Abstract:
A checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end which reduces transaction times over conventional checkout stand designs. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    This present invention relates to checkout systems and methods and more specifically to a checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end. 
         [0002]    Retailers wish to reduce transaction time and expedite the customer checkout process. Conventional checkout stands typically include a multi-aperture barcode reader and conveyors on one or both sides of the barcode reader, or a conveyor on one side and a bagging station on the other side. An operator faces the barcode reader in a direction perpendicular to the flow of items and must move the items across the barcode reader using a side to side arm motion across the body. 
         [0003]    It would be desirable to provide an alternative checkout stand design to further expedite the checkout process. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end and associated checkout method is provided. 
         [0005]    An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station. 
         [0006]    An example bar code reader adapted for use at an end of a checkout stand for scanning a plurality of the items moving in parallel in a direction towards a bagging station of the checkout stand is generally U-shaped and includes a first portion having a generally horizontal aperture, a second portion having a generally vertical aperture, and a third portion having a generally vertical aperture facing the generally vertical aperture of the second portion and separated from the generally vertical aperture of the second portion by a gap. The gap is wide enough for an operator facing the gap to pass a plurality of items in parallel through the gap towards the bagging station. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The present invention may take form in various components and arrangement of components and in various methods. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating example embodiments and alternatives and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example checkout stand. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another example checkout stand. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another example checkout stand. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a barcode reader. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an example barcode reader. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , example embodiments of a checkout stand  10  are illustrated. Checkout stand  10  includes a computer  12  for controlling operation of checkout stand  10  and its components. For this purpose, computer  12  executes transaction processing software. Computer  12  is located within checkout stand housing  28 . 
         [0014]    Computer  12  includes one or more processors, memory, and program and data storage. Computer  12  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft or other operating system. Computer  12  may execute other computer software that may be stored in a computer readable medium, such as a memory. Computer  12  may be coupled to other computers, including an in-store server, via a network. 
         [0015]    Checkout stand  10  includes a conveyer  20  which transports items from a first end  14  of checkout stand housing  28  to a second end  16  of housing  28 . Conveyer  20  may include one or more sections. For example, conveyor  20  may include two sections  22  and  24  which are separately controllable. Conveyor section  22  may transport items to conveyor section  24  at one speed and conveyor section  24  may transport items to end  16  at another speed. A sensor  26  may sense items as they approach end  16  and send a signal to computer  12  so that the computer  12  may slow or stop conveyor portion  24 . Alternatively, computer  12  may start conveyor section  24  after an item is scanned by barcode reader  18 . 
         [0016]    In one example embodiment, conveyor section  22  includes a belt and one or motors for moving the belt, and conveyor section  24  includes rollers  34 , each one mounted slightly lower than the preceding one, so as to form a downwardly sloped conveying surface from conveyor section  22  to end  16 . Payment machine sits below conveyor section  24  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0017]    In another example embodiment, conveyor sections  22  and  24  include belts  30  and  32  and one or more motors for moving belts  30  and  32 . A transition strip  38  may be located between belt  32  and barcode reader  18  where belt  32  goes into checkout stand housing  28 . Payment machine protrudes from one side of checkout stand housing  28  to provide room for conveyor section  24  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0018]    In another example embodiment, conveyor section  24  may include a combination of a belt  32  and rollers  34 . In this configuration, conveyor section  24  is illustrated as being narrower than conveyor section  22  to allow payment machine  80  to be substantially flush with the side of checkout stand housing  28 . A diverter  46  channels items from conveyor section  22  to conveyor section  24 . A guard  36  on side  56  of checkout stand housing  28  minimizes the possibility of an item falling from conveyor section  24  ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0019]    Barcode reader  18  is located at second end  16  of checkout stand housing  28 . Barcode reader  18  may include any type of barcode reader. For example, barcode reader  18  may include an optical barcode reader which includes one or more lasers, mirrored spinners, collectors, detectors, and a plurality of pattern mirrors for directing laser light to create a scan pattern of laser beams for illuminating a barcode. As another example, barcode reader  18  may include an imaging device, such as a camera, for capturing an image including a barcode. In another example, barcode reader  18  may include a combination of an optical barcode reader and an imaging device. 
         [0020]    Barcode reader  18  may read a barcode from one or more directions. For example, barcode reader  18  may include a substantially horizontal aperture that may also be substantially flush with section  24  of conveyor  12 . From this aperture, barcode reader  18  may read a barcode on a bottom surface of an item, and possibly other sides of the item, except for a top side. 
         [0021]    As another example, barcode reader  18  may include a substantially vertical aperture. From this aperture, barcode reader  18  may read a barcode on a side of an item facing this surface, and possibly other sides of the item, except for side opposite the aperture. 
         [0022]    Other aperture orientations and reading directions are also envisioned, as well as combinations of aperture orientations and reading directions. For example, barcode reader  18  may include a combination of substantially horizontal and vertical apertures to enhance a probability of reading a barcode on an item. In the example configuration of  FIG. 1 , barcode reader  18  includes a substantially horizontal reading aperture  40  and opposing substantially vertical reading apertures  42  and  44 . 
         [0023]    In one example embodiment, barcode reader  18  may include an integral scale with weigh plate  50  for weighing produce items ( FIG. 1 ). For this purpose, and example scale  50  includes load cells on the underside of each corner of the weigh plate as illustrated in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,431, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Weigh plate  50  may include a substantially horizontal aperture that may also be substantially flush with section  24  of conveyor  12 . In other embodiments, scale  50  may be separately mounted to checkout stand housing  28  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
         [0024]    An operator display and input device, combined as a touch screen  60 , are also located at end  16  of checkout stand housing  28 . Operator touch screen  60  displays transaction screens from the computer  12  and records operator selections during the transaction. Checkout stand  10  includes a customer display  62  when checkout stand  10  is configured for assisted service operation. 
         [0025]    A bagging station  70  is also located at end  16  of checkout stand housing  28  where items are placed by an operator following reading of barcodes on the items. Bagging station  70  may include a shelf  72  and bag racks  74 . Shelf  72  and bag racks  74  are constructed to minimize the possibility of operator injury during scanning and bagging of items. For example, shelf  72  and bag racks  74  may include rounded edges and/or padding. 
         [0026]    Payment machine  80  is located on a customer side  58  of checkout stand housing  28 . Payment machine  80  may include a cash drawer or combinations of currency and coin acceptors and dispensers. In one example embodiment, payment machine  80  includes a currency recycler  82  and a coin dispenser  84  for both assisted and self-service operation. Payment machine  80  may also contain printer  86  for printing receipts and other integrated payment peripherals, such as a card reader. 
         [0027]    One or more payment peripherals  90  may alternatively or in addition be separately mounted to checkout stand housing  28  adjacent payment machine  80 . In one example embodiment, payment peripheral  90  includes a card reader  92  and a signature pad  94 . 
         [0028]    Checkout stand  10  may further include a light post  100  for signaling customers that checkout stand  10  is available for assisted service operation and/or for signaling an attendant or store employee of different transaction conditions that require assistance, particularly during self-checkout operation. 
         [0029]    During an example assisted service mode of operation, customers approach customer side  58  of checkout stand housing  28  and place items from shopping carts on conveyer  20  near end  14 . Customers then reposition themselves to payment machine  80  and their shopping carts beyond payment machine  80 , adjacent bagging station  70 . An operator located at end  16  initiates a transaction using touch screen  60 . Computer  12  activates conveyer  20 . Conveyer  20  transports the items to end  16  where the operator may use both hands to grasps items, move the items past barcode reader  18 , and place them in bags in the bagging station  70 . Computer  12  may start conveyor  20  when computer  12  receives an indication from barcode reader  18  that a barcode has been successfully read by barcode reader  18 . After the last item is scanned and placed in a bag, the operator makes a selection for the customer to complete payment. The customer uses payment machine  80  to pay and obtain a receipt. While the customer is completing payment, the operator may place the bags in the customer&#39;s shopping cart. The operator waits for the next customer. 
         [0030]    During an example self-service mode of operation, customers approach customer side  58  of checkout stand housing  28  and place items from shopping carts on conveyer  20  near end  14 . Customers then reposition then reposition their shopping carts adjacent bagging station  70  and move to end  16  where they can initiate a transaction using touch screen  60 . Computer  12  activates conveyer  20 . Conveyer  20  transports the items to end  16  where the customer may use both hands to grasps items, move the items past barcode reader  18 , and place them in bags in the bagging station  70 . Computer  12  may start conveyor  12  when computer  12  receives an indication from barcode reader  18  that a barcode has been successfully read by barcode reader  18 . After the last item is scanned and placed in a bag, the customer may place the bags in the customer&#39;s shopping cart. The customer then makes a selection to complete payment and then moves to payment machine  80  to pay and obtain a receipt. Transaction processing software waits for the next customer. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , an example barcode reader  18  is mounted to a base portion  110  and opposite tower portions  112  and  114  coupled to housing  28 . Base portion  110  is generally rectangular in shape and includes a generally rectangular surface generally flush with conveyor  12  and the aperture  40  of barcode reader  18 . Transition strip  38  covers the surface of base portion  110  and conveyor  12  where they meet. When barcode reader  18  is equipped with a scale  50 , a scale weigh plate sits on base portion and may be generally flush with conveyor  12 . 
         [0032]    Tower portion  112  is mounted on one end of base portion  110  and includes a surface generally flush with aperture  42  of barcode reader  18 . Tower portion  114  is mounted on the other end of base portion and includes a surface generally flush with aperture  44 . Barcode reader apertures  42  and  44  and associated tower portion surfaces are generally perpendicular to aperture  40  and its associated base portion surface. Apertures  42  and  44  of barcode reader  18  face each other. Barcode reader  18  is generally U-shaped and may be capable of reading a barcode from a plurality of different directions relative to respective apertures  40 - 44 . Other configurations are envisioned. For example, apertures  42  and  44  may be inclined at the same of different angles. 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , barcode reader  18  may be modular in nature, with one or more portions functioning independently of the other. Alternatively, barcode reader  18  may include a single integrated barcode reader connected to computer  12 , within base portion  110  and tower portions  112  and  114 . 
         [0034]    In the illustrated example, each of base portion  110  and tower portions  112  and  114  include individual barcode reader modules which function independently of the other to read barcodes, but all provide any barcode information they capture to computer  12 . Transaction processing software  130  receives barcode information from one or more of the barcode reader modules within base portion  110  and tower portions  112  and  114  during scanning and decides which barcode information to accept. For example, transaction processing software  130  implements procedures for determining when barcode reader modules within base portion  110  and one of side portions  112  or  114  has scanned a barcode from the same item. 
         [0035]    In one example configuration, any of portions  110 - 114  may contain more than one barcode reader module. For example, base portion  110  may itself include a plurality of independently functioning barcode reader modules  140 ,  142 , and  144 , each separately coupled to computer  12  and each capable of reading a barcode from a plurality of directions relative to their respective aperture portions  150 ,  152 , and  154  within aperture  40  ( FIG. 5 ). An example configuration includes a base portion  110  in the checkout counter containing three NCR model 7884 barcode readers for bottom, leading, and trailing side scanning, and tower portions  112  and  114  coupled to the base portion, each containing one NCR model 7884 barcode readers for top, leading, and trailing side scanning. 
         [0036]    Advantageously, the configuration of checkout stand  10  facilitates use of both hands for scanning items in the direction of item flow, with one hand moving parallel to the other, away from and towards the body, as opposed to side to side across the body. This parallel scanning motion overcomes the limitations of side to side scanning. 
         [0037]    The length of the gap between tower portion  112  and tower portion  114  is wide enough for as many as two items  120  and  124  to be passed, one for each operator hand, and is comparatively wider than a conventional dual-aperture barcode reader in a side scanning configuration. In an example checkout stand configuration, the distance between tower portions  112  and  114  is about eighteen inches. 
         [0038]    Barcode reader  18  is capable of reading barcodes on both items moving in parallel through the gap at the same time, if an operator chooses to do so. Alternatively, an operator may employ an alternating scanning style which involves scanning and bagging one item while picking up another item to be scanned, still moving the items along parallel tracks towards bagging station  70 . 
         [0039]    Further, the configuration of checkout stand  10  facilitates a single scan and bag motion, versus separate scan and bag motions. Also, the scanning motion allows items to be placed into bags without the operator having to turn or bend sideways. 
         [0040]    From a position at end  16 , the operator may easily see the bottom of the adjacent shopping cart, which may result in less shrinkage or theft. 
         [0041]    In a timed experiment, the time to scan, bag, and load a shopping cart using checkout stand  10  was approximately half the time required when using a conventional checkout stand configuration. 
         [0042]    Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.