Unmanned merchandise checkout apparatus

Abstract

An unmanned merchandise checkout apparatus for achieving the objective of the present invention comprises: a first transfer unit which provides a space where merchandise requiring checkout is to be placed, and transfers the placed merchandise, and which has at least one portion forming an inclined surface; a second transfer unit disposed at a position corresponding to one end of the first transfer unit so as to transfer the merchandise; a scan unit provided on one side of the second transfer unit so as to scan a barcode and / or an image of the transferred merchandise; and a checkout unit which displays information and prices of the merchandise having passed through the scan unit, and which includes a payment unit that processes payment.

Description

unmanned product checkout device

[0001] The present invention relates to an unmanned product checkout device, and more specifically, to an unmanned product checkout device that not only eliminates the need for a cashier to be stationed, but also facilitates product scanning by preventing products from being supplied in an overlapping manner through an inclined surface formed in a conveying section when a buyer places products requiring calculation on it, and enables product scanning to be performed more conveniently and easily through a product sorting section depending on the mode of use.

[0002] Generally, a checkout counter is a counter located near the soccer side of a supermarket or convenience store where purchased products are verified and payment is made. These checkout counters can be broadly classified into manned checkout counters and unmanned checkout counters depending on the presence or absence of a cashier.

[0003] At manned checkout counters, products are typically placed on a fixed counter or on a conveyor belt and moved toward the cashier. The cashier then holds a scanner to locate and recognize the barcode of each product to verify the item. The scanned information recognized in this way displays product and price information based on the data entered into the checkout, and prompts the user to make a payment through a payment terminal.

[0004] These manned checkout counters have the advantage of preventing recognition errors, as cashiers identify products one by one and scan their barcodes, and allowing for quick responses even if errors occur because a cashier is present. However, there are issues regarding labor costs, as cashiers must always be on standby at the counter regardless of customer presence; payment times increase because cashiers must scan products individually; errors may occur due to cashier mistakes; and customer privacy issues may arise.

[0005] A self-checkout counter is a device that eliminates cashiers and uses a scanner fixed near a conveyor belt to automatically recognize products moving along the belt, thereby facilitating payment. While such self-checkout counters protect customer privacy and eliminate labor costs, various errors can occur depending on how the consumer places the product on the conveyor belt. Specifically, proper recognition may fail if products move while overlapping or if they are placed on the edges of the conveyor belt, causing them to pass through the scanner's blind spots. Furthermore, depending on the type of scanner equipped, if the scanner only recognizes barcodes, product recognition may fail even if the product is placed correctly on the conveyor belt, provided the printed barcode surface does not align with the scanner's recognition direction.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve conventional problems by providing an unmanned product checkout device that not only eliminates the need for a cashier to be stationed but also facilitates product scanning by preventing products from being supplied in an overlapping manner through an inclined surface formed in the conveying section when a buyer places products requiring calculation on it, and enables product scanning to be performed more conveniently and easily through a product sorting section depending on the mode of use.

[0007] The objectives of the present invention are not limited thereto, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] An unmanned product checkout device for achieving the objectives of the present invention as described above comprises: a first transfer unit that provides a space for a product requiring calculation to be placed and transports the placed product, and at least a portion of which forms an inclined surface; a second transfer unit positioned at a position corresponding to one end of the first transfer unit and transporting the product; a scanning unit provided on one side of the second transfer unit and scanning at least one of the barcode and image of the product being transported; and a calculation unit including a payment unit that displays information and prices of products passing through the scanning unit and performs payment.

[0009] At this time, the device may further include a product sorting unit provided on one side of the first conveying unit, one side of the second conveying unit, or one side adjacent to the first conveying unit or the second conveying unit, for sorting products that are placed on and conveyed by the first conveying unit or for transferring products from the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit.

[0010] In addition, it may further include a product recognition unit provided on one side of the first transfer unit to recognize whether the product is seated on the first transfer unit.

[0011] In addition, it may further include a weight sensor provided on one side of the lower part of the second transfer unit to measure the weight of the product scanned by the scanning unit for verification of the product.

