Collapsible input shelf for checkout system
The foldable input shelf in self-checkout systems addresses the inefficiencies of conventional systems by adjusting its position for both small baskets and standard carts, enhancing transaction speed and comfort.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024185078
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-09
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
AI Technical Summary
Conventional self-checkout systems with drop shelves are optimized for hand-held baskets, leading to inefficiencies when standard-sized shopping carts are used, causing increased trunk flexion and wasted movement, which prolongs transaction time and reduces lane throughput.
A foldable input shelf in the checkout system that adjusts its position based on the detection of a shopping cart, allowing it to be folded out of the way when a cart approaches, optimizing space for both small baskets and standard carts.
Improves transaction efficiency and shopper comfort by enabling standard carts to be positioned next to the checkout system, reducing unnecessary bending and accelerating the transaction process.
Smart Images
Figure 2025107969000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001]
[0001] This disclosure relates to a checkout system used for point-of-sale (POS) transaction management. Some checkout systems, such as some self-checkout systems, include a drop shelf where a shopper can place a hand-held basket and merchandise during a POS transaction. The drop shelf can be an obstacle in certain situations, such as when a user attempts to checkout with a standard-sized shopping cart.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0002]
Figure 1
[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2
Figure 3
[0003] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4
[0004] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5
[0005] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6
[0006] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7
[0007] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8
[0008] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9
[0009] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10
[0010] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11
[0011] Figure 11 is a flowchart for a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12
[0012] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003]
[0013] Conventional self-checkout (SCO) systems typically include a drop shelf where a shopper can place a hand-held basket and merchandise during a point-of-sale (POS) transaction. Such drop shelves are typically optimized for the height of a hand-held basket. Generally, the height of the drop shelf is selected to place the hand-held basket placed on the drop shelf as high as possible to reduce the amount of bending required by the shopper to retrieve merchandise from the hand-held basket, but not to protrude higher than the scanning surface of the SCO system. One problem with the drop shelves of conventional SCO systems is that they tend not to allow a standard-sized shopping cart to be pushed right next to the SCO system. Rather, such standard-sized shopping carts remain separated from the SCO system by at least the length of the drop shelf. Thus, shoppers with standard-sized shopping carts using conventional SCO systems typically experience greater trunk flexion and wasted movement when emptying the contents of their standard-sized carts. This increases the time until such transactions are completed and reduces the overall lane throughput.
[0004]
[0014] A checkout system is disclosed herein. In at least one example, a checkout system is provided that has an input shelf optimized for both a small carry basket and a standard-sized shopping cart. In this regard, improved transaction efficiency and shopper comfort can be achieved. In one aspect, a checkout system is provided that includes a foldable input shelf positioned horizontally at a height optimized for a carry basket until a shopping cart comes to the checkout system. When it is detected that the shopping cart is approaching the checkout system, the input shelf is automatically folded, for example, rotated upward, rotated downward, or slid into the interior of a cabinet. The input shelf is folded so that it is moved out of the way to allow the shopping cart to come right next to the checkout system. The checkout system may include features for detecting a cart approaching the checkout system and for locking / unlocking the input shelf in a horizontal position at a height optimized for a carry basket and / or in a folded position. When the cart is no longer within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system, the input shelf can be moved back from the folded position to a horizontal position at a height optimized for a carry basket. This prepares the input shelf for the next shopper.
[0005]
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The checkout system 100 can be used, for example, to complete a point-of-sale (POS) transaction. In some embodiments, the checkout system 100 can be a self-checkout system. For reference, the checkout system 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T (entering and exiting the page of FIG. 1). The vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to each other and form an orthogonal coordinate system.
[0006]
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout system 100 includes a display 110, a payment terminal 112, a cabinet 114, and a loading shelf 116 coupled to the cabinet 114. The display 110 can display content to the user. The payment terminal 112 can include, among other components, a barcode scanner, a receipt issuer, a touch panel, a card reader, and the like that enable, among other things, completing a POS transaction. The cabinet 114 supports the display 110 and the payment terminal 112 and houses various components of the checkout system 100, such as a computing device 118 or a host computer and modules for receiving bills and coins. The computing device 118 functions to control various operations of the checkout system 100, including controlling one or more controllable devices of the checkout system 100 to fold the loading shelf 116 in response to detecting a shopping cart approaching the checkout system 100. In other embodiments, the loading shelf 116 can be controlled (e.g., to fold) using a control device and sensors in an actuator mechanism rather than relying on the computing device 118 for control.
