EP0443419B1 - Device for determining pricing of articles - Google Patents

Device for determining pricing of articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0443419B1
EP0443419B1 EP91101968A EP91101968A EP0443419B1 EP 0443419 B1 EP0443419 B1 EP 0443419B1 EP 91101968 A EP91101968 A EP 91101968A EP 91101968 A EP91101968 A EP 91101968A EP 0443419 B1 EP0443419 B1 EP 0443419B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
article
goods
articles
image
identification
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91101968A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0443419A2 (en
EP0443419A3 (en
Inventor
Mario Dipl.-Ing. Torres-Peraza
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bizerba SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Bizerba SE and Co KG
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Publication date
Application filed by Bizerba SE and Co KG filed Critical Bizerba SE and Co KG
Publication of EP0443419A2 publication Critical patent/EP0443419A2/en
Publication of EP0443419A3 publication Critical patent/EP0443419A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0443419B1 publication Critical patent/EP0443419B1/en
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F9/00Shop, bar, bank or like counters
    • A47F9/02Paying counters
    • A47F9/04Check-out counters, e.g. for self-service stores
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F10/00Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F9/00Shop, bar, bank or like counters
    • A47F9/02Paying counters
    • A47F9/04Check-out counters, e.g. for self-service stores
    • A47F9/046Arrangement of recording means in or on check-out counters
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07GREGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00Cash registers
    • G07G1/0036Checkout procedures
    • G07G1/0045Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
    • G07G1/0054Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader with control of supplementary check-parameters, e.g. weight or number of articles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for determining the selling price of goods, in particular goods offered in self-service sales outlets, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • the known devices of this type have readers for such goods, the packaging of which is provided with a map on which the price is given, for example in a bar code, for indicating the price on the map.
  • Such maps have the disadvantage that they usually have to be applied by the seller because of the prices to be set by the seller and if a price change it is necessary to overlap with a new map.
  • these known devices For goods that have to be weighed for price determination, these known devices have scales with a keypad, the keys of which are each assigned to a commodity, this assignment for the user by means of a suitable identification, for example a number, a letter or a combination of letters, in many cases also indicated by an illustration of the goods. The user must Select and press the corresponding button for the goods placed on the load plate from the keypad.
  • the electronics are supplied with the identification signal.
  • the electronics determine the sales price, which is printed out on an adhesive label or the like.
  • a disadvantage of these scales is not only that the labeling of the keys is subject to wear and tear and therefore the identification of the labeling can be difficult with frequent actuation, provided the keys are not formed by fields on a screen. In the latter case, if an image of the assigned goods is displayed in the fields, an image memory can be provided from which the required images can be called up. However, this has the disadvantage that the correct image may first have to be sought, which leads to annoying waiting times.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a device for determining the selling price of goods, which neither requires a map containing the price on the packaging or goods required nor a selection of buttons or fields to be made by the customer to identify the goods. This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.
  • identification of each product is carried out by an automatic comparison of the product image generated by the video camera with the product images of the identifiable goods in the image memory, the customer's activity is limited to placing the product on the presentation area, to which the video camera is aimed. If the goods themselves are not suitable for providing the identification picture, you can add an identification sign or align it with the video camera so that it can recognize it.
  • identification marks include, for example, stickers for the goods or their packaging or also signs which are placed on the presentation area in addition to the goods. These identification signs can For example, be contained in a storage container, which is located in the associated goods. Even if such identification signs are required in exceptional cases, the time during which the presentation area is occupied is minimal.
  • the presentation area is advantageously formed by the load plate of a scale with a weight sensor, the output signals of which indicate the weight of the goods. The goods can then be identified during the weighing process.
  • At least each presentation area that receives the goods for a first-time identification is assigned an output device, preferably in the form of a display device, which announces the identified goods figuratively and / or in writing and / or acoustically.
  • the customer can then check whether the goods in question have been correctly identified.
  • each of these output devices preferably has an input device, for example in the form of a key or voice input, which the customer actuates or addresses if the goods identification was correct. If the identification is incorrect, the customer can be asked via the output device to move the goods to a different position.
  • an automatic change of position and / or the use of at least two video cameras capturing the image of the goods from different directions can also be used to improve the possibility of identification.
  • the output device also means for announcing the sales price of the goods and / or the sales price per unit of weight.
  • the output device therefore preferably has a screen on which the information to be disclosed to the customer appears.
  • audio output means can be provided, which deliver the information in acoustic form.
  • the information could also be output only acoustically. A printout of the information is also possible.
  • the issuing of a customer identification card to each customer offers special advantages, on which all relevant data is saved during each identification process.
  • a reader and writer is therefore advantageously assigned to each presentation area for the transfer of at least the sales price to the customer identity card.
  • customer identity cards With such customer identity cards, the recording of the goods and the determination of the total sales price at the checkout can be considerably accelerated, even if the data stored on the customer identity card is not used to determine the total price, but only for comparison with the other data recorded at the cash register can be used.
  • This data acquisition at the cash register is preferably also carried out with the aid of a video camera, an image memory, a comparator and, if appropriate, a weight sensor.
  • reading and writing devices assigned to the individual presentation areas for the customer identity cards are connected to a central computer, all of this data can be temporarily stored there, so that they then only need to be called up from the central computer when the customer is at Cashier is coming. Furthermore, readers can be provided with an output device that enable the customer to query information of interest to him at any time, in particular the total price of the goods selected so far.
  • An internally or externally arranged reading device is preferably provided for loading the image memory or the image memory, by means of which the images from data carriers on which the digitized identification images of all different goods are stored can be read into the memory.
  • the memory can then be loaded and updated in a particularly simple manner and above all without specialist knowledge.
  • the data carriers can, for example, be conventional disks with magnetic or optical storage of the digital signals.
  • An external arrangement of the reading device has the advantage over an internal arrangement that it can be used for several goods identification devices.
  • buttons for main goods groups, e.g. B. provide fruits, drinks, canned goods, vegetables, non-food.
  • the customer can then select the main product group to which the product to be identified belongs. It can be provided here that the identification only begins after the key or the like assigned to the main product group has been pressed by the customer.
  • the device shown in FIG. 1 for determining the selling price of goods offered in a self-service point of sale has any number of self-service scales 1, which are expediently set up wherever weight-dependent goods are offered.
  • One of these self-service scales 1 is also set up at each cash register 2. Since only one goods identification is required for weight-independent goods, detection devices 3 are set up wherever such goods are offered. Since the identification of goods independent of weight can also take place on the load plate of a self-service scale, there is generally no need to set up a recording device 3 at each checkout 2.
  • the use of a scale at the checkout to identify goods that are independent of weight even has the advantage that the weight is available as an additional feature for identification, for example for goods with a very similar appearance but different weights, which facilitates clear identification.
  • the device also includes any number of output devices 4 for customer identity cards 5 and read / write devices 6 for these customer identity cards 5.
  • the output of a customer identification card 5 can be made dependent on this that the customer has an authorization card, for example a check card 9, which he must first enter into the output device 4.
  • One of these read / write devices 6 is assigned to each self-service scale 1 and each detection device 3 in order to be able to write the data determined there into the customer identity card 5.
  • a reader 7 for reading the data stored on the customer identity cards 5 is provided at each cash register. In the exemplary embodiment, further reading devices 7 are installed in the sales room.
  • Each output device 4 and the reading devices 7 are also preferably connected to this master computer 8 via the data bus 10.
  • Each of the electronic self-service scales 1 has a load plate 11 on which the goods 12, which are, for example, a banana, are placed by the customer for the weighing process.
  • the weight is determined in a known manner by means of weighing electronics 13 contained in a weighing cell.
  • a video camera 14 is arranged which, as shown in FIG. 2, is rigidly connected to the scale housing 16 via a tripod 15 , of course, but could also be connected to the supporting surface 17 supporting the scales.
  • the video camera 14 can capture the entire goods support surface of the load plate 11.
  • the video camera 14 is followed by an amplifier-digitizer 18, which can also be built into the video camera 14 and digitize the image taken by the goods 12.
  • the electronics of the video camera 14, as shown in FIG. 4, can be equipped with a pre-comparator 34 in order to carry out a pre-sorting of the identification images that are possible for the identification.
  • the final goods identification is essential accelerates.
  • an identification sign for example a sticker which is to be attached to the banana or which already exists and which bears an image or sign which unmistakably identifies the goods, could be used for the goods identification.
  • the digital image signals are fed to a comparator 19 used for image identification.
  • This is also connected to a memory 20, in which all recognizable identification images, ie the images of all recognizable goods or their identification symbols, are contained in digitized form.
  • the comparator 19 transmits the identification signal belonging to this product to the scale electronics 13.
  • This signal contains the information or is supplemented with the information about the price per unit weight of the recognized goods, which is generated in the known self-service scales by pressing the key assigned to the goods on the scale keyboard.
  • the price that can be calculated by the scale electronics 13 and paid for the goods 12 lying on the load plate 11 can be printed out on a data carrier, preferably in the form of an adhesive label, by means of a printer 21.
  • This data carrier which can also carry the name of the goods, their weight and the price per unit of weight, is then output, as is customary in the known self-service scales. If this data is written into the customer identity card 5, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment, the output of the data carriers could also be omitted.
  • the scale electronics 13 give the name of the goods 12, the price per unit of weight, their weight and the amount to be paid in the form of digital signals to control electronics 22, which is connected downstream of comparator 19 and controls a display device 23.
  • This display device 23 has a monitor on which the image of the goods 12 stored in the memory 20, for example as a color image, is reproduced for control purposes.
  • the information supplied by the scale electronics 13, ie the name of the goods, the price per unit of weight, the weight and the amount to be paid appear on the monitor.
  • the monitor of the display device 23 is held by a stand 23 provided next to the load plate 11 'approximately at eye level of the customer, so that the screen is in the customer's field of vision.
