Dual-Scale Point-of-Sale Device for Continuous Bag Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In self-checkout systems, when a large number of items are purchased, bags can become full during the item registration process, necessitating repacking and reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A POS device with a first table for item placement and a second table for bag storage, each equipped with scales, processes item registration and payment based on weight measurements, allowing for seamless addition of new bags and tare processes to maintain accurate weight calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single bag is used for item registration, then the bagging process is simple, but the bag becomes full and requires repacking, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bagging capacity by allowing multiple bags to be used simultaneously. When one bag becomes full, customers can add additional bags without interrupting the registration process. The control unit tracks weight distribution across multiple bags, enabling continuous operation without repacking and thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through systematic weight tracking.
2Loss of time
If multiple bags are allowed during registration, then operational continuity is maintained, but weight tracking becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback by continuously monitoring weight changes on both tables and automatically tracking which items are placed in which bag. The system provides real-time weight information to the display unit, enabling automatic calculation of totals without manual intervention. This feedback mechanism eliminates repacking time while managing weight tracking complexity through automated computation and clear customer feedback on the display.
3Measurement precision
If weight measurement is continuous, then payment accuracy is ensured, but system responsiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic weight detection where the control unit checks weight changes at regular intervals and triggers payment processing when the registration is complete. The first table detects when all items are placed, and the second table periodically verifies the total weight matches the registered items. This periodic checking ensures payment accuracy while maintaining transaction speed by not requiring continuous processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient item registration and payment by allowing continuous bag addition without repacking, maintaining accurate weight measurements and ensuring seamless transaction completion.
Implementation Method 1
a first table on which items before registration can be placed, the first table including a first scale
Implementation Method 2
a second table with a support on which two or more bags for storing items after registration can be set, the second table including a second scale
Data Source
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AI summary
A point-of-sale device includes a first table on which items before registration can be placed and including a first scale, a second table on which two or more bags for storing items after registration can be set and including a second scale, an input device, a display, and a processor configured to: at a beginning of a transaction, determine a first weight based on a signal from the first scale, and start a registration process, and during the registration process, determine a second weight based on a signal from the second scale, and upon input of a first operation for payment via the input device, determine the second weight as a total weight of registered items, when the first weight matches the total weight, execute a payment process, and when the first weight does not match the total weight, control the display to display an error message.