Flexible checkout with possibility of rapid and simplified conversion from normal assisted use to self-checkout use and vice versa
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current checkouts lack flexibility and efficiency, as traditional checkouts handle large purchases but require staff, while self-checkouts are limited to small purchases and reduce throughput capacity, making it difficult for small stores to manage varying customer needs without increasing staff or reducing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A convertible checkout system that can switch between assisted and self-checkout modes by rotating or translating the intermediate scanning unit, allowing for flexible use and remote monitoring, maintaining throughput capacity without additional staff during peak times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional checkouts with conveyor belts and wide trays are used, then throughput capacity is maximized, but staffing costs increase due to requirement for assisted operation
Solution Approach 1:
The checkout system dynamically reconfigures its physical layout by rotating or translating the intermediate scanning unit between two operational modes: assisted checkout mode (conveyor belt configuration) and self-checkout mode (counter configuration). This dynamic transformation allows the same hardware to serve different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode, thereby maintaining throughput capacity while reducing staffing dependencies.
2Device complexity
If self-checkout systems are deployed to reduce staffing costs, then staffing costs decrease, but throughput capacity is reduced due to limited item handling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The checkout system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: it operates as a full-capacity assisted checkout with conveyor belt and wide tray for large purchases, and transforms into a self-checkout counter for small purchases. The intermediate scanning unit serves dual purposes in both configurations, enabling the system to handle diverse purchase volumes without requiring separate specialized systems, thus maintaining high throughput capacity while enabling self-service operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-checkout systems are used for small purchases, then service flexibility improves, but throughput capacity is limited compared to traditional checkouts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its physical configuration to match service requirements: when small purchases are anticipated, it transforms into a compact self-checkout counter for efficient handling; when large purchases or peak volumes are expected, it reconfigures as a full-capacity assisted checkout with conveyor belt. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal throughput capacity for each operational scenario while maintaining service flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~2a
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AI summary
In a checkout that comprises in operational sequence a conveyor belt (T) on which the products are loaded, an intermediate scanning and payment unit (C), and an end tray (V, V') where the checked products are collected, the invention provides means allowing said checkout to be used by the assistant in the assisted mode, or, moving along the same side as that previously taken by the assistant, directly by the customer in the self-checkout use mode and comprises means which in the latter case allow the actual customer to directly bag the products after the scanning phase, in an area immediately downstream of said intermediate unit (C), from which said tray (V, V') for this purpose has been moved away, said tray being fitted with means allowing it to be displaced to a position still connected to the checkout but out of the way to allow the checkout to be used in the self-checkout mode. In this latter mode of use, the customer places the acquired products on the initial conveyor belt (T), then reads the barcode of each product at the intermediate unit (C), where a dedicated self-checkout software interface will be available, for payment and other purposes, and finally bags said products in the end space, where the tray is out of the way, and then pays the total cost of the purchases by any suitable and predetermined means.