Self-configuring guidance for self-checkout system
By utilizing image detection algorithms to analyze captured images of POS systems, the method accurately determines the physical configuration of POS systems, addressing the issue of incorrect software updates and customer instructions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024185040
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-01
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Point-of-Sale (POS) systems often fail to accurately determine their physical configuration, leading to incorrect software updates and confusing customer instructions, especially when the system is switched between left-handed and right-handed configurations.
The use of captured images from cameras installed on or near the POS system to determine its physical configuration, with image detection algorithms identifying the location of the bagging area and updating the software application accordingly.
This method allows for automatic, non-human-intervention-based identification of the POS system's configuration, ensuring that customer instructions are accurate and reducing the need for manual reconfiguration.
Smart Images
Figure 2025089258000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001]
[0001] Point-of-Sale (POS) systems (such as self-checkout systems) are often sold as modular systems that can be configured in different forms. For example, a POS system may include a shelf for holding a shopping basket, a scanner for scanning items that a customer wishes to purchase, and a bagging area for placing the items in a bag after they are scanned. The location and orientation of the POS system within the store can determine on which side of the scanner the shelf and the bagging area are located. For example, a store owner may desire that the bagging area be on the side of the scanner that is closest to the store exit. In some orientations, the bagging area can be on the left side of the scanner with respect to a customer facing the scanner (i.e., a left-handed configuration), while in other orientations, the bagging area can be on the right side of the scanner with respect to the customer (i.e., a right-handed configuration). The operation of the POS system can vary depending on whether it is in a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0002]
Figure 1
[0002] Illustrate a POS system according to an embodiment.
Figure 2
[0003] Illustrate a top view of a POS system in right-handed and left-handed configurations according to an embodiment.
Figure 3
[0004] A flowchart for updating a software application in response to determining whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration according to an embodiment.
Figure 4
[0005] A flowchart for determining whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration using motion according to an embodiment.
Figure 5
[0006] A flowchart for determining whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration by identifying components in the POS system according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003]
[0007] Embodiments of this specification describe techniques for identifying whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration and then updating a software application in response thereto. A POS system typically includes a display for outputting information such as which items a customer has scanned, a total, a help button, and instructions to the customer. The instructions can include instructions for scanning items (e.g., take out an item, scan an item, and place the item in the bagging area), as well as troubleshooting instructions (e.g., when an item is placed in the bagging area without being scanned). These instructions can vary depending on whether the POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration. For example, the instruction for placing a scanned item in the bagging area can have an arrow pointing to the bagging area, which varies depending on whether the POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration.
[0004]
[0008] When installing a POS system, a technician may forget (or make a mistake) in indicating the configuration of the POS system. Also, a store owner can move the POS system to a different location or orientation and switch between a right-handed configuration and a left-handed configuration. If the software application running on the POS system (which controls what is output on the display) is configured to not match the physical configuration of the POS system, it may output confusing instructions such as pointing in the wrong direction to the bagging area.
[0005]
[0009] Embodiments of this specification describe using captured images of a POS system to determine its physical configuration and then updating a software application so that the POS system provides information to customers based on the accurate configuration. The images can be captured from one or more cameras installed on or near the POS system. In one embodiment, the camera can capture items as they are scanned by a customer. By analyzing the movement of the items (how the items cross the camera's field of view), it is possible to identify the location of the bagging area even when the bagging area is not within the camera's field of view. In another embodiment, the camera's field of view can capture the bagging area. An image detection algorithm can identify the bagging area and then identify the configuration of the POS system based on the location of the bagging area. In either case, once the location of the bagging area is identified, the system can determine its configuration and update the software application accordingly. Advantages of Determining the Physical Configuration of a POS System
[0006]
[0010] The software application running on the POS system operates differently depending on whether the POS system has a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration. Embodiments of this specification provide an automatic, e.g., non-human-intervention-involved, method that uses image processing to verify the current physical configuration of the POS system and then reconfigure the software application in response. Doing so affects the processing and output of the software application running on the POS system.
