment, each of lasers 12a and 12b may include up to two lasers.
Mirrored spinner 16 directs the laser beams to pattern mirrors 18a and 18b to produce a scan pattern, and receives reflected light from item 30 from pattern mirrors 18. Motor 26 rotates mirrored spinner 16.
Collectors 20a and 20b collect the reflected light from mirrored spinner 16 and direct it towards detectors 22a and 22b.
Detectors 22a and 22b convert the reflected light into electrical signals. In the example embodiment, each of detectors 22a and 22b may include up to two detectors.
Analog electronics 24 provides drive circuitry for lasers 12a and 12b and motor 26, and amplifies and filters the electrical signals from detectors 22a and 22b.
Pattern mirrors 18a direct the laser beams from laser 12a towards bar code label 32 and direct the reflected light to mirrored spinner 16. Pattern mirrors 18b direct the laser beams from laser 12b towards bar code label 32 and direct the reflected light to mirrored spinner 16.
Power and control circuitry 28 controls operation of scanner 10 and additionally processes the processed electrical signals from analog electronics 24 to obtain information encoded in bar code label 32. Power and control circuitry 28 may include a combination of processor and memory. Power and control circuitry 28 may be connected to analog electronics 24 through one or more cables 33.
Power and control circuitry 28 includes state machine 29 for tracking scanner event signals, as well as event signals from scale 36, EAS system 38, image scanner 40, and RFID reader 42 and providing control signals to interface 44.
Power and control circuitry 28 also provides information to an operator of scanner 10 through interface 44. The information conveyed through interface 44 may include error states, operational states, and communications states of scanner 10. The information may be extended to include scale information, EAS system information, RFID reader information, multi-dimensional (2-D) reader information, loss prevention information, and other system information.
Interface 44 may include one or more sensory communication methods, such as sight, sound, and touch. As to sight, interface 44 includes a visual indicator 46 having a plurality of different positions capable of being illuminated. Collectively, the different illuminated positions form a code that conveys to an operator the state of scanner 10. Visual indicator 46 may include a light bar (
With reference to
Switches 50 are also located on bezel 56. Lights 54 adjacent switches 50 provide feedback to an operator, indicating that a switch has been successfully activated. Lights 52 and 54 may each include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).
In an example embodiment, lights 52 may include a multi-color LEDs having elements for producing different colors. Each element may be individually turned on or off or controlled for intensity such that a rainbow of colors may be achieved. Alternatively, each of lights 52 may include a cluster of individual different colored LEDs.
Because the LEDs are individually controlled, light bar 46 may display both static and dynamic light patterns. Static light patterns are particularly well suited to displaying state information, whereas dynamic light patterns are particularly well suited for displaying dynamic events.
For example, static light patterns may be used to display the various states of scanner 10 and its systems. For scanner 10, these states include individual scanner error states (e.g., SCANNER_FATAL, SCANNER_NON_FATAL, SCALE_FATAL, SCALE_NON_FATAL), scanner operational states (e.g., IDLE, SLEEP, FLASH, MANUFACTURING_TEST), and scanner communications states (e.g., DISABLE, DISABLE_w/o_INDICATION).
As another example, dynamic light patterns may be used to indicate events in any of the systems (e.g., GOOD_READ, EAS_DEACTIVATION, RFID_GOOD_READ, SECOND_ITEM_SCAN). Dynamic light patterns have the advantage of being eye-catching. Timing and intensity characteristics of dynamic light patterns may be tailored so as to enhance human perception of system events.
State machine 29 controls dynamic light patterns. Processing and control circuitry 28 starts state machine 29 in response to predetermined scanner event signals, as well as event signals from scale 36, EAS system 38, image scanner 40, and RFID reader 42. State machine 29 runs autonomously until the light pattern self terminates. Afterwards, processing and control circuitry 28 causes lights 52 to display a light pattern associated with a current state.
In order to address the needs of those who may have color blindness issues, error reporting may be multifunctional. For example, lights 52 may indicate errors simultaneously in two different ways. First, lights 52 may display a unique color pattern associated with an error. Second, lights 52 may blink according to a unique blink pattern associated with the error. A color blind person may count the number of times the light pattern blinks, along with the number of lights 52 that are lit. This information then allows the color blind person to correctly identify the specific error without regard to the actual color of lights 52.
Lights 52 may be arranged in a linear fashion so as to be read from left-to-right or right-to-left. Example states of scanner 10, scale 36, and EAS system 38 are illustrated in Tables I-III. Example error condition light patterns for scanner and scale errors are illustrated in Tables IV-VII. The first light position identifies the type of error and the remaining light positions identify specific error codes. Similar methods may be used to represent all error, operational, and communication states of scanner 10 and its systems.
Just as lights 52 may be used to indicate static and dynamic light patterns, to indicate scanner/scale states and events respectively, speaker 48 may be used in an analogous fashion.
For example, processing and control circuitry 28 may play unique sound files, such as WAV files, that are associated with different events.
Switches 50 may include non-contact proximity sensing switches, without moving parts. Switches include a scale zeroing switch 70, a volume control switch 72, and a customizable switch 74. Also illustrated is a window glass needs cleaning icon and an indicator light 54.
Lights 54 provide operator feedback to indicate touch information. When switches 50 are not being activated by an operator, lights 54 are in a dim state. When power and control circuitry 28 senses operator activation, power and control circuitry 28 increases the intensity of lights 54 to a bright state. Light intensity modulation replaces a tactile sensation one would otherwise receive with a push action switch.
An additional capability has been added to light 54 adjacent to scale-zeroing switch 70. When scale 36 is stable at a zero weight, light 54 provides operator feedback about the state of switch 70. However, when scale weight is unstable, light 54 is in an off state. When scale weight is stable and above zero, light 54 is in a dim state. When scale weight is stable and less than zero, light 54 is in a blinking state.
Switch 74 is customizable. For example, switch 74 may be used for manual activation of EAS system 38. Other capabilities are achievable as the retailer's needs dictate.
Although particular reference has been made to certain embodiments, variations and modifications are also envisioned within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
