Checkout station

Abstract

A checkout station having a cashier side and a customer side, the station comprising: a counter; a bagging unit movably positioned on the counter between first and second positions corresponding with the customer and cashier sides, respectively; a checkout unit; a turntable mounted within the checkout unit and configured to rotate between first and second orientations corresponding with the cashier and customer sides, respectively; and an electronic display and / or barcode scanner movably associated with the turntable, wherein the checkout station is configurable between: a cashier-assisted mode wherein the bagging unit is in the first position and the turntable is in the first orientation such that the barcode scanner and the display face the cashier side; and a self-checkout mode wherein the bagging unit is in the second position and the turntable is in the second orientation such that the barcode scanner and the display face the customer side.

Description

[0001] Checkout station

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a checkout station. I n particular, the checkout station is configured to be operable between a cashier-assisted mode and a self-checkout mode.

[0004] Backoround

[0005] Retail stores commonly utilise a mixture of checkout stations: stations configured for use by cashiers, and stations configured for self-checkout by customers. For example, for relatively simple transactions, self-checkout stations may be preferable so that customers can process transactions themselves and little-to-no staff assistance is required, thereby reducing staff requirements.

[0006] Alternatively, for customers that may not be comfortable or familiar with selfcheckout stations, and for more complicated transactions, including returns and the like, customers approach a second type of checkout station configured to be operated by a cashier who can help process customer transactions.

[0007] Different stores have different checkout station needs, and these needs may fluctuate based on shopping times throughout the day, week or even throughout the year. For example, during busier periods with high foot traffic, it may be that more purchases need to be processed with the assistance of cashiers, whereas during quieter times a store may be able to operate more efficiently with fewer staff members and rely more on self-checkout stations. However, commonly available checkout stations are configured either for self-checkout or for operation by a cashier. As such, once a store is fitted with checkout stations, there is little flexibility to reconfigure the checkout stations to meet changing checkout needs and thus the management of customer foot traffic and staffing levels is, at least in part, constrained by the functionality of the checkout stations It can be costly and time-consuming to replace one type of checkout station with another and thus a store may be limited in its ability to optimise the number of cashiers available and customer foot traffic. Additionally, having fixed types of checkout stations may limit the flexibility with which a store can change its layout (e.g., position, number and size of shopping aisles, display stands etc).

[0008] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a checkout station having a cashier side and a customer side, the station comprising: a counter; a bagging unit movably positioned on the counter between first and second positions corresponding with the customer and cashier sides, respectively; a checkout unit; a turntable mounted within the checkout unit and configured to rotate between first and second orientations corresponding with the cashier and customer sides, respectively; and an electronic display and / or barcode scanner movably associated with the turntable, wherein the checkout station is configurable between: a cashier-assisted mode wherein the bagging unit is in the first position and the turntable is in the first orientation such that the barcode scanner and the display face the cashier side; and a self-checkout mode wherein the bagging unit is in the second position and the turntable is in the second orientation such that the barcode scanner and the display face the customer side.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present invention, the bagging unit is movably associated with the turntable such that rotation of the turntable between the first and second orientations correspondingly moves the bagging unit to the first and second positions, respectively. I n certain examples, the bagging unit is configured to travel linearly on the counter between the first and second positions as the turntable rotates between the first and second orientations, respectively. In at least one example, the bagging unit is adjacent to and movable relative to the checkout unit.

[0012] It is envisaged that the turntable comprises a ring gear actuable to rotate the turntable. I n certain embodiments, the checkout station further comprises a slotted link interconnecting the ring gear and the bagging unit such that rotation of the ring gear between the first and orientations correspondingly drives the bagging unit between the first and second positions, respectively.

[0013] The checkout station may further comprise an actuating means for configuring the station between the two modes. For example, the actuating means may be manually accessible from the cashier side. I n a preferred embodiment, to configure the checkout station between the two modes, the actuating means must remain actuated by both hands of a user during configuration.

[0014] Preferably, the display is configured to have a first user interface when the station is in the cashier -assisted mode, and a second user interface when the station is in the self-checkout mode.