[0012] Additionally, the calculation unit may further include a processor that identifies the product based on the barcode or image of the product scanned through the scanning unit or the external scanning unit.

[0013] In addition, the above processor can utilize artificial intelligence training data.

[0014] The unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention has the following effects.

[0015] First, it has the effect of enabling easy, quick, and accurate calculation by automatically identifying the product when the buyer places it on the conveyor, without the need for the cashier or the buyer to scan the product's barcode.

[0016] Second, when a user places a product on the conveyor, if two or more products are placed overlapping, the overlapping products move along the inclined surface formed on at least one side of the first conveyor and slide due to the incline, thereby releasing the overlapping state and facilitating the subsequent process of scanning the product.

[0017] Third, together with the inclined surface of the first conveying unit, the product sorting unit rearranges the products through sorting or delivery, thereby more effectively preventing product overlap, and the product sorting unit organizes the placement position of the products, thereby maximizing the scanning efficiency of the scanning unit.

[0018] Fourth, the product sorting unit sequentially transfers products from the first transfer unit to the second transfer unit according to the usage pattern, thereby adjusting the supply interval of the products and preventing subsequently supplied products from being supplied to the scanning unit when a previously supplied product is scanned, which has the effect of maximizing the product recognition rate.

[0019] Fifth, the scanning and calculation units have the effect of enabling faster and more accurate product calculations by improving the product recognition rate through artificial intelligence training data.

[0020] Sixth, since there is no need for a cashier to be stationed there, it has the effect of reducing store operating and management costs.

[0021] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0022] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a different perspective view of an unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention.

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0027] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish them from a single component. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0029]

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031]

[0032] Configuration of an unmanned product checkout device

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention in a different direction, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of an unmanned product checkout device according to the present invention. As shown in the drawings, the unmanned product checkout device (10) according to the present invention may be largely composed of a first transfer unit (100), a second transfer unit (200), a product sorting unit (300), a scanning unit (400), a weight sensor, and a calculation unit (500).

[0035] The first transfer unit (100) is a device that provides a space for a product to be placed for calculation and transfers the placed product for a subsequent process. This first transfer unit (100) may be composed of any device and configuration that provides a space for a product to be placed and can stably transfer the product for a subsequent process. However, preferably, in order to suppress and minimize the overlapping of products when the product is placed, it is preferable to have a transfer device with an inclined surface (110) formed on at least a part so that the overlapping products slide and are transferred in a separated state during placement or transfer. Additionally, the first transfer unit (100) may be composed of a conveyor belt or a roller transfer device equipped with multiple rollers driven by a motor so as to automatically transfer the product at a predetermined speed according to a pre-entered program.

[0036] At this time, a product recognition unit may be further provided on one side of the first transfer unit (100) to recognize the placement of a product and transmit this product recognition information to a control unit or calculation unit (500) that generally controls the unmanned product calculation device (10) according to the present invention, thereby transmitting a signal to the first transfer unit (100) to start operation. This product recognition unit is a device provided on one side of the first transfer unit (100), preferably on one side of one end of the first transfer unit (100), to determine whether a product is placed on the first transfer unit (100) and to generate a signal to control whether the first transfer unit (100) is operated. Since maintenance costs increase and the load on the first transfer unit (100) may increase if the first transfer unit (100) is always operated regardless of whether a product is placed, it is preferable to provide a product recognition unit for recognizing whether a product is placed so that it is operated only when a product is placed, thereby enabling stable operation. The product recognition unit may be provided on one side of the first transfer unit (100), and any device capable of quickly and accurately recognizing whether a product is placed may be used. In one embodiment, the product recognition unit may be composed of a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, a vision sensor, or a pressure sensor that recognizes the placement of a product, and depending on the mode of use, in addition to recognizing whether a product is placed, it may also recognize the approach of a buyer and utilize this as an operation signal for the first transfer unit (100).

[0037] The second transfer unit (200) is a device that stably transfers goods transferred from the first transfer unit (100) in a state where the goods are prevented from overlapping, for a subsequent process. Any transfer device capable of stably transferring goods so that the subsequent process can be carried out smoothly may be used for this second transfer unit (200). However, preferably, it may be composed of a conveyor belt or a roller transfer device equipped with multiple rollers driven by a motor, which can transfer goods at a constant speed according to a pre-programmed program, just like the first transfer unit (100).

[0038] The product sorting unit (300) is provided on one side of the first transfer unit (100), on one side of the second transfer unit (200), or on one side adjacent to the first transfer unit (100) or the second transfer unit (200), preferably on one side adjacent to the part where the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) meet, and is a device for sorting products so that products moving from the first transfer unit (100) to the second transfer unit (200) can be easily scanned as a subsequent process. That is, even if the overlapping of products is suppressed and prevented by the inclined surface (110) of the first conveying unit (100), if part of the products overlap, if a product lands on the edge of the first conveying unit (100), or if one side of the product deviates to the outside of the first conveying unit (100), the product sorting unit (300) is a device for sorting products landed on the first conveying unit (100) so that the subsequent process can be carried out smoothly. As described above, any device capable of sorting products so that the subsequent process, particularly the scanning of products, can be used for this product sorting unit (300).

[0039] In one embodiment, the product sorting unit (300) according to the present invention may be composed of a robot arm. Such a robot arm may be formed with any structure as long as it can change the placement position of a product placed on the first transfer unit (100) or smoothly separate overlapping products to facilitate subsequent processes. However, it is preferable to use a robot arm with a multi-joint structure. In addition, a vision sensor or the like may be further provided on one side of the robot arm according to the present invention, preferably on one end of the robot arm adjacent to the product, to check the placement state of the product. In this way, the placement state of the product placed on the first transfer unit (100) can be checked through the vision sensor or the like, and the product sorting unit (300) can smoothly perform the rearrangement of the product. In addition, one end of the robot arm that substantially contacts the product may selectively use a device capable of smoothly transferring, transporting, and rearranging the product, such as a gripping unit or a suction unit, considering the type of product being handled.

[0040] The first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200), having a fully connected configuration, may be provided to be interconnected so that the goods are transferred continuously without obstruction, and depending on the mode of use, a partition wall, etc. may be provided between the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200), and a goods sorting unit (300) provided on one side where the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) meet may be configured to transfer goods transferred from the first transfer unit (100) to the second transfer unit (200) according to the goods scanning speed of the scanning unit (400).

[0041] The scanning unit (400) is provided on one side of the second transfer unit (200) and is a device that scans the barcode and image of a product being transferred through the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) to identify what kind of product it is. Any scanning device may be used for this scanning unit (400) as long as it is capable of clearly identifying what kind of product is being transferred by scanning the product being transferred by the second transfer unit (200) and comparing it with previously registered information. Preferably, it is preferable to use a device capable of scanning at least one of the product's barcode or image, and more preferably, it is preferable to use a scanning device equipped with multiple scanning units so that the product can be scanned from multiple directions. In this case, when multiple scanning units are provided, the device is configured to include at least one barcode scanning unit and at least one image scanning unit.

[0042] As such, the scanning unit (400) is equipped with both a barcode scanning unit and an image scanning unit, thereby enabling the transmission of the product's barcode and images of the product captured from multiple angles to the calculation unit (500). Accordingly, if the product's barcode is not recognized, the product can be clearly identified through information such as the product name, string, logo, and packaging design displayed in the image scan information.

[0043] This scanning unit (400) can gradually improve the accuracy of scan information, particularly image scan information, through deep learning. That is, as the number of image scans of a product increases, the accuracy of the image scan improves.

