Self-checkout terminal, method and non-transitory computer-readable medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-checkout terminals face challenges in securely handling high-value or high-demand products, as traditional methods like locked vending machines hinder customer access and require employee assistance, leading to inefficiencies and potential fraud.
Innovation Solution
A self-checkout terminal with a product storage device that allows customers to freely access and interact with high-value products, using displacement sensors to monitor product removal and addition, ensuring accurate inventory and purchase tracking through a control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If products are stored in secured areas or locked vending machines, then fraud risk is reduced, but customer access and interaction with products are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to autonomously interact with products in secured containers through a self-service interface. The control device monitors product removal and return actions, automatically updating the virtual cart without requiring employee assistance or manual unlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with an electronic monitoring system using sensors and control devices. Instead of physical keys or manual unlocking, the system uses automated detection of product removal and return to manage access and billing.
2Reliability
If employees assist customers with secured products, then product security is maintained, but checkout time and operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for employee assistance by enabling customers to independently complete the entire process of selecting, removing, and potentially returning products. The automated control device handles billing and inventory updates without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the secured container for product removal and return actions, providing real-time feedback to update the virtual cart and billing status. This automated feedback loop maintains security while enabling fast checkout.
3Reliability
If regular vending machines are used for secured products, then product storage is secure, but the system cannot take back products that do not meet customer expectations
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over product availability by enabling customers to return products to the secured container before completion of the purchase. The control device monitors these return actions and automatically adjusts the virtual cart, allowing flexible decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customers to perform preliminary actions of removing and inspecting products before finalizing the purchase. Products can be returned to the secured container if they do not meet expectations, preventing unwanted purchases before billing is completed.
4Reliability
If manual unlock mechanisms are used at cashier-operated checkouts, then high-value products can be securely dispensed, but the process requires employee presence and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual unlock mechanisms with an automated electronic system. Sensors detect when products are removed from or returned to the secured container, and the control device automatically processes billing without requiring employee presence or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables completely autonomous operation where customers independently interact with secured products. The automated control device manages all aspects of secure dispensing, monitoring, and billing without any employee assistance.
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 secure and efficient self-checkout of high-value products by allowing customer interaction without security barriers, reducing fraud risks and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement sensor device (104s) that senses a displacement of one or more products regarding the storage region
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various aspects, a self-checkout terminal (100 to 1000, 1200, 1302) may include: a product scanning device (102) to scan one or more first products; a product storage device (104) to store one or more second products, wherein the product storage device (104) includes a sensor device (104s); a control device (106) configured to determine, by the sensor device (104s), if a second product of the one or more second products is removed from the product storage device (104); add first purchase information (202a) to a list (202) of products to be purchased, when a first product of the one or more first products is scanned by the scanning device (102); add second purchase information (202b) to the list (202) of products to be purchased, when the second product is removed from the product storage device (104); determine payment information (204) based on the list (202) of products to be purchased.