Self-checkout system with thermal management

Abstract

In a self-checkout system, this prevents the performance and lifespan of components that generate heat during operation from being adversely affected or shortened. [Solution] A self-checkout system is provided. In one embodiment, the self-checkout system includes a housing having a base and a rear panel extending from the base. The self-checkout system also includes an interactive module mounted on the rear panel, the interactive module having a display screen and a curved deflector positioned on the upper surface of the display screen. An airflow channel is formed between the display screen and the rear panel such that air heated by the display screen in the airflow channel moves upward along the airflow channel and is deflected away from the display screen by the curved deflector.

Description

Background Art

[0001]

[0001] Many retail stores offer the option for purchasers to buy items at self-service kiosks. Self-service kiosks are desirable for both purchasers and retailers. For purchasers, kiosks result in shorter wait times compared to using a cashier lane. Retailers can benefit from improved checkout efficiency. During a checkout transaction, a purchaser can scan the product barcode of each product and place them on the platform to be weighed and / or monitored during the transaction. A display screen can provide useful information to the purchaser, such as the cost of the scanned item, whether the item is on sale or discounted, and the weight of the item.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] [Figure 1A]

[0002] Perspective view of a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]

[0003] Side view of the self-checkout system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C]

[0004] Side view of a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D]

[0005] Side view of a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1E]

[0006] Schematic side view of a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1F]

[0007] Schematic side view of a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1G]

[0008] Side view of a checkout area having a plurality of self-checkout systems according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A]

[0009] A perspective view of a self-checkout system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]

[0010] Figure 2A is a side view of the self-checkout system. [Figure 3]

[0011] A block diagram of a computing system for a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0003]

[0012] Self-checkout systems may include display screens that provide helpful information to the user during the transaction, such as the cost of scanned items, whether items are on sale or discounted, and the weight of items. Along with the display screens, self-checkout systems may include components that generate heat during operation, such as processors, power supplies, scanners, and printers. If the thermal load is not properly managed, the performance and lifespan of the display screens and the aforementioned components may be adversely affected or shortened.

[0004]

[0013] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a self-checkout system having a thermal management mechanism for managing the thermal load of a display screen and other components that generate heat during operation. In this way, the performance and lifespan of the display screen and other components can be improved or extended. In one exemplary embodiment, the self-checkout system may include a housing having a base and a rear panel extending perpendicularly from the base. An interactive module may be mounted on the rear panel. The interactive module may include a display screen and a control unit that may include processing elements for performing the operation of the self-checkout system. An airflow channel is defined between the display screen and the rear panel. A curved deflector may be positioned at the upper end of the display screen. In this way, as air heated by the display screen and components of the control unit moves upward along the airflow channel, the heated air can be deflected away from the display screen and control unit by the curved deflector. The curved deflector can deflect the heated air so that it is discharged toward the rear of the self-checkout system. This allows heated air to be directed away from the control unit's display screen and components, thereby increasing their performance and lifespan, but it can also be directed away from the user in the self-checkout system. In at least one example, a fan may be selectively activated to move heated air in an airflow channel upward, for example, so that a curved deflector deflects the heated air and expels it out of the airflow channel. In some embodiments, depending on one or more conditions, a fan may be controlled to move heated air downward along the airflow channel so that, for example, a curved bottom surface of the rear panel directs the heated air towards the front of the self-checkout system. Thus, in at least one example, the air may be pushed upward or downward along the airflow channel, depending on one or more conditions.

[0005]

[0014] Furthermore, the self-checkout systems disclosed herein may include an architecture that allows the system's center of gravity to be centrally located, which advantageously reduces stress on the rear panel and the mounting brackets that connect the interactive module to the rear panel, for example, making the self-checkout system less likely to tip over when subjected to an impact event, providing the user with a more solid feel when making inputs to the display screen, and allowing for a more compact design. In one embodiment, the rear panel of the self-checkout system may be positioned to have a shorter transverse length than the base, as a result the housing can define a notch. The display screen may be positioned within the notch and protrude at least partially from the base. Furthermore, the bottom edge of the rear panel may include a curved bottom surface that transitions the front wall of the rear panel between vertical and horizontal directions. This rounded bottom edge of the rear panel can be connected to the base at the front side of the base. The rounded bottom edge of the rear panel can increase the intersecting length of the rear panel, which can give the rear panel structural rigidity and reduce stress concentration within the housing.

[0006]

[0015] Referring next to the drawings, Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a self-checkout system 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The self-checkout system 100 may also be called a self-service kiosk or checkout terminal. For reference, the self-checkout system 100 defines mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. In one or more examples, the X direction is the crossing direction, the Y direction is the left-right direction, and the Z direction is the vertical direction.