[0007]
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a POS system 100 according to one embodiment. The POS system 100 includes a shelf 105 disposed on one side of an enclosure 170 and a bagging area 140 disposed on the other (opposite) side of the enclosure 170. In one embodiment, the enclosure 170, the shelf 105, and the bagging area 140 are modular components and, for example, are not permanently connected to each other. As shown, for a customer facing the POS system 100, the shelf 105 is disposed on the left side of the customer, while the bagging area 140 is disposed on the right side of the customer. Since these components are modular, the locations of the bagging area 140 and the shelf 105 can be switched such that the bagging area 140 is disposed on the left side of the enclosure 170 while the shelf 105 is disposed on the right side of the enclosure 170. The shelf 105 and the bagging area 140 can be connected to the enclosure 170 (e.g., using fasteners or some other means), but this is not a requirement. For example, the shelf 105 and the bagging area 140 can be connected to something other than the enclosure 170 (e.g., the floor or a frame) to hold these modular components in a fixed position.
[0008]
[0012] As shown, the shelf 105 is used to hold a shopping cart 110 containing items 115 that a customer desires to purchase using the POS system 100. For example, the customer can place the shopping cart 110 on the shelf 105 such that the customer can easily remove and scan the items 115.
[0009]
[0013] In other situations, the customer may have placed the items 115 in a shopping cart. The customer can use the shelf 105 to hold the items. For example, the customer can first unload the items 115 from the cart onto the shelf 105 to make the items 115 easier to handle during the checkout process.
[0010]
[0014] The display 120, camera 175, scanner 130, and camera 180 are installed in or on the enclosure 170. For example, the display 120 may include a display screen that enables the POS system 100 to communicate with a customer. The display 120 can output price information, purchase lists, scan instructions, troubleshooting instructions, and the like. In one embodiment, the display 120 is a touch screen so that a user can interact with the display. For example, the user can use the touch screen to select produce, cancel a scan, call for assistance, and the like.
[0011]
[0015] The scanner 130 is disposed at the top of the enclosure 170 and provides an area where a customer can move or slide an item to read the barcode on the item 115. The scanner 130 can also include an integrated scale for weighing items such as produce. Embodiments herein are not limited to any particular type of scanning technology or a particular number of scanners.
[0012]
[0016] Camera 175 is disposed at a location on the enclosure such that its field of view includes scanner 130. In this way, camera 175 can capture an image of a customer moving an item onto and above scanner 130. In one embodiment, camera 175 has a dual purpose. One purpose may include capturing an image of an item that does not have a barcode, such as produce. A machine learning or artificial intelligence model can be used to perform image recognition to identify the produce. This saves the customer the effort of having to manually identify the produce for the POS system 100 (e.g., selecting the produce from a menu on display 120 or entering a code). In one embodiment, the image captured by camera 175 can be used to determine on which side of the enclosure the bagging area 140 and shelf 105 are located. For example, the image captured by camera 175 can be analyzed to determine the movement of item 115 as it enters and exits the area of scanner 130. This is discussed in more detail in FIG. 4 below.
[0013]
[0017] FIG. 1 also illustrates mounting an overhead camera 180 on the enclosure. In one embodiment, POS system 100 may have only one of cameras 175 or 180, while in other embodiments, POS system 100 may have both cameras. Camera 180 may also have a dual purpose. One purpose may be for loss prevention, where the image captured by camera 180 is analyzed to determine whether a customer has moved item 115 into the bagging area 140 (either by mistake or with malice) without first scanning item 115 using scanner 130. To do this, the field of view of camera 180 can include the bagging area 140 and scanner 130, as well as other areas of POS system 100.
[0014]
[0018] In another embodiment, the overhead camera 180 can see at least the bagging area 140, so the captured images can be used to identify the location of the bagging area 140 (e.g., using an image analysis algorithm). For example, the POS system 100 can determine on which side of the enclosure 170 the bagging area 140 is disposed. This can then indicate the physical configuration of the POS system 100 (whether the POS system 100 is a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration). This is discussed in more detail in FIG. 5.
