COLLAPSIBLE INPUT SHELF FOR CHECKOUT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to checkout systems utilized for Point of Sale (POS) transactions. Some checkout systems, such as some self-checkout systems, include an input shelf upon which shoppers can place hand baskets and items during a POS transaction. Input shelves can be an obstacle in certain situations, such as when a user attempts to check out with a full size shopping cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views of a checkout system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to a further example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to a further example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to yet a further example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a checkout system according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the checkout system according to yet a further example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for a method according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a computing device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional self-checkout (SCO) systems typically include an input shelf upon which shoppers can place hand baskets and items during a Point of Sale (POS) transaction. Such input shelves are typically optimized for hand basket height. Generally, input shelf heights are selected to arrange a hand basket placed on an input shelf as high as possible to reduce the amount of bending required by the shopper to remove items from the hand basket, but not to protrude higher than a scanning surface of the SCO system. One challenge with input shelves of conventional SCO systems is that they tend not to allow for full size shopping carts to be rolled right next to a SCO system. Rather, such full size shopping carts remain spaced from the SCO system at least by a length of the input shelf. Accordingly, shoppers with full size shopping carts utilizing a conventional SCO system typically undergo more trunk flexion and wasted movement as they empty their full size carts. This increases the time for such transactions to be completed and reduces overall lane throughput.

A checkout system is disclosed herein. In at least one example, a checkout system having an input shelf that is optimized for both small hand baskets and full size shopping carts is provided. In this regard, enhanced transaction efficiency and shopper comfort can be achieved. In one aspect, a checkout system is provided that includes a collapsible input shelf that is positioned horizontally at a hand basket-optimized height until a shopping cart arrives at the checkout system. When a shopping cart is detected approaching the checkout system, the input shelf is automatically collapsed, e.g., rotated up, rotated down, or slid internally into a cabinet. The input shelf is collapsed so that the input shelf is moved out of the way to allow the shopping cart to come up right next to the checkout system. The checkout system can include features for detecting a cart approaching the checkout system as well as features for locking/unlocking the input shelf in a horizontal position at a hand basket-optimized height and/or in a collapsed position. When the cart is no longer within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system, the input shelf can be moved from the collapsed position back to the horizontal position at the hand basket-optimized height. This prepares the input shelf for the next shopper.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a checkout system 100 according to one example embodiment of present disclosure. The checkout system 100 can be used to complete a Point of Sale (POS) transaction, for example. In some embodiments, the checkout system 100 can be a self-checkout system. For reference, the checkout system 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a traverse direction T (going into and out of the page in FIG. 1). The vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the traverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout system 100 includes a display 110, a settlement terminal 112, a cabinet 114, and an input shelf 116 coupled with the cabinet 114. The display 110 can display content to a user. The settlement terminal 112 can include, among other components, a barcode scanner, receipt issuer, touch panel, card reader, and the like that enable a POS transaction to be completed. The cabinet 114 supports the display 110 and the settlement terminal 112 and houses various components of the checkout system 100, such as a computing device 118 or host computer and modules to accept bills and coins. The computing device 118 functions to control various operations of the checkout system 100, including controlling one or more controllable devices of the checkout system 100 to collapse the input shelf 116 in response to detection of a shopping cart approaching the checkout system 100. In other embodiments, the input shelf 116 can be controlled (e.g., to collapse) using sensors and controls in the actuator mechanism rather than relying on the computing device 118 for control.

The input shelf 116 is coupled with the cabinet 114. The input shelf 116 offers a place for users to put small baskets or items thereon, e.g., during a POS transaction. The input shelf 116 can be placed at an ergonomically-friendly height, e.g., to minimize bending for users while placing their baskets on the input shelf 116. In at least one example, the input shelf 116 of the checkout system 100 is collapsible in response to detection of a cart 200 (e.g., a full size shopping cart) approaching or at the checkout system 100. The collapsing or physical adjustment of the input shelf 116 can allow for a user to roll the cart 200 right next to the checkout system 100. This can advantageously increase the speed of larger transactions, reduced repeated user trunk bending, and improve the POS experience overall.