[0007]
[0017] The loading shelf 116 is coupled to the cabinet 114. The loading shelf 116 provides, for example, a place for the user to place a small basket or merchandise thereon during a POS transaction. The loading shelf 116 can be installed at an ergonomic height, for example, to minimize the user's bending while the basket is placed on the loading shelf 116. In at least one example, the loading shelf 116 of the checkout system 100 is foldable in response to detecting a cart 200 (e.g., a standard-sized shopping cart) approaching or at the checkout system 100. Folding or physically adjusting the loading shelf 116 can enable the user to push the cart 200 right next to the checkout system 100. This can advantageously improve the speed of larger transactions, reduce repeated bending of the user's torso, and improve the overall POS experience.
[0008]
[0018] Regarding the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the input shelf 116 is pivotally coupled to the cabinet 114. In at least one example, the input shelf 116 is between a horizontal position (shown in FIG. 1) and a vertical position (shown in FIG. 2) where the input shelf 116 is folded or moved out of the way so that a user can push the cart 200 right next to the cabinet 114 of the checkout system 100 and is pivotable. A hinge 120 pivotally couples the input shelf 116 to the cabinet 114. In this embodiment, the hinge 120 is coupled to the top wall 122 of the input shelf 116, which enables the rotation of the input shelf 116 and the support of the input shelf 116 when in the horizontal position. The hinge 120 may include a friction clutch so that the input shelf 116 does not free fall and return to a horizontal orientation.
[0009]
[0019] The input bin 116 has a distal end 124 and a proximal end 126, and the proximal end 126 is positioned closer to the cabinet 114 than the distal end 124 (when the input bin 116 is in the horizontal position). When moving from the horizontal position to the vertical position, for example, when the cart is approaching the checkout system 100 or it is detected that the cart is at the checkout system 100, the input bin 116 is rotatable such that the distal end 124 is rotated upward and toward the cabinet 114. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the input bin 116 is moved to the vertical position, the distal end 124 of the input bin 116 is positioned vertically above the upper part of the cabinet 114. When moving back from the vertical position to the horizontal position, for example, when the cart has moved away from the checkout system 100 or generally when there is no cart approaching the checkout system 100 or when there is no cart at the checkout system 100, the input bin 116 is rotatable such that the distal end 124 is rotated downward and away from the cabinet 114. An electric motor 128 can be operably coupled to the hinge 120 and can be controlled to move the input bin 116 from the horizontal position to the vertical position or vice versa. The electric motor 128 or its drive unit can be communicably coupled to the computing device 118, for example, by wired and / or wireless communication links. In this way, the electric motor 128 can receive control commands from the computing device 118.
[0010]
[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example of how the input bin 116 can be folded. That is, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the input bin 116 can be folded by being rotated upward to the vertical position. However, in some alternative embodiments, the input bin 116 can be rotated downward to the vertical position or can be slid into an internal position within the cabinet 114. Examples are provided below.
[0011]
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, the input shelf 116 is rotatable such that the distal end 124 rotates downward and toward the cabinet 114. In this regard, the input shelf 116 is foldable to a lower vertical position. The hinge 120 can be coupled to the bottom wall 130 of the input shelf 116, which enables rotation of the input shelf 116 to the lower vertical position. A lock or support mechanism, such as a locking pin, can be used to support the input shelf 116 when in the horizontal position. The input shelf 116 can be moved between positions by an electric motor.
[0012]
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the input shelf 116 is slidable between an external position (shown by phantom lines in FIG. 4) and an internal position where the input shelf 116 is received within the cabinet 114. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the input shelf 116 remains in a horizontal position throughout the range of its translational movement. The cabinet 114 can define a recess 132 sized to receive at least a portion of the input shelf 116. In some embodiments, the recess 132 can be defined to receive the entire input shelf 116 such that the input shelf 116 is fully folded within the cabinet 114. In other embodiments, the recess 132 can be defined to receive a portion of the input shelf 116, such as its proximal half, when folded, while the distal half can remain outside the cabinet 114. The input shelf 116 can be slid on a pair of opposing rails and moved along the rails by an electric actuator (e.g., a linear actuator) driven by an electric motor.