[0015] I n preferred embodiments of the invention, the checkout station is motorised for movement between the two modes. For example, upon actuation by a cashier, the checkout station can be automatically driven from one mode to the other mode.

[0016] It is envisaged that the checkout station may also comprise a second display configured to indicate the mode of the checkout station. In this way, users can readily tell, perhaps from a distance, whether the checkout station is ready for use in a selfcheckout mode, or in a cashier-assisted mode. Brief description of the drawinos

[0017] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] Fig. 1 A is a front perspective view of a checkout station according to embodiments of the present invention, the station shown in a cashier-assisted mode;

[0019] Fig. 1 B is a top view of the checkout station of Fig. 1 A;

[0020] Fig. 2A is a rear perspective view of the checkout station of Fig. 1 A, the station shown in a self-checkout mode;

[0021] Fig. 2B is a top view of the checkout station of Fig. 2B;

[0022] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the checkout station of Fig. 1 A;

[0023] Fig. 4A is a rear perspective of the checkout station of Fig. 2A, a checkout unit of the station being shown partially transparent;

[0024] Fig. 4B is a rear perspective of the checkout station of Fig. 4A with a display and barcode scanner of the station omitted;

[0025] Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the checkout station of Fig. 4B with additional components of the checkout unit omitted;

[0026] Figs. 6A to 6C is a sequence of views of the checkout unit and corresponding turntable moving from the cashier-assisted side to the self-service side;

[0027] Figs. 7A to 7C is a sequence of side views of the checkout station moving from the cashier- assisted mode to the self-checkout mode;

[0028] Figs. 8A to 8C is a sequence of partial cross-sectional top views of the checkout station corresponding to the sequence of Figs. 7A to 7C; and

[0029] Fig. 9 is a close-up of Fig. 8B.

[0030] Detailed description

[0031] Disclosed herein is a checkout station 2 that is configurable between a cashier- assisted mode and a self-checkout mode. I n other words, the presently disclosed checkout station 2 can be configured to be used by an end customer in a self-checkout mode, and can also be configured to be used by a cashier in a cashier-assisted mode, wherein a cashier can operate the checkout station 2 to assist a customer with their transaction. I n this way, a store’s ability to manage customer foot traffic and staffing levels is not bound by a fixed number of self-checkout stations and a fixed number of cashier-assisted checkout stations; instead, the store can simply configure the presently disclosed checkout station 2 between the two operating modes based on the changing needs of the store.

[0032] Figs. 1 A to 2B show a checkout station 2 according to embodiments of the present invention. Figs. 1 A and 1 B show the checkout station 2 in the cashier-assisted mode and Figs. 2A and 2B show the checkout station 2 in the self-checkout mode. The checkout station 2 comprises a counter 4 and a bagging unit 6 movably positioned on the counter 4, as will be discussed. Items to be bagged and / or purchased can be temporarily placed on top of the bagging unit 6, as well as on an upper surface or ledge 8 of the counter 4 that is not covered by the bagging unit 4. The bagging unit 4 may comprise clasps 10 for holding the handles of bags into which items to be purchased can be placed.

[0033] The checkout station 2also comprises a checkout unit 12 via which transactions can be processed. I n the depicted embodiment, the checkout unit 12 comprises a lower cabinet-like base 14 and an upper housing portion 16 via which products can be scanned and transactions processed.

[0034] Referring to the remaining Figures, the present checkout station 2 also comprises a turntable 18 mounted within the checkout unit 12, the turntable 18 being rotatable about its axis. The checkout station 2 also comprises a barcode scanner 20 and an electronic display 22, each of which is movably associated with the turntable 18. I n this way, when the turntable 18 rotates, the barcode scanner 20 and the display 22 also rotate with the turntable 18. Preferably, the turntable 18 can rotate at least 180 degrees about its axis, the turntable 18 being rotatable between a first orientation wherein the barcode scanner 20 and the display 22 face one side of the checkout station 2 (i.e. , so as to face and be operable by a cashier in the cashier-assisted mode), and a second orientation wherein the 20 scanner and the display 22 face an opposite side of the checkout station 2 ( i.e. , so as to face and be operable by a customer in the self-checkout mode) .

[0035] Referring to Fig. 5, the depicted bagging unit 6 is substantially hollow and comprises lower wheels or rollers 24 which allow the bagging unit 6 to move back and forth along the upper surface of the counter 4. The bagging unit 6 is movable back and forth on the counter 4 so that the counter 4 and bagging unit 6 combination is configured for use by either the cashier in the cashier-assisted mode or the customer in the selfcheckout mode. As will be discussed, the bagging unit 6 is in mechanical communication with the turntable 18 so that rotational movement of the turntable 18 causes corresponding movement of the bagging unit 6 back and forth on the counter 4.

[0036] Fig. 1 A shows the checkout station 2 in the cashier-assisted mode, wherein the turntable 18 is in a first orientation such that the barcode scanner 20 and the display 22 face the cashier. The cashier would thus be situated on a cashier side of the checkout station 2 while the customer, on the opposite side of the checkout station 2, would be situated on a customer side of the checkout station 2.

[0037] Referring also to Fig. 3, the depicted counter 4 has an upper surface 8 upon which the bagging unit 6 can travel. A width of the counter 4 is smaller than a width of the bagging unit 6 such that at least a portion of the upper surface 8 of the counter 4 remains uncovered by the bagging unit. Referring to Fig. 1A, in the cashier-assisted mode, the bagging unit 6 assumes a first position wherein it is spaced away from the cashier and is proximate the customer side of the checkout station 2. I n this first position, a first portion of the upper surface 8a of the counter 4 proximate to the cashier side is uncovered by the bagging unit 6; this first portion 8a functions as a ledge upon which the cashier can place and bag items to be purchased.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 2A, the present checkout station 2 can also be configured to operate in a self-checkout mode, wherein the turntable 18 is rotated approximately 180 degrees to a second orientation such that the barcode scanner 20 and the display 22 face the customer side of the checkout station 2. I n the self-checkout mode, the bagging unit 6 assumes a second position wherein it is spaced away from the customer and is thus proximate to the cashier side of the checkout station 2. I n this second position, a second portion of the upper surface 8b of the counter 4 proximate to the customer side is uncovered and similarly functions as a ledge upon which the customer can place and bag items to be purchased.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 3, the checkout unit 12 comprises a lower cabinet-like base 14 in which electronics, cabling, and other components of the checkout station 2 may be stored for motorised configuration of the present checkout station 2 between its two modes. The checkout station 2 also comprises an upper platform or housing portion 16 in which the turntable 18 is mountable. I n the depicted embodiment, the upper housing 16 comprises a circular hollow 26 into which a correspondingly shaped turntable 18 is mounted.

[0040] The depicted turntable 18 comprises a ring gear 28 that is motorised and actuable to rotate at least 180 degrees between the cashier side and the customer side of the checkout station 2. The turntable 18 also comprises an upper cover or tray 30 which is movably associated with the underlying ring gear 28. The tray 30 comprises a substantially flat upper surface 32 that fits over and at least partially cover the circular hollow 26. The tray 32 is formed with a central recessed housing 34 sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the barcode scanner 20 therein. In the depicted embodiment, the recessed housing 34 is generally rectangular and configured to receive the correspondingly shaped rectangular base of the barcode scanner 20. The tray 30 also comprises an opening 36 through which a support post 38 can protrude, wherein the display 22 can be fixed to the support post 38, along with other auxiliary components, such as an EFTPOS machine 40 and optionally advertising displays 42 and the like.

[0041] Referring also to Fig. 1 A, the upper housing 16 of the checkout unit 12 is provided with one or more manually actuable buttons 44 which are depressible to move or configure the checkout station 2 between its two modes. Preferably, the buttons 44 are only physically accessible from the cashier side of the checkout station 2 such that a customer is not able to readily move the checkout station 2 between its two modes. I n a preferable embodiment, it is envisaged that the buttons 44 (or other manually operable actuation means) are physically spaced from one another such that both hands of the cashier are required to be engaged to actuate the buttons 44. For example, one hand must be pressing one button while the other hand presses another and physically separated button. I n one example, the cashier must continuously press the buttons 44 so that the checkout station 2 moves from one mode to the other, wherein disengagement from one or both buttons 44 results in the checkout station 2 ceasing its movement. This safety feature ensures that the limbs of the cashier will not inadvertently get caught or otherwise struck by the checkout station 2 as it moves from one mode to the other. I nstead, the cashier must be physically stationary with both hands engaging the actuating means to enable simultaneous movement of the checkout station 2 from one mode to the other. I n certain embodiments, the checkout station 2 may also be configured to emit audible and / or visual indicators (e.g. , sounds and / or lights) during reconfiguration of the checkout station 2.

[0042] The checkout station 2 can thus be operated in a first cashier-assisted mode, wherein the turntable 18 assumes a first orientation such that the barcode scanner 20 and the display 22 face the cashier side of the checkout station 2. I n this configuration, the bagging unit 6 is in a first position wherein the bagging unit 6 is positioned away from the cashier side so that the first portion of the upper surface 8a of the counter 4 closest to the cashier side is exposed and functions as a ledge upon which the cashier can arrange items to be bagged and purchased. Of course, items can also be temporarily positioned on the bagging unit 6.

[0043] To configure the checkout station 2 into the self-checkout mode, the buttons 44 can be depressed (or any other actuation means for that matter) to, via motorised means, rotate the turntable 18 such that the movably associated tray 30 and thus barcode scanner 20 and electronic display 22 face the customer side of the checkout station 2, ready for use by a customer. This is illustrated in Figs. 6A to 6C; in particular, Fig. 6A shows the turntable 18, barcode scanner 20 and display 22 in the cashier-assisted mode so as to face the cashier; Fig. 6B shows the components 18, 20, 22 in an intermediate position halfway between the cashier- assisted and self-checkout modes; and Fig. 6C shows the components 18, 20, 22 in the self-checkout mode.

[0044] Figs. 5 and 8A to 8C show how the bagging unit 6 may be in mechanical communication with the turntable 18 such that as the turntable 18 rotates, the bagging unit 6 is correspondingly moved along the upper surface 8 counter 4. I n the depicted embodiment, the checkout station 2 comprises a slotted link or rod 46 interconnecting the bagging unit 6 and the ring gear 28 of the turntable 18 to translate rotation of the turntable 18 into linear displacement of the bagging unit 6. Referring to Fig. 9, a first end 48 of the slotted rod 46 is connected to the ring gear 28 and configured to pivot about this connection point 48 as the ring gear 28 rotates. A second end 50 of the rod is slotted, the slot being configured to receive therethrough a feature fixed to the bagging unit 6, such as a fastener 52. Fig. 8A shows the checkout station 2 in the cashier-assisted mode, wherein the turntable 18 is in the first orientation and the bagging unit 6 is in the first position proximate to the customer side. As the turntable 18 rotates to an intermediate orientation as shown in Fig. 8B, the slotted rod 46 is driven into the substantially hollow bagging unit 6, pulling with it the bagging unit 6 into an intermediate position between the first and second positions. As the turntable 18 rotates to the second orientation as shown in Fig. 8C, the slotted rod 46 is pulled back by the ring gear 28 so as to be substantially withdrawn out of the bagging unit 6, pulling with it the bagging unit 6 into the second position proximate to the cashier side. Figs. 7A to 7C correspond, respectively to Figs. 8A to 8C.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 6A to 6C, the upper housing 16 of the checkout unit 12 (which is arranged adjacent to the bagging unit 6 so as to substantially cover the hollow opening thereof) is provided with a horizontally extending slit 54 through which the slotted rod 46 extends to interconnect and move the bagging unit 6.

[0046] Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, it is envisaged that the user interface and / or functionality presented on the electronic display 22 may automatically adjust based on the operational mode of the checkout station. For example, in the cashier-assisted mode, the display 22 may present more comprehensive functionality for use by the cashier, whereas when the station 2 is moved into the selfcheckout mode, the display 22 may automatically switch to a self-checkout mode wherein more limited functionality is presented to the customer. It is also envisaged that configuring the checkout station 2 between the two modes may require certain security measures and access, such as physical keys or passwords possessed by the cashier, to prevent unintended reconfiguration of the checkout station 2. It is also considered that any number of known mechanisms may be implemented to achieve mechanical communication between the turntable 18 and the bagging unit 6, including, for example, a gearing system.

[0047] I n further examples, it is envisaged that the bagging unit 6 can optionally be positioned on either side of the checkout station 2, regardless of the orientation of the turntable 18. Of course, the checkout station 2 can readily be adapted to incorporate other commonly available checkout features, including conveyor belts, scales, cash registers etc. It is also envisaged that the checkout station 2 may comprise locking means for locking the station 2 in each of its two modes, such that once the checkout station 2 assumes an operating mode, it is locked to that mode and cannot be configured out of that mode (e.g., via force, accidental or otherwise) unless via the appropriate actuation means (e.g., unlocked by a key, and / or via actuation of the aforementioned buttons) .

[0048] The station 2 may also comprise switches or sensors configured to detect which operating mode the station 2 is in, the switches / sensors being integrated with peripherical devices of the station 2 (e.g. , the display 22) to automatically configure the devices for the operating mode of the station 2. I n certain embodiments, the checkout station 2 may a further display, such as an electronic screen, configured to automatically indicate to customers, cashiers and the like, whether the checkout station 2 is in the selfcheckout or cashier-assisted modes. For example, the display may display the words SELF-SERVICE or CASH I ER ASSISTANCE to assist customers and cashiers with identifying the checkout stations 2 which are configured for their needs. I n certain embodiments, the electronic display may be positioned near a front of a conveyor of the checkout station such that before items to be purchased are placed on the convey, a customer can confirm that they are indeed using a checkout station 2 that is in their desired operational mode and configuration.

[0049] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0050] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it) , or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A checkout station having a cashier side and a customer side, the station comprising: a counter; a bagging unit movably positioned on the counter between first and second positions corresponding with the customer and cashier sides, respectively; a checkout unit; a turntable mounted within the checkout unit and configured to rotate between first and second orientations corresponding with the cashier and customer sides, respectively; and an electronic display and / or barcode scanner movably associated with the turntable, wherein the checkout station is configurable between: a cashier-assisted mode wherein the bagging unit is in the first position and the turntable is in the first orientation such that the barcode scanner and the display face the cashier side; and a self-checkout mode wherein the bagging unit is in the second position and the turntable is in the second orientation such that the barcode scanner and the display face the customer side.

2. The checkout station of claim 1, wherein the bagging unit is movably associated with the turntable such that rotation of the turntable between the first and second orientations correspondingly moves the bagging unit to the first and second positions, respectively.

3. The checkout station of claim 2, wherein the bagging unit is configured to travel linearly on the counter between the first and second positions as the turntable rotates between the first and second orientations, respectively.

4. The checkout station of claim 2 or 3, wherein the bagging unit is adjacent to and movable relative to the checkout unit.

5. The checkout station of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the turntable comprises a ring gear actuable to rotate the turntable.

6. The checkout station of claim 5, further comprising a slotted link interconnecting the ring gear and the bagging unit such that rotation of the ring gear between the first and orientations correspondingly drives the bagging unit between the first and second positions, respectively.

7. The checkout station of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuating means for configuring the station between the two modes.

8. The checkout station of claim 7, wherein the actuating means is manually accessible from the cashier side.

9. The checkout station of claim 7 or 8, wherein to configure the checkout station between the two modes, the actuating means must remain actuated by both hands of a user during configuration.

10. The checkout station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display is configured to have a first user interface when the station is in the cashier-assisted mode, and a second user interface when the station is in the self-checkout mode.

11. The checkout station of any one of the preceding claims, the station being motorised for movement between the two modes.

12. The checkout station of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second display configured to indicate the mode of the checkout station.

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