System and method for training and monitoring data reader operators
First Claim
1. A data acquisition system comprisinga 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, the weigh scale obtaining weight data of items placed on the weigh platter;
a processor for determining an effectiveness of a reading technique based upon a combination of input from the data reader and input of weight data from the weigh scale.
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Accused Products
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.
104 Citations
22 Claims
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1. 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, the weigh scale obtaining weight data of items placed on the weigh platter; a processor for determining an effectiveness of a reading technique based upon a combination of input from the data reader and input of weight data from the weigh scale. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for data reading, comprising
a data reader used by an operator for obtaining identification information from an electronic label or tag on an item; -
monitoring means for monitoring ergonomics of operating technique as the operator uses the data reader to read items; feedback means in communication with the monitoring means for providing feedback of the ergonomics of the operating technique, wherein the data reader is a device selected from the group consisting of;
RFID reader, EAS deactivation device,wherein the monitoring means comprises a weigh scale for gathering lifting data as the operator drags an item across the weigh scale and through a read volume. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A method of operating a data reader, comprising the steps of
having an operator move an item bearing an electronic tag through a detection volume; -
monitoring movement of the item through the detection volume by repeatedly sensing for presence of the electronic tag and determining how long the electronic tag was present in the detection volume; providing feedback of operating technique pertaining to how the operator moves the item through the detection volume. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of operating a data reader, comprising the steps of
having an operator move an item bearing an electronic tag through a detection volume; -
monitoring movement of the item through the detection volume by repeatedly sensing for presence of the electronic tag; providing feedback of operating technique pertaining to how the operator moves the item through the detection volume, wherein the step of monitoring movement of the item through the detection volume comprises providing the item with a non-deactivatable EAS tag; providing EAS sensors at entrance and exit of the detection volume; sensing movement of the item into and out of the detection volume as the EAS sensors at the entrance and exit sense the EAS tag.
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17. A data reader for reading identification tags on items, comprising
a portable housing adapted for handheld operation, the data reader having a read volume external to the housing, whereby the data reader reads identification tags on items in the read volume; -
a velocity sensor or accelerometer mounted in or integrated into the housing for sensing motion of the data reader during operation; means for providing feedback on operation of the data reader based upon the motion being sensed. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of operating a data reader, comprising
manipulating an RFID reader so as to aim the RFID reader at an item bearing an RFID tag; -
reading the RFID tag on the item; determining distance between the RFID reader and the item corresponding to when the RFID tag was read; comparing the determined distance to an optimum distance; providing feedback on operation of the RFID reader based upon comparison of the determined distance to the optimum distance. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification