Transaction terminal with vertical weigh scale and methods of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service checkout stations are bulky, inefficient for customers with multiple items, and not user-friendly, especially for wheelchair users, due to their combined scanner/weigh plate design that is prone to debris and requires unnecessary weight checks, leading to space inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A transaction terminal with a vertically integrated weigh scale and scanner, where items are placed directly into hanging bags, allowing for one-step weighing and scanning, reducing space requirements and improving usability by eliminating the need for a protruding scanner/scale combination and minimizing false weight triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combined scanner/weigh plate is used to both scan barcodes and weigh produce items, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the glass surface is susceptible to spillage damage and debris accumulation, requiring larger space footprint and expensive bioptic scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the scanning function from the weighing function. The scanner is positioned above the weigh plate rather than combined with it, so that produce items can be weighed on the plate without contaminating the scanner. This segmentation eliminates the problem of debris accumulation on the scanning surface while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary space between the scanner and weigh plate, using the vertical space above the weigh plate for scanning operations. This allows the scanner to capture barcodes from items on the weigh plate without physical contact, eliminating direct exposure to spillage and debris.
2Reliability
If all bags must remain on the bag carousel during checkout, then weight monitoring can be maintained, but customers with multiple items face inefficiency and staff intervention is required for weight discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary weight monitoring by continuously tracking bag weights during the checkout process. Weight discrepancies are detected in advance and communicated to customers through the interface, allowing them to correct issues before completion without staff intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to customers about bag weights through the user interface. When weight discrepancies are detected, the system notifies the customer and guides them to resolve the issue, eliminating the need for staff to physically inspect and override interrupts.
3Ease of operation
If a horizontal bagging carousel with integrated scale is used, then weighing can be performed, but the design is not user-friendly for wheelchair users and requires external interface navigation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal bagging carousel to a vertical bagging system. Bags are dispensed vertically from a stack and can be easily accessed by wheelchair users at a lower height. The vertical orientation eliminates the need for customers to reach across a horizontal carousel, improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having customers interact with a horizontal carousel that requires reaching forward, the system inverts the approach by providing vertical access to bags. The bag dispenser is positioned vertically, allowing customers to access bags by pulling downward, which is more ergonomic and accessible for wheelchair users.
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
The vertical design enhances user accessibility, reduces space occupancy, and improves transaction efficiency by allowing direct access to the scanner and payment peripherals, providing accurate weight measurements without the need for redundant weight checks, thus streamlining the checkout process.
Implementation Method 1
attach to a weight sensor on a different end. As items are identified during a transaction at the transaction terminal and placed in the bag, the vertically integrated scale is configured to report a current weight for the bag having the items
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction terminal includes a vertically integrated bagging weigh scale and a vertically integrated scanner. The scale includes two posts that extend horizontally out from the terminal and upon which a bag hangs. Items placed in the bag cause displacement of the posts and/or pressure detected on the posts resulting in a recorded weight by a weight sensor of the scale. A current recorded weight of the bag is reported from the scale to the terminal during a transaction as each item is placed into the bag. The terminal uses the item weights to record prices for those items sold by weight and to verify that items scanned by the scanner and placed in the bag have expected weights for those items.