[0007]

[0016] The self-checkout system 100 has a front section 102 and a rear section 104, a first side section 106 and a second side section 108, a top section 110 and a bottom section 112. The self-checkout system 100 includes a housing 114 or cabinet defining the interior 116 (Figure 1B). The housing 114 has a base support 118, a base 120, and a rear panel 122. The base 120 sits on the base support 118 and extends upward from there, for example, along the Z direction. Among other possible components, various items such as a printer 124 (Figure 1B) and a scanner 126 (Figure 1B) can be placed inside the base 120. The front wall of the base 120 provides a printer dispenser 128 from which receipts and / or other items printed by the printer 124 can be dispensed. The front wall of the base 120 also provides a scanner window 130 to allow light from the scanner 126 to be projected onto the item and the reflected light rays to be captured by the scanner 126. In one or more examples, the self-checkout system 100 may also include one or more cameras for capturing, for example, images of the item, biometric data, etc.

[0008]

[0017] The base support 118 extends around or surrounds the base 120 and can be mounted on, for example, a countertop, shelf, or tower extending to the floor. The base support 118 is substantially planar and extends, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, or rather in the XY plane. In one or more examples, a base extension 132 may extend from the rear of the base 120. The base extension 132 can provide entry / exit points for cables, etc.

[0009]

[0018] The rear panel 122 extends upward from the base 120, for example, along the Z-direction, and has a front wall 134 and a rear wall 136. The front wall 134 has a vertical planar portion 138 and a curved bottom portion 140 that transitions the front wall 134 between the vertical and horizontal directions. The vertical planar portion 138 and the curved bottom portion 140 can be continuous. In at least one example, the rear panel 122 may be formed integrally with the base 120 as a single, integrated component. In one or more other examples, the rear panel 122 and the base 120 may be separate components joined together. A payment terminal 142 may be mounted on the side wall of the rear panel 122. The payment terminal 142 may include a display, keypad, card reader, near-field communication (NFC) beacon, etc., to facilitate payment processing during a transaction. Furthermore, a handheld scanner 144 may be mounted on the rear panel 122.

[0010]

[0019] Referring now to Figures 1A and 1B, Figure 1B shows a side view of the self-checkout system 100. As shown, the self-checkout system 100 includes an interactive module 146 having a display screen 148, a control unit 150, and a curved deflector 152. The interactive module 146 is attached to a rear panel 122, such as a vertical planar section 138 of a front wall 134, by mounting brackets 154. In at least some examples, the interactive module 146 is cantilevered from the vertical planar section 138, for example, as shown in Figure 1B.

[0011]

[0020] The display screen 148 can present the user with information such as the cost of the scanned item, whether the item is on sale or discounted, and the weight of the item. In one or more examples, the display screen 148 is a touchscreen, allowing the user to provide input on the screen and make selections during a transaction. The display screen 148 has a top surface 156 and a bottom surface 158. The bottom surface 158 has an inclined edge 160 that slopes upward from front to back. In one or more other examples, the bottom surface 158 of the display screen 148 may have other suitable configurations, such as a chamfered edge. The display screen 148 extends in a plane perpendicular to the X direction, or rather, is positioned in the YZ plane. In one or more examples, the display screen 148 may be positioned between 1.5 and 2 inches (≒3.8 cm to 5.1 cm) from the vertical plane portion 138 of the front wall 134, including the endpoint. In one or more examples, the curved bottom portion 140 of the front wall 134 curves below the display screen 148, for example, as shown in Figure 1B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B, the display screen 148 protrudes at least partially from the base 120 of the housing 114.

[0012]

[0021] The control unit 150 has a casing 162 positioned along the rear of the display screen 148. The casing 162 may have a curved lower end and an upper end that engages with a curved deflector 152. The casing 162 may include one or more openings, vents, perforations, etc., at its upper end to allow air to escape from its interior. Multiple components may be located within the casing 162. In at least one example, the control unit 150 may include a computing system 164 having one or more processors and one or more memory devices, such as one or more non-temporary memory devices. One or more memory devices may store programs that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform operations individually or collectively. In at least one example, the operation may include controlling one or more controllable devices to control or manage the thermal load of the display screen 148, the control unit 150, and / or components of the self-checkout system 100 that generate heat during operation. The computing system 164 may be communicably coupled, for example, by one or more wired and / or wireless communication links, to the display screen 148, printer 124, scanner 126, payment terminal 142 (not shown in Figure 1B, see Figure 1A), handheld scanner 144, and other controllable devices of the self-checkout system 100. The control unit 150 may also include a power supply for supplying power to the power-consuming devices of the self-checkout system 100. The components of the computing system 164 may be housed within the casing 162.

[0013]

[0022] The control unit 150 may also include one or more sensors, such as one or more temperature sensors 166 (only one is shown in Figure 1B). Sensor feedback from the temperature sensors 166 may be used to monitor the temperature of the display screen 148, the components of the control unit 150, the components in the base 120, and / or the temperature in the airflow channel 168 defined between the display screen 148 and the rear panel 122. Sensor feedback may be provided to a computing system 164 so that, for example, one or more processors can process the received data and perform actions such as controlling the thermal load of the self-checkout system 100.