[0044] The weight sensor is provided on one side of the lower portion of the second transfer unit (200) and is a device for measuring the weight of a product, used to verify the product scanned by the scanning unit (400) in duplicate with the scanning unit (400). At this time, based on the weight measurement information of the product being measured, the weight of the product identified by the scanning unit (400) is compared with the actual weight of the product to verify whether the scanning information of the scanning unit (400) is clear, thereby enabling a more accurate calculation. Accordingly, any weight measuring device may be used as long as it is a device capable of accurately measuring the weight of a product being transported regardless of the placement position of the product placed on the second transfer unit (200), provided that at least one weight sensor is provided on one side of the second transfer unit (200).

[0045] The calculation unit (500) is a device that collects type and quantity information of products recognized by the scanning unit (400) and the external scanning unit (400), calculates and displays price information thereof, induces payment to the buyer, and performs payment by including a payment unit (520) where payment is made. Any device that displays the type and quantity of recognized products to the buyer and allows the buyer to proceed with payment may be used for this calculation unit (500). However, it is preferable to use a calculation device (10) that includes a display unit (510) for displaying calculated information such as the price and quantity of products to the user and a payment unit (520) where payment is made.

[0046] At this time, the calculation unit (500) may include a control unit that is electrically connected to at least one of the aforementioned transfer unit, product recognition unit, scan unit (400), weight sensor, external scan unit (400), external transfer unit, auxiliary transfer unit, and auxiliary recognition unit to control each of them. Of course, it is obvious that depending on the mode of use, the control unit may not be included in the calculation unit (500) but may be provided in a separate location.

[0047] The control unit may include a processor for calculating products, and the processor has price information and weight information for products being sold input, and controls the identification of products based on the barcode, image, and weight of the product measured through the weight sensor of the product scanned through the scan unit (400) and the external scan unit (400). At this time, the processor can perform product identification using artificial intelligence learning data.

[0048]

[0049] Usage patterns of unmanned product checkout devices

[0050]

[0051] The usage mode of the unmanned product checkout device (10) having the above-described configuration is explained in more detail as follows.

[0052] First, the buyer places at least one product in a shopping cart or shopping basket and moves to an unmanned product checkout device (10) according to the present invention.

[0053] Next, the buyer places the product on the first transfer unit (100) for payment of the product they wish to purchase.

[0054] Next, when a product is placed on the first transfer unit (100), a product recognition unit provided on one side of the first transfer unit (100) recognizes the placement of the product and drives the first transfer unit (100). When the product recognition unit recognizes the initial placement of the product, the control unit drives the transfer unit, and when it recognizes the placement of an additional product, it continues to drive the transfer unit. If, during the operation of the transfer unit, an additional recognition signal is not recognized by the product recognition unit for a pre-entered period of time, the operation of the transfer unit is stopped.

[0055] Next, the product placed on the first transfer unit (100) begins to be transferred according to the operation of the first transfer unit (100). At this time, when a buyer places a product on the first transfer unit (100), two or more products may be transferred while overlapping each other. In this case, the product is transferred along the inclined surface (110) of the first transfer unit (100), and the overlapping products slide according to the angle of inclination of the inclined surface (110), and the overlapping products are separated from each other. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent problems such as the product entering the scanning unit (400) while overlapping, making it difficult to scan the product, or the product overlapping at the bottom not being recognized.

[0056] Next, the product that is primarily transferred through the first transfer unit (100) is transferred to the second transfer unit (200) and then transferred to the scanning unit (400).

[0057] At this time, the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) may be configured continuously or separated from each other through a partition wall, as shown in the drawing.

[0058] If the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) are configured in succession, the goods are continuously transported along the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) as in a general transfer device. At this time, the goods sorting unit (300) can check the overlapping state and arrangement state of the goods passing through the second transfer unit (200) and adjust the position of the goods to facilitate scanning.

[0059] If the first transfer unit (100) and the second transfer unit (200) are separated from each other as shown in the drawing, the product sorting unit (300) can transfer products from the first transfer unit (100) to the second transfer unit (200). At this time, the product sorting unit (300) may be equipped with a corresponding unit, such as a gripping unit or a suction unit, at the end to facilitate the transfer of products handled in the store.

[0060] In this case, since the goods pass through the inclined surface (110) of the first transfer unit (100) and the overlapping goods are transferred in a state where they are separated as much as possible, the goods sorting unit (300) can stably transfer the mutually separated goods to the second transfer unit (200). As such, when the goods sorting unit (300) transfers goods from the first transfer unit (100) to the second transfer unit (200), the goods transfer unit can transfer the goods sequentially by considering the time for the scanning unit (400) to accurately recognize the goods. Accordingly, since the goods being transferred are delivered and transferred to the second transfer unit (200) at a mutually predetermined interval, it is possible to prevent in advance any factors that would cause a subsequently supplied product to interfere with the scanning of a product that is supplied first and being scanned. Through this, the efficiency of product recognition is maximized.

[0061] Next, the product placed on the second transfer unit (200) is transferred to the scanning unit (400) according to the operation of the second transfer unit (200), and the scanning unit (400) acquires at least one of the product's barcode and image information and transmits it to the control unit. Since the scanning unit (400) according to the present invention does not simply scan the product's barcode to identify the product, but acquires information such as the product name, string, logo, and packaging design from various angles as image information and transmits it to the control unit, the scanning unit (400) can easily and clearly recognize the product even if the barcode is not recognized in the scanning direction of the scanning unit (400).

[0062] Next, to cross-verify whether the scan result of a product passing through the scanning unit (400) is accurate, the weight of the product is measured using a weight sensor, and the measured weight information of the product is transmitted to the control unit. At this time, the control unit determines whether there is an error in product recognition by comparing the previously entered weight information of the product scanned by the scanning unit (400) with the weight information transmitted from the weight sensor. In this way, since the product is identified twice through the scanning unit (400) and the weight sensor in the present invention, errors in product recognition can be significantly reduced.

[0063] In the present invention, for the convenience of explanation, it is described that weight measurement is performed by a weight sensor after scanning; however, depending on the mode of use, a weight sensor may be provided on one side of the lower portion of the transport unit equipped with a scanning unit (400) to measure the weight of the product simultaneously with scanning the product and cross-verify the product.

[0064] The aforementioned product identification process is repeated until no additional product recognition is performed in the product recognition unit, and the calculation unit (500) and the control unit comprehensively calculate product information, such as the type and quantity of products identified through the scanning unit (400) and the weight sensor, and price information for each product, and display the individual product information or summation on the display unit (510) of the calculation unit (500) to the buyer, thereby inducing payment.

[0065] Finally, the user can check the information displayed on the display unit (510) of the calculation unit (500), perform payment through the payment unit (520), and complete the purchase of the product.

[0066]

[0067] As explained above, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A first transfer unit that provides a space for a product requiring calculation to be placed and transfers the placed product, and at least a portion of which forms an inclined surface; A second transfer unit positioned at a location corresponding to one end of the first transfer unit and transferring the product; A scanning unit provided on one side of the second transfer unit for scanning at least one of the barcode and image of the product being transferred; and A calculation unit including a payment unit that displays information and prices of products that have passed through the above-mentioned scanning unit and performs payment; An unmanned product checkout device including 2. In Paragraph 1, An unmanned product checkout device further comprising a product sorting unit provided on one side of the first transfer unit, one side of the second transfer unit, or one side adjacent to the first transfer unit or the second transfer unit, for sorting products that are placed on and transported by the first transfer unit or for transferring products from the first transfer unit to the second transfer unit.

3. In Paragraph 1, An unmanned product checkout device further comprising a product recognition unit provided on one side of the first transfer unit and recognizing whether the product is seated on the first transfer unit.

4. In Paragraph 1, An unmanned product checkout device further comprising a weight sensor provided on one side of the lower part of the second transfer unit to measure the weight of the product scanned by the scanning unit for verification of the product.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above calculation unit is an unmanned product checkout device further comprising a processor that identifies the product based on the barcode and image of the product scanned through the above scanning unit or the above external scanning unit.

6. In Paragraph 5 The above processor is an unmanned product checkout device characterized by using artificial intelligence learning data.

Images