[0013]
[0023] Next, returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the checkout system 100 includes detection features that function to detect a cart approaching the checkout system 100. For the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the checkout system 100 includes a detection system 134. The detection system 134 includes a light emitter 136 and a light sensor 138. The light emitter 136 (e.g., a light-emitting diode) is arranged to emit light. In some embodiments, the light emitter 136 is arranged to emit light at a downward angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane RP. This can focus the light on a designated surface such as the reflective surface 210 of the cart 200. The light sensor 138 is arranged to sense light reflected by the cart 200, such as light reflected by the reflective surface 210. The electric motor 128 can fold the input shelf 116 in response to the light sensor 138 sensing light reflected by the cart 200. For example, when the light sensor 138 senses light reflected by the cart 200, such as light having a predetermined intensity, the light sensor 138 can route one or more signals indicating that the cart 200 is approaching the checkout system 100 to the computing device 118. One or more processors of the computing device 118 can process the one or more signals and determine, for example, based at least in part on the one or more processed signals, that the cart 200 is approaching the checkout system 100. The computing device 118 can then control the electric motor 128, or its drive unit, to fold the input shelf 116, for example, to the vertical position shown in FIG. 2. In some alternative embodiments, when the light sensor 138 senses light reflected by the cart 200 having a predetermined intensity, the light sensor 138 can route one or more signals through a control circuit, which can trigger the electric motor 128 (or an actuator coupled thereto) to fold the input shelf 116.
[0014]
[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example of a detection system 134 for the checkout system 100. However, in some alternative embodiments, the checkout system 100 can include additional or alternative features for detecting an approaching cart. Examples are provided below.
[0015]
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134 of the checkout system 100 may include an on-board camera 140. The on-board camera 140 may be arranged to capture an image or video of an area corresponding to approaching the checkout system 100, for example. The captured image or video may be processed by a computing device 118 communicatively coupled thereto. The computing device 118 may detect whether a cart, such as the cart 200 illustrated in FIG. 5, is approaching the checkout system 100. One or more image recognition techniques may be executed by the computing device 118 to determine whether a cart is approaching the checkout system 100. In response to detecting a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the input shelf 116 may be folded.
[0016]
[0026] In some embodiments, the detection system 134 may utilize input sensed by an off-board camera 142. The off-board camera 142 may be arranged to capture an image or video of an area corresponding to approaching the checkout system 100, for example. The captured image or video may be routed to the computing device 118, and then the computing device 118 may process the captured image or video. The computing device 118 may detect whether a cart is approaching the checkout system 100. As described above, one or more image recognition techniques may be executed by the computing device 118 to determine whether a cart is approaching the checkout system 100. In response to detecting a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the input shelf 116 may be folded.
[0017]
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134 may include a shelf bumper 144. As shown in FIG. 6, the shelf bumper 144 is coupled to the input shelf 116, for example, at its bottom wall 130. The shelf bumper 144 extends downwardly from the input shelf 116 and at an angle AG with respect to the vertical direction V. When the shelf bumper 144 is contacted, for example, with a predetermined force, such as by the cart 200 hitting the shelf bumper 144 or the user's his or her leg hitting the shelf bumper 144, a load cell 146 arranged to measure the input force applied to the shelf bumper 144 may measure the input force. The load cell 146 may route one or more signals corresponding to the input force applied to the shelf bumper 144 to the computing device 118. The computing device 118 may process the one or more signals and, when the input force applied to the shelf bumper 144 reaches a predetermined force, the computing device 118 may cause the electric motor 128 to fold the input shelf 116 to a vertical position, for example, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the shelf bumper 144 is pivotally coupled to the input shelf 116, for example, by a bumper hinge 148. In this way, when the input shelf 116 is folded, the shelf bumper 144 may also be folded. In some alternative embodiments, the load cell 146 may route one or more signals corresponding to the input force applied to the shelf bumper 144 through a control circuit, which may trigger the electric motor 128 (or an actuator coupled thereto) to fold the input shelf 116.
[0018]
[0028] In addition to, or as an alternative to, other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134, checkout system 100 may include a user input 150 that enables a user to instruct the input shelf 116 to be folded or returned to a horizontal position. As one example, the user input 150 may be displayed on the display 110 as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the user input 150 may be located in other locations, such as adjacent to the input shelf 116 or on the input shelf 116, on the payment terminal 112, and the like.