[0014]

[0023] The curved deflector 152 is positioned on the upper surface 156 of the display screen 148. The curved deflector 152 has lane lights 170 facing the front 102 of the self-checkout system 100, as shown in Figure 1A. The lane lights 170 can indicate the status of the self-checkout system 100, for example, ready for use, in use, etc. In one or more other examples, the curved deflector 152 may include a camera, a speaker, and / or one or more other interactive devices. The curved deflector 152 has a concave curvature relative to the rear panel 122. As shown in Figure 1B, the curved deflector 152 curves "inward" relative to the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122. In one or more examples, the curved deflector 152 is positioned at least partially vertically above the rear panel 122 of the housing 114, for example, as shown in Figure 1B. In other words, at least a portion of the curved deflector 152 is at a height higher than the upper edge 172 of the rear panel 122, for example, along the Z direction. In at least one example, the curved deflector 152 is positioned perfectly vertically above the rear panel 122 of the housing 114.

[0015]

[0024] In one or more examples, an airflow channel 168 is formed between the interactive module 146 and the rear panel 122 such that air heated by the display screen 148, one or more components of the control unit 150, and / or other components of the self-checkout system 100 moves upward along the airflow channel 168 and is deflected away from the display screen 148 by a curved deflector 152. For example, as shown in Figure 1B, heat generated by the display screen 148, one or more components of the control unit 150, and / or other components of the self-checkout system 100 can impart to the air in the airflow channel 168. This heated air HA can rise or move upward along the airflow channel 168, and when the heated air HA reaches the top of the airflow channel 168, the curved deflector 152 deflects the heated air HA toward the rear 104, or rather away from the display screen 148 and the control unit 150.

[0016]

[0025] Advantageously, the architecture of the self-checkout system 100 allows heat generated by one or more components of the display screen 148, the control unit 150, and / or other components of the self-checkout system 100 to be transferred, which can enhance the cooling of these components and thus improve their performance and lifespan. Furthermore, the curved deflector 152 can guide heated air HA away from the user conducting transactions with the self-checkout system 100, thereby improving the user's shopping experience.

[0017]

[0026] In one or more examples, the heated air HA can move upward along the air flow channel 168 and can be deflected by the curved deflector 152 by natural convection. In this regard, the air flow channel 168 can function like a chimney that conducts heat away from the display screen 148, one or more components of the control unit 150, and / or other components of the self-checkout system 100. The heated air HA, which may be less dense than the surrounding relatively cold air, naturally rises to the upper end of the air flow channel 168 and is deflected by the curved deflector 152 towards the rear 104 of the self-checkout system 100, while the less dense and relatively cold air can circulate within the air flow channel 168 to provide cooling air to the components of the display screen 148 and the control unit 150.

[0018]

[0027] In one or more examples, the heated air HA can move upward along the air flow channel 168 and can be deflected by the curved deflector 152 by forced convection. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the interactive module 146 has a fan 174 disposed at the rear of the display screen 148. The fan 174 is arranged to selectively move air upward through the air flow channel 168. As an example, the fan 174 can be selectively activated based at least in part on feedback indicating that a temperature threshold has been achieved, such as sensor feedback provided by one or more temperature sensors 166.

[0019]

[0028] In at least one example, one or more processors of the computing system 164 individually or collectively perform an operation that includes, for example, receiving sensor feedback from one or more of the temperature sensors 166 when executing a program stored in one or more memory devices. The operation also includes determining whether a temperature threshold has been reached, at least in part, based on the sensor feedback. In at least one example, this may include comparing the current temperature to the temperature threshold, which is determined based on the sensor feedback. The operation further includes activating a fan 174 to move heated air HA when the temperature threshold is reached. When the fan 174 is activated, it can push the heated air HA to the upper end of the airflow channel 168, and as a result, the heated air HA can be discharged from there away from the display screen 148 and control unit 150, for example, substantially towards the rear 104. Once activated, fan 174 can operate for a predetermined period of time, or until conditions are met such as when the current temperature no longer reaches a temperature threshold (for example, by falling below the temperature threshold), and / or when a user is present in the self-checkout system 100.

[0020]

[0029] In one or more additional examples, the operation can include receiving data indicating whether a user is present at the self-checkout system 100. For example, a camera of the self-checkout system 100 can capture whether a user is present at the self-checkout system 100, and this captured image data can be received by one or more processors of the computing system 164. In such an example, the operation can include activating the fan 174 when the user is not present at the self-checkout system 100. If the temperature threshold is reached but the user is actually present at the self-checkout system 100, one or more processors can stop or not activate the fan 174. One or more processors can "hold" the activation of the fan 174 until the user is no longer present at the self-checkout system 100. Such a control method can prevent the fan 174 from making noise while the user is present at the self-checkout system 100.

