JP7269292B2 - cart and holder - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to carts and holders .

A shopping cart is a type of cart used by customers in stores such as supermarkets and shopping malls. A shopping cart is known in which a scanner is attached to the shopping cart so that a customer can read the product code attached to the product. Such a shopping cart is provided with a display device. The display device displays the product name, unit price, etc. of the product whose product code is read. The scanner attached to such a shopping cart has a product code reading part set in a specific position of the shopping cart (for example, a position from the waist to the chest of the customer such as a horizontal frame) in the direction set by the store (for example, customer side).

For this reason, it is necessary to lift a heavy product close to the scanner to scan the product code, which places a burden on the customer. Moreover, even if it is not desirable to tilt the product at a certain angle or more, such as prepared foods, there is a problem that the product must be tilted in order to scan the product code.

Therefore, there is a demand for a shopping cart that allows customers to easily read product codes.

Japanese Patent No. 5711773

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cart whose scanner can be turned so that the customer can easily read the product code.

The cart of the embodiment has a frame, a caster portion provided on the lower side of the frame, and a placement portion projecting forward and on which a product or a basket desired by a customer to purchase can be placed. The cart has a holder, a display and an extension arm. The holder is fastened to the frame on the rear side opposite to the direction in which the placement section protrudes so that the commodity imaging device that captures the information of the commodity can be arranged obliquely with respect to the placement section, When the product imaging device is arranged, it is possible to arrange the product imaging device so that the imaging unit for imaging the information of the product of the product imaging device faces the placement unit side, and the arranged product imaging device can be taken. can. The display is provided above the holder and displays information of the product imaged by the product imaging device arranged on the holder. An extension arm is provided on either the left or right side of the frame to mount the indicator. The holder has a holder base and a holder housing provided on top of the holder base. The holder base tilts the holder housing around the axis of the frame.

1 is an external perspective view showing a shopping cart according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the scanner attached to the shopping cart. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the controls incorporated into the shopping cart. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the tilting motion of the scanner attached to the shopping cart. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of an image captured by a scanner attached to a shopping cart. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining image processing of the scanner attached to the shopping cart. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining image processing of the scanner attached to the shopping cart.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a shopping cart (cart) 10. As shown in FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the scanner attached to the shopping cart 10, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the controller 200 incorporated in the shopping cart 10, and FIG. 4 is a tilting of the scanner attached to the shopping cart 10. It is a side view which shows operation typically. In the present embodiment, the side of the handle frame portion 40 is defined as the rear, and the projection direction of the basket receiving portion 50 projecting from the handle frame portion is defined as the front.

Although not shown, the shopping cart 10 functions as a register that reads the product code of the product that the customer wishes to purchase. The read product list is transferred to a separate payment machine. The customer shall settle the account by using the adjustment machine.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the shopping cart 10 according to the present embodiment includes a cart section 20 for carrying a shopping basket P containing products, and an electrical component section 100 attached to the cart section 20 . The cart portion 20 includes caster portions 30 for smooth movement on the floor, handle frame portions 40 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster portions 30, and an intermediate portion of the handle frame portion 40 in the height direction. A basket receiving part 50 attached to the position facing forward is provided. The caster portion 30 and the basket receiving portion 50 are configured so that the shopping basket P can be appropriately placed thereon. The shopping basket P has a swinging handle Pa.

The caster section 30 includes a rectangular frame 31 with an open rear side and casters 32 provided at the four corners of the frame 31 . The caster 32 includes a bracket 32a that freely rotates around a vertical axis, and a rubber or resin wheel 32b that freely rotates horizontally on the bracket 32a. A receiving portion 33 is provided on the frame 31 . The receiving part 33 is formed with a dimension that allows the lower part of the shopping basket P to be accommodated therein.

The handle frame portion 40 includes vertical frames 41, 41 attached to the left and right rear wheel sides of the caster portion 30, respectively, and a horizontal handlebar (horizontal frame) 42 connecting the upper ends of the vertical frames 41, 41. there is An extension arm 43 is attached to the left vertical frame 41 . A reinforcing member 44 is attached to the handle frame portion 40 .

The basket receiving portion 50 has a rectangular frame 51 and a receiving portion 52 provided below the frame 51 . The receiving part 52 is formed in such a size that the lower part of the shopping basket P can be accommodated therein.

