Self-service terminal with integrated scale and imaging sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-service terminals require scanning barcodes or manual selection for items without barcodes, such as fresh produce, which slows down the payment process and necessitates additional equipment like scanners and scales, making the process inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A self-service terminal equipped with a scale and imaging sensors that allow users to remove items one by one, with the terminal determining the goods through weight data and image analysis, eliminating the need for barcode scanning and additional scales, thereby speeding up the payment process and reducing equipment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If barcode scanning and manual selection are used to identify goods, then identification accuracy is maintained, but the payment process speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical barcode scanning process with an imaging sensor-based visual recognition system. The imaging sensor captures images of goods on the scale, and image processing algorithms automatically identify the goods, eliminating the need for physical barcode scanners and manual barcode reading actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale is integrated with imaging sensor functionality, allowing a single device to perform both weight measurement and visual goods identification. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate barcode scanning equipment and manual selection interfaces, streamlining the payment process.
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment like scanners and verification scales are added, then goods identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging sensor, scale, and goods identification functions into a single integrated system. The imaging sensor is positioned to work in conjunction with the scale, allowing simultaneous capture of visual data and weight information from the same goods, eliminating the need for separate verification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions using a single device configuration. The imaging sensor serves both as a visual identification tool and works in conjunction with the scale for weight-based verification, replacing the need for separate barcode scanners, verification scales, and manual selection interfaces.
3Measurement precision
If multiple equipment components are used, then measurement and verification accuracy is maintained, but the terminal size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging sensor array and scale into a single integrated terminal unit. The imaging sensors are positioned directly over the scale surface, allowing simultaneous capture of images and weight measurements from goods placed on the scale, eliminating the need for separate verification equipment and reducing overall terminal footprint.
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
This solution significantly accelerates the payment process for items without barcodes, reduces the need for additional equipment, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective self-service terminal design by directly weighing and identifying fresh produce through imaging and weight detection.
Implementation Method 1
a scale with a storage surface on which goods can be placed, wherein the scale is configured to capture weight data indicating a total weight of goods arranged on the storage surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one imaging sensor configured to capture images of the storage surface of the scale
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A self-service terminal (100) is disclosed, comprising: a scale (102) with a storage area (104) on which goods can be arranged, the scale (102) being configured to record weight data indicating the total weight of goods arranged on the storage area (104); an imaging sensor (106) being configured to record images of the storage area; a processor (110) being configured to: determine from a first image of the imaging sensor (106) which goods are arranged on the storage area (104); receive first weight data from the scale indicating a first total weight of the goods located on the storage area; receive second weight data from the scale indicating a second total weight of goods located on the storage area; and, using the first and second weight data, determine whether one or more goods have been removed from the storage area.and to determine from a second image from the imaging sensor which item(s) were removed from the storage area.