Self-Checkout Scanner Layout With Pivoting Side Reader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-service checkout systems require multiple facilities to be housed in a common enclosure to enable flexible operation from different sides, increasing manufacturing effort and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A goods registration device with a stationary first scanner and alternately positionable second and third scanners, which can be moved into upright or non-working positions using an adjusting device, allowing easy switching between two operating states to accommodate operators from different sides without additional scanners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple facilities are housed in a common enclosure to enable flexible operation from different sides, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible operation from different sidesVSAvoidmultiple facilities in common enclosure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning device incorporates a pivotable mechanism that allows the second scanner to rotate between different operating positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the device to switch between serving customers on the left or right side without requiring multiple fixed installations, thereby achieving adaptability while avoiding the complexity of housing multiple complete facilities in a common enclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device is designed with multi-functional capability where a single device can serve multiple operating positions. The first scanner (horizontal) and second scanner (vertical) work together in different configurations to provide universal goods detection functionality from both left and right sides, eliminating the need for separate facilities for each side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple scanners are arranged in a common enclosure to enable operation from opposite sides, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation from opposite sidesVSAvoidmanufacturing effort for multiple facilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable mounting allows the second scanner to be dynamically repositioned between left-side and right-side operating positions. This single movable component replaces what would otherwise require two separate fixed installations, significantly reducing manufacturing effort while maintaining ease of operation from both sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device is segmented into a stationary first scanner and a pivotable second scanner. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-directional operation capability through the movement of only one component, rather than requiring multiple complete scanner assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pivotable scanning device with multiple facilities is provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation from both left and right sidesVSAvoidmultiple facilities in common enclosure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning device uses a pivotable mechanism for the second scanner that enables it to rotate between serving customers on the left or right side. This dynamic adjustment allows a single device to provide adaptability for different operating positions without requiring multiple complete facilities to be housed in a common enclosure, thereby achieving versatility while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device achieves universal functionality by combining a stationary first scanner with a pivotable second scanner. This configuration allows one device to perform the function of multiple scanners positioned at different locations, eliminating the need for multiple facilities while maintaining adaptability for operation from both sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2466559B1Goods recording device for self-service checkout systems
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2466559B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2466559B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device (1) has a biooptical scanning device (7) reading markings arranged at goods. A first scanner (9) and a second scanner (10) are enclosed in a bottom surface of goods detection area (3), and the goods moving in a preferred direction are readable by the scanners. An adjusting device is provided on the second scanner or a third scanner (11) such that the scanning device is brought from an operating position to another operating position. The goods in the latter position are detectable from sides (13, 13') of the area, where the latter position is set opposite to the former position.