Checkout Counter Barrier Coupling for Shared Customer I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Checkout systems with divided goods removal areas face inefficiencies in utilizing input and output devices, as existing solutions require multiple devices for separate customer sections, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device adjusts the spatial position of input and output devices, such as screens, receipt printers, and payment terminals, based on the movable barrier element's position, allowing a single device to serve multiple customer sections by assigning information and functions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input and output devices are provided for each customer section, then each customer can access information independently, but the number of devices increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier element is made movable between first and second positions to dynamically control which customer section is active. This dynamic configuration allows a single input/output device to serve different customers at different times, eliminating the need for multiple static devices while maintaining independent information access for each customer.
Solution Approach 2:
A single input and output device is designed to serve multiple customer sections by changing its operational context based on the barrier element's position. The device functions universally for different customers rather than being dedicated to a single section, reducing the total number of devices required while maintaining full functionality for each customer.
2Productivity
If the goods removal area is divided into multiple sections, then multiple customers can shop simultaneously, but separate input and output devices are required for each section
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier element dynamically divides the goods removal area into separate customer sections when needed, allowing multiple customers to shop simultaneously. The same barrier element also dynamically allows a single input/output device to serve different sections at different times, enabling multi-customer service without requiring multiple devices for each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The goods removal area is segmented into multiple customer sections using a movable barrier element. This segmentation allows simultaneous service of multiple customers while the barrier element itself serves as a dynamic boundary that can be reconfigured to allow a single input/output device to serve different segments at different times.
3Device complexity
If a single input and output device is shared between multiple sections, then device cost is reduced, but the device must be repositioned or reassigned based on barrier element position
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the position of the barrier element automatically determines which customer section is active and therefore which customer should use the input/output device. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual device reassignment, as the system automatically knows which customer should access the device based on the barrier's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The input/output device automatically becomes available to the appropriate customer based on the barrier element's position without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages device assignment by monitoring barrier position and making the device accessible to the correct customer section, simplifying operation while reducing device count.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a checkout system arrangement with a goods storage area (10) on which goods (W) can be stored, a goods removal area (11) from which goods (W) located therein can be removed, goods (W) being removed from the goods storage area (10) in can be transported to the goods removal area (11), a barrier device (12) which divides the goods removal area (11) at least into a first and a second partial area (110A, 110B), and at least one movable barrier element (121) which, with respect to the goods removal area ( 11) optionally at least in a first spatial position in which goods (W) transported from the goods storage area (10) into the goods removal area (11) are guided into the first partial area (110A) of the goods removal area (11), and in a second spatial position , in which goods (W) transported from the goods storage area (10) into the goods removal area (11) are guided into the second partial area (110B) of the goods removal area (11). , can be brought, and at least one input and/or output device (13, 13, 13") for inputting and/or outputting information. A coupling device is provided which is designed to transmit the spatial position of the input and/or output device (13, 13, 13") to the barrier device (12) as a function of a change in the spatial position of the movable barrier element (121). In this way, a checkout system arrangement is provided with a goods removal area divided into at least two partial areas, in which at least one input and/or output device can be used efficiently.