Interactive training system for merchandise bag packing and apparatus for same

Abstract

A bagging apparatus includes a bag support for thermoplastic merchandise bags in a bag pack, a bag opener holding open a bag mouth of the bags, a scale weighing items placed in the bag and a first indicator displaying information related to weight of items placed in the bag. The apparatus includes an item counter determining the number of items in the bag and a mechanism determining the volume of items in the bag. A second indicator signals when the counter reaches a predetermined item count. A third indicator signals when the mechanism indicates a predetermined volume is reached. A bag counter determines the number of bags removed from the apparatus. Circuitry transmits the weight-related, volume and item count information to a computer program for tracking the information for each bag filled. The circuitry also interfaces with a bag inventory system and generates bagger performance tracking information for each user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 815,469 filed Mar. 31, 2004 and incorporates by reference the disclosure thereof.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the field of training systems, and more specifically to a computerized training system for packing of plastic grocery bags and the apparatus that the trained packer will use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Grocery stores operate on very thin margins and compete heavily for customers. Judicious use of grocery bags affects competitiveness of grocery stores in at least two ways. First, bags in which customers carry their purchased groceries are given to the customers free of charge. Second, the manner in which the bags are packed by a grocery clerk are an essence part of the overall customer service experience and the last impression left upon the customer as they travel home. [0004] In the former context, bags are an expense borne by the grocer as a courtesy to t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] In accordance with the present invention, a computer game paradigm is used to train trainees in the skill of packing grocery bags. A number of items appearing on a conveyor in the computer game are packed into one or more grocery bags in accordance with user input gestures of the trainee using graphical user interface techniques. The trainee is able to rotate items to make them fit within a bag in relation to positions of other items already within the bag. In addition, the trainee is able to move items within the bag to occupy different positions within the lateral boundaries of the bag.

[0021] Scores of individual trainees are recorded and stored in a database such that administrators can observe training activity and performance of such trainees. Accordingly, such administrators can identify trainees who might not be ready to pack groceries of actual customers, either by failure to adequately train using the simulated bag packing environment or by failure to improve scores within the simulated bag packing environment. Such trainees can be given individual attention prior to bagging groceries for actual customers—thereby significantly improving satisfaction of the customers in the manner in which groceries are bagged.

Problems solved by technology

Such an actual environment can require an elaborate physical training station at considerable expense or can require off-hours use of an actual bagging station within a grocery store at considerable inconvenience to the trainer and trainee.

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