For the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the input shelf 116 is rotatably coupled with the cabinet 114. In at least one example, the input shelf 116 is rotatable between a horizontal position (shown in FIG. 1) and a vertical position (shown in FIG. 2) in which the input shelf 116 is collapsed or moved out of the way so that a user can roll the cart 200 right next to the cabinet 114 of the checkout system 100. A hinge 120 rotatably couples the input shelf 116 with the cabinet 114. For this embodiment, the hinge 120 is coupled with a top wall 122 of the input shelf 116, which allows for rotation of the input shelf 116 and support of the input shelf 116 when in the horizontal position. The hinge 120 can include a friction clutch so that the input shelf 116 does not free fall back to the horizontal orientation.

The input shelf 116 has a distal end 124 and a proximal end 126, with the proximal end 126 being positioned closer to the cabinet 114 than the distal end 124 (when the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position). When moving from the horizontal position to the vertical position, e.g., when a cart is detected approaching or at the checkout system 100, the input shelf 116 is rotatable such that the distal end 124 is rotated upward and toward the cabinet 114. In some embodiments, when the input shelf 116 is moved to the vertical position, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 124 of the input shelf 116 is positioned vertically above a top of the cabinet 114. When moving from the vertical position back to the horizontal position, e.g., when a cart is moved away from the checkout system 100 or there is no cart approaching or at the checkout system 100 generally, the input shelf 116 is rotatable such that the distal end 124 is rotated downward and away from the cabinet 114. An electric motor 128 can be operatively coupled with the hinge 120 and can be controlled to move the input shelf 116 from the horizontal position to the vertical position, or vice versa. The electric motor 128, or drive thereof, can be communicatively coupled with the computing device 118, e.g., a wired and/or wireless communication link. In this way, the electric motor 128 can receive control commands from the computing device 118.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict one example manner in which the input shelf 116 can be collapsed. That is, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the input shelf 116 can be collapsed by being rotated upward to a vertical position. However, in some alternative embodiments, the input shelf 116 can be rotated downward to a vertical position or slid to an internal position within the cabinet 114. Examples are provided below.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, the input shelf 116 is rotatable such that the distal end 124 is rotated downward and toward the cabinet 114. In this regard, the input shelf 116 is collapsible to a downward vertical position. The hinge 120 can be coupled with a bottom wall 130 of the input shelf 116, which allows for rotation of the input shelf 116 to the downward vertical position. A locking or support mechanism, such as a locking pin, can be used to support the input shelf 116 when in the horizontal position. The input shelf 116 can be moved between positions by an electric motor.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the input shelf 116 is slidable between an external position (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4) and an internal position in which the input shelf 116 is collapsed within the cabinet 114. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the input shelf 116 remains in a horizontal position throughout its range of translational motion. The cabinet 114 can define a recess 132 sized to accommodate at least a portion of the input shelf 116. In some embodiments, the recess 132 can be defined to accommodate an entirety of the input shelf 116 so that input shelf 116 is completely collapsed within the cabinet 114. In other embodiments, the recess 132 can be defined to accommodate a portion of input shelf 116, such as its proximal half whilst its distal half can remain external to the cabinet 114 when collapsed. The input shelf 116 can be slid on a pair of opposing rails and can be moved along the rails by an electric actuator (e.g., a linear actuator) driven by an electric motor.

Returning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the checkout system 100 includes detection features that function to detect a cart approaching the checkout system 100. For the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the checkout system 100 includes a detection system 134. The detection system 134 includes a light emitter 136 and an optical sensor 138. The light emitter 136 (e.g., a light emitting diode) is arranged to emit light. In some embodiments, the light emitter 136 is arranged to emit light at a downward angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane RP. This can focus the light to a designated surface, such as a reflective surface 210 of the cart 200. The optical sensor 138 is arranged to sense light reflected off of the cart 200, such as off of the reflective surface 210. The electric motor 128 can collapse the input shelf 116 in response to the optical sensor 138 sensing light reflected off the cart 200. For instance, when the optical sensor 138 senses light reflected off the cart 200, e.g., light having a predetermined intensity, the optical sensor 138 can route one or more signals to the computing device 118 that indicate that the cart 200 is approaching the checkout system 100. One or more processors of the computing device 118 can process the one or more signals and determine that the cart 200 is approaching the checkout system 100, e.g., based at least in part on the one or more processed signals. The computing device 118 can then control the electric motor 128, or drive thereof, to collapse the input shelf 116, e.g., to the vertical position shown in FIG. 2. In some alternative embodiments, when the optical sensor 138 senses light reflected off the cart 200 having a predetermined intensity, the optical sensor 138 can route one or more signals through control circuitry, which can trigger the electric motor 128 (or an actuator coupled thereto) to collapse the input shelf 116.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict one example detection system 134 for the checkout system 100. However, in some alternative embodiments, the checkout system 100 can include additional or alternative features for detecting an approaching cart. Examples are provided below.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to a further example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, in addition or alternatively to the other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134 of the checkout system 100 can include an onboard camera 140. The onboard camera 140 can be arranged to capture images or video, e.g., of an area corresponding to an approach to the checkout system 100. The captured images or video can be processed by the computing device 118 communicatively coupled thereto. The computing device 118 can detect whether a cart, such as the cart 200 depicted in FIG. 5, is approaching the checkout system 100. One or more image recognition techniques can be executed by the computing device 118 to determine whether a cart is approaching the checkout system 100. In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the input shelf 116 can be collapsed.

In some embodiments, the detection system 134 can utilize sensed inputs by an offboard camera 142. The offboard camera 142 can be arranged to capture images or video, e.g., of an area corresponding to an approach to the checkout system 100. The captured images or video can be routed to the computing device 118, which can then process the captured images or video. The computing device 118 can detect whether a cart is approaching the checkout system 100. As noted above, one or more image recognition techniques can be executed by the computing device 118 to determine whether a cart is approaching the checkout system 100. In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the input shelf 116 can be collapsed.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to yet a further example embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition or alternatively to the other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134 can include a shelf bumper 144. As shown in FIG. 6, the shelf bumper 144 is coupled with the input shelf 116, e.g., at the bottom wall 130 thereof. The shelf bumper 144 extends downward from the input shelf 116 and at an angle AG with respect to the vertical direction V. When the shelf bumper 144 is contacted, e.g., with a predetermined force, such as by the cart 200 bumping into the shelf bumper 144 or by a user tapping the shelf bumper 144 with his or her foot, a load cell 146 arranged to measure an input force on the shelf bumper 144 can measure the input force. The load cell 146 can route one or more signals corresponding to the input force on the shelf bumper 144 to the computing device 118. The computing device 118 can process the one or more signals, and when the input force on the shelf bumper 144 reaches a predetermined force, the computing device 118 can cause the electric motor 128 to collapse the input shelf 116, e.g., to the vertical position as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the shelf bumper 144 is rotatably coupled with the input shelf 116, e.g., by a bumper hinge 148. In this way, when the input shelf 116 is collapsed, the shelf bumper 144 can collapse as well. In some alternative embodiments, the load cell 146 can route one or more signals corresponding to the input force on the shelf bumper 144 through control circuitry, which can trigger the electric motor 128 (or an actuator coupled thereto) to collapse the input shelf 116.

In addition or alternatively to the other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134, the checkout system 100 can include a user input 150 that allows a user to direct the input shelf 116 to collapse or to return to the horizontal position. As on example, the user input 150 can be displayed on the display 110 as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the user input 150 can be positioned elsewhere, such as next to or on the input shelf 116, on the settlement terminal 112, etc.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to a further example embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition or alternatively to the other disclosed detection features, the detection system 134 can be implemented as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. As shown in FIG. 7, the checkout system 100 can include a reader 135 having one or more antennas. The antennas can emit radio waves and can receive signals back from an RFID tag 212 located on the cart 200. Each cart of a fleet, or a subset thereof, can include an RFID tag that can be detected when a given one of the carts approaches the checkout system 100. In this way, approaching carts can be detected.

In some further embodiments, the checkout system 100 can include locking features for locking the input shelf 116 in place, such as in the horizontal position and/or when collapsed. Such locking features can be used in conjunction with any of the above described embodiments. Example locking features are provided below.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to yet a further example embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the checkout system 100 includes a locking pin 152 slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking pin 152 supports the input shelf 116 relative to the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in a horizontal position. In the disengaged position, the locking pin 152 is slid to allow the input shelf 116 to be collapsed, e.g., to an upward vertical position as shown in FIG. 2.

For the depicted embodiment of FIG. 8, the locking pin 152 is slidable along a direction that is perpendicular with a direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in a horizontal position. In this example, the traverse direction T is the direction that is perpendicular with the direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in a horizontal position. The input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 along the lateral direction L when in the horizontal position. Accordingly, the locking pin 152 is slidable along the transverse direction T. The locking pin 152 can be received within a shelf recess 154 defined by the input shelf 116, e.g., when in the engaged position. In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, a pin drive motor 156 can be controlled to move the locking pin 152 along the transverse direction T from the engaged position to the disengaged position. When the locking pin 152 is in the disengaged position, the input shelf 116 can be collapsed, e.g., moved to an upward vertical position as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment in which the checkout system 100 utilizes the locking pin 152. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the locking pin 152 is slidable along a direction that is parallel with a direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in a horizontal position. In the example embodiment of FIG. 9, the lateral direction L is the direction that is parallel with the direction in which the input shelf 116 extends from the cabinet 114 when the input shelf 116 is in a horizontal position. In this regard, the locking pin 152 is slidable along the lateral direction L. The locking pin 152 can be slid into a shelf-pin recess 158 defined by the input shelf 116, e.g., when in the engaged position. The locking pin 152 can be slid into a cabinet-pin recess 160 defined by the cabinet 114, e.g., when in the disengaged position. In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, the pin drive motor 156 can be controlled to move the locking pin 152 along the lateral direction L from the engaged position to the disengaged position. When the locking pin 152 is in the disengaged position, the input shelf 116 can be collapsed, e.g., moved to an upward vertical position as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the checkout system 100 according to yet a further example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 10, the checkout system 100 includes magnetic locking features. For the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, the input shelf 116 includes a first permanent magnet 162 and the cabinet 114 includes a first electromagnet 164. The first electromagnet 164 is a component of a first control circuit 166, which also includes a first switch 168 and a first power source 170. When the input shelf 116 is in the horizontal position (as shown in solid lines in FIG. 10), the first electromagnet 164 is activated so that the first electromagnet 164 is magnetically coupled with the first permanent magnet 162 of the input shelf 116. That is, the first switch 168 can be controlled to a closed position, which allows electric current to flow through coils of the first electromagnet 164. The coils of the first electromagnet 164 can be wrapped around a core as shown in FIG. 10. When electric current flows through the coils of the first electromagnet 164, a magnetic flux is generated that magnetically couples the first electromagnet 164 and the first permanent magnet of the input shelf 116, which effectively “locks” the input shelf 116 in place in the horizontal position.

In response to detection of a cart approaching the checkout system 100, e.g., as determined by the detection system 134, the first switch 168 can be controlled to an open position, which prevents the flow of electric current through the first control circuit 166, including through the coils of the first electromagnet 164. Consequently, the first electromagnet 164 does not produce a magnetic flux. As a result, the first electromagnet 164 becomes deactivated so that the first electromagnet 164 is magnetically decoupled from the first permanent magnet 162. This effectively “unlocks” the input shelf 116 and allows the input shelf 116 to collapse, e.g., to the upward vertical position as shown in FIG. 10.

In some example embodiments, in addition or alternatively to the magnetic locking features disclosed above, the checkout system 100 can include magnetic locking features for locking the input shelf 116 while collapsed. As shown in FIG. 10, the input shelf 116 includes a second permanent magnet 172 and the cabinet 114 includes a second electromagnet 174. The second electromagnet 174 is a component of a second control circuit 176, which also includes a second switch 178 and a second power source 180. When the input shelf 116 is in the vertical position (as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 10), the second electromagnet 174 is activated so that the second electromagnet 174 is magnetically coupled with the second permanent magnet 172 of the input shelf 116. That is, the second switch 178 can be controlled to a closed position, which allows electric current to flow through coils of the second electromagnet 174. The coils of the second electromagnet 174 can be wrapped around a core as shown in FIG. 10. When electric current flows through the coils of the second electromagnet 174, a magnetic flux is generated that magnetically couples the second electromagnet 174 and the second permanent magnet of the input shelf 116, which effectively “locks” the input shelf 116 in place in the vertical position or while collapsed.

In response to the cart no longer being detected at the checkout system 100, e.g., as determined by the detection system 134, the second electromagnet 174 can be deactivated so that the second electromagnet 174 is magnetically decoupled from the second permanent magnet 172. That is, the second switch 178 can be controlled to an open position, which prevents the flow of electric current through the second control circuit 176, including through the coils of the second electromagnet 174. Consequently, the second electromagnet 174 does not produce a magnetic flux. As a result, the second electromagnet 174 becomes deactivated so that the second electromagnet 174 is magnetically decoupled from the second permanent magnet 172. This effectively “unlocks” the input shelf 116 and allows the input shelf 116 to return to the horizontal position.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for a method 300 of collapsing an input shelf of a checkout system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

At 302, the method 300 can include detecting a cart approaching a checkout system. For instance, the checkout system can include a detection system configured to detect whether a cart is approaching the checkout system, or stated another way, detect whether a cart is within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system.

In some example implementations, the detection system can include a light emitter and an optical sensor. The light emitter can emit light (e.g., continuously or at a predetermined interval). In some implementations, the light emitter is arranged to emit light at a downward angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane. The emitted light can be focused the light to a designated surface, such as a reflective surface of an approaching cart. The optical sensor can sense light reflected off of the reflective surface. When the optical sensor senses light having a predetermined intensity, it may be determined that a cart is approaching the checkout system.

In some example implementations, the detection system can include an onboard system and/or an offboard camera that can detect a cart approaching the checkout system, or rather, whether a cart is within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system. Based on the images and/or video captured by the camera(s), one or more image recognition techniques can be executed (e.g., by one or more processors of a computing device) to determine whether a cart is approaching the checkout system. In yet other implementations, the detection system can include a shelf bumper coupled with the input shelf. A load cell associated with the shelf bumper can detect when a predetermined force has been applied to the shelf bumper.

It yet further example implementations, the detection system can be implemented as an RFID system. For instance, the checkout system can include a reader having one or more antennas. The antennas can emit radio waves and can receive signals back from an RFID tag, or simply tag, located on a cart. Each cart of a fleet, or a subset thereof, can include an RFID tag that can be detected when a given one of the carts approaches the checkout system. In this way, approaching carts can be detected.

At 304, the method 300 can include unlocking the input shelf based at least in part on detecting the cart approaching the checkout system. For instance, the checkout system can include locking features that allow for the input shelf to be locked in place while in a horizontal positon, or rather, a position in which items can be placed on the input shelf, e.g., during a POS transaction. In some example implementations, the checkout system can include a locking pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking pin can effectively lock the input shelf in place. In the disengaged position, the locking pin is moved so that the input shelf can be moved, e.g., to a collapsed position. In yet other example implementations, an electromagnet of the checkout system can be magnetically coupled with a permanent magnet of the input shelf. The magnetic coupling can lock the input shelf in place in the horizontal position. To unlock the input shelf, the electromagnet can be deactivated so that the electromagnet is magnetically decoupled from the permanent magnet of the input shelf.

At 306, the method 300 can include collapsing an input shelf of the checkout system relative to a cabinet of the checkout system based at least in part on detection of the cart approaching the checkout system. For instance, after unlocking the input shelf, the input shelf can be moved to a collapsed position. In some example implementations, the input shelf can be rotated upward to a vertical position, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 9. In other example implementations, the input shelf can be rotated downward to a vertical position, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3. In yet further example implementations, the input shelf can be slid to an internal position, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4. Moreover, an electric motor coupled with the input shelf can be used to move the input shelf to the collapsed position, e.g., in response to detecting a cart approaching the checkout system.

At 308, the method 300 can include locking the input shelf in a collapsed position. For instance, with the input shelf in the collapsed position, the input shelf can be locked in place. In some example implementations, an electromagnet of the checkout system, which can be located within a cabinet of the checkout system, can be magnetically coupled with a permanent magnet of the input shelf. The magnetic coupling can lock the input shelf in place in the collapsed position (e.g., a vertical position as shown in FIG. 2). In yet other example implementations, a locking pin can be used to lock the input shelf in place whilst the input shelf is in the collapsed position. Locking the input shelf in the collapsed position can advantageously enhance safety of the checkout system, among other benefits.

At 310, the method 300 can include determining whether the cart is still within a predetermined proximity of the checkout system. For instance, the detection system can be utilized to determine whether a cart, which was detected as approaching the checkout system at 302, has now left the area proximate the checkout system. When the cart is still present within the predetermined proximity of the checkout system as determined at 310, the method 300 reverts to 308 where the input shelf remains in the collapsed position, and in some implementations, locked in the collapsed position. When the cart is no longer present within the predetermined proximity of the checkout system as determined at 310, the method 300 proceeds to 312.

At 312, the method 300 can include unlocking the input shelf from the collapsed position based at least in part on the lack of presence of the cart within the predetermined proximity of the checkout system. For instance, in response to detecting that the cart is no longer present within the predetermined proximity of the checkout system as determined at 310, the input shelf can be unlocked and thus readied to be moved back to the horizontal position so that items can be placed thereon, e.g., by the next user. In some implementations, unlocking the input shelf from the collapsed position can include deactivating an electromagnet so as to decouple the electromagnet from a permanent magnet of the input shelf. In some other implementations, unlocking the input shelf from the collapsed position can include moving a locking pin from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

At 314, the method 300 can include moving the input shelf to a horizontal position based at least in part on the lack of presence of the cart within the predetermined proximity of the checkout system. For instance, after unlocking the input shelf at 312, the input shelf can be moved to the horizontal position. An electric motor can be activated to move the input shelf in a controlled manner to the horizontal position. In some example implementations, the input shelf can be rotated downward from a vertical position to the horizontal position. In other example implementations, the input shelf can be rotated upward from a vertical position to the horizontal position. In yet further example implementations, the input shelf can be slid from an internal position to the horizontal position (or external position).

In summary, upon detecting a cart (e.g., a full size shopping cart) approaching the checkout system, an input shelf can be unlocked and moved from its horizontal position to a collapsed position in which the input shelf is moved out of the way so that a user can roll the cart next to the checkout system (rather than the cart being spaced from checkout system by the input shelf). Upon the cart being rolled away from the checkout system, e.g., after completion of a POS transaction, the input shelf can be unlocked from its collapsed position and returned to the horizontal position to prepare the checkout system for the next user. As shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 11, the method 300 can be iterated.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the computing device 118. As shown in FIG. 12, the computing device 118 can include one or more processor(s) 118A and one or more memory device(s) 118B. The one or more processor(s) 118A can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory device(s) 118B can include one or more computer-readable medium, including, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable medium, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and other memory devices.

The one or more memory device(s) 118B can store information accessible by the one or more processor(s) 118A, including computer-readable instructions 118C or computer-readable program code that can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 118A. The instructions 118C can be any set of instructions that when executed by the one or more processor(s) 118A, cause the one or more processor(s) 118A to perform operations, such as operations associated with collapsing an input shelf of a checkout system. The instructions 118C can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware.

The memory device(s) 118B can further store data 118D that can be accessed by the processor(s) 118A. For example, the data 118D can include any of the data noted herein. The data 118D can include one or more table(s), function(s), algorithm(s), model(s), equation(s), libraries, etc. according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

The computing device 118 can also include a communication interface 118E used to communicate, for example, with the other components of the checkout terminal. The communication interface 118E can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

In the following, reference is made to embodiments presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not an advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”

Aspects of the present disclosure matter may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a given manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

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