Wireless data reader at checkstand

摘要

A checkstand system including a counter surface within which a plurality of induction charge transmission coils are embedded in or disposed below the counter at selected charge positions about the countertop whereby a cordless peripheral, such as a data reader, is positionable and movable between multiple positions about the counter surface, the peripheral including an induction charge receiving coil operative to receive a charge current from one of the induction charge transmission coils when the peripheral is placed in proximity of a selected one of the charge positions on the checkstand. In one configuration, the system includes a temperature sensing component disposed proximal to an induction charge transmission coil and a controller operative for receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensing component and adjusting the charge current delivered to the induction charge transmission coil in response to the signal.

主权项

1. A system for retail checkout, comprising:
a checkstand including a counter with a counter surface; a plurality of at least first and second induction charge transmission coils embedded in or disposed below the counter at selected charge positions about the checkstand, wherein the selected charge positions are distributed with various patterns about the counter surface; a cordless peripheral device positionable and movable between multiple positions about the counter surface, the cordless peripheral device including an induction charge receiving coil operable to receive a charge current from one of the induction charge transmission coils when the cordless peripheral device is placed in proximity of a selected one of the selected charge positions on the checkstand; and a controller including drive circuitry operable for detecting presence of the peripheral device by sequentially checking each of the plurality of induction charge transmission coils by
detecting for presence of the induction charge receiving coil of the peripheral device at the first induction charge transmission coil by comparing a first measured signal on the first induction charge transmission coil to a previously obtained first reference signal,detecting for presence of the induction charge receiving coil of the peripheral device at the second induction charge transmission coil by comparing a second measured signal on the second induction charge transmission coil to a previously obtained second reference signal,powering on a respective induction charge transmission coil if presence of the induction charge receiving coil is detected, andpowering off a respective induction charge transmission coil if presence of the induction charge receiving coil is not detected.