Scanner stand and POS terminal

The scanner stand with movable and adjustable features addresses space constraints in POS terminals with switchable operation modes, maintaining convenience and reducing hardware costs by sharing a scanner across modes.

JP2025172284APending Publication Date: 2025-11-26STEERETAIL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024077655
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-13
Publication Date
2025-11-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The sharing of a scanner between different operation modes in a POS terminal, where the scanner's location changes based on the operator, can lead to a reduction in convenience due to space constraints during product handover.

Method used

A scanner stand with a mounting base and a support portion that allows the scanner to be moved towards the POS terminal, freeing up space when not in use, and includes mechanisms for rotation, extension, and parallel movement to accommodate both operation modes.

Benefits of technology

Prevents a decrease in convenience by ensuring sufficient space for product delivery and operation in both manned register and self-checkout modes, reducing hardware costs by sharing a single scanner.

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Abstract

To provide a scanner stand capable of suppressing a decrease in convenience in a POS terminal that can be switched between an operation mode in which a salesperson can operate face to face with a customer and an operation mode in which the customer operates by himself or herself.SOLUTION: A scanner stand according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an installation base on which a scanner included in a POS terminal can be installed, and a support part having a connection part connected to a part of the POS terminal and extending in a direction toward a side surface of the POS terminal, wherein the support part supports, at one end thereof, the installation base so as to be movable in a direction toward the POS terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scanner stand and a POS terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] There are POS (Point Of Sales) terminals whose operation modes can be switched. One example of an operation mode is a mode in which a store clerk operates the POS terminal while facing a customer. In this case, the store clerk operates the POS terminal to register products, settle accounts, etc. Another example of an operation mode is a mode in which the customer operates the terminal themselves. In this case, the customer operates the POS terminal from the opposite side of the store clerk to register products, settle accounts, etc.

[0003] A POS terminal with switchable operation modes may be provided with an input device for operating the POS terminal on both the store clerk side and the customer side, which is opposite the store clerk side. On the other hand, in such a POS terminal with switchable operation modes, a scanner for reading product codes may be shared between each operation mode.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a face-to-face settlement device that has display units on both the front and back sides of the settlement device and a payment unit that can accept cash payments facing the customer. Patent Document 1 also discloses that one scanner unit is used in common in each operating mode of the settlement device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-185532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If the scanner is a hand scanner, a stand for placing the scanner may be provided. When the scanner is shared in each operation mode, the scanner is used by the store clerk in the operation mode in which the store clerk can operate it. On the other hand, the scanner is used by the customer in the mode in which the customer operates it themselves. In other words, the location where the scanner is used differs between the operation mode in which the store clerk can operate it and the mode in which the customer operates it themselves.

[0007] Therefore, in this case, a scanner stand may be installed at a position such as the side of the POS terminal where the operator can handle the scanner from both the customer side and the store clerk side.

[0008] In this case, when the operation mode is set to enable operation by a store clerk, the goods are handed over between the store clerk and the customer. For example, the goods are handed over in the space to the side of the POS terminal. In this case, if a scanner stand is installed, the space for the goods to be handed over may become narrow, which may hinder smooth sales operations. In other words, the convenience of the POS terminal may be reduced.

[0009] Patent Document 1 does not disclose a scanner stand.

[0010] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a scanner stand or the like that can prevent a decrease in convenience in a POS terminal that can be switched between an operation mode that can be operated by a store clerk while facing a customer, and an operation mode that can be operated by the customer themselves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A scanner stand according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mounting base on which a scanner of a POS terminal can be mounted, and a support portion having a connection portion that connects to a portion of the POS terminal and extending toward a side of the POS terminal. The support portion supports the mounting base at one end so that the mounting base can move toward the POS terminal.