  • the display device 23 contains a loudspeaker 24 instead of or in addition to the monitor, which is preferably arranged within the balance housing 16, then the name of the goods 12, their price per unit weight and / or their weight and / or the amount to be paid can be acoustically displayed be, either once or several times with an adjustable volume and repetition rate.
  • each display device 23 is assigned an input device, for example in the form of a pushbutton or keyboard 30, so that the customer can confirm to the electronics that the goods identification and the data transaction carried out are correct. The confirmation could also be done acoustically. Speech recognition electronics are then required. If the goods identification and / or the data transaction is not correct, then the goods 12 must be moved to a different position in order to repeat the identification.
  • an input device for example in the form of a pushbutton or keyboard 30, so that the customer can confirm to the electronics that the goods identification and the data transaction carried out are correct. The confirmation could also be done acoustically. Speech recognition electronics are then required. If the goods identification and / or the data transaction is not correct, then the goods 12 must be moved to a different position in order to repeat the identification.
  • the detection devices 3 have a presentation area 25 on which the weight-independent goods 26 to be identified, for example a bottle, are placed for the purpose of identification.
  • a video camera is directed onto the presentation surface 25, which is designed like the video cameras 14 and is therefore provided with the same reference number.
  • at least two video cameras 14 can also be arranged in a spatially offset manner in order to obtain a product image that can be identified better and thus more quickly.
  • the signals from the video cameras 14 are expediently supplied to electronics common to all video cameras 14.
  • a tripod, not shown, of the detection device 3 holds each existing video camera 14 in a position in which it does not hinder the placing of the goods 26 on the presentation surface 25.
  • the presentation surface 25 is designed so that the goods 26 cannot fall out and their correct positioning is facilitated.
  • 6 shows the shape of a trough as an example.
  • the presentation surface 25 can, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, have a conveyor belt 40 which can form a support surface in the form of a trough. Furthermore, a handling device or robot 41 is considered for this, which brings the goods 26 into the correct position on the presentation surface 25 (cf. FIG. 8).
  • the presentation area 25 can be provided with aids that facilitate quick and reliable goods recognition.
  • This can be a holding device 42 act (see FIG. 9), which holds a carrier bag open so that the video camera 14 can capture the goods contained in the carrier bag.
  • the lighting of the load plate 11 and the presentation surface 25 is expediently generated with at least one lamp 31 directed towards the goods 12 or 26.
  • this lamp 31 or lamps can be provided with color filters.
  • the goods can then be pre-sorted by color. Color filtering can of course also be carried out electronically.
  • the use of the video camera 14 'shown in FIG. 4 with detection electronics is particularly advantageous here.
  • a pre-comparator 34 compares the digitized image with the main comparison features of the goods, for example the shape (square, round, elongated, amorphous) and the color, stored in a memory 44.
  • the comparator 34 is followed by detection electronics 35 for the main features and an assembly 36 which generates the detection signals for the main features and which forwards these signals to an interface 37.
  • the interface 37 transmits the pre-digitized signals of the overall image and the detection signals for the main features to an input / output interface 38, to which an interface 39 for receiving the control signals for the electronics of the video camera 14 'is connected.
  • the data line for connecting the video camera 14 'to the associated detection electronics and control electronics is designated.
  • the video camera 14 or 14 'of each detection device 3 is followed by a digitizer 18, the output of which is connected to a first input of a comparator 19, to the second input of which an image memory 20 is connected (see FIG. 3).
  • the comparator 19 is followed by a control electronics 22 which controls the display device 23 which, like the self-service scales 1, has a monitor which is held in the customer's field of vision by a tripod.
  • the image of the goods 26, their description, their price and, if appropriate, further information are reproduced on the monitor.
  • the display devices 23 of the recording devices 3 are likewise assigned an input device, for example in the form of a key (not shown), which the customer presses when the goods identification and data transaction carried out is correct.
  • This key can be omitted if there is speech recognition electronics that recognize the words "yes" and "no", for example. If the goods identification and / or the data transaction are not correct, the customer or the device provided for this purpose change the position of the goods 26 on the presentation surface 25.
  • the display devices of the recording devices 3 (FIG. 1) can also be designed for acoustic information output.
  • the images of the recognizable goods or their identification symbols are on commercially available data carriers 27 (FIG. 2) stored magnetically or optically in digital form.
  • the data from the data carriers 27 can be read into the image memory 20 by means of a reading device 28, which in the exemplary embodiment is connected to the memory 20 via a connecting line 29, preferably all empty memory locations being occupied first before images that are no longer required are overwritten . If the range of goods changes, an operator only needs to remove the data carriers 27 of the newly added goods from a library or the like and read their pictures or identification signs one after the other into the image memory 20 by means of the reading device 28.
  • the goods identification images to be stored can be created, for example, with the aid of one of the scales 1, provided that their keyboard 30 allows the data required for this to be entered. If this is not the case, as shown in FIG. 10, a keyboard 30 'can be connected to the scale 1.
  • the mode "creation of goods identification pictures” is selected using the keyboard 30 or 30 ', which can also be referred to as a "learning process”.
  • the changeover to this mode can be displayed on the screen 23, on which the further steps can also be displayed in the manner of an operator guidance.
  • images of the goods are created and stored in different positions in order to later facilitate the identification of the goods.
  • each buyer receives a customer identity card 5 which, for example, consists of plastic or cardboard and is provided with a magnetic strip in order to be able to store data
  • the customer identity card 5 is inserted into the reader / writer 6 before the goods are placed on the assigned load plate 11 or presentation surface 25.
  • the amount to be paid and, if applicable, further information about the goods are then transferred to the customer identity card 5.
  • reading devices 7 are available to which an output device, in particular a monitor, is assigned, the customer can in between check the total amount of the goods selected so far.
  • a reader 7 provided at the access to the cash register 2 makes it possible to transfer the stored data into the main memory of the host computer 8 so that it can be called up without delay as soon as the customer reaches the cash register 2 and there his customer identity card 5 into it has introduced 2 associated reader 7 to checkout.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
  • Labeling Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A device for determining pricing of articles (12, 26), especially articles offered in self service sales outlets, has at least one video camera (14) which is directed at a presentation surface (11, 25) which supports the article temporarily, and at least one image memory, which is designed for storing digitised comparative total images of the articles (12, 26) and/or features of the articles (12, 26). The video camera (14) is assigned a digitiser which digitises the image of the articles received from the video camera (14). A comparator recognises the article (12, 26) situated on the presentation surface (11, 25) by comparing its digitised total image and/or by comparing features with the comparative images contained in the image memory, and supplies identification signals to an electronic system which determines the pricing. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung für die Ermittlung des Verkaufspreises von Waren, insbesondere in Selbstbedienungs-Verkaufsstätten angebotenen Waren, welche die Merkmale des Oberbegriffs des Anspruches 1 aufweist.The invention relates to a device for determining the selling price of goods, in particular goods offered in self-service sales outlets, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Die bekannten Einrichtungen dieser Art haben für solche Waren, deren Verpackung mit einem Kennfeld versehen ist, auf dem der Preis, beispielsweise in einem Strichcode, angegeben ist, Lesegeräte für die Preisangabe auf dem Kennfeld. Solche Kennfelder haben den Nachteil, daß sie in der Regel wegen der vom Verkäufer festzulegenden Preise von diesem aufgebracht werden müssen und bei einer Preisänderung ein Überkleben mit einem neuen Kennfeld erforderlich ist. Für Waren, die zur Preisermittlung abgewogen werden müssen, weisen diese bekannten Einrichtungen Waagen mit einem Tastenfeld auf, von dessen Tasten jede einer Ware zugeordnet ist, wobei diese Zuordnung für den Benutzer durch eine geeignete Kennzeichnung, beispielsweise eine Zahl, einen Buchstaben oder eine Buchstabenkombination, in vielen Fällen auch durch eine Abbildung der Ware, kenntlich gemacht ist. Der Benutzer muß zu der auf die Lastplatte gelegten Ware aus dem Tastenfeld die zugehörige Taste auswählen und betätigen. Infolge des softwaremäßig der Taste zugeordneten Preises pro Gewichtseinheit wird dadurch der Elektronik das Identifikationssignal zugeführt. Die Elektronik ermittelt dann den Verkaufspreis, der auf einer Klebeetikette oder dergleichen ausgedruckt wird. Nachteilig bei diesen Waagen ist nicht nur, daß die Kennzeichnung der Tasten einem Verschleiß unterworfen ist und deshalb bei häufiger Betätigung das Erkennen der Kennzeichnung schwierig werden kann, sofern die Tasten nicht durch Felder eines Bildschirmes gebildet sind. Im letztgenannten Falle kann dann, wenn in den Feldern eine Abbildung der zugeordneten Ware abgebildet wird, ein Bildspeicher vorgesehen sein, aus dem die benötigten Abbildungen abgerufen werden können. Dies ist jedoch mit dem Nachteil behaftet, daß die richtige Abbildung eventuell erst gesucht werden muß, was zu störenden Wartezeiten führt. Unabhängig davon, ob Tasten betätigt oder Bildfelder berührt werden müssen, erschwert die in der Regel erforderliche, relativ große Anzahl von Tasten oder Feldern erheblich das Auffinden der zu betätigenden Taste oder des zu berührenden Feldes, zumal die Zuordnung der Waren zu den einzelnen Tasten nicht fixiert sein kann und deshalb das in der Regel häufig wechselnde Warenangebot dazu führt, daß ein und dieselbe Ware bei den zeitlich aufeinanderfolgenden unterschiedlichen Warenangebotskombinationen nicht stets der gleichen Taste zugeordnet werden kann. Relativ lange Belegzeiten der Waage für einen einzigen Wiegevorgang, die zur Ungeduld von Wartenden führen können, und Fehlbedienungen beeinträchtigen deshalb erheblich den an sich vorhandenen Vorteil dieser Selbstbedienungswaagen.The known devices of this type have readers for such goods, the packaging of which is provided with a map on which the price is given, for example in a bar code, for indicating the price on the map. Such maps have the disadvantage that they usually have to be applied by the seller because of the prices to be set by the seller and if a price change it is necessary to overlap with a new map. For goods that have to be weighed for price determination, these known devices have scales with a keypad, the keys of which are each assigned to a commodity, this assignment for the user by means of a suitable identification, for example a number, a letter or a combination of letters, in many cases also indicated by an illustration of the goods. The user must Select and press the corresponding button for the goods placed on the load plate from the keypad. As a result of the software price per weight unit assigned to the key, the electronics are supplied with the identification signal. The electronics then determine the sales price, which is printed out on an adhesive label or the like. A disadvantage of these scales is not only that the labeling of the keys is subject to wear and tear and therefore the identification of the labeling can be difficult with frequent actuation, provided the keys are not formed by fields on a screen. In the latter case, if an image of the assigned goods is displayed in the fields, an image memory can be provided from which the required images can be called up. However, this has the disadvantage that the correct image may first have to be sought, which leads to annoying waiting times. Regardless of whether keys have to be pressed or image fields have to be touched, the generally required, relatively large number of keys or fields makes it considerably more difficult to find the key to be pressed or the field to be touched, especially since the assignment of the goods to the individual keys is not fixed can be and therefore the usually frequently changing range of goods leads to the fact that one and the same product cannot always be assigned to the same key in the case of different combinations of the range of offers in time. Relatively long weighing times for a single weighing process, which can lead to impatience for those waiting, and incorrect operation therefore significantly impair the inherent advantage of these self-service scales.

Ferner ist es bei Einrichtungen der eingangs genannten Art bekannt, zu Kontrollzwecken, nämlich dann, wenn die Bedienungsperson an der Kasse die Waren nicht im Blickfeld hat, eine Videokamera vorzusehen, welche auf die beispielsweise auf einem Förderband liegenden Waren gerichtet ist, und das von der Videokamera aufgenommene Bild auf einem Monitor wiederzugeben, der im Blickfeld der Bedienungsperson an der Kasse liegt. Es handelt sich hierbei also um eine reine Überwachungseinrichtung, welche die Waren nicht selbst identifiziert. Dies muß eine Bedienungsperson tun, was zwangsläufig zu Fehlern führt. Hinzu kommt, daß nicht gleichzeitig mit der Identifikation die Preisermittlung erfolgen kann. Damit sind Manipulationen, z.B. durch einen Austausch von Preisetiketten, nicht ausgeschlossen.Furthermore, it is known for devices of the type mentioned at the outset for control purposes, namely when the operator at the checkout does not have the goods in view, to provide a video camera which is directed, for example, to the goods lying on a conveyor belt, and to display the image recorded by the video camera on a monitor which is in the field of vision of the operator at the cash register. It is therefore a pure monitoring device that does not identify the goods itself. An operator must do this, which inevitably leads to errors. In addition, the price cannot be determined simultaneously with the identification. Manipulations, for example by exchanging price labels, are not excluded.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Einrichtung für die Ermittlung des Verkaufspreises von Waren zu schaffen, die weder ein die Preisangabe enthaltendes Kennfeld auf der Verpackung oder Ware erforderlich macht noch eine vom Kunden vorzunehmende Auswahl von Tasten oder Feldern zur Identifizierung der Ware verlangt. Diese Aufgabe löst eine Einrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruches 1.The invention has for its object to provide a device for determining the selling price of goods, which neither requires a map containing the price on the packaging or goods required nor a selection of buttons or fields to be made by the customer to identify the goods. This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

Da die Identifizierung jeder Ware, aufgrund deren die Preisermittlung erfolgt, durch einen selbsttätigen Vergleich des von der Videokamera erzeugten Warenbildes mit den von den identifizierbaren Waren im Bildspeicher enthaltenen Warenbildern erfolgt, beschränkt sich die Tätigkeit des Kunden darauf, die Ware auf die Präsentationsfläche zu legen, auf welche die Videokamera ausgerichtet ist. Sollte die Ware nicht selbst geeignet sein, das Identifikationsbild zu liefern, kann man ein Identifikationszeichen so hinzufügen oder auf die Videokamera ausrichten, daß diese es erkennen kann. Als derartige Identifikationszeichen kommen beispielsweise Aufkleber für die Ware oder deren Verpackung oder auch Zeichen in Frage, die zusätzlich zur Ware auf die Präsentationsfläche gelegt werden. Diese Identifikationszeichen können beispielsweise in einem Vorratsbehälter enthalten sein, der sich bei der zugehörigen Ware befindet. Auch dann, wenn solche Identifikationszeichen in Ausnahmefällen erforderlich sind, ist die Zeit, während deren die Präsentationsfläche belegt ist, minimal. Die Anzahl der unterschiedlichen Waren beeinflußt allenfalls unwesentlich die Identifikationszeit und wirkt sich im wesentlichen nur auf die erforderliche Größe des Speichers aus. Die Speichergröße braucht somit nur entsprechend der erforderlichen Zahl unterschiedlicher Waren gewählt zu werden, die wesentlich größer sein kann als bei den bekannten Selbstbedienungswaagen. Für Waren, die für die Preisermittlung einen Wiegevorgang erforderlich machen, ist vorteilhafterweise die Präsentationsfläche durch die Lastplatte einer Waage mit einem Gewichtssensor gebildet, dessen Ausgangssignale das Gewicht Ware angeben. Die Warenidentifikation kann dann während des Wiegevorgangs erfolgen.Since the identification of each product, on the basis of which the price is determined, is carried out by an automatic comparison of the product image generated by the video camera with the product images of the identifiable goods in the image memory, the customer's activity is limited to placing the product on the presentation area, to which the video camera is aimed. If the goods themselves are not suitable for providing the identification picture, you can add an identification sign or align it with the video camera so that it can recognize it. Such identification marks include, for example, stickers for the goods or their packaging or also signs which are placed on the presentation area in addition to the goods. These identification signs can For example, be contained in a storage container, which is located in the associated goods. Even if such identification signs are required in exceptional cases, the time during which the presentation area is occupied is minimal. The number of different goods influences the identification time insignificantly at most and essentially only affects the required size of the memory. The storage size therefore only needs to be selected in accordance with the required number of different goods, which can be significantly larger than in the known self-service scales. For goods that require a weighing process for price determination, the presentation area is advantageously formed by the load plate of a scale with a weight sensor, the output signals of which indicate the weight of the goods. The goods can then be identified during the weighing process.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist zumindest jeder die Ware für eine erstmalige Identifikation aufnehmenden Präsentationsfläche eine Ausgabeeinrichtung, vorzugsweise in Form einer Anzeigeeinrichtung, zugeordnet, welche die identifizierte Ware bildlich und/oder schriftlich und/oder akustisch bekanntgibt. Der Kunde kann dann kontrollieren, ob die betreffende Ware richtig identifiziert worden ist. Um diese Überprüfung durch den Kunden berücksichtigen zu können, weist jede dieser Ausgabeeinrichtungen vorzugsweise eine Eingabeeinrichtung auf, beispielsweise in Form einer Taste oder Spracheingabe, die der Kunde betätigt oder anspricht, sofern die Warenidentifikation richtig war. Bei einer falschen Identifikation kann der Kunde über die Ausgabeeinrichtung aufgefordert werden, die Ware in eine andere Lage zu bringen. Aber auch eine automatische Lageveränderung und/oder der Einsatz von wenigstens zwei das Bild der Ware aus unterschiedlichen Richtungen erfassenden Videokameras kommen für eine Verbesserung der Idenitifkationmöglichkeit in Frage.In a preferred embodiment, at least each presentation area that receives the goods for a first-time identification is assigned an output device, preferably in the form of a display device, which announces the identified goods figuratively and / or in writing and / or acoustically. The customer can then check whether the goods in question have been correctly identified. In order to be able to take this check by the customer into account, each of these output devices preferably has an input device, for example in the form of a key or voice input, which the customer actuates or addresses if the goods identification was correct. If the identification is incorrect, the customer can be asked via the output device to move the goods to a different position. However, an automatic change of position and / or the use of at least two video cameras capturing the image of the goods from different directions can also be used to improve the possibility of identification.

In der Regel wird es zweckmäßig sein, der Ausgabeeinrichtung auch Mittel zur Bekanntgabe des Verkaufspreises der Ware und/oder des Verkaufspreises pro Gewichtseinheit zuzuordnen. Die Ausgabeeinrichtung weist deshalb vorzugsweise einen Bildschirm auf, auf dem die dem Kunden bekanntzugebenden Informationen erscheinen. Ergänzend können Audio-Ausgabemittel vorgesehen sein, welche die Informationen in akustischer Form liefern. Selbstverständlich könnte aber die Informationsausgabe auch ausschließlich auf akustischem Wege erfolgen. In Frage kommt ferner ein Ausdruck der Informationen.As a rule, it will be expedient to assign the output device also means for announcing the sales price of the goods and / or the sales price per unit of weight. The output device therefore preferably has a screen on which the information to be disclosed to the customer appears. In addition, audio output means can be provided, which deliver the information in acoustic form. Of course, the information could also be output only acoustically. A printout of the information is also possible.

Besondere Vorteile bietet die Ausgabe einer Kunden-Identifikationskarte an jeden Kunden, auf der bei jedem Identifikationsvorgang alle relevanten Daten gespeichert werden. Vorteilhafterweise ist deshalb jeder Präsentationsfläche ein Lese- und Schreibgerät für die Übertragung zumindest des Verkaufspreises auf die Kunden-Identitätskarte zugeordnet. Mittels solcher Kunden-Identitätskarten kann die Erfassung der Waren und die Ermittlung des gesamten Verkaufspreises an der Kasse erheblich beschleunigt werden, und zwar auch dann, wenn die auf der Kunden-Identitätskarte gespeicherten Daten nicht zur Ermittlung des Gesamtpreises, sondern nur zum Vergleich mit den an der Kasse erfaßten Daten verwendet werden. Diese Datenerfassung an der Kasse erfolgt vorzugsweise ebenfalls mit Hilfe einer Videokamera, eines Bildspeichers, eines Vergleichers und gegebenenfalls eines Gewichtsensors.The issuing of a customer identification card to each customer offers special advantages, on which all relevant data is saved during each identification process. A reader and writer is therefore advantageously assigned to each presentation area for the transfer of at least the sales price to the customer identity card. With such customer identity cards, the recording of the goods and the determination of the total sales price at the checkout can be considerably accelerated, even if the data stored on the customer identity card is not used to determine the total price, but only for comparison with the other data recorded at the cash register can be used. This data acquisition at the cash register is preferably also carried out with the aid of a video camera, an image memory, a comparator and, if appropriate, a weight sensor.

Sofern die den einzelnen Präsentationsflächen zugeordneten Lese- und Schreibgeräte für die Kunden-Identitätskarten an einen zentralen Rechner angeschlossen sind, können dort vorübergehend alle diese Daten gespeichert werden, so daß sie dann nur noch aus dem zentralen Rechner abgerufen zu werden brauchen, wenn der Kunde zur Kasse kommt. Ferner können Lesegeräte mit einer Ausgabeeinrichtung vorgesehen sein, die es dem Kunden ermöglichen, zu jedem beliebigen Zeitpunkt ihn interessierende Informationen, insbesondere den Gesamtpreis der bisher ausgewählten Waren, abzufragen.If the reading and writing devices assigned to the individual presentation areas for the customer identity cards are connected to a central computer, all of this data can be temporarily stored there, so that they then only need to be called up from the central computer when the customer is at Cashier is coming. Furthermore, readers can be provided with an output device that enable the customer to query information of interest to him at any time, in particular the total price of the goods selected so far.

Für das Laden des Bildspeichers oder der Bildspeicher ist vorzugsweise ein intern oder extern angeordnet es Lesegerät vorgesehen, mittels dessen die Bilder von Datenträgern, auf denen die digitalisierten Identifikationsbilder aller unterschiedlichen Waren gespeichert sind, in den Speicher einlesbar sind. Der Speicher kann dann in besonders einfacher Weise und vor allem ohne Fachkenntnisse geladen und aktualisiert werden. Bei den Datenträgern kann es sich beispielsweise um übliche Platten mit magnetischer oder optischer Speicherung der digitalen Signale handeln. Eine externe Anordnung des Lesegerätes hat gegenüber einer internen Anordnung den Vorteil, daß es für mehrere Warenidentifikationseinrichtungen verwendet werden kann.An internally or externally arranged reading device is preferably provided for loading the image memory or the image memory, by means of which the images from data carriers on which the digitized identification images of all different goods are stored can be read into the memory. The memory can then be loaded and updated in a particularly simple manner and above all without specialist knowledge. The data carriers can, for example, be conventional disks with magnetic or optical storage of the digital signals. An external arrangement of the reading device has the advantage over an internal arrangement that it can be used for several goods identification devices.

Man kann aber auch durch eine Bedienungsperson mittels der Videokamera die Identifikationsbilder erstellen lassen. Zur Erhöhung der Identifikationssicherheit ist es auch in diesem Falle zweckmäßig, von ein und derselben Warenart mehrere Identifikationsbilder zu erstellen, um die üblicherweise auftretenden Variationen der Erscheinungsbilder der Ware zu berücksichtigen.But you can also have an operator create the identification pictures using the video camera. In order to increase the security of identification, it is also expedient in this case to create several identification images of one and the same type of goods in order to take into account the usually occurring variations in the appearance of the goods.

Um die Warenidentifikation zu beschleunigen, kann man aktivierbare Mittel, beispielsweise Tasten, für Hauptwarengruppen, z. B. Obst, Getränke, Konserven, Gemüse, Non-food, vorsehen. Der Kunde kann dann die Hauptwarengruppe, zu der die zu identifizierende Ware gehört, auswählen. Man kann hierbei vorsehen, daß die Identifizierung erst beginnt, nachdem die der Hauptwarengruppe zugeordnete Taste oder dergleichen vom Kunden betätigt worden ist.In order to speed up the identification of goods, means that can be activated, for example buttons, for main goods groups, e.g. B. provide fruits, drinks, canned goods, vegetables, non-food. The customer can then select the main product group to which the product to be identified belongs. It can be provided here that the identification only begins after the key or the like assigned to the main product group has been pressed by the customer.

Im folgenden ist die Erfindung anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels im einzelnen erläutert.The invention is explained in detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

Es zeigen

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung,
Fig. 2
eine schematisch dargestellte Seitenansicht einer der Waagen,
Fig. 3
ein Blockschaltbild dieser Waage mit zugehörigen Geräten und Baugruppen,
Fig. 4
eine schematisch dargestellte Modifikation einer der Videokameras mit Blockschaltbild,
Fig. 5
eine schematisch dargestellte Modifikation einer der Waagen,
Fig. 6
eine schematisch dargestellte Ausführungsform einer Präsentationsfläche mit aufgelegter Ware,
Fig. 7
eine schematisch dargestellte andere Ausführungsform einer Präsentationsfläche mit aufgelegter Ware,
Fig. 8
eine Ausführungsform einer Waage oder eines Erfassungsgerätes mit einem Handhabungsgerät für die richtige Positionierung der Ware auf der Präsentationsfläche,
Fig. 9
eine schematisch dargestellte Präsentationsfläche mit einer Haltevorrichtung für Tragbeutel oder dergleichen,
Fig. 10
eine schematisch dargestellte Waage mit einer Einrichtung zur Erstellung von Warenidentifikationsbildern.
Show it
Fig. 1
2 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a schematically illustrated side view of one of the scales,
Fig. 3
a block diagram of this scale with associated devices and assemblies,
Fig. 4
1 shows a schematically illustrated modification of one of the video cameras with a block diagram,
Fig. 5
a schematically illustrated modification of one of the scales,
Fig. 6
1 shows a schematically represented embodiment of a presentation area with placed goods,
Fig. 7
FIG. 2 shows a schematically represented other embodiment of a presentation area with placed goods,
Fig. 8
an embodiment of a scale or a recording device with a handling device for the correct positioning of the goods on the presentation surface,
Fig. 9
a schematically represented presentation area with a holding device for carrying bags or the like,
Fig. 10
a schematically illustrated scale with a device for creating goods identification images.

Die in Fig.1 dargestellte Einrichtung für die Ermittlung des Verkaufspreises von in einer Selbstbedienungs-Verkaufsstätte angebotenen Waren weist eine beliebige Anzahl von Selbstbedienungswaagen 1 auf, die zweckmäßigerweise überall dort aufgestellt sind, wo gewichtsabhängige Waren angeboten werden. Je eine dieser Selbstbedienungswaagen 1 ist außerdem an jeder Kasse 2 aufgestellt. Da bei gewichtsunabhängigen Waren nur eine Warenidentifikation erforderlich ist, sind überall dort, wo derartige Waren angeboten werden, Erfassungsgeräte 3 aufgestellt. Da die Warenidentifikation von gewichtsunabhängigen Waren auch auf der Lastplatte einer Selbstbedienungswaage erfolgen kann, erübrigt sich in der Regel die Aufstellung eines Erfassungsgerätes 3 an jeder Kasse 2. Die Verwendung einer Waage an der Kasse zur Identifizierung auch gewichtsunabhängiger Waren hat sogar den Vorteil, daß das Gewicht als zusätzliches Merkmal für die Identifizierung zur Verfügung steht, beispielsweise bei Waren mit sehr ähnlichem Erscheinungsbild, aber unterschiedlichem Gewicht, die eindeutige Identifizierung erleichtert. Weiterhin gehören, wie in Fig.1 schematisch angedeutet, zu der Einrichtung auch eine beliebige Anzahl von Ausgabegeräten 4 für Kunden-Identitätskarten 5 und Lese-Schreibgeräte 6 für diese Kunden-Identitätskarten 5. Die Ausgabe einer Kunden-Identifikationskarte 5 kann davon abhängig gemacht werden, daß der Kunde eine Berechtigungskarte, beispielsweise eine Scheckkarte 9 hat, die er zuerst in das Ausgabegerät 4 eingeben muß. Je eines dieser Lese-Schreibgeräte 6 ist jeder Selbstbedienungswaage 1 und jedem Erfassungsgerät 3 zugeordnet, um die dort ermittelten Daten in die Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 einschreiben zu können. Ein Lesegerät 7 zum Auslesen der auf den Kunden-Identitätskarten 5 gespeicherten Daten ist an jeder Kasse vorgesehen. Im Ausführungsbeispiel sind weitere Lesegeräte 7 verteilt im Verkaufsraum aufgestellt. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist ferner ein Leitrechner 8 vorhanden, an den alle Lese-Schreibgeräte 6 über einen Datenbus 10 angeschlossen sind. Auch jedes Ausgabegerät 4 und die Lesegeräte 7 sind vorzugsweise über den Datenbus 10 an diesen Leitrechner 8 angeschlossen.The device shown in FIG. 1 for determining the selling price of goods offered in a self-service point of sale has any number of self-service scales 1, which are expediently set up wherever weight-dependent goods are offered. One of these self-service scales 1 is also set up at each cash register 2. Since only one goods identification is required for weight-independent goods, detection devices 3 are set up wherever such goods are offered. Since the identification of goods independent of weight can also take place on the load plate of a self-service scale, there is generally no need to set up a recording device 3 at each checkout 2. The use of a scale at the checkout to identify goods that are independent of weight even has the advantage that the weight is available as an additional feature for identification, for example for goods with a very similar appearance but different weights, which facilitates clear identification. Furthermore, as indicated schematically in FIG. 1, the device also includes any number of output devices 4 for customer identity cards 5 and read / write devices 6 for these customer identity cards 5. The output of a customer identification card 5 can be made dependent on this that the customer has an authorization card, for example a check card 9, which he must first enter into the output device 4. One of these read / write devices 6 is assigned to each self-service scale 1 and each detection device 3 in order to be able to write the data determined there into the customer identity card 5. A reader 7 for reading the data stored on the customer identity cards 5 is provided at each cash register. In the exemplary embodiment, further reading devices 7 are installed in the sales room. In the exemplary embodiment there is also a host computer 8 to which all read / write devices 6 are connected via a data bus 10. Each output device 4 and the reading devices 7 are also preferably connected to this master computer 8 via the data bus 10.

Jede der elektronischen Selbstbedienungswaagen 1 weist eine Lastplatte 11 auf, auf welche die Ware 12, bei der es sich beispielsweise um eine Banane handelt, für den Wiegevorgang vom Kunden gelegt wird. Die Gewichtsermittlung erfolgt in bekannter Weise mittels einer in einer Wägezelle enthaltenen Waagenelektronik 13.Each of the electronic self-service scales 1 has a load plate 11 on which the goods 12, which are, for example, a banana, are placed by the customer for the weighing process. The weight is determined in a known manner by means of weighing electronics 13 contained in a weighing cell.

In einem Abstand über der Lastplatte 11, der eine Behinderung des Auflegens der Ware 12 auf die Lastplatte 11 und des Wegnehmens ausschließt, ist eine Videokamera 14 angeordnet, die, wie Fig. 2 zeigt, über ein Stativ 15 starr mit dem Waagengehäuse 16 verbunden ist, selbstverständlich aber auch mit der die Waage tragenden Stellfläche 17 verbunden sein könnte. Die Videokamera 14 vermag die gesamte Warenauflagefläche der Lastplatte 11 zu erfassen.At a distance above the load plate 11, which prevents the placing of the goods 12 on the load plate 11 and the removal thereof being impeded, a video camera 14 is arranged which, as shown in FIG. 2, is rigidly connected to the scale housing 16 via a tripod 15 , of course, but could also be connected to the supporting surface 17 supporting the scales. The video camera 14 can capture the entire goods support surface of the load plate 11.

Wie Fig.3 zeigt, ist der Videokamera 14 ein Verstärker-Digitalisierer 18 nachgeschaltet, welcher auch in die Videokamera 14 eingebaut sein kann und das von der Ware 12 aufgenommene Bild digitalisiert. Die Elektronik der Videokamera 14 kann, wie Fig. 4 zeigt, mit einem Vorvergleicher 34 ausgestattet sein, um eine Vorsortierung der für die Identifikation in Frage kommenden Identifikationsbilder durchzuführen. Die endgültige Warenidentifikation wird hierdurch wesentlich beschleunigt. Statt der Ware könnte aber auch ein Identifikationszeichen, beispielsweise ein auf der Banane anzubringender oder schon vorhandener Aufkleber, der ein die Ware unverwechselbar kennzeichnendes Bild oder Zeichen trägt, zur Warenidentifikation benutzt werden. Die digitalen Bildsignale werden einem der Bildidentifizierung dienenden Vergleicher 19 zugeführt. Dieser ist auch an einen Speicher 20 angeschlossen, in dem in digitalisierter Form alle erkennbaren Identifikationsbilder, also die Bilder aller erkennbaren Waren oder deren Identifikationszeichen, enthalten sind. Sobald der Vergleicher 19 erkannt hat, mit welchem der im Speicher 20 enthaltenen Bilder das vom Digitalisierer 18 gelieferte Bild so weit übereinstimmt, daß man eine Warenidentität annehmen kann, gibt der Vergleicher 19 das zu dieser Ware gehörende Identifikationssignal an die Waagenelektronik 13. Dieses Signal enthält die Information oder wird ergänzt mit der Information über den Preis pro Gewichtseinheit der erkannten Ware, was bei den bekannten Selbstbedienungswaagen durch die Betätigung der der Ware zugeordneten Taste der Waagentastatur erzeugt wird.As shown in FIG. 3, the video camera 14 is followed by an amplifier-digitizer 18, which can also be built into the video camera 14 and digitize the image taken by the goods 12. The electronics of the video camera 14, as shown in FIG. 4, can be equipped with a pre-comparator 34 in order to carry out a pre-sorting of the identification images that are possible for the identification. The final goods identification is essential accelerates. Instead of the goods, however, an identification sign, for example a sticker which is to be attached to the banana or which already exists and which bears an image or sign which unmistakably identifies the goods, could be used for the goods identification. The digital image signals are fed to a comparator 19 used for image identification. This is also connected to a memory 20, in which all recognizable identification images, ie the images of all recognizable goods or their identification symbols, are contained in digitized form. As soon as the comparator 19 has recognized with which of the images contained in the memory 20 the image supplied by the digitizer 18 corresponds to such an extent that one can assume a goods identity, the comparator 19 transmits the identification signal belonging to this product to the scale electronics 13. This signal contains the information or is supplemented with the information about the price per unit weight of the recognized goods, which is generated in the known self-service scales by pressing the key assigned to the goods on the scale keyboard.

Der von der Waagenelektronik 13 errechenbare, für die auf der Lastplatte 11 liegende Ware 12 zu zahlende Preis kann auf einem Datenträger, vorzugsweise in Form eines Klebeetiketts, mittels eines Druckers 21 ausgedruckt werden. Anschließend wird dann dieser Datenträger, der auch den Namen der Ware, ihr Gewicht und den Preis pro Gewichtseinheit tragen kann, ausgegeben, wie dies bei den bekannten Selbstbedienungswaagen üblich ist. Werden diese Daten in die Kunden-Identifitätskarte 5 eingeschrieben, wie dies im Ausführungsbeispiel der Fall ist, könnte die Ausgabe der Datenträger auch entfallen.The price that can be calculated by the scale electronics 13 and paid for the goods 12 lying on the load plate 11 can be printed out on a data carrier, preferably in the form of an adhesive label, by means of a printer 21. This data carrier, which can also carry the name of the goods, their weight and the price per unit of weight, is then output, as is customary in the known self-service scales. If this data is written into the customer identity card 5, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment, the output of the data carriers could also be omitted.

Im Ausführungsbeispiel gibt die Waagenelektronik 13 den Namen der Ware 12, den Preis pro Gewichtseinheit, ihr Gewicht sowie den zu zahlenden Betrag in Form von digitalen Signalen an eine Ansteuerelektronik 22, die dem Vergleicher 19 nachgeschaltet ist und eine Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 ansteuert. Diese Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 weist einen Monitor auf, auf dem das im Speicher 20 gespeicherte Bild der Ware 12, beispielsweise als Farbbild, zu Kontrollzwecken wiedergegeben wird. Außerdem erscheinen auf dem Monitor die von der Waagenelektronik 13 gelieferten Informationen, also der Name der Ware, der Preis pro Gewichtseinheit, das Gewicht sowie der zu zahlende Betrag. Wie Fig.1 zeigt, wird der Monitor der Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 von einem neben der Lastplatte 11 vorgesehenen Stativ 23′ etwa in Augenhöhe des Kunden gehalten, so daß der Bildschirm im Blickfeld des Kunden liegt.In the exemplary embodiment, the scale electronics 13 give the name of the goods 12, the price per unit of weight, their weight and the amount to be paid in the form of digital signals to control electronics 22, which is connected downstream of comparator 19 and controls a display device 23. This display device 23 has a monitor on which the image of the goods 12 stored in the memory 20, for example as a color image, is reproduced for control purposes. In addition, the information supplied by the scale electronics 13, ie the name of the goods, the price per unit of weight, the weight and the amount to be paid appear on the monitor. As Fig.1 shows, the monitor of the display device 23 is held by a stand 23 provided next to the load plate 11 'approximately at eye level of the customer, so that the screen is in the customer's field of vision.

Enthält die Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 statt des Monitors oder zusätzlich zu diesem einen Lautsprecher 24, der vorzugsweise innerhalb des Waagengehäuses 16 angeordnet ist, dann können der Name der Ware 12, ihr Preis pro Gewichtseinheit und/oder ihr Gewicht und/oder der zu zahlende Betrag akustisch angezeigt werden, und zwar wahlweise einmalig oder mehrmalig mit einer einstellbaren Lautstärke und Wiederholungsrate.If the display device 23 contains a loudspeaker 24 instead of or in addition to the monitor, which is preferably arranged within the balance housing 16, then the name of the goods 12, their price per unit weight and / or their weight and / or the amount to be paid can be acoustically displayed be, either once or several times with an adjustable volume and repetition rate.

Jeder Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 ist im Ausführungsbeispiel eine Eingabeeinrichtung zugeordnet, beispielsweise in Form einer Drucktaste oder Tastatur 30, damit der Kunde der Elektronik bestätigen kann, daß die erfolgte Warenidentifikation und die Datentransaktion korrekt ist. Die Bestätigung könnte auch akustisch erfolgen. Es ist dann eine Spracherkennungselektronik erforderlich. Sollte die Warenidentifikation und/oder die Datentransaktion nicht korrekt sein, dann muß die Ware 12 für eine Wiederholung der Identifikation in eine andere Lage gebracht werden.In the exemplary embodiment, each display device 23 is assigned an input device, for example in the form of a pushbutton or keyboard 30, so that the customer can confirm to the electronics that the goods identification and the data transaction carried out are correct. The confirmation could also be done acoustically. Speech recognition electronics are then required. If the goods identification and / or the data transaction is not correct, then the goods 12 must be moved to a different position in order to repeat the identification.

Die Erfassungsgeräte 3 haben eine Präsentationsfläche 25, auf welche die zu identifizierende, gewichtsunabhängige Ware 26, beispielsweise eine Flasche, zum Zwecke der Identifikation gelegt wird. Auf die Präsentationsfläche 25 ist, wie bei den Selbstbedienungswaagen 1 auf deren Lastplatte 11, eine Videokamera gerichtet, welche wie die Videokameras 14 ausgebildet und deshalb mit der gleichen Bezugszahl versehen ist. Selbstverständlich können, wie Fig. 5 zeigt, auch wenigstens zwei Videokameras 14 räumlich versetzt angeordnet sein, um ein besser und damit rascher identifizierbares Warenbild zu erhalten. Die Signale der Videokameras 14 werden in diesem Falle zweckmäßigerweise einer allen Videokameras 14 gemeinsamen Elektronik zugeführt. Ein nicht dargestelltes Stativ des Erfassungsgerätes 3 hält jede vorhandene Videokamera 14 in einer Lage, in der sie das Auflegen der Waren 26 auf die Präsentationsfläche 25 nicht behindert.The detection devices 3 have a presentation area 25 on which the weight-independent goods 26 to be identified, for example a bottle, are placed for the purpose of identification. As with the self-service scales 1 on the load plate 11, a video camera is directed onto the presentation surface 25, which is designed like the video cameras 14 and is therefore provided with the same reference number. Of course, as shown in FIG. 5, at least two video cameras 14 can also be arranged in a spatially offset manner in order to obtain a product image that can be identified better and thus more quickly. In this case, the signals from the video cameras 14 are expediently supplied to electronics common to all video cameras 14. A tripod, not shown, of the detection device 3 holds each existing video camera 14 in a position in which it does not hinder the placing of the goods 26 on the presentation surface 25.

Die Präsentationsfläche 25 ist so gestaltet, daß ein Herausfallen der Ware 26 verhindert und deren richtige Positionierung erleichtert wird. Fig. 6 zeigt als Beispiel die Form einer Mulde.The presentation surface 25 is designed so that the goods 26 cannot fall out and their correct positioning is facilitated. 6 shows the shape of a trough as an example.

Statt einer manuellen Veränderung der Lage der Ware 26 kann auch eine automatische Veränderung vorgesehen werden. Zu diesem Zwecke kann die Präsentationsfläche 25 beispielsweise, wie in Fig. 7 dargestellt, ein Förderband 40 aufweisen, das eine Auflagefläche in Form einer Mulde bilden kann. Ferner kommt hierfür ein Handhabungsgerät oder Roboter 41 in Betracht, der die Ware 26 in die richtige Lage auf der Präsentationsfläche 25 bringt (vergl. Fig. 8).Instead of a manual change in the position of the goods 26, an automatic change can also be provided. For this purpose, the presentation surface 25 can, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, have a conveyor belt 40 which can form a support surface in the form of a trough. Furthermore, a handling device or robot 41 is considered for this, which brings the goods 26 into the correct position on the presentation surface 25 (cf. FIG. 8).

Weiterhin kann die Präsentationsfläche 25 mit Hilfsmitteln versehen sein, die eine schnelle und zuverlässige Warenerkennung erleichtern. Hierbei kann es sich um eine Haltevorrichtung 42 handeln (vergl. Fig. 9), welche eine Tragetasche offenhält, damit die Videokamera 14 die in der Tragetasche enthaltene Ware erfassen kann.Furthermore, the presentation area 25 can be provided with aids that facilitate quick and reliable goods recognition. This can be a holding device 42 act (see FIG. 9), which holds a carrier bag open so that the video camera 14 can capture the goods contained in the carrier bag.

Selbstverständlich können derartige Hilfsmittel zur Veränderung der Lage der Ware auch der Lastplatte 11 der Waagen 1 zugeordnet sein.Such aids for changing the position of the goods can of course also be assigned to the load plate 11 of the scales 1.

Die Beleuchtung der Lastplatte 11 und der Präsentationsfläche 25 wird zweckmäßigerweise mit wenigstens einer auf die Ware 12 bzw. 26 gerichteten Lampe 31 erzeugt. Zur Beschleunigung des Erkennungsvorganges kann man diese Lampe 31 oder Lampen mit Farbfiltern versehen. Es kann dann eine Vorsortierung der Waren nach den Farben erfolgen. Die Farbfilterung kann selbstverständlich auch elektronisch durchgeführt werden. Besonders vorteilhaft ist hierbei die Verwendung der in Fig. 4 dargestellten Videokamera 14′ mit Erkennungselektronik. Diese Videokamera 14′ enthält ein elektromechanisches oder elektronisches Farbfilter 32, das einem Bildabtaster mit Digitalisierer 33 vorgeschaltet ist. Ein Vorvergleicher 34 vergleicht das digitalisierte Bild mit in einem Speicher 44 gespeicherten Haupt-Vergleichsmerkmalen der Waren, z.B. der Gestalt (quadratisch, rund, länglich, amorph) und der Farbe. Auf den Vorvergleicher 34 folgen eine Erkennungselektronik 35 für die Hauptmerkmale und eine die Erkennungssignale für die Hauptmerkmale erzeugende Baugruppe 36, welche diese Signale an eine Schnittstelle 37 leitet. Die Schnittstelle 37 überträgt die vordigitalisierten Signale des Gesamtbildes und die Erkennungssignale für die Hauptmerkmale zu einer Eingangs/Ausgangs-Schnittstelle 38, an die auch eine Schnittstelle 39 zum Empfang der Steuersignale für die Elektronik der Videokamera 14′ angeschlossen ist. Mit 43 ist in Fig. 4 die Datenleitung zum Anschluß der Videokamera 14′ an die zugeordnete Erkennungselektronik und Steuerungselektronik bezeichnet.The lighting of the load plate 11 and the presentation surface 25 is expediently generated with at least one lamp 31 directed towards the goods 12 or 26. To accelerate the recognition process, this lamp 31 or lamps can be provided with color filters. The goods can then be pre-sorted by color. Color filtering can of course also be carried out electronically. The use of the video camera 14 'shown in FIG. 4 with detection electronics is particularly advantageous here. This video camera 14 'contains an electromechanical or electronic color filter 32 which is connected upstream of an image scanner with digitizer 33. A pre-comparator 34 compares the digitized image with the main comparison features of the goods, for example the shape (square, round, elongated, amorphous) and the color, stored in a memory 44. The comparator 34 is followed by detection electronics 35 for the main features and an assembly 36 which generates the detection signals for the main features and which forwards these signals to an interface 37. The interface 37 transmits the pre-digitized signals of the overall image and the detection signals for the main features to an input / output interface 38, to which an interface 39 for receiving the control signals for the electronics of the video camera 14 'is connected. With 43 in Fig. 4, the data line for connecting the video camera 14 'to the associated detection electronics and control electronics is designated.

Wie bei den Selbstbedienungswaagen 1 werden das von der Videokamera 14 oder 14′ erzeugte Gesamtbild und Merkmale davon digitalisiert und mit in einem Bildspeicher 20 in digitaler Form vorhandenen Warenbildern und Merkmalen davon verglichen. Der Videokamera 14 oder 14′ jedes Erfassungsgerätes 3 ist ein Digitalisierer 18 nachgeschaltet, dessen Ausgang mit einem ersten Eingang eines Vergleichers 19 verbunden ist, an dessen zweiten Eingang ein Bildspeicher 20 angeschlossen ist (vergl. Fig. 3). Dem Vergleicher 19 ist eine Ansteuerelektronik 22 nachgeschaltet, welche die Anzeigeeinrichtung 23 ansteuert, die wie bei den Selbstbedienungswaagen 1 einen Monitor aufweist, der von einem Stativ im Blickfeld des Kunden gehalten wird. Auf dem Monitor werden im Ausführungsbeispiel das Bild der Ware 26, ihre Bezeichnung, ihr Preis und gegebenenfalls weitere Informationen wiedergegeben. Den Anzeigeeinrichtungen 23 der Erfassungsgeräte 3 ist im Ausführungsbeispiel ebenfalls eine Eingabeeinrichtung zugeordnet, beispielsweise in Form einer nicht dargestellten Taste, die der Kunde betätigt, wenn die erfolgte Warenidentifikation und Datentransaktion korrekt ist. Diese Taste kann entfallen, wenn eine Spracherkennungselektronik vorhanden ist, die beispielsweise die Worte "Ja" und "Nein" erkennt. Sind die Warenidentifikation und/oder die Datentransaktion nicht korrekt, dann verändern der Kunde oder die hierfür vorgesehene Einrichtung die Lage der Ware 26 auf der Präsentationsfläche 25. Selbstverständlich können auch die Anzeigeeinrichtungen der Erfassungsgeräte 3 (Fig. 1) für eine akustische Informationsausgabe ausgebildet sein.As with the self-service scales 1, the overall image and features generated by the video camera 14 or 14 'are digitized and compared with goods images and features thereof which are present in digital form in an image memory 20. The video camera 14 or 14 'of each detection device 3 is followed by a digitizer 18, the output of which is connected to a first input of a comparator 19, to the second input of which an image memory 20 is connected (see FIG. 3). The comparator 19 is followed by a control electronics 22 which controls the display device 23 which, like the self-service scales 1, has a monitor which is held in the customer's field of vision by a tripod. In the exemplary embodiment, the image of the goods 26, their description, their price and, if appropriate, further information are reproduced on the monitor. In the exemplary embodiment, the display devices 23 of the recording devices 3 are likewise assigned an input device, for example in the form of a key (not shown), which the customer presses when the goods identification and data transaction carried out is correct. This key can be omitted if there is speech recognition electronics that recognize the words "yes" and "no", for example. If the goods identification and / or the data transaction are not correct, the customer or the device provided for this purpose change the position of the goods 26 on the presentation surface 25. Of course, the display devices of the recording devices 3 (FIG. 1) can also be designed for acoustic information output.

Die Bilder der erkennbaren Waren oder deren Identifikationszeichen sind auf handelsüblichen Datenträgern 27 (Fig. 2) magnetisch oder optisch in digitaler Form gespeichert. Mittels eines Lesegerätes 28, das im Ausführungsbeispiel im Bedarfsfalle über eine Verbindungsleitung 29 an den Speicher 20 angeschlossen wird, können die Daten der Datenträger 27 in den Bildspeicher 20 eingelesen werden, wobei vorzugsweise zunächst alle leeren Speicherplätze belegt werden, ehe nicht mehr benötigte Bilder überschrieben werden. Ändert sich das Warenangebot, braucht also eine Bedienungsperson nur einer Bibliothek oder dergleichen die Datenträger 27 der neu hinzugekommenen Waren zu entnehmen und deren Bilder oder Identifikationszeichen nacheinander mittels des Lesegerätes 28 in den Bildspeicher 20 einzulesen.The images of the recognizable goods or their identification symbols are on commercially available data carriers 27 (FIG. 2) stored magnetically or optically in digital form. The data from the data carriers 27 can be read into the image memory 20 by means of a reading device 28, which in the exemplary embodiment is connected to the memory 20 via a connecting line 29, preferably all empty memory locations being occupied first before images that are no longer required are overwritten . If the range of goods changes, an operator only needs to remove the data carriers 27 of the newly added goods from a library or the like and read their pictures or identification signs one after the other into the image memory 20 by means of the reading device 28.

Das Erstellen der zu speichernden Warenidentifikationsbilder kann beispielsweise mit Hilfe einer der Waagen 1 erfolgen, sofern deren Tastatur 30 eine Eingabe der hierfür erforderlichen Daten erlaubt. Sollte dies nicht der Fall sein, kann, wie Fig. 10 zeigt, an die Waage 1 eine Tastatur 30′ angeschlossen werden.The goods identification images to be stored can be created, for example, with the aid of one of the scales 1, provided that their keyboard 30 allows the data required for this to be entered. If this is not the case, as shown in FIG. 10, a keyboard 30 'can be connected to the scale 1.

Von der mit der Erstellung der Warenidentifikationsbilder beauftragten Person wird zunächst mittels der Tastatur 30 oder 30′ der Modus "Erstellen von Warenidentifikationsbilder" ausgewählt, der auch als "Lernvorgang" bezeichnet werden kann. Die erfolgte Umschaltung auf diesen Modus kann auf dem Bildschirm 23 angezeigt werden, auf dem auch die weiteren Schritte in der Art einer Bedienerführung angezeigt werden können.From the person commissioned with the creation of the goods identification pictures, the mode "creation of goods identification pictures" is selected using the keyboard 30 or 30 ', which can also be referred to as a "learning process". The changeover to this mode can be displayed on the screen 23, on which the further steps can also be displayed in the manner of an operator guidance.

Die Person legt dann die Ware auf die Präsentationsfläche, also die Lastplatte 11, und gibt anschließend die Bezeichnung der Ware sowie deren Preis pro Gewichtseinheit ein. Vorzugsweise werden zu Kontrollzwecken diese Angaben auf dem Bildschirm 23 wiedergegeben. Zum Schluß wird mittels eines über die Tastatur 30 oder 30′ eingegebenen Befehls das von der Videokamera 14 erfaßte Warenbild in digitalisierter Form unter der eingegebenen Bezeichnung gespeichert.The person then places the goods on the presentation surface, ie the load plate 11, and then enters the name of the goods and their price per unit of weight. For control purposes, this information is preferably reproduced on the screen 23. Finally, by means of a the keyboard 30 or 30 'entered command the product image captured by the video camera 14 stored in digitized form under the entered name.

Zweckmäßigerweise werden von der Ware in unterschiedlichen Lagen Bilder erstellt und gespeichert, um später die Warenidentifikation zu erleichtern.Expediently, images of the goods are created and stored in different positions in order to later facilitate the identification of the goods.

Sofern, wie im Ausführungsbeispiel, jeder Käufer eine Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 erhält, die beispielsweise aus Kunststoff oder Karton bestehen und mit einem Magnetstreifen versehen sind, um Daten speichern zu können, wird die Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 in das Lese-Schreibgerät 6 eingeführt, ehe die Ware auf die zugeordnete Lastplatte 11 oder Präsentationsfläche 25 gelegt wird. Der zu zahlende Betrag und gegebenenfalls weitere Angaben über die Ware werden dann auf die Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 übertragen. Im Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt außerdem eine Übertragung zum Leitrechner 8. Nach Beendigung der Warenidentifikation und Datentransaktion und, im Falle einer Selbstbedienungswaage 1, des Wiegevorgangs entnimmt der Kunde wieder seine Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 dem Lese-Schreibgerät 6.If, as in the exemplary embodiment, each buyer receives a customer identity card 5 which, for example, consists of plastic or cardboard and is provided with a magnetic strip in order to be able to store data, the customer identity card 5 is inserted into the reader / writer 6 before the goods are placed on the assigned load plate 11 or presentation surface 25. The amount to be paid and, if applicable, further information about the goods are then transferred to the customer identity card 5. In the exemplary embodiment, there is also a transmission to the host computer 8. After the goods identification and data transaction have ended and, in the case of a self-service scale 1, the weighing process, the customer again removes his customer identity card 5 from the reader / writer 6.

Stehen Lesegeräte 7 zur Verfügung, denen eine Ausgabeeinrichtung, insbesondere ein Monitor, zugeordnet ist, dann kann der Kunde sich zwischendurch über die Gesamtsumme der bisher ausgewählten Waren informieren.If reading devices 7 are available to which an output device, in particular a monitor, is assigned, the customer can in between check the total amount of the goods selected so far.

Ein am Zugang zur Kasse 2 vorgesehenes Lesegerät 7 ermöglicht es, die gespeicherten Daten in den Arbeitsspeicher des Leitrechners 8 zu übertragen, damit sie aus diesem ohne Verzögerung abgerufen werden können, sobald der Kunde die Kasse 2 erreicht und dort seine Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 in das zur Kasse 2 gehörige Lesegerät 7 eingeführt hat.A reader 7 provided at the access to the cash register 2 makes it possible to transfer the stored data into the main memory of the host computer 8 so that it can be called up without delay as soon as the customer reaches the cash register 2 and there his customer identity card 5 into it has introduced 2 associated reader 7 to checkout.

An der Kasse 2 werden in beliebiger Reihenfolge die Waren 12 und 26 auf die Lastplatte 11 der an der Kasse 2 stehenden Selbstbedienungswaage 1 gelegt. Es erfolgt dann ein Vergleich der ermittelten Warenidentifikation mit der gespeicherten Warenidentifikation und, soweit es sich um gewichtsabhängige Warenpreise handelt, auch ein Gewichtsvergleich, um den Preis zu überprüfen. Bei gewichtsunabhängigen Warenpreisen kann der Gewichtsvergleich als weiteres Merkmal zur Warenidentifikation verwendet werden. An der Kasse 2 erfolgt also eine selbsttätige Ermittlung des Verkaufspreises mit Hilfe der Selbstbedienungswaage 1 und der Videokamera 14 sowie im Falle der Ausgabe von Kunden-Identitätskarten 5 eine vollständige Kontrolle aller auf der Kunden-Identitätskarte 5 gespeicherten Daten. Im Falle einer Nichtübereinstimmung oder im Zweifelsfalle kann das Kassenpersonal aufgrund der Anzeige auf dem Bildschirm entscheiden, ob die Daten richtig sind oder einer Korrektur bedürfen.At checkout 2, goods 12 and 26 are placed in any order on load plate 11 of self-service scales 1 at checkout 2. There is then a comparison of the determined goods identification with the stored goods identification and, as far as weight-dependent goods prices are concerned, also a weight comparison in order to check the price. In the case of weight-independent goods prices, the weight comparison can be used as a further feature for goods identification. At the checkout 2, an automatic determination of the sales price is carried out with the help of the self-service scale 1 and the video camera 14 and, in the case of the issuance of customer identity cards 5, a complete check of all the data stored on the customer identity card 5. In the event of a mismatch or in case of doubt, the checkout staff can use the display on the screen to decide whether the data is correct or in need of correction.

Claims (22)

  1. Device for determining the sales price of articles, in particular of articles on sale in self-service sales points, having:
    a) at least one electronics system which determines the sales price on the basis of identification features characterising the articles;
    b) at least one video camera which is directed onto a display surface which temporarily carries the article; and
    c) an image store for images, used for identifying the articles;
    characterised in that:
    d) the video camera (14, 14′) is associated with a digitiser (18) which digitises the article image received from the video camera (14, 14′);
    e) the image store (20) or a plurality of image stores is formed so as to store digitised comparative overall images of the articles (12, 26) and/or features of the articles (12, 26); and
    f) a comparator (19) which supplies the identification signals is provided and detects the, article (12, 26) lying on the display surface (11, 25) by comparing its digitised overall image and/or by comparing features with the comparative images in the image store (20).
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the display surface is formed by the load plate (11) of a balance (1) with a weight sensor, of which the output signals corresponding to the weight of the article (12) lying on the load plate (11) are delivered to the balance electronics (13).
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised by a shape of the display surface (11, 25), supporting the correct positioning of the article (12, 26) for image detection, and/or devices (40, 41, 42) for correct positioning.
  4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised by at least one lighting device (31) directed onto the display surface (11, 25).
  5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised by colour filters (32) which are associated with the lighting device (31) and/or the video camera (14′), preferably colour filters which can be switched on in sequence.
  6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised by electronics (34, 35, 44) which are integrated in the video camera (14′) for a pre-selection on the basis of known features of the article stored in the electronics.
  7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least two video cameras (14, 14′) with different viewing directions onto the display surface (11, 25) are disposed in a spatially offset manner.
  8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that an output device (23), which displays the identified article pictorially and/or in writing and/or acoustically, is associated at least with each display surface (11, 25) carrying the article (12, 26) for a first-time identification.
  9. Device according to Claim 8, characterised in that the output device (23) comprises means for outputting the sales price of the article and/or of the sales price per unit of weight.
  10. Device according to Claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the output device (23) comprises a screen on which the image, present in the memory (20), of the article (12, 26) identified by the comparator (19) and/or the name of the article and/or the price per unit of weight and/or the weight of the article (12, 26) lying on the display surface (11, 25) and/or the amount to be paid appears.
  11. Device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the output device comprises audio output means which indicate acoustically by means of a loudspeaker (24) the name of the article (12, 26) identified by the comparator (19) and/or the amount to be paid and/or the price per unit of weight and/or the weight.
  12. Device according to Claim 11, characterised by a loudspeaker control device and/or repeat control device associated with the audio output means (24).
  13. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the output device (23) comprises means to be actuated by the customer for confirming the accuracy of the indications concerning the article (12, 26) and/or transaction data.
  14. Device according to Claim 13, characterised in that the means to be actuated comprise at least one key and/or one voice-recognition electronics system.
  15. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a reading and writing apparatus (6) for the transaction of at least the sales price onto a customer identity card (5) is associated with each display surface (11, 25).
  16. Device according to Claim 15, characterised in that at least the reading and writing apparatus (6) are connected to a computer (8) by at least one data line (10).
  17. Device according to Claim 15 or 16, characterised by at least one station (7) for scanning by means of the customer identity card (5) the transaction data stored on the card or in the computer (8) on the basis of the article identification process which has already occurred.
  18. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, characterised in that both each balance (1), and also each detection apparatus (3) is capable of functioning independently.
  19. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterised in that both each balance (1) and each detection apparatus (3) as well as each reading and writing apparatus (6) and each scanning station (7) has a system capability permitting interconnection.
  20. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, characterised by a reading device (28) by means of which these image data can be input into the image store (20) from data carriers (27) on which the digitised identification images of various articles are stored.
  21. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 20, characterised by an input device (30, 30′) which is connected or can be connected to a balance (1) or to a detection apparatus (3) for inputting data for preparing comparative images by means of the video camera (14, 14′) associated with the balance (1) or with the detection apparatus (3) and for controlling the associated electronics.
  22. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 21, characterised by a device for comparing the indications determined at the cash desk (2) regarding the individual articles with the indications concerning these articles stored on the customer identity card (5).
EP91101968A 1990-02-17 1991-02-13 Device for determining pricing of articles Expired - Lifetime EP0443419B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4005081A DE4005081A1 (en) 1990-02-17 1990-02-17 SCALE, ESPECIALLY SELF-SERVICE SCALE
DE4005081 1990-02-17

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EP0443419A2 EP0443419A2 (en) 1991-08-28
EP0443419A3 EP0443419A3 (en) 1992-04-22
EP0443419B1 true EP0443419B1 (en) 1994-12-07

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AT (1) ATE115315T1 (en)
DE (2) DE4005081A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2066240T3 (en)

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DE4005081C2 (en) 1992-02-20
ES2066240T3 (en) 1995-03-01
ATE115315T1 (en) 1994-12-15
EP0443419A2 (en) 1991-08-28
DE59103734D1 (en) 1995-01-19
EP0443419A3 (en) 1992-04-22
DE4005081A1 (en) 1991-08-22

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