[0021]

[0030] FIG. 1C shows a side view of a self-checkout system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The self-checkout system 100C is configured similarly to the self-checkout system 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and thus the same numbers are used to refer to similar structures when describing the self-checkout system 100C.

[0022]

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1C, the upper end portion 172 of the rear panel 122 has a curved portion 176 that is complementary in shape to the curved deflector 152. The curved portion 176 of the rear panel 122 can have the same radius or a similar radius (e.g., within 15 degrees (15°) of each other) as the inner surface of the curved deflector 152. Advantageously, the complementary curved surfaces can further facilitate the movement of the heated air HA from the air flow channel 168, including the heated air HA that moves upward within the air flow channel 168 outside the casing 162 of the control unit 150.

[0023]

[0032] Furthermore, in one or more examples, the curved deflector 152 can extend at least partially from the rear panel 122. As shown in Figure 1C, the curved deflector 152 extends at least partially from the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122. In this way, the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122 is positioned below and spaced apart from the curved deflector 152. As described above, the configuration of the curved deflector 152, including the extended portion extending from the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122, and the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122, functions like a nozzle releasing heated air HA substantially horizontally toward the rear 104 of the self-checkout system 100C.

[0024]

[0033] Figure 1D shows a side view of a self-checkout system 100D according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The self-checkout system 100D is configured similarly to the self-checkout system 100 in Figures 1A and 1B, and therefore similar numbers are used to refer to similar structures when describing the self-checkout system 100D.

[0025]

[0034] As shown in Figure 1D, in one or more examples, the housing 114 of the self-checkout system 100D includes one or more vents that provide fluid communication between the interior 116 of the housing 114 and the airflow channel 168. In at least one example, at least one of the one or more vents is located in the front wall 134 of the rear panel 122. In the example shown in Figure 1D, the housing 114 has a first vent 178 located along the curved bottom portion 140 of the front wall 134, a second vent 180 located along the vertical plane portion 138 below the mounting bracket 154, and a third vent 182 located along the vertical plane portion 138 above the mounting bracket 154. In other examples, the housing 114 may have more or fewer vents than those shown in Figure 1D.

[0026]

[0035] The first vent 178, the second vent 180, and the third vent 182 each provide fluid communication between the interior 116 of the housing 114 and the airflow channel 168. In this way, heat generated by one or more components located within the interior 116 can be transferred from the interior 116 to the airflow channel 168 and finally discharged at the upper end of the airflow channel 168. In the example shown in Figure 1D, heat generated by the scanner 126 and printer 124, or heated air HA, is shown moving upward through the interior 116 of the housing 114. A first portion of the heated air HA can escape from the interior 116 into the airflow channel 168 through the first vent 178. A second portion of the heated air HA can escape from the interior 116 into the airflow channel 168 through the second vent 180. Finally, a third portion of the heated air HA can escape from the interior 116 into the airflow channel 168 through the third vent 182. The heated air HA from the interior 116 merges with the air heated by the components of the display screen 148 and the control unit 150, moves upward through the airflow channel 168, is finally deflected by the curved deflector 152, and is discharged at the upper end of the airflow channel 168. Thus, the architecture of the self-checkout system 100D can provide an integrated heating method that efficiently transfers the heat generated by the components in the housing 114 and the heat generated by the components of the interactive module 146 away from the self-checkout system 100D.

[0027]

[0036] Figure 1E shows a schematic side view of a self-checkout system 100E according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The self-checkout system 100E is configured similarly to the self-checkout system 100 in Figures 1A and 1B, and therefore similar numbers are used to refer to similar structures when describing the self-checkout system 100E.

[0028]

[0037] As shown in Figure 1E, in one or more examples, the self-checkout system 100E may include side baffles 184 (only one is shown in Figure 1E) positioned on the sides of the airflow channel 168. In at least one embodiment, the side baffle 184 may extend between the back surface of the display screen 148 and the vertical planar portion 138 of the front wall 134, for example, as shown in Figure 1E. The side baffle 184 can provide a barrier to prevent heat from escaping from the sides of the airflow channel 168. Thus, the side baffle 184 can guide heated air HA to the upper end of the airflow channel 168 so that the heated air HA can be deflected toward the rear 104 of the self-checkout system 100E.

[0029]

[0038] In at least one example, the side baffles 184 may be arranged parallel to each other. In at least one example, the side baffles 184 may be arranged to converge toward each other as the side baffles extend toward the upper surface 110 of the self-checkout system 100E. In this regard, the converging side baffles 184 can vent heat from the airflow channels 168 from a more centrally located position, which is advantageous as it can direct the heated air HA away from the self-checkout system 100E with improved precision.

[0030]

[0039] In one or more further examples, the casing of the control unit 150 may include one or more internal baffles that guide airflow over a given area of ​​the control unit 150, such as one or more processors and / or power supplies.

[0031]

[0040] Figure 1F shows a schematic side view of a self-checkout system 100F according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The self-checkout system 100F is configured similarly to the self-checkout system 100 in Figures 1A and 1B, and therefore similar numbers are used to refer to similar structures when describing the self-checkout system 100F.