[0019]
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to, or as an alternative to, other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134 may be implemented as a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. As shown in FIG. 7, the checkout system 100 may include a reader 135 having one or more antennas. The antennas may emit radio waves and receive signals returning from the RFID tags 212 located on the cart 200. Each cart of all the carts in possession, or a subset thereof, may include an RFID tag that can be detected when a given one of the carts approaches the checkout system 100. In this way, approaching carts can be detected.
[0020]
[0030] In some further embodiments, the checkout system 100 may include a locking feature for locking the input shelf 116 in a fixed position, such as when in a horizontal position and / or when folded. Such a locking feature may be used in combination with any of the above-described embodiments. Examples of the locking feature are provided below.
[0021]
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the checkout system 100 includes a lock pin 152 that is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the lock pin 152 supports the input shelf 116 relative to the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position. In the disengaged position, the lock pin 152 is slid to enable the input shelf 116 to be folded, for example, to an upper vertical position as shown in FIG. 2.
[0022]
[0032] For the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the lock pin 152 is slidable along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position. In this example, the transverse direction T is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position. The input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 along the lateral direction L when in the horizontal position. Thus, the lock pin 152 is slidable along the transverse direction T. The lock pin 152 can be received, for example, within a shelf recess 154 defined by the input shelf 116 when in the engaged position. In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the pin drive motor 156 can be controlled to move the lock pin 152 along the transverse direction T from the engaged position to the disengaged position. When the lock pin 152 is in the disengaged position, the input shelf 116 can be moved, for example, to an upper vertical position as shown in FIG. 2 and folded.
[0023]
[0033] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment in which the checkout system 100 utilizes the locking pin 152. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the locking pin 152 is slidable along a direction parallel to the direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the lateral direction L is a direction parallel to the direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position. In this regard, the locking pin 152 is slidable along the lateral direction L. The locking pin 152 can be slid, for example, into the shelf-pin recess 158 defined by the input shelf 116 when in the engaged position. The locking pin 152 can be slid, for example, into the cabinet-pin recess 160 defined by the cabinet 114 when in the disengaged position. In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the pin drive motor 156 can be controlled to move the locking pin 152 along the lateral direction L from the engaged position to the disengaged position. When the locking pin 152 is in the disengaged position, the input shelf 116 can be moved, for example, to the upper vertical position as shown in FIG. 2 and folded up.
[0024]
[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, the checkout system 100 includes a magnetic lock feature. For the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the input shelf 116 includes a first permanent magnet 162, and the cabinet 114 includes a first electromagnet 164. The first electromagnet 164 is a component of a first control circuit 166, and the first control circuit 166 also includes a first switch 168 and a first power supply 170. When the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position (as shown by the solid line in FIG. 10), the first electromagnet 164 is activated such that the first electromagnet 164 is magnetically coupled to the first permanent magnet 162 of the input shelf 116. That is, the first switch 168 can be controlled to the closed position, which allows current to flow through the coil of the first electromagnet 164. The coil of the first electromagnet 164 can be wound around a core as shown in FIG. 10. When current flows through the coil of the first electromagnet 164, a magnetic flux is generated that magnetically couples the first electromagnet 164 and the first permanent magnet of the input shelf 116, which effectively "locks" the input shelf 116 in place in the horizontal position.
[0025]
[0035] For example, in response to the detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, as determined by the detection system 134, the first switch 168 can be controlled to the open position, which blocks the flow of current through the first control circuit 166, including through the coil of the first electromagnet 164. As a result, the first electromagnet 164 does not generate a magnetic flux. Consequently, the first electromagnet 164 is deactivated such that the first electromagnet 164 is magnetically decoupled from the first permanent magnet 162. This effectively "unlocks" the input shelf 116 and allows the input shelf 116 to be folded up, for example, to the upper vertical position as shown in FIG. 10.
[0026]
[0036] In some example embodiments, in addition to, or as an alternative to, the magnetic lock features described above, the checkout system 100 may include magnetic lock features for locking the input bin 116 while it is folded. As shown in FIG. 10, the input bin 116 includes a second permanent magnet 172, and the cabinet 114 includes a second electromagnet 174. The second electromagnet 174 is a component of a second control circuit 176, and the second control circuit 176 also includes a second switch 178 and a second power source 180. When the input bin 116 is in the vertical position (as indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 10), the second electromagnet 174 is activated such that the second electromagnet 174 is magnetically coupled to the second permanent magnet 172 of the input bin 116. That is, the second switch 178 can be controlled to the closed position, which allows current to flow through the coil of the second electromagnet 174. The coil of the second electromagnet 174 can be wound around a core, as shown in FIG. 10. When current flows through the coil of the second electromagnet 174, a magnetic flux is generated that magnetically couples the second electromagnet 174 and the second permanent magnet of the input bin 116, which effectively "locks" the input bin 116 in the vertical position, i.e., while it is folded.
[0027]
[0037] For example, in response to the cart no longer being detected in the checkout system 100 as determined by the detection system 134, the second electromagnet 174 can be deactivated such that the second electromagnet 174 is magnetically disengaged from the second permanent magnet 172. That is, the second switch 178 can be controlled to the open position, which blocks the flow of current through the second control circuit 176, including through the coil of the second electromagnet 174. As a result, the second electromagnet 174 does not generate a magnetic flux. Consequently, the second electromagnet 174 is deactivated such that the second electromagnet 174 is magnetically disengaged from the second permanent magnet 172. This effectively "unlocks" the input bin 116 and allows the input bin 116 to return to the horizontal position.
[0028]
[0038] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for a method 300 of folding an input shelf of a checkout system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029]
[0039] At 302, method 300 may include detecting a cart approaching the checkout system. For example, the checkout system may include a detection system configured to determine whether a cart is approaching the checkout system, or in other words, to detect whether the cart is within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system.
[0030]
[0040] In some exemplary implementations, the detection system may include a light emitter and a light sensor. The light emitter may emit light (e.g., continuously or at predetermined intervals). In some implementations, the light emitter is arranged to emit light at a downward angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane. The emitted light may be focused on a designated surface such as a reflective surface of an approaching cart. The light sensor may sense the light reflected by the reflective surface. When the light sensor senses light having a predetermined intensity, it may be determined that the cart is approaching the checkout system.
[0031]
[0041] In some exemplary implementations, the detection system may include an on-board system and / or an off-board camera that can detect a cart approaching the checkout system, or more precisely, whether the cart is within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system. Based on the image(s) and / or video captured by the camera(s), one or more image recognition techniques may be performed (e.g., by one or more processors of a computing device) to determine whether the cart is approaching the checkout system. In still other implementations, the detection system may include a shelf bumper coupled to the input shelf. A load cell associated with the shelf bumper may detect when a predetermined force is applied to the shelf bumper.
[0032]
[0042] In yet a further example implementation, the detection system can be implemented as an RFID system. For example, a checkout system can include a reader having one or more antennas. The antennas can emit radio waves and can receive signals from RFID tags located on the cart or simply from the tags. Each cart of all the carts in possession, or a subset thereof, can include an RFID tag that can be detected when a given one of the carts approaches the checkout system. In this way, an approaching cart can be detected.
[0033]
[0043] In 304, method 300 can include unlocking the input shelf at least in part based on detecting a cart approaching the checkout system. For example, the checkout system can include a locking feature that allows the input shelf to be locked in a fixed position while the input shelf is in a horizontal position, more precisely, a position where goods can be placed on the input shelf, for example, during a PSO transaction. In some example implementations, the checkout system can include a locking pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking pin can effectively lock the input shelf in a fixed position. In the disengaged position, the locking pin is moved, for example, to a folded position so that the input shelf can be moved. In still other example implementations, an electromagnet of the checkout system can be magnetically coupled to a permanent magnet of the input shelf. The magnetic coupling can lock the input shelf in a fixed position in the horizontal position. To unlock the input shelf, the electromagnet can be deactivated so that the electromagnet is magnetically disengaged from the permanent magnet of the input shelf.
[0034]
[0044] At 306, method 300 may include folding the input shelf of the checkout system with respect to the cabinet of the checkout system, at least partially based on the detection of a cart approaching the checkout system. For example, after unlocking the input shelf, the input shelf may be moved to a folded position. In some example implementations, the input shelf may be rotated upward to a vertical position, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 6, and 9. In other example implementations, the input shelf may be rotated downward to a vertical position, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. In yet further example implementations, the input shelf may be slid to an internal position, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. Further, an electric motor coupled to the input shelf may be used to move the input shelf to the folded position, in response to, for example, the detection of a cart approaching the checkout system.
[0035]
[0045] At 308, method 300 may include locking the input shelf in the folded position. For example, with the input shelf in the folded position, the input shelf may be locked in place. In some example implementations, an electromagnet of the checkout system, which may be located within the cabinet of the checkout system, may be magnetically coupled to a permanent magnet of the input shelf. The magnetic coupling may lock the input shelf in place in the folded position (e.g., a vertical position as shown in FIG. 2). In yet other example implementations, a locking pin may be used to lock the input shelf in place while the input shelf is in the folded position. Locking the input shelf in the folded position may advantageously improve the safety of the checkout system, among other advantages.
[0036]
[0046] At 310, method 300 may include determining whether the cart is still within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system. For example, the detection system may be utilized at 302 to determine whether a cart detected as approaching the checkout system is now leaving the area proximate to the checkout system. As determined at 310, when the cart is still within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system, method 300 returns to 308, where the input shelf remains in the folded position and, in some implementations, is locked in the folded position. As determined at 310, when the cart is no longer within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system, method 300 proceeds to 312.
[0037]
[0047] At 312, method 300 may include unlocking the input shelf from the folded position, at least in part based on the absence of a cart within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system. For example, in response to detecting that the cart is no longer within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system, as determined at 310, the input shelf may be unlocked and thus, for example, be prepared to move back to the horizontal position so that items can be placed thereon by the next user. In some implementations, unlocking the input shelf from the folded position may include deactivating an electromagnet so as to disengage it from a permanent magnet of the input shelf. In some other implementations, unlocking the input shelf from the folded position may include moving a locking pin from an engaged position to a disengaged position.
[0038]
[0048] In 314, method 300 may include moving the input shelf to a horizontal position based at least in part on the absence of a cart within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system. For example, after unlocking the input shelf in 312, the input shelf may be moved to the horizontal position. An electric motor may be activated to move the input shelf to the horizontal position in a controlled manner. In some example implementations, the input shelf may be rotated downward from the vertical position to the horizontal position. In other example implementations, the input shelf may be rotated upward from the vertical position to the horizontal position. In still further example implementations, the input shelf may be slid, for example, from an internal position to the horizontal position (or an external position).
[0039]
[0049] In summary, when a cart (e.g., a standard-sized shopping cart) approaching the checkout system is detected, the input shelf is unlocked and moved from its horizontal position to a folded position where it does not interfere (since the cart is not separated from the checkout system by the input shelf) so that the user can push the cart next to the checkout system. For example, after the completion of a POS transaction, when the cart is pushed away from the checkout system, the input shelf is unlocked from its folded position and may be returned to the horizontal position to prepare the checkout system for the next user. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, method 300 may be repeated.
[0040]
[0050] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of computing device 118. As shown in FIG. 12, computing device 118 may include one or more processors 118A and one or more memory devices 118B. The one or more processors 118A may include any suitable processing device such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory devices 118B may include one or more computer-readable media including, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and other memory devices.
[0041]
[0051] The one or more memory devices 118B may store information accessible by the one or more processors 118A, including computer-readable instructions 118C or computer-readable program code executable by the one or more processors 118A. When executed by the one or more processors 118A, the instructions 118C may be any set of instructions that cause the one or more processors 118A to perform operations such as operations associated with folding the check-out system's input bin. The instructions 118C may be software written in any suitable programming language or may be implemented in hardware.
[0042]
[0052] The memory device(s) 118B may further store data 118D accessible by the processor(s) 118A. For example, the data 118D may include any of the data described herein. The data 118D may include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, formulas, libraries, etc. according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
[0043]
[0053] Computing device 118 may also include a communication interface 118E, for example, used to communicate with other components of the checkout terminal. The communication interface 118E may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, a port, a controller, an antenna, or other suitable components.
[0044]
[0054] The description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit 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 others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0045]
[0055] Reference will now be made to the embodiments presented in the present disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements is contemplated for implementing and practicing the contemplated embodiments, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Further, the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or prior art, but whether an advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless explicitly recited therein.
[0046]
[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system."
[0047]
[0057] Aspects of the present disclosure can be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product can include a computer-readable storage medium (s) having thereon computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the present disclosure.
