Self-checkout device

Abstract

To provide a self-checkout device capable of realizing a user-friendly disposition without limiting operators.SOLUTION: A self-checkout device includes a bagging table, a pair of columns, a beam, a user interface terminal, and one or more brackets. The bagging table includes a table, and a weighing device for weighing a load placed on the table. At least one outer surface of each of the pair of columns is composed of a split exterior member that can be divided into a plurality of parts in a longitudinal direction, and the pair of columns are installed on the bagging table with the longitudinal direction thereof directed upward and downward. The beam connects upper ends of the columns. The user interface terminal is mounted on the beam. The one or more brackets are configured to receive attachment of an external device, and positions thereof are replaceable with a position of a part of the split exterior member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a self-checkout device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, self-checkout devices that allow customers to register products and make payments themselves are known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In conventional self-checkout devices, the camera or scanner for reading product information and the printer for issuing receipts are fixedly installed in specific positions on the device, and adjustments such as changing the installation height are not possible.

[0003] The heights of the customers who will operate the self-checkout device vary, and the height range that they find most convenient varies from person to person. In general, self-checkout devices have cameras and printers installed at a height that is estimated to be most convenient for most people, and only one type of device is sold as a product. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-checkout device that can be easily arranged and used by anyone, regardless of the operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The self-checkout device of the embodiment includes a bagging table, a pair of pillars, a beam, a user interface terminal, and one or more brackets. The bagging table includes a platform and a weighing scale for measuring the load placed on the platform. The pair of pillars , long The bagging table is installed with its hand facing up and down. A beam connects the upper end of the column. A user interface terminal is attached to the beam. One or more brackets are provided for receiving external devices. The pair of pillars are installed on the left and right ends of a non-weighing area provided on the upper surface of the packing table, further back than the placing table. Furthermore, the pair of pillars have a first surface, which is the surface facing each other, and a second surface, which is the surface opposite to the first surface, configured by combining multiple types of divided exterior members with different longitudinal dimensions and the brackets in a changeable order, one above the other. The brackets also form a part of the second surface so that an external device attached to the bracket is outside the placing table. do. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a self-checkout device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device as seen from the right rear side, showing the mounting structure of the printer support portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the printer support section in the highest position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the printer support section in the second highest position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device as seen from the rear left side, showing the mounting structure of the scanner support unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the self-checkout device in a state where the left-right interchangeable configuration is interchanged. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device in a state where the left-right interchangeable configuration is interchanged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of a self-checkout device 1 in the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device 1. The self-checkout device 1 includes a bagging table 2, an auxiliary table 3, a basket placement table 4, a gate-shaped frame 5, a UI (User Interface) terminal 6, a temporary placement table 7, a reading unit 8, a payment terminal 9, a printer 10, casters 11, a warning light 12, etc. The reading unit 8 and the printer 10 are examples of external devices.

[0008] The bagging table 2 has a built-in scale that measures the load placed on the placement table 21. The placement table 21 makes up most of the top surface of the bagging table 2, excluding a small area (non-weighing area 22) at the rear. The bagging table 2 supports the portal frame 5 in the non-weighing area 22.

[0009] The portal frame 5 includes a pair of pillars 51 and a beam 50 connecting the upper ends of the pillars 51. The pair of pillars 51 are installed (i.e., erected) in the non-weighing area 22 with their longitudinal directions facing up and down. Each pillar 51 is located near the left and right edges of the non-weighing area 22, and the distance between the pillars 51 is wide. This makes it easier to obtain stability for the portal frame 5, and also opens up the upper space of the non-weighing area 22, improving visibility.

[0010] The auxiliary table 3 is placed next to the bagging table 2. The height of the auxiliary table 3 is slightly lower than the height of the placement table 21. An oval recessed handheld code reader placement area 31 is provided on the upper surface of the auxiliary table 3.

[0011] Basket stand 4 is a stand for placing shopping baskets, which are installed in supermarkets and the like. Basket stand 4 is positioned between bagging stand 2 and auxiliary stand 3, and is attached to the upper side of auxiliary stand 3. In addition, a wire-like retainer 41 is provided on the edge of basket stand 4 facing auxiliary stand 3 to prevent the placed shopping basket from slipping.