The electrical equipment section 100 is provided above the caster section 30 . A battery section 110 attached across the vertical frames 41, 41 on the lower end side of the handle frame section 40, and a scanner device 120 for reading the product code are provided. It also has a display 150 that displays various information such as product names and unit prices of products read by a scanner 140, which will be described later, and a camera 160 that captures an image of the inside of the shopping basket P and the like. The battery section 110 supplies power to the scanner device 120 , the display device 150 , and the camera 160 via power lines built into the handle frame section 40 . Further, the scanner device 120 , the display device 150 and the camera 160 are connected to each other by a cable inside the handle frame portion 40 and the extension arm 43 . A display 150 is attached to the upper end of the extension arm 43 . Also, the camera 160 is attached to the middle portion of the extension arm 43 . These configurations constitute a shopping cart as a register for reading the product code of the product that the customer wishes to purchase.

As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner device 120 includes a scanner holder 130 attached to the handlebar 42 and a scanner (product code reader) that is detachably attached to the scanner holder 130 and reads a product code that identifies a product. 140 is provided.

The scanner holder 130 has a lower holder base 131 fastened to the handlebar 42 and a holder housing 132 provided above the holder base 131 . The holder base 131 has a tilt function of tilting the holder housing 132 up to 90° with respect to the vertical direction in the forward and backward directions of the cart section 20, as indicated by the arrow Q in FIGS. As indicated by an arrow R in FIG. 4, it has a rotating function to rotate about a vertical axis. The scanner 140 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped scanner main body 141 . An opening 141a is provided in the front surface of the scanner body 141 and is closed with a glass plate 141b. A reading unit 141c is provided in the opening 141a.

A scanner trigger 142 is provided on the upper surface of the scanner main body 141 for starting the scanner operation by the reading section 141c. A handle 143 is provided on the back of the scanner body 141 . The scanner main body 141 also includes a gyro sensor 144 for detecting the orientation of the reading section 141c. The gyro sensor 144 can detect its own inclination and rotation direction.

The scanner 140 has a function of cutting out an area corresponding to a barcode from an image captured by a camera and recognizing the barcode by image processing. The scanner 140 reads product codes attached to products displayed in the store. A product code is associated with a product.

The display 150 has a display panel 152 having a touch panel function. A display panel 152 is provided on the front of the terminal housing 151 . Inside the terminal housing 151, a control section 200 that controls the battery section 110, the scanner device 120, the display device 150, and the camera 160 in cooperation is provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 200 connects a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that centrally controls each unit via a bus line 220 to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 that permanently stores fixed data. , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area for the CPU 201 or the like, and a nonvolatile memory 204 are connected. The RAM 203 is provided with a storage area for storing a product master downloaded from the host server and a shopping list created based on the product code read by the customer and the product master. A program executed by the CPU 201 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 204 . Further, the CPU 201 is connected via a bus line 220 to an interface 205 with the display panel 152 , an interface 206 with the scanner 140 , an interface 207 with the battery unit 110 , an interface 208 with the camera 160 , an interface 209 with the gyro sensor 144 . It is connected. Also, the CPU 201 is connected to the communication interface 210 via a bus line 220 . Via the communication interface 210, it communicates with a fare adjustment machine, a host server, and the like.

It should be noted that the CPU 201 has a function of extracting a barcode area from the image of the product code and validating the read product code only when the barcode area is larger than a predetermined size (function as a discrimination unit). I have. Note that the CPU 201 may extract a barcode area from the image of the product code before reading the product code, and read the product code only when the barcode area is larger than a predetermined size.

The shopping cart 10 configured in this way is used as follows. That is, the shopping cart 10 is initially placed at the entrance of the store or the like. At this time, the scanner 140 is oriented in an arbitrary direction with respect to the scanner holder 130 .

Next, the customer pulls out the shopping cart 10 to be used, hands the scanner 140, performs a tilting or rotating operation, and directs it in a desired direction. Also, the customer picks up the shopping basket P and places it on the caster portion 30 or the basket receiving portion 50 . Then, while pushing the handlebar 42, the customer moves the shopping cart 10 toward the product shelf where the products are displayed.

Here, as a method of reading the product code, there are a manual recognition method of reading by pressing the scanner trigger 142 and an automatic recognition method of reading without pressing the scanner trigger 142 .
The manual recognition method will be explained first. The manual recognition method and the automatic recognition method may be set by the store, or may be set by the customer as he/she likes.

The customer takes out the target product from the product shelf, inserts the scanner 140 into the scanner holder 130 , brings the product code of the product close to the opening 141 a of the scanner 140 , and presses the scanner trigger 142 . As a result, the product code is read by the scanner 140, and the read information is sent to the control unit 200, stored in the RAM 203, and displayed on the display panel 152 as the product name and price. A customer puts commodities into a shopping basket P placed on either the caster portion 30 or the basket receiving portion 50. - 特許庁

On the other hand, for heavy products (eg, beverages, rice, etc.), the customer tilts the scanner 140 downward as shown by the solid line in FIG. Then, the customer presses the scanner trigger 142 to read the product code of the product. In this case, there is no need to lift the product to the height of handlebar 42 . Then, it is placed in the shopping basket P on the basket receiving portion 50.例文帳に追加

Similarly, for products that should not be tilted at a certain angle or more (for example, side dishes, sashimi, etc.), the scanner 140 is tilted downward as shown in FIG. Press the scanner trigger 142 without tilting the item. As a result, the product code reading operation is performed. The read product code is processed by the control unit 200 in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, in the case of the automatic recognition method, the customer brings the product close to the reading unit 141c of the scanner 140 without tilting the scanner 140 downward. As a result, the scanner 140 automatically performs the product code reading operation.

The scanner 140 is tilted for heavy products or products that should not be tilted. At this time, the reading portion 141c may be directed toward the basket receiving portion 50 side. Since the gyro sensor 144 detects the tilting and rotating operations of the reading unit 141c, the control unit 200 recognizes that the imaging direction of the reading unit 141c is directed toward the basket receiving unit 50 side.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an image obtained by the reading unit 141c at this time. 6 and 7 show an example of image processing. In FIG. 5, K is the customer's left hand, T is the product held by the customer's left hand K, Ta is the barcode representing the product code of the product T, B is the product in the shopping cart P, and Ba is attached to the product B. It shows a bar code representing a product code.

As shown in FIG. 5, two product codes Ta and Ba are imaged on the reading unit 141c. A bar code area in which a product code is printed is cut out from an image captured when the reading operation is performed in the control unit 200 .

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the CPU 201 measures the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the barcode area, that is, the dimensions t1 and t2 for the product code Ta, and the dimensions b1 and b2 for the product code Ba. do. A threshold value is set in advance for this size, and the read product code is determined to be valid only when the size is larger than a predetermined size. In the case of FIGS. 6 and 7, the product code Ta is valid and displayed on the display 150 because it is larger than the predetermined size. Moreover, since the product code Ba is smaller than the predetermined size, it is invalidated and is not displayed on the display 150 .

In the above description, the control unit 200 determines whether the product code is valid or invalid after reading the product code. image may be converted (decoded) into a product code.

In this manner, the customer can determine the inclination and orientation of the scanner 140 according to his/her preference, thereby improving usability. In particular, for heavy products or products that are not desirable to be tilted, the product code can be properly read by tilting the scanner 140 itself. In this case, when the scanner 140 is tilted toward the shopping basket P, the size of the product code is used as a reference in order to distinguish between the product B already stored in the shopping basket P and the product T whose product code is to be read. Since the reading operation is performed as , erroneous recognition can be prevented.

After completing all the purchases, the customer goes to the payment machine. Then, by operating the touch panel of the display 150, the shopping list stored in the RAM is transmitted to the payment machine. Customers use payment machines to make payments. After completing the payment, the customer returns the shopping cart 10 to a predetermined position in the store.

In the above-described embodiment, the scanner 140 is configured to be tiltable and rotatable while being installed on the handlebar 42, but the rotating mechanism may be omitted. Alternatively, the scanner 140 may be detached from the scanner holder 130 and the customer may bring the product close to the product for reading. In this case as well, the sensor determines whether or not the customer is directing the reading section 141c of the scanner 140 toward the shopping basket P side, and the merchandise read by the customer and the merchandise contained in the shopping basket P are determined by the sensor. may be distinguished.

In the above embodiment, the size of the barcode area is determined only when the reading unit 141c is directed toward the shopping basket P on the placement unit. In the case of the recognition type, there is a possibility of recognizing the product barcodes of the products on the product shelf even when walking while pushing the shopping cart 10. Therefore, the determination may be made regardless of the angle or orientation of the reading unit 141c. good.

Furthermore, although a gyro sensor is used as a means for detecting the tilt and rotational position of the scanner 140, a sensor that detects the tilt and orientation mechanically or electrically by a microswitch or the like provided on the scanner 140 or the holder base 131 can be used. may be used.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of the present application is added below. [1] A caster portion provided to be freely movable on the floor;
a frame provided upward from the rear end of the caster;
a placing portion provided on the caster portion or on the front side of the frame for placing a product;
a lateral frame provided on the frame and having a horizontal axial direction;
and a product code reading device attached to the horizontal frame so as to be tiltable about the axis thereof, and for capturing an image of a product code for specifying a product and reading the product code.
[2] The product code reading device includes a determination unit that extracts a barcode area from the image of the product code and validates the read product code only when the barcode area is larger than a predetermined size. The cart according to [1], further comprising:
[3] The product code reading device further includes a determination unit that extracts a barcode area from the image of the product code and converts the barcode into a product code only when the barcode area is larger than a predetermined size. The cart according to [1], comprising:
[4] The product code reading device further includes a sensor for detecting that the imaging direction is directed toward the placing section,
The cart according to [2] or [3], wherein the product code reading device operates the discrimination unit only when the imaging direction by the sensor is the placement unit side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Shopping cart (cart), 20... Cart part, 30... Caster part, 31... Frame, 32... Caster, 40... Handle frame part, 41... Vertical frame, 42... Handle bar (horizontal frame), 43... Extension arm , 50... Basket receiving part 100... Electrical part 110... Battery part 120... Scanner device 130... Scanner holder 131... Holder base 132... Holder housing 140... Scanner (merchandise code reader) 141... Scanner body 141a Opening 141b Glass plate 141c Reading unit 142 Scanner trigger 143 Handle 144 Gyro sensor 150 Display 160 Camera 200 Control unit P Shopping basket , T: product, B: product.

Claims (16)

A cart having a frame, a caster portion provided on the lower side of the frame, and a placing portion projecting forward and capable of placing a product or a basket desired by a customer to purchase,
A product imaging device that is fastened to the frame on the rear side opposite to the projecting direction of the placing portion and that takes an image of information of the product can be disposed obliquely with respect to the placing portion, and the product is imaged. a holder that can be arranged such that, when the device is arranged, an imaging unit for picking up information of the product of the product imaging device faces the placement unit side, and that can take the arranged product imaging device; ,
a display provided above the holder for displaying information of the product imaged by the product imaging device arranged in the holder;
an extension arm provided on either the left or right side of the frame for attaching the display,
The holder has a holder base and a holder housing provided on top of the holder base,
The holder base is a cart that tilts the holder housing around the axis of the frame. The product imaging device is a scanner that reads a product code identifying the product, comprising an opening provided in a main body, a glass plate that closes the opening, and the imaging unit provided in the opening. Item 1. A cart according to item 1. 3. The cart according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a battery section arranged below the holder and above the caster section. 4. A cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holders are fastened to transverse frames of the frame. 5. The cart according to claim 4, wherein said horizontal frame connects upper ends of two vertical frames of said frame. 6. A cart according to claim 5, wherein said holder is fastened to the center of said transverse frame. 7. A cart according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the holder is attached to the transverse frame. 8. The cart according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the holder has a rotating function capable of rotating around a vertical axis. a frame, a caster portion provided on the lower side of the frame, a placement portion protruding forward and capable of placing a product or a basket that a customer wishes to purchase, and a display for displaying information on the product; A holder provided on a cart that is provided on either the left or right side of the frame and has an extension arm for mounting the display,
A product imaging device that is fastened to the frame on the rear side opposite to the projecting direction of the placing portion and that takes an image of information of the product can be disposed obliquely with respect to the placing portion, and the product is imaged. When the device is arranged, the product imaging device can be arranged so that an imaging unit for imaging the product information of the product imaging device faces the placement unit side, and the arranged product imaging device can be taken,
Having a holder base and a holder housing provided on the upper part of the holder base,
the holder base tilts the holder housing about the axis of the frame;
A holder provided below the indicator. The product imaging device is a scanner that reads a product code identifying the product, comprising an opening provided in a main body, a glass plate that closes the opening, and the imaging unit provided in the opening. Item 9. Holder according to item 9. The holder according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a battery section is arranged below the holder and above the caster section. 12. Holder according to claim 11, wherein the holder is fastened to transverse frames of the frame. 13. The holder according to claim 12, wherein said horizontal frame connects upper ends of two vertical frames of said frame. 14. The holder according to claim 13, wherein said holder is fastened to the center of said transverse frame. 15. A holder according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the holder is attached to the transverse frame. 16. The holder according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said holder has a rotating function capable of rotating about a vertical axis.

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