System and method for training and monitoring data reader operators

• US 20050092834A1
• Filed: 12/02/2004
• Published: 05/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Datalogic Scanning Incorporated (Datalogic S.p.A.)
• Original Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc. (Datalogic ADC Incorporated)
• Inventors: McQueen, Alexander M., Cherry, Craig D., Latimer, David L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,407,096 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/383
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10861 sensing of data fields affixed to objects or articles, e.g. coded labels postal sorting B07C3/14, conveying articles B65G47/48
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06398 Performance of employee with respect to a job function
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0225 Avoiding frauds

Abstract

A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining characteristics of an operator'"'"'s scanning technique. In a preferred configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator'"'"'s scanning technique, and may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable collection device for later analysis and reporting.

Claims

1-36. -36. (canceled)

37. A data acquisition system comprising

a data reader for reading tags on items being moved through a read region;

a weigh scale, including a weigh platter, integrated with the data reader, the weigh platter being positioned generally below the read region;

a processor for determining an effectiveness of a reading technique based upon a combination of input from the data reader and the weigh scale.

38. The data acquisition system of claim 37 further comprising a camera for monitoring motion of the item during movement through the read region.

39. The data acquisition system of claim 37

feedback means in communication with the processor for providing feedback indicating the effectiveness of the reading technique.

40. The data acquisition system of claim 39 wherein the feedback means comprises a printer for printing a reading technique report.

41. The data acquisition system of claim 39 wherein the feedback means comprises a video monitor for displaying reading technique data.

42. The data acquisition system of claim 39 wherein the data reader includes a housing and wherein the feedback means comprises a visual feedback display located on the housing.

43. The data acquisition system of claim 39 wherein the feedback means comprises audible feedback.

44. The data acquisition system of claim 43 wherein the audible feedback includes a plurality of different sounds indicating how properly an operator is moving items through the read region.