[0012] A POS terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a scanner that reads product codes that identify products and is switchable between a staffed register mode operated by a store clerk and a self-checkout mode operated by a customer, the scanner being shared between the two modes and including a scanner stand that includes a base on which the scanner can be placed and a support part that has a connection part that connects to a part of the terminal and extends in a direction toward the side of the terminal, and one end of the support part supports the base so that it can move toward the terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In a POS terminal that can be switched between an operation mode that allows a store clerk to operate the terminal while facing a customer and an operation mode that allows the customer to operate the terminal by themselves, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a POS terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a scanner stand according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of mounting the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of mounting the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a third diagram showing an example of installation of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a rotation mechanism of a scanner stand according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a rotation mechanism of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a rotation mechanism of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a rotation mechanism of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]1 is a first diagram illustrating the extension mechanism of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the extension mechanism of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a mechanism for parallel movement of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the mechanism for parallel movement of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing an example of installation of the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing an example of mounting the scanner stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an example of angle adjustment of the installation stand of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of angle adjustment of the installation table according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment An overview of the scanner stand of the first embodiment will be described.

[0017] First, the POS terminal in this disclosure will be described. The POS terminal in this disclosure is a device that can switch between operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal can switch between a mode in which a store clerk operates the terminal face-to-face with a customer, and a mode in which the customer operates the terminal themselves. In this specification, such an operation mode that can be operated by a store clerk is referred to as a manned register mode. Furthermore, an operation mode that can be operated by a customer is referred to as a self-register mode.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a POS terminal 1. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the POS terminal 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the POS terminal 1 includes a customer-side display 2, a store clerk-side display 3, a scanner 4, a housing 5, a printer 6, a payment terminal 7, and a table 8. The scanner 4 is a hand scanner that reads product codes, such as barcodes, that identify products. The scanner 4 is also available in each of the operation modes of the POS terminal 1. In other words, the scanner 4 is shared in each operation mode.

[0019] For example, in the manned register mode, a store clerk operates the POS terminal 1 from the -x side of the POS terminal 1. At this time, a customer is present on the +x side of the POS terminal 1. Also, in the self-checkout mode, a customer operates the POS terminal 1 from the +x side of the POS terminal 1.

[0020] Note that the POS terminal 1 is not limited to this example. For example, the POS terminal 1 may have a change dispenser capable of handling cash, or may have a device for realizing additional functions. The POS terminal 1 may be any device that can switch between a manned register mode and a self-checkout mode.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the scanner stand 100. In the example of FIG. 2, the scanner stand 100 includes a mounting base 110 and a support unit 120. The support unit 120 movably supports the mounting base 110 at one end. For example, the mounting base 110 may be movable together with the support unit 120 depending on the direction of movement of the support unit 120. Furthermore, the support unit 120 has a connection unit 1201. For example, the support unit 120 may be rotatable around the connection unit 1201.

[0022] The scanner stand 100 is attached to the POS terminal 1. FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing an example of how the scanner stand 100 is attached. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the POS terminal 1 to which the scanner stand 100 is attached, viewed from the +x direction. Note that in the example of FIG. 3, some components are omitted for simplicity of explanation. In this example, the scanner stand 100 is attached to the -x direction side of the customer display 2. In other words, the scanner stand 100 is attached to the rear side of the customer display 2. For example, the scanner stand 100 may be installed between the customer display 2 and the clerk display 3.

[0023] 3, the support portion 120 extends in the +y direction from the POS terminal 1. In other words, the support portion 120 extends in a direction relative to the side surface of the POS terminal 1.

[0024] The scanner stand 100 has a connecting section 1201 that connects to a part of the POS terminal 1. Specifically, the connecting section 1201 may have a mechanism such as a clamp. The scanner stand 100 may be installed on the POS terminal 1 by clamping a part of the POS terminal 1 between the connecting section 1201. Alternatively, the scanner stand 100 may be installed on the POS terminal 1 by attaching the connecting section 1201 to a part of the POS terminal 1 using a bolt and nut. The method of attaching the connecting section 1201 to the POS terminal 1 is not limited to this example.

[0025] The part of the POS terminal 1 may be the housing 5 of the POS terminal 1, or may be a member that fastens the customer-side display 2 and the clerk-side display 3. The location of the POS terminal 1 that is connected to the connection part 1201 is not limited to this example. The location of the POS terminal 1 that is connected to the connection part 1201 may be any location that allows the support part 120 to extend in a direction relative to the side of the POS terminal 1.

[0026] The support unit 120 supports the installation stand 110 at one end. The installation stand 110 is a stand on which the scanner 4 of the POS terminal 1 can be placed. The scanner 4 is a hand scanner. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the scanner 4 is placed on the installation stand 110. In this case, the installation stand 110 and a part of the support unit 120 protrude into the space on the side (+y direction) of the POS terminal 1.