[0048]
[0058] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The 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. Non-exhaustive lists of examples of computer-readable storage media include the following: 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 discs (DVDs), memory sticks, floppy disks, punch cards, mechanically encoded devices such as raised structures within grooves storing instructions, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed to be a transient 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 through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.
[0049]
[0059] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to respective computing / processing devices via, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network, or to an external computer or an external storage device. 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.
[0050]
[0060] Computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations of this disclosure can be in any combination of source code or object code written in one or more programming languages, including assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or an object-oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and a conventional procedural programming language such as the "C" programming language or the like. The computer-readable program instructions can be executed 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 can 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 can 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) can execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing the state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit for performing aspects of this disclosure.
[0051]
[0061] 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 present 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.
[0052]
[0062] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may 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 storing the instructions comprises a manufacture including instructions which implement the aspects of the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.
[0053]
[0063] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed 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 / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.
[0054]
[0064] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures 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 the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may be performed out of the order noted in the figures. For example, depending on the functionality involved, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, 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 acts, or combinations of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0055]
[0065] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A cabinet, A loading shelf connected to the cabinet and arranged such that at least a part thereof is folded based on detection of an approaching cart, A checkout system comprising the above.
2. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the loading shelf is rotatably coupled to the cabinet.
3. The checkout system according to claim 2, wherein the loading shelf is rotatable between a horizontal position and a vertical position in which the loading shelf is folded.
4. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the checkout system includes a hinge that rotatably couples the loading shelf to the cabinet, and the hinge is coupled to the top wall of the loading shelf.
5. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the loading shelf has a distal end, and the loading shelf is rotatable such that the distal end is rotated upward and toward the cabinet.
6. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the loading shelf has a distal end, and the loading shelf is rotatable such that the distal end is rotated downward and toward the cabinet.
7. A light emitter arranged to emit light, A light sensor arranged to sense light reflected by the cart, An electric motor arranged to fold the loading shelf in response to the light sensor sensing light reflected by the cart, The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.
8. The checkout system according to claim 7, wherein the light emitter is arranged to emit light at a downward angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane.
9. The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a locking pin slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking pin supports the loading shelf with respect to the cabinet when the loading shelf is in the horizontal position. In the disengaged position, the locking pin is slid such that the loading shelf can be moved to the folded position.
10. The checkout system according to claim 9, wherein the locking pin is slidable along a direction parallel to the direction in which the loading shelf extends from the cabinet when the loading shelf is in the horizontal position.
11. The checkout system according to claim 9, wherein the locking pin is slidable along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the input shelf extends from the cabinet when the input shelf is in the horizontal position.
12. The input shelf includes a permanent magnet, and the cabinet includes an electromagnet. The electromagnet is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet when the input shelf is in the horizontal position, and is deactivated so as to be magnetically separated from the permanent magnet in response to detection of the cart approaching the checkout system, according to claim 1 of the checkout system.
13. The input shelf includes a permanent magnet, and the cabinet includes an electromagnet. The electromagnet is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet when the input shelf is in the vertical position, and is deactivated so as to be magnetically separated from the permanent magnet in response to the cart no longer being detected in the checkout system, according to claim 1 of the checkout system.
14. The input shelf according to claim 1 of the checkout system is slidable between an external position and an internal position where the input shelf is housed in the cabinet.
15. Detecting a cart approaching the checkout system; Based on detecting the cart approaching the checkout system, folding at least a part of the input shelf of the checkout system with respect to the cabinet of the checkout system; A method comprising.
16. Based on detecting the cart approaching the checkout system, unlocking at least a part of the input shelf The method according to claim 15, further comprising.
17. The input shelf is folded to a folded position, and the method includes: Locking the input shelf in the folded position The method according to claim 15, further comprising.
18. Folding the input shelf with respect to the cabinet includes rotating the input shelf from a horizontal position to a vertical position, according to claim 15 of the method.
19. Folding the input shelf with respect to the cabinet includes sliding the input shelf so that the input shelf is positioned at least partially within a recess defined by the cabinet, according to claim 15 of the method.
20. A computer program product for controlling the movement of an input shelf coupled to a cabinet of a checkout system, the computer program product comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code comprising: receiving an input indicating that a cart has been detected approaching the checkout system; based on the input indicating that the cart is approaching the checkout system, causing at least a portion of the input shelf of the checkout system to be folded relative to the cabinet of the checkout system; A computer program product executable by one or more computer processors to perform the above.