Patent classifications
A47F9/04
RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION IN SELF-CHECKOUT
The present disclosure provides for radio frequency identification in self-checkout via a first product pathway; a single Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) antenna, having a first scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the first product pathway is configured to: position a first set of objects within the first scanning zone at a first position relative to the single RFID antenna at a first time; and position the first set of object within the first scanning zone at a second position relative to the single RFID, different than the first position, at a second time; and wherein the single RFID antenna is configured to: receive, at the first time, a first set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and receive, at the second time, a second set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects.
AUTOMATIC PAYMENT SYSTEM
An automatic payment system includes: first and second conveyer stages arranged along a conveying route on which products are moved; a slope disposed between the first and second conveyer stages on the conveying route; at least one first ID sensor facing the first conveyer state to sense IDs attached to the products when the products overlap the first conveyer stage; at least one second ID sensor facing the second conveyer stage to sense IDs attached to the products when the products overlap the second conveyer stage; and a bottom ID sensor facing the conveyer route under the slope.
Vision-based frictionless self-checkouts for small baskets
A vison-based self-checkout terminal is provided. Purchased items are placed on a base and multiple cameras take multiple images of each item placed on the base. A location for each item placed on the base is determined along with a depth and the dimensions of each item at its given location on the base. Each item's images are then cropped, and item recognition is performed for each item on that item's cropped images with that item's corresponding depth and dimension attributes. An item identifier for each item is obtained along with a corresponding price and a transaction associated with items are completed.
BAG MANAGEMENT RACK
A bag management rack, comprises (1) a top support, (2) a bottom support, spaced apart from the top support, (3) a spacer, connecting the top support and the bottom support, (4) a first top prong and a second top prong, attached to the top support and spaced apart from each other, and (5) a first bottom prong and a second bottom prong, attached to the bottom support and spaced apart from each other. The distance between the first and second bottom prongs is less than the distance between the first and second top prongs. Furthermore, the first and second bottom prongs are aligned below and between the first and second top prongs.
Computer-controlled, unattended, automated checkout store outlet system and related method
An unattended, automated checkout, computer-controlled automated store outlet and system is disclosed. A customer's identification and payment information are inputted and verified and the customer qualified to remove items from the automated store outlet. Each bay of the automated store outlet is normally locked, and after the customer accesses the bay can remove one or more items from the bay, which are automatically detected and identified and charged to the customer as part of the purchase transaction. These events occur at the location of each automated store outlet. Each automated store outlet communicates with a central control center, which can be used for live customer service and real time surveillance.
Resolving events in item-identifying carts
This disclosure is directed to item-identifying carts that may be utilized by users to automatically identify items that the users place in their carts. In addition, these carts may automatically determine the outcome of respective events that occur with respect to these identified items. For example, the carts may be configured to identify one or more items that are placed into or removed from the cart, and thereafter determine one or more actions taken with respect to the identified items and a quantity of the items involved. For example, after identifying a first item and a second item either placed into or removed from the cart, the cart may determine that the user added two instances of the first item and removed one instance of the second item. In response to making this determination, the cart may update a virtual cart of a user operating the physical cart.
Handling Device for Transporting Components of a Checkout Station
A reusable handling device is specially designed for transporting components of a checkout station to a location within the store where the checkout station is installed. The handling device includes casters and is designed to removably mount to a checkout station component (e.g., bagger) having adjustable feet when there is a need to move or transport the checkout station component (e.g., during installation). Generally, the handling device is configured to extend between and engage two of the adjustable feet of the checkout station component. Two or more handling devices can be mounted to the checkout station component to move the checkout station component during installation and can be removed when finished. After the installation is complete, the handling devices can be returned to the manufacturer or supplier of the checkout station component for use in another installation.
Handling Device for Transporting Components of a Checkout Station
A reusable handling device is specially designed for transporting components of a checkout station to a location within the store where the checkout station is installed. The handling device includes casters and is designed to removably mount to a checkout station component (e.g., bagger) having adjustable feet when there is a need to move or transport the checkout station component (e.g., during installation). Generally, the handling device is configured to extend between and engage two of the adjustable feet of the checkout station component. Two or more handling devices can be mounted to the checkout station component to move the checkout station component during installation and can be removed when finished. After the installation is complete, the handling devices can be returned to the manufacturer or supplier of the checkout station component for use in another installation.
RETAINING COLLAPSIBLE TOTES
Aspects described herein include an apparatus for retaining a collapsible tote. The apparatus includes a wall member and one or more engagement members projecting from one or more surfaces of the wall member. The one or more engagement members are arranged and dimensioned to removably engage respective portions of the collapsible tote, suspending the collapsible tote beside a first surface of the one or more surfaces. The wall member is inclined such that, when the collapsible tote is suspended beside the first surface, the collapsible tote is gravitationally urged toward an uncollapsed configuration.
POINT OF SALE BARRIER
A point of sale barrier includes an upright panel configured to separate a first person on a first side of the upright panel from a second person on a second side of the upright panel, an opening formed through the upright panel, and a dispenser positioned within the opening and movable relative to the upright panel between a first position, in which an object on the dispenser is accessible to the first person, and a second position, in which the object on the dispenser is accessible to the second person. The point of sale barrier also includes an actuator coupled to the dispenser and operable to move the dispenser between the first and second positions. The dispenser and the wall are shaped to inhibit free air flow through the opening as the dispenser moves between the first and second positions.