[0032]

[0041] As shown in Figure 1F, in one or more examples, the interactive module 146 of the self-checkout system 100F includes, among other things, a fragrance emitter 186 having a fragrance chamber 188 for storing one or more fragrances, a valve 190 (e.g., a solenoid valve) controllable to open and close the fragrance chamber 188, and a fragrance blower 192 or fan for moving the predetermined fragrance released from the fragrance chamber 188 by the valve 190. The fragrance emitter 186 is configured to selectively release a predetermined fragrance (e.g., lavender, peppermint, pumpkin, coffee, vanilla, chocolate, pine, air freshener, or perfume), and its fragrance blower 192 is configured to selectively move the released predetermined fragrance downward along an airflow channel 168, for example, to direct the predetermined fragrance toward a user present in the self-checkout system 100F, such that the curved bottom surface 140 deflects the predetermined fragrance toward the front 102 of the self-checkout system 100F.

[0033]

[0042] In at least one example, one or more processors of the computing system 164 individually or collectively perform actions that include determining whether a trigger condition has been met, at least in part, based on captured data, when executing a program stored in one or more memory devices. Exemplary trigger conditions, but not limited to, include, a given user (e.g., a user who has indicated a preference for fragrance release during a transaction) being present in the self-checkout system 100F, the user purchasing a given item (e.g., an item associated with an upcoming holiday), or the user being in a given mood. Data can be captured by one or more cameras, scanners 126, etc., in the self-checkout system 100F. When a trigger condition is met, the action may include opening a valve 190 to release a given fragrance SC from the fragrance chamber 188. In addition, the action may include activating a fragrance blower 192 to move the released fragrance SC downward along an airflow channel 168, for example, such as the curved bottom portion 140 deflecting the fragrance SC toward the front portion 102 of the self-checkout system 100F, as shown in Figure 1F.

[0034]

[0043] In one or more examples, the fan 174 of the self-checkout system 100F may be configured to move heated air HA downward along the airflow channel 168, as shown in Figure 1F. In at least one example, the fan 174 of the self-checkout system 100F may be positioned to move heated air HA downward along the airflow channel 168, as shown in Figure 1F, or upward along the airflow channel 168 (for example, as shown in Figure 1B), depending on one or more conditions. In one example, the self-checkout system 100F may be located near an inlet / outlet to the outdoors, and the outdoor temperature may be relatively low, such as below freezing point. In such an example, based on the outdoor temperature conditions, the fan 174 can be activated to move the heated air HA downward along the airflow channel 168, thereby deflecting the heated air HA toward the front 102 of the self-checkout system 100F, for example, toward the user present in the self-checkout system 100F, so that the curved bottom 140 provides a warming effect and further moves the heat away from the display screen 148 and the control unit 150. In contrast, when the outdoor temperature is relatively warm, such as above freezing point, the fan 174 can be activated to move the heated air HA upward along the airflow channel 168 so that the curved deflector 152 deflects the heated air HA toward the rear 104 of the self-checkout system 100F, away from the user, the display screen 148, and the control unit 150. Other conditions such as indoor temperature, the scent being emitted (for example, when a pine or coffee scent is emitted), user preferences, and the type of goods being purchased are also assumed. Fan 174, once started, can operate for a predetermined amount of time or until certain conditions are met.

[0035]

[0044] Figure 1G shows a side view of a checkout area 101 having a plurality of self-checkout systems according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1G, the checkout area 101 includes at least a first self-checkout system 100A and a second self-checkout system 100B arranged back to back. Both the first self-checkout system 100A and the second self-checkout system 100B are configured similarly to the self-checkout system 100 in Figures 1A and 1B, and therefore similar numbers are used to refer to similar structures when describing the first and second self-checkout systems 100A, 100B.

[0036]

[0045] As shown in Figure 1G, the first self-checkout system 100A includes an adjustable baffle 194 located at the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122. The adjustable baffle 194 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In Figure 1G, the adjustable baffle 194 is shown in the extended position, and the adjustable baffle 194 is shown in the retracted position by a dashed line. In at least one example, the adjustable baffle 194 may be hinged to the rear panel 122, for example, as shown in Figure 1G. In one or more examples, the adjustable baffle 194 may be manually adjusted, for example, by user input. In one or more examples, the adjustable baffle 194 may be automatically adjusted, for example, by a controllable motor coupled to it. Furthermore, in one or more examples, the adjustable baffle 194 may be adjustable to different extended positions, such as a fully extended position and an intermediate extended position, in addition to the retracted position. The adjustable baffle 194 may be oriented at different angles with respect to a reference axis in each of the multiple extended positions.