[0027] Furthermore, the support unit 120 supports the installation stand 110 so that it can move in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1. At this time, the installation stand 110 may be movable together with the support unit 120 by the support unit 120 moving in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1. In other words, the installation stand 110 may be movable together with the support unit 120. For example, the support unit 120 may have a rotation mechanism in the connection unit 1201. In this case, the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism is the x-axis direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the installation stand 110 moves in the -y direction as the support unit 120 rotates around the rotation axis. In other words, the installation stand moves in the direction approaching the POS terminal 1. At this time, the installation stand 110 and the support unit 120 may be stored behind the customer-side display 2. As a result, the scanner stand 100 is removed from the space on the side (+y direction) of the POS terminal 1.

[0028] The configuration of the support unit 120 is not limited to this example. For example, the support unit 120 may be configured to be extendable and retractable along the y-axis. Alternatively, the support unit 120 may be configured to be movable in parallel in the -y direction. With such a configuration, the support unit 120 may support the installation stand 110 so that it can move in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1.

[0029] As described above, the scanner stand 100 of the first embodiment includes an installation base 110 on which a scanner of the POS terminal 1 can be installed, and a support portion 120 that has a connection portion 1201 that connects to a part of the POS terminal 1 and extends in a direction toward the side of the POS terminal 1. The support portion 120 supports the installation base 110 at one end so that the installation base 110 can move in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1.

[0030] When the POS terminal 1 is in the self-checkout mode, a customer operates the POS terminal 1 using a scanner installed on the scanner stand 100. On the other hand, when the POS terminal 1 is in the manned checkout mode, for example, a store clerk moves the installation stand 110 in a direction closer to the POS terminal 1. This frees up space on the side of the POS terminal 1, preventing the space for product delivery from becoming narrow. In other words, the scanner stand 100 of the first embodiment can prevent a decrease in convenience in a POS terminal that can be switched between an operation mode in which a store clerk can operate the terminal face-to-face with a customer and an operation mode in which the customer can operate the terminal themselves.

[0031] <Second embodiment> Next, a scanner stand 100 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the scanner stand 100 described in the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a second diagram showing an example of an installation of the scanner stand 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a POS terminal 1 to which the scanner stand 100 is attached, viewed from the +z direction. Note that in the example of FIG. 4, some components are omitted for simplicity of explanation. The scanner stand 100 includes an installation base 110 and a support portion 120. The support portion 120 also has a connection portion 1201. The installation base 110 is supported at one end of the support portion 120. The connection portion 1201 is also present at the other end of the support portion 120.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 4, the customer-side display 2 and the clerk-side display 3 are fixed by a fixing member 10. The fixing member 10 is, for example, a display stand having a hinge. The fixing member 10 is supported by a support member 9. The support member 9 is connected to the housing 5. The connecting unit 1201 is connected to the fixing member 10. This example is not limiting, and the connecting unit 1201 may be connected to another part of the POS terminal 1. For example, the connecting unit 1201 may be connected to the support member 9, or to the side of the display, etc. The connecting unit 1201 is connected to a part of the POS terminal 1 depending on the mechanism of the scanner stand 100.

[0034] The attached scanner stand 100 is unfolded when the POS terminal 1 is in self-checkout mode. In the example of Fig. 4, the scanner stand 100 protrudes in the +y direction from the POS terminal 1. In this state, the scanner 4 can be placed on the installation base 110 of the scanner stand 100.

[0035] When the POS terminal 1 is in self-checkout mode, a customer operates the POS terminal 1 from the front side of the customer-side display 2 (the +x side of the POS terminal 1). At this time, the customer picks up the scanner 4 installed on the installation stand 110 and performs an operation to read the product code. The installation stand 110 may have the scanner 4 fixed thereto. In this case, the customer brings the product code close to the fixed scanner 4 to perform an operation to read the product code.

