Arrangement of data collection devices at a self-service checkout

Abstract

Arrangement of data capture devices for the self-service capture of merchandise codes at a self-service checkout, with a provisioning device (10) for a plurality of merchandise capture devices (12), characterized in that the data capture device is a tablet computer, hereinafter referred to as tablet (12), and that a plurality of tablets (12) can be kept or are kept in the provisioning device (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of data recording devices for the self-service recording of product codes at a self-service checkout.

[0002] The customer's ability to scan goods and pay the purchase amount—self-scanning and self-checkout—is becoming increasingly popular. At one well-known facility, the customer, after identifying themselves to the billing system, takes an EAN code reader designed as a laser gun from a display wall. The latter contains a large number of laser guns arranged in several rows and columns. The disadvantage of using laser guns is that they are limited exclusively to scanning goods.

[0003] It's also common practice to use a customer's own smartphone for registration and / or inventory and billing. This can sometimes lead to compatibility issues due to the wide variety of different mobile phones and application programs. Another disadvantage is the small size of the display, which limits its use for customer information and advertising purposes.

[0004] The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] The inventive arrangement of data capture devices for the self-service capture of merchandise codes at a self-checkout with a provision device for a plurality of merchandise capture devices is characterized in that the data capture device is a tablet computer, hereinafter referred to as a tablet for short, and that a plurality of tablets can be or are kept ready in the provision device. Compared to a laser gun, a tablet has the advantage of a larger screen and the ability to display and preprocess previously captured shopping data during the merchandise collection process. Furthermore, for example, a shopping list can be loaded and / or a map of the department store can be displayed.

[0006] After the customer has been identified by entering a code or by recognizing a customer attribute, only a single tablet is released for collection. This prevents theft of these high-value devices.

[0007] According to a further development of the invention, when the tablet is inserted into the provision device, a connection is established which serves to charge the energy storage device or additionally to transmit data.

[0008] The tablet's electrical connectors, which serve to connect it to the provisioning device, advantageously allow electrical energy to be supplied to another device after the tablet has been removed from the provisioning device. Furthermore, data can be exchanged with it.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, explains the invention using an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1 a provisioning device with a large number of tablets in perspective view.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a supply device 10 with a plurality of tablets 12. The tablets 12 are arranged in rows in two columns 14, 16, one below the other. They are each located in a receiving recess in which they are individually releasably held by locking mechanisms (not shown).

[0011] Electrical contacts are arranged in the receiving recesses. When the tablet 12 is inserted into the provisioning device, a connection is established that serves to charge the tablet 12's power storage unit or, in addition, to transmit data.

[0012] A touchscreen 18 is located to the side of the receiving recesses. This serves to provide information to customers and also to enter customer identification. Entering customer identification releases the lock on one of the tablets 12, allowing it to be removed by the customer.

[0013] A card reader 20 is located below the touchscreen 18 so that customer identification can also be carried out using a customer card.

Claims

[1] Arrangement of data recording devices for the self-service recording of goods codes at a self-service checkout (self-checkout), with a provision device (10) for a plurality of goods recording devices (12), characterized by that the data acquisition device is a tablet computer, hereinafter referred to as tablet (12), and that a plurality of tablets (12) can be or are kept in the provision device (10). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, in which after the customer has been identified by entering a code or by recognizing a customer feature, only one tablet (12) is released for removal. [3] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the tablet (12) is inserted into the provision device (10), a connection is established which serves to charge the energy storage device or also additionally to transmit data. [4] Arrangement according to claim 3, in which electrical energy can be supplied to another device and / or data can be exchanged with it via electrical connection means of the tablet (12) after its removal from the provision device (10).

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