[0037]

[0046] In the retracted position, the adjustable baffle 194 is configured to allow heated air deflected by the curved deflector 152 to flow unobstructed toward the rear of the first self-checkout system 100A. However, in the deployed position, as shown in Figure 1G, the adjustable baffle 194 is positioned to guide the air deflected by the curved deflector 152 upward, for example, along the Z direction. Thus, heated air flowing along the airflow channel 168 may first be deflected by the curved deflector 152 toward the rear 104 of the first self-checkout system 100A and away from the display screen 148, and then the deflected heated air may be deflected again upward, for example, along the Z direction, by the adjustable baffle 194. Advantageously, the adjustable baffle 194 directs the heated air upward rather than straight horizontally relative to the rear 104, so that the heated air does not move directly toward the second self-checkout system 100B, which is positioned back-to-back with the first self-checkout system 100A. Such a configuration can improve the cooling of the first and second self-checkout systems 100A and 100B. Furthermore, this configuration can also prevent heated air from blowing directly onto users using the second self-checkout system 100B, thereby improving the user's shopping experience.

[0038]

[0047] The second self-checkout system 100B also includes an adjustable baffle 194 located at the upper end 172 of the rear panel 122. The adjustable baffle 194 is movable between a retracted position and an deployed position. In Figure 1G, the adjustable baffle 194 is shown in the deployed position, and the adjustable baffle 194 is shown in the retracted position by a dashed line. The adjustable baffle 194 of the second self-checkout system 100B is configured similarly to the adjustable baffle 194 of the first self-checkout system 100A, and as a result, the adjustable baffle 194 can be moved to the deployed position to direct the air deflected by the curved deflector 152 upward, for example along the Z direction. Therefore, heated air flowing along the airflow channel 168 may first be deflected by the curved deflector 152 toward the rear 104 of the second self-checkout system 100B and away from the display screen 148, and then the deflected heated air may be deflected again by the adjustable baffle 194, for example, upward along the Z direction. Advantageously, the adjustable baffle 194 directs the heated air upward rather than straight horizontally relative to the rear 104, so that the heated air does not move directly toward the first self-checkout system 100A. Such a configuration can improve the cooling of the first and second self-checkout systems 100A and 100B. Furthermore, this configuration can also prevent heated air from blowing directly onto the user using the first self-checkout system 100A, thereby improving the user's shopping experience.

[0039]

[0048] The features shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, and described in the accompanying text, are combinable with each other, and any combination of these features is intended. For example, in at least one example, the features of Figures 1A and 1B can be combined with the features of Figure 1C, or Figure 1D, or Figure 1E, or Figure 1F, or Figure 1G, or any combination thereof.

[0040]

[0049] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a self-checkout system 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B shows a side view of the self-checkout system 200. The self-checkout system 200 is configured similarly to the self-checkout system 100 in Figures 1A and 1B, and therefore, when describing the self-checkout system 200, the same numbers are used to refer to similar structures, except that the numbers are each increased by 100.

[0041]

[0050] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the self-checkout system 200 has a front section 202 and a rear section 204, and includes a housing 214 or cabinet defining the interior 216. The housing 214 has a base support 218, a base 220, and a rear panel 222. The rear panel 222 extends upward from the base 220, for example, along the Z direction, and has a rear wall 236 opposite the front wall 234. The front wall 234 has a vertical planar section 238 and a curved bottom section 240 that causes the front wall 234 to transition between the vertical and horizontal directions. The rear panel 222 has an upper end 272. A payment terminal 242 may be mounted on the side wall of the rear panel 222.

[0042]

[0051] The self-checkout system 200 further includes an interactive module 246 having a display screen 248 and a control unit 250. The interactive module 246 is mounted to a rear panel 222, such as a vertical planar section 238 of a front wall 234, by mounting brackets 254. In at least some examples, the interactive module 246 is cantilevered from the vertical planar section 238, for example, as shown in Figure 2B. The mounting brackets 254 can connect the casing of the interactive module 246 or the control unit 250 to the rear panel 222 at the upper end 272 of the rear panel 222. Furthermore, in this example, the display screen 248 extends vertically upward from the upper end 272 of the rear panel 222. In at least one example, at least half of the vertical length of the display screen 248 is positioned vertically upward from the upper end 272 of the rear panel 222. In the example shown in Figure 2B, more than half of the vertical length of the display screen 248 is positioned vertically above the upper end 272. The vertical length of the display screen 248 extends, for example, along the Z direction, between the upper surface 256 and the lower surface 258.

[0043]

[0052] An airflow channel 268 is defined between the display screen 248 and the rear panel 222. Heated air HA, or air heated by the display screen 248 and the control unit 250, can move upward along the airflow channel 268 by natural convection or forced convection by the fan 274. The heated air HA can generally be discharged toward the rear 204 of the self-checkout system 200. Compared to the self-checkout system 100 in Figures 1A and 1B, the self-checkout system 200 does not include a curved deflector in the examples of Figures 2A and 2B, but may include one or more other examples. Thus, the self-checkout system 200 in the examples of Figures 2A and 2B utilizes the height of the display screen 248 to maintain the heated air HA toward the rear 204 of the self-checkout system 200. In one or more further examples, the fan 274 may be activated, depending on the conditions, to move the heated air HA downward along the airflow channel 268, similar to the example described with respect to Figure 1F.

[0044]

[0053] In one or more examples, the architecture of the self-checkout system 200 can be made to position the system's center of gravity in the center, which is advantageous as it can reduce the stress on the mounting bracket 254 and the rear panel 222, for example, making the self-checkout system 200 less likely to tip over if it is subjected to an impact event, providing the user with a more solid feel when making inputs on the display screen 248, and allowing for a more compact design.

[0045]

[0054] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, in one or more examples, the cross-directional length L1 of the rear panel 222 (for example, the length of the rear panel 222 along the X direction from the vertical planar portion 238 of the front wall 234 to the rear wall 236) is less than half the cross-directional length L2 of the base 220 (for example, the length of the base 220 along the X direction extending between the front and rear walls of the base 220, as shown in Figure 2B). In this regard, the housing 214 forms a notch 296 or area in which an interactive module 246, including a display screen 248 and a control unit 250, can be positioned. The notch 296 provides space for the display screen 248 to protrude from the base 220 of the housing 214, at least partially, as shown in Figure 2B. This allows the display screen 248 and the control unit 250 to be positioned closer to the cross-directional centerline CL of the self-checkout system 200, and the center of gravity of the self-checkout system 200 to be positioned more centrally. As mentioned above, aligning the center of gravity can offer various advantages and benefits.

[0046]

[0055] Furthermore, the rounded bottom edge of the rear panel 222, which connects to the base 220 on the front side of the housing 214, can provide structural rigidity to the rear panel 222, which facilitates the attachment of the interactive module 246 to the rear panel 222 and can reduce stress concentration within the housing 214. As shown in Figure 2B, the rear panel 222 has an increasing intersecting length according to the radius at its rounded bottom edge of the curved bottom portion 240. The curved bottom portion 240 is curved below the display screen 248.

[0047]

[0056] It will be understood that the housings of the self-checkout systems in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G each have the same or similar configuration as the self-checkout system 200. Therefore, the architectures of the self-checkout systems in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G can be made to place the center of gravity of these systems in the center, which can provide the advantages mentioned above.

[0048]

[0057] In addition, it is intended that any of the features shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, and described in the accompanying text, can be implemented in the self-checkout system 200 of Figures 2A and 2B, and in any combination thereof.

[0049]

[0058] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a computing system 300 for a self-checkout system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, any computing system for a self-checkout system described herein may be configured according to the computing system 300 of Figure 3.

[0050]

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the computing system may include one or more processors 312 and one or more memory devices 314, which may be embodied in one or more computing devices 311. One or more processors 312 may include any suitable processing device such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, or other suitable processing device. One or more memory devices 314 may include, but are not limited to, one or more computer-readable media, including non-temporary computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and other memory devices.

[0051]

[0060] One or more memory devices 314 can store information accessible by one or more processors 312, including computer-readable instructions 316 or computer-readable program code that can be executed by one or more processors 312. The instructions 316 can be any set of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 312, cause one or more processors 312 to perform an action. The instructions 316 can be software written in any preferred programming language or implemented in hardware.

[0052]

[0061] The memory device 314 can further store data 318 that can be accessed by the processor 312. For example, the data 318 may include any of the data described herein. The data 318 may include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, equations, libraries, etc., as described in exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053]

[0062] The computing system 300 may also include, for example, a communication interface 320 used to communicate with other components of the self-checkout system. The communication interface 320 may include, for example, any preferred components for interfacing with one or more networks, including transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other preferred components.

[0054]

[0063] The descriptions of various embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limitful to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described. The terminology used herein has been chosen to best describe the principles, practical applications, or technical improvements to the technologies available on the market, or to enable those else skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0055]

[0064] The embodiments presented in this disclosure are referenced below. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to a different embodiment or not, is intended to implement and practice the intended embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or the prior art, but whether or not advantages are achieved by a given embodiment does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are illustrative only and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims. Similarly, references to “this disclosure” should not be interpreted as a generalization of the subject matter of any invention disclosed herein and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0056]

[0065] The embodiments described may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments that combine software and hardware embodiments, which may be commonly referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.”

[0057]

[0066] One or more of the embodiments described may be a system, method, and / or a computer program product. A computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform an aspect of the embodiment.

[0058]

[0067] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any preferred combination thereof. A non-exhaustive list of examples of computer-readable storage mediums includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disks (DVDs), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punched cards or grooved raised structures on which instructions are recorded, and any preferred combination thereof. The computer-readable storage media used herein should not be construed as transient signals themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmitting media (e.g., light pulses passing through optical fiber cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0059]

[0068] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device, or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers, or a combination thereof. A network adapter card or network interface within each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within each computing / processing device.