[0036] When the scanner 4 is fixed, the space below the installation stand 110 (the -z direction side) is required for reading the product code. Therefore, the space needs to be large enough to read the product code.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a third diagram showing an example of how the scanner stand 100 is attached. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a POS terminal 1 to which the scanner stand 100 is attached, viewed from the +x direction. Note that in the example of Fig. 5, some components have been omitted to simplify the explanation. Here, the height of the unfolded scanner stand 100 from the installation surface of the POS terminal 1 is defined as h. Also, the distance from the center of the installation base 110 of the unfolded scanner stand 100 to the customer-side display 2 is defined as w.

[0038] In the example of Fig. 5, the unfolded scanner stand 100 is installed above the bottom edge of the customer-side display 2. For example, the height h may be approximately 300 mm (millimeters) to 350 mm. Furthermore, when the scanner stand 100 is unfolded, the installation base 110 is located outside the POS terminal 1. For example, the distance w may be approximately 120 mm to 150 mm.

[0039] In this way, the support part 120 extending in the direction toward the side of the POS terminal 1 may be installed at a position higher than the lower end of the display of the POS terminal 1. In this case, the installation base 110 may be located outside the POS terminal 1. This makes it possible to ensure the space necessary to perform the product code reading operation when the scanner stand 100 is unfolded.

[0040] Furthermore, the scanner stand 100 is stored when the POS terminal 1 is in the manned register mode. When the POS terminal 1 is in the manned register mode, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 1 from the front side of the store clerk-side display 3 (the -x side of the POS terminal 1). The customer is present in front of the customer-side display 2 (the +x side of the POS terminal 1). In this case, the store clerk often keeps the scanner 4 close at hand. Therefore, the scanner stand 100 is not necessary. In this case, the scanner stand 100 is stored to increase the space on the side of the POS terminal 1 (the +y side).

[0041] Next, a description will be given of an example of the mechanism of the scanner stand 100. One example of the mechanism is a mechanism that moves the installation base 110 in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1 by rotating the support portion 120.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of the rotation mechanism of the scanner stand 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a POS terminal 1 to which the scanner stand 100 is attached, viewed from the +x direction. In FIG. 6, the dotted line indicates the outline of the customer-side display 2. Note that in the example of FIG. 6, some components are omitted for simplicity of explanation. FIG. 6 shows the scanner stand 100 in an unfolded state. In other words, the scanner stand 100 is in a state in which the scanner 4 can be installed.

[0043] In this example, the connection unit 1201 has a rotation mechanism with the x-axis direction as the rotation axis. For example, a through-hole in the x-axis direction is provided in the support unit 120. A rotation axis is fitted into the through-hole of the support unit 120. As a result, the support unit 120 rotates around the rotation axis of the connection unit 1201. FIG. 7 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the rotation mechanism of the scanner stand 100. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows the scanner stand 100 shown in FIG. 6 in a stored state. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the support unit 120 rotates around the connection unit 1201. Then, the installation base 110 is flipped up in the +z direction together with the support unit 120. In other words, the installation base 110 is moved closer to the POS terminal 1 by the rotation of the support unit 120. In this example, the scanner stand 100 is stored behind the customer-side display 2. In this way, the scanner stand 100 may be stored in the space between the customer-side display 2 and the clerk-side display 3.

[0044] When the scanner stand 100 is stored as shown in Fig. 7, the space on the side of the POS terminal 1 becomes larger than when the scanner stand 100 is unfolded as shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, when the POS terminal 1 is in the manned register mode, storing the scanner stand 100 can free up space for product delivery.

[0045] The rotation mechanism is not limited to this example. For example, the support unit 120 may have a rotation mechanism between the connection unit 1201 and the installation base 110. Fig. 8 is a third diagram illustrating an example of the rotation mechanism of the scanner stand 100. Fig. 8 shows the scanner stand 100 in an unfolded state. In this example, the rotation mechanism is located at a position midway between the connection unit 1201 and the installation base 110. The rotation mechanism has a rotation axis in the direction of the side of the POS terminal 1. The support unit 120 rotates around the rotation axis.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of the rotation mechanism of the scanner stand 100. FIG. 9 shows the scanner stand 100 of FIG. 8 in a stored state. As shown in FIG. 9, the portion of the support unit 120 on the +y direction side of the rotation mechanism rotates. That is, a portion of the support unit 120 on which the installation base 110 is placed is raised. As a result, the installation base 110 moves in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1. In this way, the support unit 120 may have a rotation mechanism between the connection unit 1201 and the installation base 110, with the side direction of the POS terminal 1 as the rotation axis. In this case, the portion between the connection unit 1201 and the installation base 110 may refer to the portion of the support unit 120 from the portion including the connection unit 1201 to the front of the installation base 110. Note that there may be multiple rotation axes.

[0047] Another example of the mechanism is a mechanism that moves the installation stand 110 in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1 by expanding and contracting the support part 120.

[0048] Fig. 10 is a first diagram illustrating the telescopic mechanism of the scanner stand 100. Fig. 10 shows the scanner stand 100 in an unfolded state. In this example, the support part 120 has a nested (telescopic) structure. Specifically, the support part 120 has a structure in which multiple hollow cylinders of similar shapes are connected in order of cylinder size.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a second diagram illustrating the extension mechanism of the scanner stand 100. FIG. 11 shows the scanner stand 100 of FIG. 10 in a stored state. As shown in FIG. 11, the support part 120 can be contracted in the -y direction. This causes the installation base 110 to move in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1. In this way, the support part 120 may have an extension mechanism that extends and contracts in the direction of extension toward the side of the POS terminal 1.

[0050] The extension mechanism is not limited to this example. For example, the support section 120 may have an extendable lattice structure between the connection section 1201 and the installation base 110.

[0051] Another example of the mechanism is a mechanism that moves the installation table 110 in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1 by moving the support part 120 in parallel.

[0052] Fig. 12 is a first diagram illustrating the mechanism for parallel movement of the scanner stand 100. Fig. 12 shows the scanner stand 100 in an unfolded state. In this example, a through-hole is provided in the connection portion 1201. The support portion 120 is connected to the connection portion 1201 by fitting into the through-hole of the connection portion 1201. The support portion 120 then slides along the through-hole.

[0053] 13 is a second diagram illustrating the mechanism for parallel movement of the scanner stand 100. FIG. 13 shows the scanner stand 100 of FIG. 12 in a stored state. As shown in FIG. 13, the support part 120 can be moved parallel to the -y direction by sliding along the through-hole. This causes the installation base 110 to move in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1.

[0054] The mechanism for parallel movement is not limited to this example. Specifically, the support unit 120 may have a slide rail structure. In this case, for example, the connection unit 1201 is an outer rail having rollers or bearing balls. The support unit 120 is an inner rail that fits with the outer rail.

[0055] As described above, the scanner stand 100 of the second embodiment includes an installation base 110 on which a scanner of the POS terminal 1 can be installed, and a support portion 120 that has a connection portion 1201 that connects to a part of the POS terminal 1 and extends in a direction toward the side of the POS terminal 1. The support portion 120 supports the installation base 110 at one end so that the installation base 110 can move in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1.

[0056] When the POS terminal 1 is in the self-checkout mode, a customer operates the POS terminal 1 using a scanner installed on the scanner stand 100. On the other hand, when the POS terminal 1 is in the manned checkout mode, for example, a store clerk moves the installation stand 110 in a direction closer to the POS terminal 1. This frees up space on the side of the POS terminal 1, preventing the space for product delivery from becoming narrow. In other words, the scanner stand 100 of the second embodiment can prevent a decrease in convenience in a POS terminal that can be switched between an operation mode in which a store clerk can operate the terminal face-to-face with a customer and an operation mode in which the customer can operate the terminal themselves.

[0057] The support unit 120 moves the installation stand 110 in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1. At this time, the installation stand 110 may be stored together with the support unit 120 behind the display of the POS terminal 1. Here, if the POS terminal 1 has two displays arranged back to back, the support unit 120 may move the installation stand 110 in a direction approaching the POS terminal 1 and store it in the space between the displays.

[0058] This allows the scanner stand 100 to be hidden behind the display of the POS terminal 1 when not in use.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the POS terminal 1 has a scanner 4 that reads product codes that identify products, and is a terminal that can switch its operation mode between a manned register mode operated by a store clerk and a self-checkout mode operated by a customer. In this case, the scanner 4 is shared in both operation modes. The POS terminal 1 also has a scanner stand that includes an installation base 110 on which the scanner can be installed, and a support unit 120 that has a connection unit 1201 that connects to a part of the POS terminal and extends in a direction toward the side of the terminal. One end of the support unit 120 supports the installation base 110 so that it can move toward the terminal.

[0060] This also makes it possible to prevent a decrease in convenience in the POS terminal 1 of the second embodiment, which can be switched between an operation mode in which a store clerk can operate the terminal face-to-face with a customer and an operation mode in which the customer can operate the terminal themselves. Furthermore, in the POS terminal 1, the scanner 4 is shared in each operation mode. In other words, the POS terminal 1 does not need to be equipped with different scanners for the manned register mode and the self-checkout mode. Therefore, the hardware costs of the POS terminal 1 of the present disclosure are reduced compared to POS terminals that require multiple scanners depending on the operation mode.

[0061] [Variation 1] Mounting examples of the scanner stand 100 are not limited to the above examples. Fig. 14 is a fourth diagram showing an mounting example of the scanner stand 100. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a POS terminal 1 mounted with the scanner stand 100, viewed from the +x direction. Note that in the example of Fig. 5, some components are omitted for simplicity of explanation.

[0062] 14, a support column 11 extending vertically upward (in the +z direction) is provided on the mounting base 8 of the POS terminal 1. The connection section 1201 is connected to the support column 11. For example, the connection section 1201 may be connected to the support column 11 by clamping the support column 11. Note that the mechanism for connecting the connection section 1201 and the support column 11 is not limited to this example. The scanner stand 100 may be attached to a member dedicated to the scanner stand 100, such as the support column 11.

[0063] In this case, the connection unit 1201 may have a rotation mechanism that can rotate the support unit 120. In this case, the rotation mechanism is a mechanism that uses the extension direction of the support column 11 as a rotation axis. For example, the support unit 120 may rotate around the support column 11. FIG. 15 is a fifth diagram showing an example of an installation of the scanner stand 100. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a POS terminal 1 to which the scanner stand 100 is attached, as seen from the +z direction. Note that in the example of FIG. 15, some components are omitted for simplicity of explanation. For example, by rotating the support unit 120 around the support column 11, the installation base 110 moves in the -x direction together with the support unit 120. In this way, the connection unit 1201 may have a rotation mechanism that can rotate the support unit 120 around the extension direction of the support column 11 as a rotation axis.

[0064] [Variation 2] The scanner stand 100 may have a mechanism that allows the angle of the installation base 110 relative to the support portion 120 to be adjusted.

[0065] For example, a rotating base may be provided at the end of the support unit 120. Then, the installation base 110 may be provided on the rotating base, so that the angle of the installation base 110 relative to the support unit 120 can be adjusted. Alternatively, the support unit 120 and the installation base 110 may be connected by a hinge. The mechanism for adjusting the angle is not limited to this example.

[0066] Fig. 16 is a first diagram illustrating an example of angle adjustment of the installation base 110. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the unfolded scanner stand 100 as seen from the +z direction. The dotted lines indicate the space in which the product code reading operation can be performed.

[0067] Fig. 17 is a second diagram illustrating an example of angle adjustment of the installation base 110. Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the unfolded scanner stand 100 as viewed from the +z direction. In this example, compared to the example in Fig. 16, the installation base 110 has rotated around the z axis. This changes the orientation of the space in which the scanner 4 can read the product code.

[0068] If the scanner 4 is fixed to a table, the space in which the product code can be read may overlap with the location of the POS terminal 1. This may cause the product to come into contact with the POS terminal 1 when the customer attempts to read the product code. In other words, this may prevent the product code from being read.

[0069] In contrast, in the scanner stand 100 of the second modification, the support portion 120 supports the installation base 110 so that the angle relative to the support portion 120 is adjustable. This allows the scanner stand 100 to adjust the space in which the product code reading operation can be performed. Therefore, the scanner stand 100 can reduce the possibility that the operation of reading the product code will be obstructed.

[0070] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0071] [Appendix 1] an installation stand on which a scanner included in the POS terminal can be installed; a support portion having a connection portion that connects to a part of the POS terminal and extending in a direction toward a side surface of the POS terminal, the support portion supports the installation base at one end so as to be movable in a direction approaching the POS terminal; Scanner stand.

[0072] [Appendix 2] the support unit has a rotation mechanism between the connection unit and the installation base, the rotation axis of which is in the side direction of the POS terminal, The support portion rotates around the rotation axis together with the installation base. 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 1.

[0073] [Appendix 3] The connection portion is provided with a through hole, the support portion is fitted into the through hole, The support portion slides along the through hole. 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 1.

[0074] [Appendix 4] The support portion has an expansion and contraction mechanism that expands and contracts in the extension direction. 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 1.

[0075] [Appendix 5] the support unit moves the installation stand in a direction approaching the POS terminal and stores the installation stand behind a display of the POS terminal. 5. A scanner stand according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0076] [Appendix 6] The POS terminal has two displays arranged back to back, the support unit moves the installation stand in a direction approaching the POS terminal and stores it in the space between the displays; 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 5.

[0077] [Appendix 7] the support portion extending in a direction toward a side surface of the POS terminal is installed at a position higher than a lower end of a display of the POS terminal, The installation stand is located outside the POS terminal. 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 1.

[0078] [Appendix 8] the support portion supports the installation table so that an angle of the installation table relative to the support portion can be adjusted. 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 1.

[0079] [Appendix 9] the connecting portion is connected to a support pole that is connected vertically upward to the mounting base of the POS terminal, The connection portion has a rotation mechanism that can rotate the support portion around a rotation axis in the extension direction of the support column. 1. A scanner stand as described in Appendix 1.

[0080] [Appendix 10] a scanner for reading a product code that identifies the product; A POS terminal that can switch between an operational mode operated by a store clerk and a self-checkout mode operated by a customer, the scanner is shared in each of the operational modes; a scanner stand including a setting table on which the scanner can be set, and a support part having a connection part for connecting to a part of the terminal and extending in a direction toward a side surface of the terminal; the support unit supports the installation base at one end so as to be movable in a direction approaching the terminal itself; POS terminal.

[0081] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 9 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent on Supplementary Note 10 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 9. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1 and 10, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware and the like within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 POS terminal 100 Scanner Stand 110 Installation stand 120 Support part 1201 Connection

Claims

1. an installation stand on which a scanner included in the POS terminal can be installed; a support portion having a connection portion that connects to a part of the POS terminal and extending in a direction toward a side surface of the POS terminal; the support portion supports the installation base at one end so as to be movable in a direction approaching the POS terminal; Scanner stand.

2. the support unit has a rotation mechanism between the connection unit and the installation base, the rotation axis of which is in the direction of a side of the POS terminal, The support portion rotates around the rotation axis together with the installation base.

2. The scanner stand according to claim 1.

3. The connection portion is provided with a through hole, the support portion is fitted into the through hole, The support portion slides along the through hole.

2. The scanner stand according to claim 1.

4. The support portion has an expansion and contraction mechanism that expands and contracts in the extension direction.

2. The scanner stand according to claim 1.

5. the support unit moves the installation base in a direction approaching the POS terminal and stores the installation base behind a display of the POS terminal.

5. A scanner stand according to claim 1.

6. The POS terminal has two displays arranged back to back, the support unit moves the installation base in a direction approaching the POS terminal and stores the installation base in the space between the displays; 6. The scanner stand according to claim 5.

7. the support portion extending in a direction toward the side surface of the POS terminal is installed at a position higher than a lower end of a display of the POS terminal, The installation stand is located outside the POS terminal.

2. The scanner stand according to claim 1.

8. the support portion supports the installation table so that an angle of the installation table relative to the support portion can be adjusted.

2. The scanner stand according to claim 1.

9. the connecting portion is connected to a support pole that is connected vertically upward to a base of the POS terminal; The connection portion has a rotation mechanism that can rotate the support portion around an axis of rotation that is the extension direction of the support column.

2. The scanner stand according to claim 1.

10. a scanner for reading a product code that identifies the product; A POS terminal capable of switching between an operational mode operated by a store clerk and a self-checkout mode operated by a customer, the scanner is shared in each of the operational modes; a scanner stand including a setting table on which the scanner can be set, and a support part having a connection part for connecting to a part of the terminal and extending in a direction toward a side surface of the terminal; the support unit supports the installation base at one end so as to be movable in a direction approaching the terminal itself; POS terminal.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • POS system, payment device and program

    JP2021185532A