[0012] In addition, with the above-mentioned arrangement, the auxiliary table 3 functions to provide a predetermined gap between the bagging table 2 and the basket placing table 4.

[0013] The temporary storage table 7 is provided on the storage table 21. The temporary storage table 7 includes a notch 71, a pair of legs 72, bag hanging portions 73 and 74, and a beam portion 75.

[0014] The temporary storage table 7 has a shape like a square tray with both corners at the back recessed to form a pair of notches 71, and the part between the notches 71 is sandwiched between a pair of pillars 51 of the gate-shaped frame 5.

[0015] Each leg 72 is made up of a combination of multiple wire-like pillars. Each leg 72 is erected near the left and right edges on the far side of the top surface of the stand 21, making it difficult to interfere with the placement of packages on the stand 21. Both legs 72 support the left and right ends of the bottom surface of the temporary stand 7, in the area closer to you than the cutout 71. As a result, the width of the temporary stand 7 is approximately the same as the width of the bagging stand 2, and is wider and has a larger area than conventional stands.

[0016] The beam portion 75 connects the wires constituting both leg portions 72 horizontally to reinforce the leg portions 72 .

[0017] Bag hanging portions 73, 74 are attached to the bottom surface of temporary storage stand 7 and protrude from the back side of temporary storage stand 7 toward the front side. Bag hanging portion 73 and bag hanging portion 74 have different protruding lengths. Bag hanging portion 73 is relatively long and has two portions for hooking and supporting the handles of bags for carrying items home. Bag hanging portion 74 is relatively short and has one portion for hooking and supporting. The shorter bag hanging portion 74 is attached to the side closer to basket storage stand 4. This makes it less likely that items will be obstructed from moving from the shopping basket, through reading unit 8, and into the bag on storage stand 21.

[0018] The UI terminal 6 is tiltably attached to the front of the beam 50. The UI terminal 6 is a device responsible for the user interface function, and includes a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a control unit 63, etc. The UI terminal 6 may also include a speaker, a buzzer, a communication interface for communicating with external devices such as a store server, etc.

[0019] The display unit 61 is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and displays information for an operator (a shopper or a store clerk). The display unit 61 also performs screen transitions and the like, reflecting operations received by the operation unit 62. The operation unit 62 is an operation device such as a touch panel, and is arranged by being layered on the surface of the display unit 61, and receives operations according to the information displayed by the display unit 61.

[0020] The control unit 63 is built into the housing of the UI terminal 6. The control unit 63 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and comprehensively controls the display unit 61, the operation unit 62, the reading unit 8 connected to the UI terminal 6, the payment terminal 9, the printer 10, the weighing scale built into the bagging table 2, and the like.

[0021] The reading unit 8 includes a camera 81 and a scanner 82. Both the camera 81 and the scanner 82 read code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The camera 81 has an image sensor (image pickup element) built in behind a window on the front of the housing, captures an image of the product by capturing an image, and extracts a code symbol from the captured image. The camera 81 may also be compatible with object recognition, which extracts product features from the captured image to identify the product.

[0022] The reading unit 8 is disposed above the auxiliary table 3. This positions the reading unit 8 on (or near) the path of movement of the product as it moves from the basket placement table 4 to the bagging table 2. This contributes to improving the efficiency of the operator's product registration work.

[0023] The scanner 82 is an auxiliary device for the camera 81 and is placed above the camera 81. The scanner 82 is, for example, a conventionally and commonly used barcode reader, and reads the barcode on the top surface of the product from above.

[0024] The warning light 12 is a multi-colored light provided at the top end of a pole-like member that is erected approximately vertically so that it can be seen from a distance, and if, for example, some kind of trouble occurs in the self-checkout device 1, the light of the color corresponding to the situation is turned on.

[0025] The payment terminal 9 is a terminal device for making payments using credit cards or electronic money, and is equipped with a display unit 91, an operation unit 92, and a reader / writer 93. The payment terminal 9 is supported by a rack 94 fixed to the top surface of the housing of the printer 10.

[0026] The printer 10 issues a receipt or the like relating to the payment made by the self-checkout device 1 in accordance with instructions output by the control unit 63.

[0027] Casters 11 are attached to the bottom surface of the bagging table 2 to help the bagging table 2 move on the floor surface.

[0028] 3 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device 1 as seen from the right rear side, illustrating the mounting structure of the printer support part 511. The printer support part 511 is used to mount external devices and supports the printer 10.

[0029] First, pillar portion 51 is configured to include a rod-shaped hollow member 510, printer support portion 511 which is a box-shaped member, and plate-shaped members 512 to 514. Hollow member 510 has a shape in which two faces, the face facing the other pillar portion 51 and the face opposite that face, are open.

[0030] The printer support part 511 and the plate-like members 512-514 form at least one outer surface of the column part 51. The plate-like members 512-514 are an example of a divided exterior member that is divided into multiple pieces in the longitudinal direction. The printer support part 511 is an example of a bracket, and its position can be interchanged with any of the plate-like members 512-514.

[0031] The printer support part 511 and the plate-like members 512 and 513 are fitted into the two open sides of the hollow member 510. In other words, the opening of the hollow member 510 is closed by the printer support part 511 and the plate-like members 512 to 514. The difference between the plate-like members 512, 513, and 514 is the length dimension in the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the hollow member 510.

[0032] Printer support part 511 is combined with plate-like members 512 to 514 to form the outer surface of pillar part 51. Printer support part 511 and plate-like members 512 to 514 are fixed to hollow member 510 with screws or the like. With this structure, pillar part 51 supports printer 10 so that the installation height of printer 10 can be changed as desired.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing the printer support part 511 in the highest position. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the printer support part 511 in the second highest position. As shown in these figures, the installation height of the printer support part 511 can be changed along the longitudinal direction of the pillar part 51 (the vertical direction of the self-checkout device 1) by changing the arrangement order of the printer support part 511 and the plate-like members 512 to 514.

[0034] 6 is a perspective view of the self-checkout device 1 as seen from the left rear side, illustrating the mounting structure of the scanner support part 83. The scanner support part 83 supports the camera 81, the scanner 82, and the warning light 12.

[0035] The scanner support part 83 is configured to include a lower cover 831, an upper cover 832, and a bracket 833. The lower cover 831 and the upper cover 832 cover the bracket 833 from above and below. One end of the bracket 833 is attached to the hollow member 510, and the other end is attached to the rear side of the lower end of the warning light 12. A camera 81 is attached to the front side of the lower end of the warning light 12. In addition, a scanner 82 is attached to the warning light 12 above the position where the camera 81 is attached.

[0036] Similar to the printer support part 511, the scanner support part 83 is combined with plate-like members 512 to 514 to form part of the outer surface of the other pillar part 51. In this way, the pillar part 51 supports the reading unit 8 and the warning light 12 so that the installation height of the reading unit 8 can be changed as desired.

[0037] However, for ease of operation when reading product information, it is desirable that reading unit 8 be installed at a position higher than the edge of the shopping basket placed on basket stand 4, and it is also desirable that products that pass in front of camera 81 be located at a position higher than bag hanging units 73, 74. For this reason, it is considered almost impossible for reading unit 8 to be attached at a position near the lower end of column 51. Therefore, the structure for receiving bracket 833 inside hollow member 510 may be omitted at a position near the lower end.

[0038] In the self-checkout device 1 having the above structure, a shopper hooks the handle of the bag they will use to carry home the items onto the bag hooks 73, 74 on the bagging table 2. Next, the shopper removes the item from the shopping basket placed on the basket holder 4, has the barcode on the surface of the item read by the reading unit 8, and places the item in a bag on the bagging table 2 while checking the UI terminal 6.

[0039] A scale inside the bagging table 2 measures the load on the table 21 and outputs the value to the control unit 63. The control unit 63 receives the output of the reading unit 8, registers product information, and compares it with the output of the scale. The control unit 63 also receives payment for the products from the shopper via the UI terminal 6 and payment terminal 9. The control unit 63 then uses the printer 10 to output a receipt listing the details of the transaction.

[0040] To adjust the height of the printer 10, remove the printer support part 511 and the plate-like members 512 to 514 from the hollow member 510, and then re-fix the printer support part 511 and the plate-like members 512 to 514 to the hollow member 510 by, for example, changing the order of the top and bottom so that the installation height of the printer support part 511 is the desired height.

[0041] Similarly, when adjusting the height of the reading unit 8, the scanner support unit 83 and the plate-like members 512 to 514 are removed from the hollow member 510, and the scanner support unit 83 and the plate-like members 512 to 514 are re-fixed to the hollow member 510, for example by changing the order of the top and bottom so that the installation height of the scanner support unit 83 is the desired height.

[0042] As described above, according to the self-checkout terminal 1 of this embodiment, the installation height of components (for example, the reading unit 8 and printer 10), whose convenient height varies depending on the height of the customer and is not limited to one, can be changed. As a result, if multiple self-checkout terminals 1 are installed in a store, for example, it becomes possible to mix and match the installation heights of self-checkout terminals 1 with the reading unit 8, printer 10, etc., positioned higher and self-checkout terminals 1 with lower positions, depending on the customer preferences.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a self-checkout device that can be easily arranged for any operator.

[0044] The self-checkout terminal 1 can switch the left and right arrangement of its components depending on, for example, the expected direction of movement of a customer who will be the operator. Figures 7 and 8 are a front view and a perspective view of the self-checkout terminal 1 in a state where the left and right interchangeable components have been switched.

[0045] The left and right interchangeable components are, for example, the reading unit 8 and the printer 10. Also, for example, the bag hanging unit 73 and the bag hanging unit 74 are also left and right interchangeable. Furthermore, the auxiliary table 3 can also be placed on the side opposite the bagging table 2. Furthermore, the basket placing table 4 can also be attached to the side opposite the auxiliary table 3.

[0046] As described above, the configuration in which the convenient layout varies depending on the direction of movement of the customer is made left-right interchangeable, so that the layout can be adjusted to match the direction of movement of the customer at the installation location of the self-checkout device 1, thereby improving usability.

[0047] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1...self-checkout device, 2...Bagging table, 21...Placement table, 22...Non-weighing area, 3...Auxiliary stand, 31...Code reader storage area, 4...basket stand, 41...holding part, 5...Gate frame, 50...Beam, 51...Column, 510: hollow member; 511: printer support portion (an example of a bracket); 512 to 514... Plate-shaped members (examples of divided exterior members), 6...UI terminal, 61...display unit, 62...operation unit, 63...control unit, 7...Temporary stand, 71...Notch, 72...Leg, 73, 74...Bag hanging part, 75...Beam part, 8...Reading unit (an example of an external device), 81...camera, 82...scanner, 83...scanner support part, 831...lower cover, 832...upper cover, 833...bracket, 9...payment terminals, 91...display unit, 92...operation unit, 93...reader / writer, 94...rack, 10...Printer (an example of external equipment), 11...Caster, 12...Warning light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0049] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-164762

Claims

1. a bagging table including a table and a weighing device for measuring the load placed on the table; A pair of pillars are installed on the packing table with their longitudinal directions facing up and down; A beam portion connecting the upper ends of the column portions; a user interface terminal attached to the beam; one or more brackets for receiving external devices; Equipped with The pair of pillars are installed at the left and right ends of a non-weighing area provided on the upper surface of the bagging table, the non-weighing area being located on the back side of the placing table, a first surface, which is a surface facing each other, and a second surface, which is a surface opposite to the first surface, of the pair of pillar portions are configured by combining a plurality of types of divided exterior members having different dimensions in the longitudinal direction and the brackets in a changeable order, The bracket constitutes a part of the second surface so that an external device attached to the bracket is located outside the stand. Self-checkout device.

2. The bag holder is provided in a pair above the stand to support the handles of a bag for carrying home the products, one of which is shorter than the other, and is configured so that the positions of the two can be interchanged. The self-checkout device according to claim 1.

3. The temporary stand is installed on the stand, and at least a portion of the temporary stand is positioned between the pair of pillars.

3. The self-checkout device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a basket stand for placing a shopping basket; an auxiliary stand that provides a predetermined gap between the bagging stand and the basket placing stand; Furthermore, The bracket on which the reading unit for reading product information is attached is disposed above the auxiliary stand. The self-checkout device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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