[0015]
[0019] The bagging area 140 includes bags 135 disposed on a hanger. After scanning the item 115, the user can place the item into the bag 135. The bagging area 140 also includes a scale 145. The scale 145 weighs the item after it is placed in the bag 135 (or in the customer's own bag if the customer brought their own) to confirm whether the weight of the item matches the expected weight of the sold item. This can also help with loss prevention.
[0016]
[0020] The POS system 100 also includes a computing system 150. The computing system 150 can be integrated into the enclosure 170 (e.g., as part of the display 120), or may be separate from the POS system 100 but communicatively coupled, for example, using an Ethernet® cable. The computing system 150 can represent any number of computing devices. For example, the computer system 150 can be implemented by a computer device disposed within the enclosure 170, or can be a server disposed elsewhere in the store.
[0017]
[0021] Computing system 150 includes a processor 155 and a memory 160. The processor 155 represents one or more processing elements that can each include one or more processing cores. The memory 160 can be volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and combinations thereof. The memory 160 includes a POS application 165 (e.g., a software application) that controls the operation of the POS system 100. For example, the POS application 165 can include any number of software modules (or a set of software applications) that communicate with the scanner 130, cameras 175 and 180, display 120, scale 145, and other components in the POS system 100. The POS application 165 can receive inputs from these components and send commands.
[0018]
[0022] In one embodiment, the POS application 165 uses an image captured by the camera 175 or 180 to determine the physical configuration of the POS system 100, e.g., whether the POS system 100 is a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration. The POS application 165 can then ensure that the POS application 165 operates based on the correct configuration.
[0019]
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the POS application 165 does not operate based on the correct configuration. In FIG. 1, the POS system 100 has a right-handed configuration because the bagging area 140 is on the right side of the customer when the customer is facing the POS system 100. However, the scan instruction 125 on the display 120 illustrates the scan instruction for when the POS system 100 is in a left-handed configuration. That is, the scan instruction 125 is based on the shelf 105 being on the right side of the enclosure 170, while the bagging area 140 is disposed on the left side of the enclosure 170. As such, the scan instruction 125 indicates instructions for the customer to take an item from the right side, scan the item at the scanner 130, and then bag the item on the left side. However, the scan instruction 125 should instead indicate taking an item from the left side, scanning the item at the scanner 130, and then bagging the item on the right side. Embodiments herein describe techniques by which the POS application 165 can automatically detect the physical configuration of the POS system 100 using one (or both) of the cameras 175 and 180 and update its operation accordingly.
[0020]
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view 200 of a POS system in right-handed and left-handed configurations according to an embodiment. The top view 200 illustrates three POS systems 205A - C arranged as a right-handed POS system and three POS systems 210A - C arranged as a left-handed POS system. The six POS systems are arranged such that there is a column between them through which a customer can move to an available station.
[0021]
[0025] When forming the POS configuration as shown in FIG. 2, it is often desirable to configure the POS system such that the bagging area 140 is closest to the store exit 250. This is often more intuitive for customers. As such, the POS systems 205A - C on the left side of the row are right-handed configurations, while the POS systems 210A - C on the right side of the row are left-handed configurations. For example, customer 215 is using POS system 205C to check out, where the bagging area 140 is on the right side of customer 215 and the shelf 105 is on the left side of customer 215 (i.e., right-handed configuration). In contrast, customer 220 is using POS system 210B to check out, where the bagging area 140 is on the left side of customer 220 and the shelf 105 is on the right side of customer 220 (i.e., left-handed configuration).
[0022]
[0026] When installing the POS system, the POS application may ask the installer for the configuration. If the installer makes a mistake, the POS application may operate incorrectly (as shown by the scan instructions 125 in FIG. 1). Or, the store may move the POS system to a different part of the store and change its configuration without notifying the POS application. In this way, the POS application may provide feedback or instructions to the customer based on an incorrect assumption of the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0023]
[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method 300 for updating a software application in response to determining whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration according to an embodiment. At block 305, a camera captures an image of the POS system. In one embodiment, the camera may be mounted on or within the POS system. For example, the camera may be camera 175 or 180 illustrated in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the camera may not be mounted on the POS system. For example, a camera within a first POS system may be within the field of view of a camera on a second POS system. An image captured by the camera on the second POS system can be used to determine the physical configuration of the first POS system using method 300. Or, a store camera (e.g., mounted on the store roof) may have a field of view that includes the POS system. An image captured by the camera can be used in method 300 to identify the physical configuration of one or more POS systems. Thus, embodiments herein are not limited to using a camera on or within a POS system.
[0024]
[0028] At block 310, a software application (e.g., POS application 165 of FIG. 1) identifies whether the POS system is in a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration. In one example, the software application analyzes the image captured at block 305 to determine the direction in which a customer moves an item across the scanner area. For example, if the item moves from right to left (relative to the customer) while being scanned, this indicates that the bagging area is on the left side of the POS system, and thus the system is in a left-handed configuration. In contrast, if the item moves from left to right (relative to the customer) while being scanned, this indicates that the bagging area is on the right side of the POS system, and thus the system is in a right-handed configuration.
[0025]
[0029] In another example, the image may capture some or all of the bagging area. An image detection algorithm (e.g., an ML or AI image detection model) can analyze the image to identify the bagging area. For example, an ML or AI image detection model can be trained to recognize the bagging area based on its features such as storage bags, scales, and the like. The camera may have a known position relative to the POS system, from which, by identifying the location of the bagging area in the image, the software application can determine on which side of the POS system the bagging area is located. In another example, when the position of the camera relative to the POS system is unknown, the ML or AI image detection model can detect multiple components in the image such as shelves, scanners, or displays, and the bagging area. Based on identifying the multiple components, the software application can determine their relative positions and, therefrom, the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0026]
[0030] In still other embodiments, the software application can identify in the image where a shelf (e.g., shelf 105 in FIG. 1) is relative to the scanner or enclosure. From this, even if the image does not include the bagging area, by knowing the location of the shelf, the software application can infer that the bagging area is on the other side of the enclosure, thereby determining the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0027]
[0031] In block 315, the software application determines whether the configuration matches its current configuration. For example, the software application may check to ensure that it is operating based on the physical configuration it has detected.
[0028]
[0032] In one embodiment, the software application that detects the current configuration of the POS system can be different from the software application that controls the POS system. In that case, the software application that detects the current configuration of the POS system can send instructions to the POS that controls the POS system to ensure that it is operating based on the current configuration.
[0029]
[0033] If the current configurations do not match, method 300 proceeds to block 320 where the software application running on the POS system is reconfigured. As such, when outputting instructions or feedback to the customer, the POS system can here indicate the exact locations of the bagging area and shelves shown in FIG. 1.
[0030]
[0034] If the current configurations do not match, method 300 proceeds to block 325 where the camera captures additional images of the POS system. This can occur over time. Method 300 can then return to block 320 where those images are evaluated to determine if the configuration has changed. In this way, the software application can detect situations where the POS system can be moved or rearranged such that it can have a first physical configuration at time A and then a second physical configuration at time B. Then, the operation of the software application running on the POS system can be automatically changed without the need for a human to reconfigure the application (e.g., without a service call).
[0031]
[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for determining whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration using motion according to one embodiment. Method 400 illustrates one exemplary implementation where an image of the POS system is captured and the image can then be used to identify the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0032]
[0036] In block 405, a camera captures the movement of an item as the item is scanned by a POS system. For example, the camera used in method 400 can be the camera 175 of FIG. 1 that monitors the scan area of the POS system. The field of view of camera 175 may not include the bagging area or the shelf. As such, it may not be possible to determine whether the POS system is in a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration based simply on determining the location of components using the images captured by camera 175. Nevertheless, method 400 can still be executed to determine the configuration of the POS system. For this reason, method 400 may be preferred or used when the camera does not have a field of view that captures either the bagging area or the shelf.
[0033]
[0037] In block 410, a software application identifies whether the POS system is in a left-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration based on the movement of the item. For example, if a customer moves an item from right to left (relative to the customer's perspective), this implies that the bagging area is on the left side of the POS system while the shelf is on the right side of the POS system, and thus that the POS system is in a left-handed configuration. Conversely, if a customer moves an item from left to right (again, relative to the customer's perspective), this implies that the bagging area is on the right side of the POS system while the shelf is on the left side of the POS system, and thus that the POS system is in a right-handed configuration. In this way, the movement of the item as the customer moves the item through the POS system can be used to infer the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0034]
[0038] Method 400 can then proceed to block 315 of FIG. 3 to determine whether the physical configuration determined by method 400 matches the physical configuration stored in the POS application that controls the POS system.
[0035]
[0039] In one embodiment, the camera used in method 400 has a dual purpose. One purpose is to capture an image (e.g., video) that can be used to detect the movement of an item, while the other purpose can be to identify agricultural products or assist in loss prevention.
[0036]
[0040] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for determining whether a POS system is in a right-handed configuration or a left-handed configuration by identifying components in the POS system according to one embodiment. Method 500 captures an image of the POS system, which then illustrates another exemplary implementation that can be used to identify the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0037]
[0041] In block 505, a camera captures an image of the POS system. The camera used in method 500 can be a camera that includes the shelves and / or the bagging area of the POS system within its field of view. A camera such as camera 180 in FIG. 1 can be mounted on the POS system or can be mounted elsewhere in the store, such as on another POS system or on the store ceiling.
[0038]
[0042] In block 510, a software application uses an object detection algorithm (e.g., an ML or AI model) to identify the bagging area in the image. According to some embodiments, the image may not include a bagging area but may include shelves. The location of the shelves can also be used to determine the physical configuration of the POS system. However, it may be easier to detect the location of the bagging area because the location of the bagging area may have features or components that are easier for the object detection algorithm to detect than the shelves. In fact, method 500 can be used to detect any component in the POS system that can be used to determine the physical configuration of the POS system when identified.
[0039]
[0043] In block 515, the software application identifies whether the POS system is in a left-handed configuration or a right-handed configuration based on the location of the bagging area (or the location of the shelf). The software application can analyze an image to identify the bagging area or the shelf. For example, an ML or AI image detection model can be trained to recognize the bagging area or the shelf based on identifying characteristics. The camera can have a known position relative to the POS system, and from this, by identifying the location of the bagging area or the shelf in the image, the software application can determine on which side of the POS system these components are arranged. In another example, if the position of the camera relative to the POS system is not known, the software application can detect multiple components in the image such as the shelf, scanner, or display, and the bagging area. Based on identifying the multiple components and their relative positions, the software application can determine the physical configuration of the POS system.
[0040]
[0044] Method 500 then proceeds to block 315 of FIG. 3 to determine whether the physical configuration determined by method 500 matches the physical configuration stored in the POS application that controls the POS system.
[0041]
[0045] In one embodiment, the camera used in method 500 has a dual purpose. One purpose is to capture an image (e.g., video) that can be used to detect the location of the bagging area, shelf, or some other component in the POS system related to the physical configuration of the POS system, while another purpose can be to assist in loss prevention.
[0042]
[0046] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure are presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited 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 described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or technical improvements found in the marketplace, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0043]
[0047] In the foregoing description, reference has been made to embodiments presented in the present disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the features and elements discussed above, whether or not related to different embodiments, is contemplated for implementing and practicing the contemplated embodiments. Further, the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or the prior art, but whether a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages discussed above are merely illustrative and are not considered to be elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited therein. Similarly, references to "the present disclosure" should not be construed as a generalization of the subject matter of any invention disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims unless expressly recited therein.
[0044]
[0048] Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software aspects and hardware aspects, all of which may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system."
[0045]
[0049] The present disclosure can be a system, method, and / or computer program product. The computer program product can include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having thereon computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to implement aspects of the present disclosure.
[0046]
[0050] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage medium 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 disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, punch cards, mechanically encoded devices such as a raised structure in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, should not be construed to be a transitory signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse passing through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.
[0047]
[0051] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to respective computing / processing devices, 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 can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within each respective computing / processing device.
[0048]
[0052] Computer-readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (e.g., through 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 the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing the state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit and carry out aspects of the present disclosure.
[0049]
[0053] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.
[0050]
[0054] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the computer processor or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises a manufactured article including instructions for implementing the manner of function / operation specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.
[0051]
[0055] The computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.
[0052]
[0056] Flowcharts and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the drawings. For example, depending on the relevant functions, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations, or by combinations of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0053]
[0057] Although the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the following claims.
Claims
1. Capturing an image of a point of sale (POS) system; identifying whether the POS system is in a first configuration or a second configuration based on analyzing the image; reconfiguring a software application that controls the POS system in response to identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration; A method comprising:
2. Reconfiguring the software application includes:
2. The method of claim 1, comprising reconfiguring the software application to output instructions for display depending on whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the first configuration being a left-handed configuration and the second configuration being a right-handed configuration.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the POS system includes a bagging area, and the first configuration and the second configuration represent a location of the bagging area in the POS system.
4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the bagging area is disposed on a first side of a scanner in the POS system and shelves for holding items to be purchased are disposed on a second opposite side of the scanner.
5. Capturing the image includes: The method of claim 1 , comprising capturing an image of an item being moved in proximity to a scanner in the POS system.
6. Identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration includes: determining a direction of movement of the item in the image; determining a location of a bagging area in the POS system based on the movement; The method of claim 5 comprising:
7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a camera that captures the image includes within its field of view at least one of a bagging area or a shelf in the POS system, the shelf configured to hold items for purchase until the items are scanned in the POS system.
8. Identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration includes:
8. The method of claim 7, comprising identifying a location of at least one of the bagging area or the shelves in the image to determine whether the POS system is in a left-handed or right-handed configuration.
9. The POS system is A scanner and Packing area and a computing system for controlling the POS system; the computing system comprises: receiving an image of the POS system; identifying whether the POS system is in a first configuration or a second configuration based on analyzing the image; reconfiguring a software application for controlling the POS system in response to identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration; The POS system is configured to:
10. Further comprising a display, Reconfiguring the software application includes: reconfiguring the software application to output instructions on the display responsive to whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the first configuration being a left-handed configuration and the second configuration being a right-handed configuration. The POS system according to claim 9.
11. 10. The POS system of claim 9, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration represent a location of the bagging area in the POS system.
12. 10. The POS system of claim 9, wherein the bagging area is disposed on a first side of the scanner in the POS system and shelves for holding items to be purchased are disposed on a second opposite side of the scanner.
13. a camera configured to capture an image of an item being moved in proximity to the scanner; The POS system of claim 9 further comprising:
14. Identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration includes: determining a direction of movement of the item in the image; determining a location of the bagging area in the POS system based on the movement; and The POS system of claim 13 .
15. and a camera configured to capture the image, the camera having a field of view that includes at least one of the bagging area or shelves in the POS system, and identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration includes: identifying a location of at least one of the bagging area or the shelves in the image to determine whether the POS system is in a left-handed or right-handed configuration. The POS system according to claim 9.
16. A computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therein, the computer readable program code being executable by one or more computer processors to perform operations, the operations including: Capturing an image of a POS system; identifying whether the POS system is in a first configuration or a second configuration based on analyzing the image; reconfiguring a software application that controls the POS system in response to identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration; A computer-readable storage medium comprising:
17. Reconfiguring the software application includes:
17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, further comprising reconfiguring the software application to output instructions for display depending on whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the first configuration being a left-handed configuration and the second configuration being a right-handed configuration.
18. 17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the POS system includes a bagging area, and the first configuration and the second configuration represent a location of the bagging area in the POS system.
19. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the bagging area is disposed on a first side of a scanner in the POS system and shelves for holding items to be purchased are disposed on a second opposite side of the scanner.
20. Capturing the image includes: capturing an image of an item being moved proximate to a scanner in the POS system, and identifying whether the POS system is in the first configuration or the second configuration includes: determining a direction of movement of the item in the image and determining a location of a bagging area in the POS system based on the movement; 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 16, comprising: