Checkout system assembly with goods separator detection

The invention relates to a POS system arrangement with a transport belt device with at least one belt portion which for the transport of the goods present thereon can be put into a feed movement along a goods feed path, wherein the goods along the goods feed path are separable from each other by at least one goods divider, and a goods detection device for detecting goods transported by means of the transport belt device. There is provided at least one sensor device arranged at a distance from the goods detection device along the goods feed path with a sensor and a detection area, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect by means of the sensor whether the goods divider is present in the detection area, and a control device which is configured to control the feed movement of the belt portion of the transport belt device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 15 165 711.1 filed on Apr. 29, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a POS (point of sale) system arrangement and to a method for operating a POS system arrangement.

Such POS system arrangement includes a transport belt and a goods detection device. The transport belt device comprises at least one belt portion which for the transport of the goods present thereon can be put into a feed movement along a goods feed path, wherein the goods are separable from each other along the goods feed path by at least one goods divider. The goods detection device is formed and provided to detect goods which are transported by the transport belt device.

A POS system arrangement as mentioned above is known from DE 10 2008 010 642 A1. A goods divider with an oblong body and a machine-readable mark is used for separating goods deposited on a goods transport belt. A scanning device serving as goods detection device for the optical recognition of a machine-readable mark on the goods thus can add the prices of goods present on the goods transport belt between a first and a second goods divider. The machine-readable marks both on the goods and on the goods dividers are detected by the scanning device. The machine-readable mark can be formed as optical bar code or as RFID chip.

In the known POS system arrangement it is disadvantageous that goods deposited on the transport belt closely one beside the other possibly cannot clearly be recognized by the scanning device, for example because a first piece of goods conceals an optical sight axis between the scanning device and a machine-readable mark formed as optical code on a second piece of goods. A possible consequence is an unreliable goods recognition of the known POS system arrangement. Customers of the POS system arrangement also frequently are not used or trained to place goods on the transport belt at sufficient distances to each other, so that a reliable recognition of all goods by the scanning device is ensured. To ensure the highest possible comfort for the customers, it therefore is desirable to ensure a reliable goods recognition, even if a customer deposits his/her goods on the transport belt at dense distances to each other.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to improve the known POS system arrangement, in particular the reliability of the goods recognition.

This object is solved by a subject-matter with the features as described herein.

At least one sensor device and control device are provided, wherein the at least one sensor device is arranged at a distance from the goods detection device along the goods feed path and comprises a sensor and a detection area. The sensor device is formed and provided to detect whether or not a goods divider is present in the detection area. The control device is formed and provided to control the feed movement of the belt portion of the transport belt device in dependence on the detection of the goods divider in the detection area of the sensor device.

Due to the spaced arrangement of the sensor device (in particular of the detection area) from the goods detection device it is possible to monitor the goods feed by detection of the goods divider at a point spaced from the goods detection device (along the goods feed path). The information as to whether or not the goods divider is present in the detection area of the sensor device can be used to improve the efficiency and/or the reliability of the goods recognition of the POS system arrangement.

The POS system arrangement generally can be used as checkout place in the wholesale or retail trade, for example in goods trading markets such as DIY stores, supermarkets etc.

For example the goods detection device of the POS system arrangement can be formed as portal scanner, e.g. as 360° portal scanner with optical detection of the type and number of the goods. A portal scanner provides a portal through which goods can be transported. During the transport through the portal, type and number of the goods are recognized automatically. Thus, a particularly efficient checkout procedure is possible. Alternatively, the POS system arrangement can however also be used with a detection device (manually) operated by personnel.

For example, the sensor device is arranged upstream of the goods detection device (along the goods feed path). As intended, the goods divider is deposited by a customer on the transport belt device such that it is located between the goods of the customer and the goods of a preceding or succeeding other customer along the goods feed path. The goods divider can indicate the end of the goods of the one customer and the beginning of the goods of the next customer at the same time. When the sensor device is arranged upstream of the goods detection device (at a known distance), the control device can determine how long the at least one belt portion of the transport belt device must perform a feed movement with a particular speed, so that all goods of the one customer have covered the distance between the detection area of the sensor device and the goods detection device.

Alternatively or in addition, the sensor device can however also be arranged downstream of the goods detection device (along the goods feed path). Thus, it might be determined for example whether the goods divider is transported by means of the transport belt device as expected or whether there is e.g. a backlog of goods.

The sensor device can be configured to detect whether the goods divider is present in the detection area by reading out a machine-readable code provided at the goods divider by means of the sensor. It thereby is possible to particularly clearly detect a goods divider.

The machine-readable code in particular can be read out by means of electromagnetic fields. An electromagnetic field can be generated by the sensor of the sensor device.

The machine-readable code provided on the goods divider can be provided in various ways. Preferably, the machine-readable code is provided by an RFID tag. The sensor of the sensor device preferably is formed as RFID antenna for reading out the RFID tag of the goods divider. The sensor device can recognize a goods divider without an optical visual connection having to exist between the sensor and the goods divider. The RFID antenna and the RFID tag in particular can be formed for RFID communication in a frequency band with 13.56 MHz. To ensure the best possible detection of the RFID tag, the goods divider should be made of a non-metallic material, in order to avoid attenuations or shadowing effects of the antenna field. In this case, the RFID tag can be located in the interior of the divider bar (ideally centrally in the inner core), in order to ensure that the tag can equally be detected in every position and rotation of the bar. Alternatively, however, RFID tags equipped with a plastic insulation (e.g. in the form of a thin plastic film) also can be applied onto a possibly metallic surface of the divider bar (from outside). The goods divider can be formed oblong. The RFID tag can be arranged centrally along the longitudinal extension of the goods divider. Alternatively, the RFID tag can extend e.g. substantially along the entire longitudinal extension of the goods divider. For example, an RFID tag available under the designation TW-R16-B128 can be used. For an optimized detection a convex RFID tag furthermore can be provided.

Alternatively or in addition, the machine-readable code can however also be formed for example as bar code or as so-called QR code. The sensor device then preferably comprises one or more sensors formed as optical detection means for reading out the bar or QR code, wherein in this case reading of a bar or QR code is meant by reading out.

The POS system arrangement can comprise a plurality, in particular a multitude of goods dividers on each of which a machine-readable code is provided. Preferably, several—in particular all—machine-readable codes differ from each other. Thus, the plurality of goods dividers can be distinguished from each other and be identified unambiguously by the sensor device. The sensor device can be configured to detect (and possibly also clearly identify) several goods dividers present in the detection area at the same time. The machine-readable codes for example can comprise a UID (Unique Identifier). By reading out the UID, the control device can distinguish goods dividers from pieces of goods which likewise can comprise RFID tags. For this purpose, the control device can suitably store a list of UIDs (possibly expandable subsequently) or be connected with an external storage device. By comparing the UID read out with the stored UIDs, the control device can detect whether the UID is associated to a (or a particular) goods divider. In dependence thereon, it can control the feed movement of the belt portion of the transport belt device.

The goods detection device can comprise a sensor and a detection area associated to the sensor. The sensor of the goods detection device is configured to detect the machine-readable code provided on the goods divider, when the goods divider is present in the detection area of the goods detection device. The detection area of the goods detection device is formed on the goods detection device or adjacent thereto. In particular, the detection area of the goods detection device is arranged at a distance from the detection area of the sensor device. The goods detection device (or the control device possibly connected therewith) can recognize whether or not a (or a particular) goods divider is present in the detection area of the goods detection device.

The control device can be configured to put at least one belt portion of the transport belt device into a feed movement out of a standstill (or alternatively change the speed of the feed movement from a first speed into a second speed different therefrom), when it receives a control signal when it recognizes that a predetermined or predeterminable service life has expired and/or when a user enters a corresponding command to the control device. For example, an actuating means such as a key can be provided, which can be actuated by a user (e.g. a customer), wherein upon actuation of the actuating means the control device puts the belt portion of the transport belt device into a feed movement. A control signal can be provided e.g. by a packing trough sensor of the POS system arrangement, which recognizes whether a packing trough (of a goods removal area of the POS system arrangement) is loaded with goods or is free. For example, the packing trough sensor provides a control signal when the packing trough (or in case several packing troughs are provided, a or a particular packing trough) is free.

Alternatively or in addition, the control device is configured to put at least one belt portion of the transport belt device into a feed movement out of a standstill, when the sensor of the goods detection device detects a goods divider in the detection area of the goods detection device.

For example, the control device can be configured to control the feed movement of at least one such belt portion of the transport belt device in dependence on the detection of the goods divider in the detection area of the sensor device (or alternatively or in addition in the detection area of the goods detection device), which belt portion is arranged upstream of the goods detection device along the goods feed path. In this way, the control device can control the transport belt device such that the speed of the supply of goods to the goods detection device is increased or reduced, or that the supply of goods to the goods detection device is started or stopped, depending on whether or not a goods divider (or a particular goods divider) is detected at the upstream sensor device.

The transport belt device can comprise at least one first belt portion and one second belt portion. The first belt portion can be formed for depositing goods and provide a goods deposition area. The second belt portion can be formed for supplying the goods deposited on the first belt portion into the detection area of the goods detection device. Of course, there can also be provided further belt portions. In particular, the first belt portion can be arranged upstream of the second belt portion along the goods feed path. When the first belt portion arranged in this way is put into a feed movement, it will supply goods deposited thereon to the second belt portion.

The first and the second belt portion can be operated with different feed rates. The control device can be configured to put the first belt portion into a feed movement with a first speed and the second belt portion into a feed movement with a second speed. It can be provided in particular that the second speed is greater than the first speed. Due to the higher speed of the second belt portion, the distances of several goods to each other can be increased along the goods feed path (a goods separation can be achieved). Due to greater distances between individual goods, a higher precision and reliability is possible during the detection of the goods at the goods detection device. The control of the speeds also can be effected under certain conditions, e.g. in dependence on the detection of the goods divider in the detection area of the sensor device.

The control device can be configured to reduce a speed of the feed movement of the first belt portion, while the goods divider is present in the detection area of the sensor device and is detected by the sensor of the sensor device. Due to the reduced speed, a reliable allocation of goods on both sides of the goods divider to the respective customers can be achieved. Both the first and the second belt portion each can be divided into several sections which can independently be put into a feed movement.

Furthermore, the control device can be configured to stop the first belt portion as soon as the goods divider has left the detection area of the sensor device. In this way it can be ensured that goods which possibly follow the goods divider are not transported further. For example, these are goods of the next customer.

The first belt portion can adjoin the second belt portion at a transition. The detection area of the sensor device then preferably (but not necessarily) is arranged at the transition between the first and the second belt portion. By corresponding control of the belt portions, it thus becomes possible to separate goods on both sides (along the goods feed path) of the goods divider, when a goods divider is detected at the detection area of the sensor device.

The detection area of the sensor device substantially can extend across the entire width (transversely to the goods feed path at this point of the transport belt device) of the first belt portion (e.g. about 45 cm). Thus, a high reliability and precision can be achieved in the detection of the goods divider.

In an exemplary embodiment the goods feed path can be formed branched. The first belt portion for example can comprise several supply belts which are connected with the second (the same) belt portion such that goods can be transported from the supply belts to the second belt portion and be passed on from the same. Thus, several customers can deposit goods on the POS system arrangement at the same time and the goods can be detected by the same goods detection device. Frequently, the detection of goods is effected with a higher speed than the deposition of goods by customers, so that by using several first belt portions the utilization of the goods detection device can be increased.

It should be noted that the POS system arrangement also can comprise several sensor devices. The same in particular can be arranged at a distance from each other along the goods feed path.

The object also is solved by a method for operating a POS system arrangement which includes a transport belt device and a goods detection device. The transport belt device comprises at least one belt portion which for the transport of goods present on the same can be put into a feed movement along a goods feed path, wherein the goods are separable from each other along the goods feed path by at least one goods divider. The goods detection device can detect goods transported by means of the transport belt device. It is provided that the POS system arrangement furthermore comprises at least one sensor device arranged at a distance from the goods detection device along the goods feed path and a control device, wherein the sensor device includes a sensor and a detection area and detects by means of the sensor whether or not the goods divider is present in the detection area, and wherein the control device controls the feed movement of the belt portion of the transport belt device in dependence on the detection of the goods divider in the detection area of the sensor device.

The advantages and advantageous aspects described above for the POS system arrangement analogously are also applicable to the method, so that reference will be made to the above explanations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A to 10Fshow an exemplary embodiment of a POS system arrangement1.FIG. 2shows the connection of some components of the POS system arrangement among each other. The POS system arrangement1comprises a goods deposition area16, a goods removal area17and a transport belt device10. Goods W1-W3, which were deposited in the goods deposition area16, can be transported by means of the transport belt device10along a goods feed path P1into the goods removal area17. The goods removal area17here comprises two packing troughs172, from which goods W1-W3present therein can be removed and which are separated from each other by a packing trough separation. The packing trough separation comprises an immovable barrier element170and a movable barrier element171attached thereto. The one barrier element can pivotally be articulated to the other barrier element. The packing trough separation also can be realized only by a movable barrier element.

The transport belt device10comprises a first belt portion100and a second belt portion101. The second belt portion101adjoins the first belt portion100. Both belt portions100,101can be put into a feed movement and thus can transport goods W1-W3from the goods deposition area16into the goods removal area17. The belt portions100,101form a transition102between themselves. When goods W1-W3are transported from the first belt portion100to the second belt portion101, the cross the transition102between the belt portions.

Here, the goods deposition area16is provided by the first belt portion100. The first belt portion100is formed by a closed, circulating supply belt105. This supply belt105is driven via a motor M1(cf.FIG. 2). The goods removal area17adjoins the second belt portion101. The second belt portion101is arranged between the first belt portion100and the goods removal area17.

The POS system arrangement1furthermore comprises a goods detection device in the form of a portal scanner13. The portal scanner13is arranged on the second belt portion101of the transport belt device10. The portal scanner13is arranged approximately centrally on the second belt portion101(or halfway between the first belt portion100of the transport device10and the goods removal area17). The second belt portion101is formed by a closed, circulating removal belt104by means of which goods W1-W3can be transported away from the transition102and be supplied to the portal scanner13. The removal belt104is driven by a motor M2.

Furthermore, the portal scanner13is arranged at a distance to the transition102between the two belt portions100,101.

The portal scanner13comprises one or more means for the detection of goods which are transported through the portal scanner13. For example, the portal scanner13can comprise several optical scanning means, in order to recognize bar codes or similar marks on the goods W1-W3and thus determine the type and number of the goods W1-W3. With reference to the type and number of the goods W1-W3of a customer, the individual prices of the goods W1-W3and a sum to be paid by the customer can be determined.

For controlling the transport belt device10, the portal scanner13and a sensor device14yet to be explained in detail, the POS system arrangement1comprises a control device15. The same is, as shown inFIG. 2, connected with the motors M1, M2of the transport belt device10, with the portal scanner13and with the sensor device14. The connection is made e.g. via control lines. As an alternative to the illustrated connection of the motors M1, M2of the transport belt device10with the control device15, the motors also might be controlled by a control unit not shown in the Figures (e.g. a memory-programmable controller which possibly also controls further non-illustrated functions of the POS system arrangement), which in turn is connected with the control device15and receives signals from the same.

Alternatively, the belt portion100or belt portion101can be realized by a means other than a closed, circulating removal belt, such as by a roller track or a roller conveyor or roller carpet.

The control device15is shown merely schematically inFIG. 1Aand is suitably connected with the transport belt device10, the portal scanner13and the sensor device14, e.g. by electric control cables, via an RS-232 interface, an RS-485 interface and/or a CAN bus. Alternatively, the control device15can however also be integrated e.g. into the portal scanner13or into the sensor device14, which then also serves as control device. In yet another alternative the control device15is arranged at a distance from the remaining POS system arrangement1. In this case, too, the control device15is connected with the POS system arrangement1(or its individual components controlled by the control device15) via suitable means, e.g. via electric control cables, via an RS-232 interface, an RS-485 interface and/or a CAN bus.

Several customers can deposit their goods W1-W3in the goods deposition area16one after the other (as seen along the goods feed path P1). The goods W1-W3of the different customers are separated from each other by means of goods dividers11A,11B. The goods dividers11A,11B provide for an allocation of certain goods to the different customers. In the present case, goods W1of a first customer, goods W2of a second customer and goods W3of a third customer are shown schematically. The goods W1-W3are separated from each other by two goods dividers11A,11B.

The goods dividers11A,11B substantially are oblong, in particular bar-shaped. The goods dividers11A,11B approximately are so long that they span a large part of the width of the first or second belt portion100,101transversely to the goods feed path P1, when they are arranged substantially transversely to the goods feed path P1. In cross-section, the goods dividers11A,11B are formed e.g. substantially square, rectangular or triangular.

The goods dividers11A,11B each comprise a machine-readable code. The machine-readable code each can be read out by means of an electromagnetic field which is provided e.g. by a sensor. In the present exemplary embodiment the machine-readable codes are provided by one RFID tag110each. The RFID tag can be formed by a 13.56 MHz transponder known per se.

At the end of the first belt portion100of the transport belt device10the sensor device14mentioned already is arranged. In the present case, the sensor device14is provided at the first belt portion100adjacent to the transition102between the first and the second belt portion100,101of the transport belt device10. The sensor device14comprises a detection area141(inFIGS. 1A to 1Fshown in broken lines). Furthermore, the sensor device14comprises a sensor in the form of an RFID antenna140. The RFID antenna140is configured to recognize RFID tags110of a goods divider11A,11B (or of several goods dividers11A,11B) and read out its machine-readable code, when the goods divider11A,11B is present in the detection area141of the sensor device14. The RFID antenna140of the sensor device14here is arranged below the transport belt of the first belt portion100, i.e. the transport belt of the first belt portion100is located between the goods W1-W3deposited thereon and the RFID antenna140of the sensor device14arranged thereunder.

The machine-readable code of the RFID tags110comprises a UID by means of which each goods divider11A,11B is clearly identifiable. Possibly, individual pieces of goods also can comprise an RFID tag. The control device15comprises a list of UIDs of the goods dividers11A,11B and thus can distinguish goods dividers11A,11B from pieces of goods with RFID tags.

In the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS. 1A-1Fthe portal scanner13also comprises a sensor in the form of an RFID antenna130as well as an associated detection area131. The formation and function of the RFID antenna130correspond to the formation and function of the RFID antenna140of the sensor device14, so that reference is made to the corresponding description. In contrast to the RFID antenna140of the sensor device14, the RFID antenna130of the portal scanner13however is arranged in the region of the portal scanner13at the second belt portion101of the transport belt device10.

The sequence of several succeeding checkout procedures will now be explained in detail with reference to the individualFIGS. 1A-1F, which all show the same POS system arrangement1in various stages of the transport of goods W1-W3of several customers.

According toFIG. 1Athree customers have deposited their goods W1-W3one after the other in the goods deposition area16on the first belt portion100of the transport belt device10. Between the goods W1, W2of the first and the second customer, a goods divider11A was deposited by one of the customers. The goods divider11A is oriented substantially vertically to the goods feed path P1. Similarly, a further goods divider11B has been deposited between the goods W2, W3of the second and the third customer. The goods W1-W3of the individual customers thus are each separated from each other by the goods dividers11A,11B.

The control device15actuates the first belt portion100of the transport belt device10such that the same performs a feed movement with a first speed V1. Furthermore, the control device15actuates the second belt portion101of the transport belt device10such that the same performs a feed movement with a second speed V2. The feed movements are effected along the goods feed path P1in direction from the goods deposition area16towards the goods removal area17. The first speed V1is lower than the second speed V2. The first speed V1e.g. can amount to approximately two thirds, half of or one third of the second speed V2. For example, the first speed V1lies in a range of 10 cm/s to 20 cm/s. The second speed V2for example can amount to 32 cm/s.

For controlling the motor of the supply belt105and possibly also the motor of the removal belt104the POS system arrangement1can comprise a frequency converter. It can be provided that the control unit15is configured to charge the frequency converter with analog signals. Concretely, the control unit15can be connected with the frequency converter by the following electric lines: by a first control line, a second control line and a ground line. At the first control line the control unit15can provide an electric voltage of 0 V or of 24 V, in order to switch a motor off or on. At the second control line the control unit15can provide various voltages, in order to adjust a rotational speed of the motor. In particular, a voltage of 5 V can be provided for a low rotational speed, when a goods divider11A,11B is detected by the sensor device14. Correspondingly, a voltage of 10 V can be provided for a higher rotational speed. The speed of a feed movement of a transport belt results from the rotational speed of the motor.

Alternatively it can be provided, for example, that the control device15provides signals to a memory-programmable controller which actuates the frequency converter in dependence on these signals.

Due to the higher speed of the feed movement of the second belt portion101as compared to the first belt portion100it follows that the goods W1-W3on the second belt portion101have a larger distance to each other than on the first belt portion100.

InFIG. 1B, as compared toFIG. 1A, the goods W1-W3have already been transported a certain distance along the goods feed path P1in direction of the goods removal area17. Some of the goods W1of the first customer already have crossed the transition102between the first and the second belt portion100,101and are conveyed by the second belt portion101. Both goods dividers11A,11B still are located outside the detection area141of the sensor device14.

InFIG. 1Cthe goods W1-W3have been transported a certain further distance as compared toFIG. 1B. All of the goods W1of the first customer already have crossed the transition102between the first and the second belt portion100,101and are conveyed by the second belt portion101. The goods divider11A arranged between the goods W1, W2of the first and the second customer already has partly been transported into the detection area141of the sensor device14and now is detected by the RFID antenna140of the sensor device14. The information collected by the RFID antenna140is provided to the control device15. When the control device15recognizes the UID of a goods divider11A,11B, it reduces the speed of the feed movement of the first belt portion100to a speed V3which is lower than the speed V1. In one embodiment the speed might be reduced e.g. from 20 cm/s to a value for V3between 10 cm/s and 12 cm/s, in particular 10 cm/s. In addition, it can possibly be provided that the control device15also reduces the speed of the feed movement of the first belt portion100when many goods dividers11are detected at short intervals. The evaluation of all tags otherwise might lead to too large a delay.

InFIG. 1Dthe goods W1-W3have been transported further a certain distance as compared toFIG. 1C. The goods divider11A is located between the goods W1, W2of the first and the second customer still partly in the detection area141of the sensor device14. The control device15therefore still keeps the speed of the feed movement of the first belt portion100on the speed V3which is lower than the speed V1. The speed of the feed movement of the second belt portion101still is at V2. InFIG. 1Da part of the goods W1of the first customer already has moved through the portal scanner13. Type and number of these goods were detected by the portal scanner13when moving through the same.

By a further feed of the first and the second belt portion100,101, the goods divider11A between the goods W1, W2of the first and the second customer leaves the detection area141of the sensor device14, as shown inFIG. 1E. The RFID antenna140of the sensor device14hence no longer detects the goods divider11A. In response thereto, the control device15stops the first belt portion100. Preferably, the control device15brings the first belt portion100to a standstill within 500 ms after the goods divider11A has left the detection area141.

Goods W2of the second customer following the goods divider11A remain on the first belt portion100now standing still. The goods divider11A has left the detection area141of the sensor device14arranged on the first belt portion100and adjacent to the transition102and hence already is on the second belt portion101. The goods W1of the first customer and the goods divider11A following these goods W1are transported to the goods removal area17by the second belt portion101still operated with the speed V2. In doing so, they pass the portal scanner13.

InFIG. 1Fall goods W1of the first customer and the following goods divider11A have passed the portal scanner13and are guided into the packing trough172shown above by the movable barrier element171closing the packing trough172shown at the bottom ofFIGS. 1A-1F.

InFIG. 1Fthe goods divider11A following the goods W1of the first customer already has passed the detection area131of the portal scanner13. In doing so, it has been detected by the RFID antenna130of the portal scanner13. The information collected by the RFID antenna130of the portal scanner13is provided to the control device15. Thereupon, the control device15has again put the first belt portion100into a feed movement with the speed V1. Thereupon, the transport of the goods W2of the second customer through the portal scanner13starts analogous to the above-described transport of the goods W1of the first customer. Before the goods W2of the second customer reach the goods removal area17, the control device15actuates the movable barrier element171such that it swivels and clears the other one of the two packing troughs172.

In this way, the first customer has enough time to remove his/her goods W1from the goods removal area17.

FIGS. 3A-3Ishow another exemplary embodiment of a POS system arrangement1′ with a transport belt device10′. In some parts, this corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of the POS system arrangement1according toFIGS. 1A-1F, wherein identical reference numerals indicate corresponding components, for whose description reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment of the POS system arrangement1according toFIGS. 1A-1F.

The POS system arrangement1′ according toFIGS. 3A-3Icomprises a first belt portion100′ with a first and a second supply belt105A,105B and hence two goods deposition areas16. The two supply belts105A,105B of the first belt portion100′ are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the removal belt104of the second belt portion101′.

For connecting the two supply belts105A,105B of the first belt portion100′, the transport belt device10′ of the POS system arrangement1′ comprises a connecting portion103associated to a second belt portion101′.

The transport belt device10′ forms a branched goods feed path P2which connects the two parallel supply belts105A,105B of the first belt portion100′ with the second belt portion101′.

Between each of the two supply belts105A,105B of the first belt portion100′ and the connecting portion103a transition102is formed. Goods W1-W4which cross one of the transitions102can be transported to the removal belt104by the connecting portion103. The connecting portion103is formed e.g. by one or more transport belts and/or by at least one ramp. For guiding the goods W1-W4, slopes106are arranged at the connecting portion103. The slopes106each extend between a lateral edge of a supply belt105A,105B up to a lateral edge of the removal belt104. The slopes106serve to guide the goods W1-W4at changes in direction of the goods feed path P2. The slopes106also serve to arrange goods W1-W4, which are positioned one beside the other (transversely to the direction of the goods feed) on the transport belt device10′, one behind the other along the goods feed path P2.

Adjacent to each of the transitions102a sensor device14is arranged on each of the supply belts105A,105B of the first belt portion100′.

The sequence of the feed of the goods W1-W4of four different customers is as described below. First of all, the control device15puts one of the two supply belts105A,105B of the first belt portion100′ into a feed movement (with the first speed V1). In the present example the first supply belt105A as shown above first is put into a feed movement. Via the connecting portion103the goods W1of the first customer thereby are transported to the removal belt104of the second belt portion101′, cf.FIGS. 3A-3D.

When the goods divider11A between the goods W1, W3of the first and third customer enters into the detection area141of the sensor device14associated to the first supply belt105A of the first belt portion100′, and the associated RFID antenna140detects the goods divider11A, the control device15slows down the feed rate of the first belt portion.

As soon as the goods divider11A again leaves the detection area141of the sensor device14, the control device15stops the first supply belt105A of the first belt portion100′, cf.FIG. 3E.

When the goods divider11A following the goods W1of the first customer is transported into the detection area131of the portal scanner13and is detected there by the RFID antenna130of the portal scanner13, the control device15puts the second supply belt105B of the first belt portion100′ into a feed movement (with the speed V1), cf.FIG. 3F.

Thereupon, the goods W2of the second customer are transported through the portal scanner13. To prevent the goods W1, W2of the first and the second customer from mixing in the goods removal area17, the control device15actuates the movable barrier element171, so that the same swivels and closes the packing trough172into which the goods W1of the first customer have been transported. This is effected before the goods W2of the second customer arrive at the goods removal area17, cf.FIG. 3G. The goods W2of the second customer thereby are transported into the second packing trough172by the movable barrier element171.

When the goods divider11B following the goods W2of the second customer is detected by the RFID antenna140in the detection area141of the sensor device14associated to the second supply belt105B, the control device15reduces the speed of the second supply belt105B, cf.FIG. 3H.

When the goods divider11B leaves the detection area141, the control device15stops the second supply belt105B, cf.FIG. 3I.

Thereupon, the transport of the goods W3of the third customer is effected analogous to the transport of the goods W1of the first customer.

FIG. 4shows another exemplary embodiment of a POS system arrangement1″. In some parts, this corresponds to the exemplary embodiments of the POS system arrangement1;1′ according toFIGS. 1A-1FandFIGS. 3A-3I, wherein identical reference numerals indicate corresponding components, with respect to which reference is made to the above description.

The POS system arrangement1″ ofFIG. 4comprises a branched goods feed path P3which here connects four supply belts105A-105D of a first belt portion100″ with a second belt portion101″. The second belt portion for this purpose comprises a connecting portion103′ which with each of the supply belts105A-105D of the first belt portion100″ each forms a transition102.

At the connecting portion103′ several slopes106are provided. In the present case, a slope106each is arranged adjacent to each of the transitions102. As shown inFIG. 4, one slope106each extends from a corner at which each of the transitions102meets with an edge (lateral along the feed direction) of the respective first supply belts105A-105D of the first belt portion100″. The slopes106in addition each are arranged where the goods feed path P3makes a change in direction. The connecting portion103′ is designed as transport belt.

The supply belts105A-105D of the first belt portion100″ are oriented substantially parallel to the removal belt104and vertically to the connecting portion103′. Moreover, the supply belts105A-105D substantially correspond to the supply belts105;105A,105B of the exemplary embodiments of the POS system arrangements1;1′ according toFIGS. 1A-1F;3A-3I. With respect to the formation and mode of operation of the portal scanner13, the sensor devices14and the control device15reference also is made to the description provided there.

In the POS system arrangement1″ according toFIG. 4, a particularly large number of customers can deposit their goods W1-W4at the same time. The goods W1-W4are transported to the portal scanner13one after the other. The same can be utilized particularly efficiently. Several goods dividers11A-11D separate goods W1-W4of the customers on the supply belts105A-105D from goods of preceding or succeeding customers.

The POS system arrangement1″ optionally can be followed by a non-illustrated goods removal area17.

FIG. 5shows a side view of the end region of the supply belt105of the first belt portion100;100′;100″ which in the above-described exemplary embodiments of the POS system arrangements1;1′;1″ adjoins the respective second belt portion101;101′;101″ (and hence each forms a transition102). At this point, the supply belt105is deflected at a deflection pulley107. The deflection pulley107is articulated to a frame108. The frame108is made of a metal, e.g. of aluminum or steel sheet.

In the view ofFIG. 5it can be seen that the RFID antenna140of the sensor device14is arranged below the supply belt105. It also is arranged at a distance to the supply belt105. The distance is between 1.5 cm and 10 cm. At such a distance a recognition of an RFID tag110of a goods divider11A-11D is possible up to about 2.5 cm above the supply belt105.

The RFID antenna141is height-adjustable (so that the distance to the supply belt105is adjustable). Thus, a detection of RFID tags as accurate as possible can be ensured.

The RFID antenna140substantially extends across the entire width of the supply belt105. The RFID antenna140however can be slightly narrower than the supply belt105(e.g. about 2 cm). Preferably, a distance of about 1 cm on both sides exists between the RFID antenna140and the frame108. Goods dividers11A-11D thereby can be returned laterally at the supply belt105without being detected by the RFID antenna. Thus, a malfunction of the POS system arrangement1;1′;1″ will not occur when returning a goods divider (as is common practice at POS systems).

The detection area141of the sensor array14extends above the RFID antenna140(in proper use). For the protection of the RFID antenna140(e.g. against ingress of liquids) a non-illustrated plastic window (e.g. made of perspex, polycarbonate, composite HPL, or the like) is arranged between the RFID antenna and the supply belt105.

The RFID antenna141is shielded against disturbances by other components of the POS system arrangement (e.g. a transport belt motor) by means of a suitable shield, e.g. by using shielded cable connections or cable connections provided with ferrite cores.

FIG. 6shows a flow diagram according to which each supply belt of the above-described POS system arrangements1,1′,1″ can be controlled by means of the control device15.

First, the control device15is activated (step S1). If the controlled POS system arrangement comprises more than one supply belt, only one of the supply belts is active at the same time, in order to transport goods to the removal belt. In step S2it is checked whether the status of the supply belt to be controlled currently is “active”. If this is not the case, the speed of the supply belt is set to zero (or kept at zero) in step S3, whereupon the process again continues at step S2. The supply belt hence is stopped or left at standstill. On the other hand, when the status of the supply belt is “active”, a transport operation starts (starting with step S4).

Setting the status of the supply belt to “active” is effected e.g. manually via the control device15(e.g. an SPS), for example by input of an operator. In particular, setting the status of the supply belt to “active” consists in setting a corresponding status indicator (“flag”) of the control device15. It also is conceivable that setting the flag to “active” is effected automatically upon occurrence of an event, e.g. in the case of a detected approach of a customer to the POS system arrangement (e.g. detection by means of a proximity sensor). The flag always only is set when a purchasing process is to be started.

In step S4it is checked whether the sensor device14currently detects a goods divider11A-11D.

When a goods divider11A-11D currently is detected by the sensor device14in step S4, the process continues with step S5.

When no goods divider11A-11D currently is detected by the sensor device14in step S4, the process continues with step S8. By inquiry of a memory provided for this purpose, it is checked whether the sensor device14already has detected a goods divider11A-11D in the current transport operation. When it has not yet detected a goods divider11A-11D in the current transport operation, the speed of the supply belt is set to V1in step S9and the process continues with step S4. The speed V1is e.g. between 20 cm/s and 22 cm/s.

When it is recognized in step S8by inquiry of the memory that in the current transport operation a goods divider11A-11D already has been detected at least once by the sensor device14, the control device15pauses in step S10, e.g. for 500 ms or for up to 500 ms. Thereafter, the process continues with step S11.

When a goods divider again is detected by the sensor device14in step S11, the process continues with step S5. In this way, short interruptions in the detection of the goods divider11A-11D are taken into account.

When no goods divider11A-11D is detected by the sensor device14in step S11, the control device15sets the speed of the supply belt to zero (or keeps it at zero) and proceeds to step S2.

In step S5the supply belt is put into a speed V3. The speed V3is e.g. between 10 cm/s and 12 cm/s. Thereupon, the process continues at step S6.

In step S6it is checked by inquiry of the memory whether the sensor device14already has detected a goods divider11A-11D in the current transport operation. When the goods divider11A-11D has not yet been detected previously, the information that now a goods divider11A-11D has been detected is stored in the memory in step S7. Thereupon, the process again continues with step S4.

The invention is not limited in its configuration to the exemplary embodiments described above, which merely are to be understood by way of example. Thus, a POS system arrangement for example also can include a non-illustrated number of transport belts of the first belt portions, e.g. three, five or six. In addition, it is not important that the transport belts of the first belt portions of the POS system arrangements are arranged parallel to each other.

In general, instead of a portal scanner another type of goods detection device can also be used. For example, the goods can comprise RFID tags and be detected by means of the RFID antenna of the goods detection device. Alternatively, a classical detection station operated by personnel also can be used as goods detection device.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the sensor (the RFID antenna) of the sensor device need not necessarily be arranged under the transport belt, but alternatively can also be arranged in general above the transport belt.

Furthermore, it should be noted that instead of an RFID tag other machine-readable codes can also be mounted on goods dividers, which then are read out by a corresponding other type of sensor. For example, the machine-readable code can be formed as bar code, as QR code or as other detectable (for example visible) marker (e.g. in the form of graphics, a clear pattern or image) or in the form of a digital watermark (in particular not perceptible by the human eye) (for example of the firm DigiMarc, Portland, USA). An optical detection unit then serves as sensor.

To protect the RFID antenna against electromagnetic interference fields which can influence the reliability of the detection of the RFID tags, the RFID antenna can be arranged within a unilaterally open ferrite cage or housing. The open side of the ferrite cage or housing points e.g. in direction of the detection area. When the RFID antenna is arranged below the supply belt, the open side can point upwards, for example. The ferrite housing in particular can be formed in the form of a cuboid of ferrite plates. The size of the opening of the ferrite cage or housing can be adjustable.

The size of the detection area can depend e.g. on the specific properties of the RFID antenna. Furthermore, the size of the detection area can be adjusted by adjusting e.g. the size of the opening of a ferrite cage or housing and/or by arranging a window or a boundary of metal, in particular metal plates, between the RFID antenna and the supply belt.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS