Patent Application
20110042463
1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to a bar code scanner being special for having a numeric keypad embedded on it and the keypad buttons are arranged and programmed to help users to operate easily and scan multiple items with different quantity, so as to save the time for entering quantity at the registry or POS (point of sale) machine and avoid unnecessary operating errors to speed up the cashier process.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The common-used bar code scanner 5 as illustrated in
When an item has a bar code that represents its information on it, user can use the common bar code scanner 5 to quickly obtain its data without manual work to save time especially when counting multiple items. This bar code scanner 5 is a must-have for mercantile, warehouse management, cashier, and many other places.
This common used bar code scanner 5 is rarely improved although it has been used for so long. Most of the research and developments are within improving the optical scanning/reading technology and the database system but not on the bar code scanner 5 itself.
Bar code scanner can be divided into two types. The first is the usual bar code scanner and the second is the common data collector, also known as handy terminal.
The bar code scanner 5 is mainly used for counting multiple different items so theoretically every single item should be scanned once to meet this purpose, but in order to save time, if the quantity of an item can be quickly counted, user can just scan the item once and enter the quantity of it on the cashier machine or the POS keypad before or after scanning it, and the system will have the data and correct quantity of the item. This scenario is very usual at any retail store and supermarket. When a customer purchased many items with different quantity, if the cashier scans every single item, it not only takes more time, the receipt is also hard to read.
The drawback of the common bar code scanner 5 is that it has no number input buttons. To enter the quantity of an item is done by the backend cashier connected to the bar code scanner 5. Which means the user must put down the bar code scanner after counting the quantity, punched in the number, and pick up the bar code scanner again to scan the next item. The only problem of this method is it is not convenient and takes more time.
The data collector is designed for storing the quantity of items. While having numeric buttons to enter quantity, the data must be transferred to the backend system to be used and processed. It is good for inventory control but does not help retail or supermarket checkout.
In conjunction with the space for the bar code scanner, to be more user friendly, and minimize the adopting time, this invention can be programmed and with different keypad layout to suite different situation and usage. This invention of bar code scanner with numeric keypad is developed and invented based on long term research and investigation.
The primary objective of this invention is to provide a numeric keypad embedded bar code scanner which simplifies working process, increase scanning efficiency, and to quickly count and obtain data for multiple items with different quantity.
The further objective of this invention is to provide a numeric keypad embedded bar code scanner to reduce redundant body movement such as putting down the scanner, entering the quantity to the cashier machine, and picking up the scanner again. By minimizing these movements will also reduce human errors.
Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a numeric keypad embedded bar code scanner which is easy to use so the users do not need to spend too much time on learning it, or even program the buttons for their scenario to use the bar code scanner effectively.
The numeric keypad embedded bar code scanner that serves the described purposes has a bar code scanning device and a set of a plurality of buttons arranged in matrix embedded on the surface of the scanner. Each keypad button represents a specific number or function. Users confirm the quantity of an item and enter the number of the item before or after scanning it to record the correct quantity for an item to avoid entering the number at the registry or the POS machine to simply the process.
The bar code scanner 1 is the same as common bar code scanner as seen in the market so there will be no further description. What is special for this invention is the design of the keypad 2. This set of keypad 2 buttons is positioned on the surface of the bar code scanner 1 where it is easy to read and press, usually on the top surface of the bar code scanner 1. This keypad 2 has a plurality of buttons lined up to form a rectangular as seen in common keypads. There is no limitation in number of buttons or the size. To be convenient to the user is the primary concern. This example 1 as shown in
The layout concept of keypad 2 is easy-to-use and less learning time. Since each individual user might has his own habit or need, one single configuration for keypad 2 may not fulfill user's requirement, the integrated numeric keypad 2 uses the matured programmable module technology for the user to program each button according to his habit and fulfill his need.
To ensure the quantity is input correctly and avoid errors, this invention places an LED indicator light 3 on the bar code scanner 1. This LED indicator light 3 can be a single one positioned at the end of the numeric keypad 2 as seen in
When the quantity is more than 12, user can still enter the number from the cashier or POS machine.
Because different retail situations will bring in different requirement, when the quantity is usually more than twelve, the bar code scanner 1 can use a LCD or LED display 4 as seen in
This configuration uses twelve buttons including ten numeric buttons 21 for number 0 to 9, a CLR clear button 23 and ENTER confirm button 22. Because of the display screen 4, it is easy to see the number input and if it is wrong, user can use the clear button 23 to delete it and input the correct number.
With this configuration as seen in
The aforementioned descriptions are solely for explaining the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any equivalent practice of modification within the spirit of the present invention should be treated as being within the scope of patent of the present invention.