[0060]

[0069] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations of the described embodiments may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or it may be connected to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, for example, an electronic circuit including a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) may execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of computer-readable program instructions in order to personalize the electronic circuit in order to perform the embodiments described.

[0061]

[0070] The aspects of the embodiments described herein will be described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart or block diagram, or both, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart or block diagram, or both, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0062]

[0071] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or a processor of another programmable data processing device to create a machine, where instructions executed via the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device create means to perform functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart or block diagram or both. These computer-readable program instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on which the instructions are stored, so as to provide a product containing instructions that perform modes of functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart or block diagram or both, and can instruct a computer, a programmable data processing device, or other device, or a combination thereof, to function in the manner described.

[0063]

[0072] Computer-readable program instructions may be loaded into a computer, another programmable data processing device, or another device to generate a computer execution process in which instructions executed on a computer, another programmable device, or another device perform functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart or block diagram, or both, causing the computer, another programmable device, or other device to execute a series of operational steps.

[0064]

[0073] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products in various embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or part of an instruction containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described in a block may be performed in an order different from the order shown in the figure. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, or both, and any combination of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, or both, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0065]

[0074] The above applies to one or more embodiments, but other embodiments and further embodiments may be devised without departing from their basic scope, and the scope thereof is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A housing having a base and a rear panel extending from the base, The interactive module mounted on the rear panel, Equipped with, The interactive module has a display screen and a deflector positioned on the upper surface of the display screen. A self-checkout system in which the deflector deflects the air heated by the display screen and moving upward in an airflow channel formed between the display screen and the rear panel, so as to move away from the display screen.

2. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the rear panel has a front wall having a vertically flat portion and a curved bottom portion that allows the front wall to move between the vertical and horizontal directions.

3. The self-checkout system according to claim 2, wherein the interactive module is cantilevered from the vertical plane portion.

4. The self-checkout system according to claim 2, wherein the curved bottom portion curves below the display screen.

5. The self-checkout system according to claim 2, wherein the display screen extends from the base of the housing.

6. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the interactive module is located behind the display screen and has a fan configured to selectively move air upward through the airflow channel.

7. The self-checkout system according to claim 6, wherein the fan is selectively activated based on feedback indicating that a temperature threshold has been reached.

8. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the deflector has a concave curvature with respect to the rear panel.

9. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the deflector is located vertically above the rear panel of the housing.

10. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the rear panel has a curved portion having a shape complementary to the deflector.

11. The deflector extends from the rear panel, as described in claim 1, for the self-checkout system.

12. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the housing has one or more vents that provide fluid communication between the inside of the housing and the airflow channel.

13. The self-checkout system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more ventilation holes is located on the front wall of the rear panel.

14. The self-checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustable baffle located on the upper surface of the rear panel, wherein the adjustable baffle is movable between a stowed position and an extended position, and in the extended position, the adjustable baffle is positioned to direct upward the air deflected by the deflector.

15. A housing having a base and a rear panel extending from the base, An interactive module is attached to the rear panel, has a display screen, and has an airflow channel formed between the display screen and the rear panel. Fans, A computing system having one or more processors and one or more memory devices for storing programs, Equipped with, When the program is executed, it will cause one or more processors to: Receiving an input indicating the current temperature, Based on the current temperature, determine whether the temperature threshold has been reached. When the temperature threshold is reached, the fan is activated to move the heated air in the airflow channel upward or downward along the airflow channel. A self-checkout system that allows users to perform actions, including the following, individually or collectively.

16. The aforementioned operation is, Further including determining whether a user is present in the self-checkout system, The self-checkout system according to claim 15, wherein the fan is stopped or not started when the user is present in the self-checkout system.

17. The interactive module includes a fragrance emitter having a fragrance chamber and a fragrance blower, and the operation is as follows: The curved bottom surface of the rear panel deflects the predetermined scent toward the front of the self-checkout system, and the scent blower is activated to move the predetermined scent released from the scent chamber along the airflow channel. The self-checkout system according to claim 15, further comprising:

18. Bass and, Extending from the base, having a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall having a vertical planar portion, and a rear panel A housing equipped with, The rear panel has a cross-directional length (length in the X direction) extending between the vertical plane portion and the rear wall, and the base has a cross-directional length extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and the cross-directional length of the rear panel is smaller than the cross-directional length of the base so that the housing defines a notch, the housing and An interactive module, which is mounted on the rear panel and has a display screen positioned within the notch, and which protrudes from the base, A self-checkout system equipped with this feature.

19. The self-checkout system according to claim 18, wherein the front wall of the rear panel has a curved bottom portion that moves the front wall between the vertical and horizontal directions, and the curved bottom portion is positioned below the display screen.

20. The self-checkout system according to claim 18, wherein the interactive module is attached to the upper end of the rear panel, and at least half of the vertical length of the display screen is positioned vertically above the upper end.

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