WO2024209322A1

WO2024209322A1 - Apparatus and method for managing commercial transactions

Info

Publication number: WO2024209322A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/053028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Campanini
Original assignee: Custom SpA
Current assignee: Custom SpA
Priority date: 2023-04-05
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2024-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-05
Also published as: IT202300006669A1

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for managing commercial transactions are disclosed, which apparatus and method are usable in a retail outlet, in which empty containers to be filled with the goods to be purchased are provided with an identifier, the weight of the goods introduced into the container is detected by a scale, a user interface enables a user to enter a datum on the goods, the identifier of the container of the goods is read by the first detection means arranged near the scale, the goods are then taken to a payment station distant from the scale where the identifier of the container is read by second detection means, and the payment station issues a commercial transaction document, which includes the entered datum and the detected weight, when the second detection means recognizes the identifier recognized by the first detection means.

Description

Apparatus and method for managing commercial transactions Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for managing commercial transactions that are usable, in particular, in retail selling in shops and supermarkets.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention can help the seller (shop, supermarket etc.) that uses an electronic self-service scale with which a consumer can weigh the goods to be purchased and, by entering a datum identifying the goods, obtain the corresponding price.

[0003] In prior-art management apparatuses, the consumer, after placing the goods in a bag, after weighing the goods in the bag and after entering a datum identifying the goods by selecting the goods on a keypad of the scale, generally obtains an adhesive receipt showing the weight and price of the goods. The receipt can be affixed to the outside of the bag, after which the consumer has to go to the check-out to pay for the goods.

[0004] Prior-art management apparatuses nevertheless have some limits and drawbacks. Firstly, the prior art requires the use of a printing system for producing adhesive receipts. Secondly, it would be desirable to reduce the consumption of paper necessary for printing the receipts. Further, it would be desirable to avoid for the consumer the chore of removing the adhesive receipt and affixing the adhesive receipt to the bag that contains the goods. Another drawback is the risk that the adhesive receipt may detach from the bag before reaching the check-out.

Summary of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is to devise an apparatus and/or a method that is able to overcome one or more of the aforesaid limits and drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] One object is to provide an apparatus and/or a method for commercial transactions that are alternative to those of the prior art.

[0007] One advantage is to give rise to a management apparatus and/or method usable for selling loose objects by number or weight.

[0008] One advantage is to make available a management apparatus that is constructionally cheap and simple and of practical and immediate use.

[0009] Such objects and advantages, and still others, are achieved by the management apparatus and/or method according to one or more of the claims set out below.

[0010] In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing commercial transactions, which is in particular usable in a retail outlet, comprises a number of empty containers that are designed to contain the goods to be purchased and are provided with an identifier, a scale for weighing the goods, a user interface for entering a datum on the goods (for example, the type of goods), first detection means arranged near the scale to read the identifier of the container (so that it is possible to associate with a container the weight of the container detected by the scale and the data on the goods entered by the user), second detection means arranged near a payment station distant from the scale to read the identifier of the container, in which the payment station issues a commercial transaction document when the second detection means reads the identifier read by the first detection means.

Brief description of the drawings

[0011] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached documents that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a first embodiment of a management apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a management apparatus according to the present invention.

Detailed description

[0012] With reference to the aforesaid figures, for the sake of simplicity, identical elements of different embodiments have been indicated by the same numbering.

[0013] A management apparatus for managing commercial transactions has been indicated overall with 1, this management apparatus 1 is usable in a commercial context, in particular in retail sales in shops, supermarkets etc. The management apparatus 1 can help, in particular, a seller that uses an electronic self-service scale owing to which a user (or consumer) can weigh the goods to be purchased and enter a datum identifying the goods.

[0014] The management apparatus 1 comprises a high number of empty containers 2 suitable for being filled with a product. Each container 2 may comprise, in particular, a flexible casing (for example, a bag) with handles that can be closed manually by a user knotting the handles together.

[0015] Each container 2 has an identifier 3. Each container 2 may be provided with an identifier 3 that may comprise, in particular, an identification code printed on the respective container 2. The identification code may be printed, in particular, on an outer surface of the container 2.

[0016] The identification code may comprise, in particular, a code with graphic elements, for example a linear or two-dimensional barcode or an alphanumeric code with printable ASCII characters.

[0017] Alternatively, or additionally, it is possible to provide for each container being provided with an identifier comprising a passive RFID label.

[0018] The management apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, an identifier production device 4 configured to affix an identifier 3 to a container 2. The identifier production device 4 may comprise, in particular, a printing device configured to print an identifier 3 (for example, a barcode or other similar code). The printing device may be configured, in particular, to print an identifier 3 directly on a container 2.

[0019] The identifier production device 4 may be configured, in particular, to affix an identifier 3 to a container 2 in real time, for example at the request of a user who needs a container for weighing the goods. In particular, every time a user withdraws a container 2 that was already previously provided with an (in particular, already printed) identifier 3 and is collectable for use, the identifier production device 4 is configured to affix automatically an identifier 3 to another container 2 and makes this latter container already ready and collectible for subsequent use. In particular, it is possible for the identifier production device 4 to be configured to affix an identifier 3 to a container 2 whenever a user uses a specific command (for example, by pressing a key, symbol or button) on a user interface.

[0020] In particular, the management apparatus 1 may comprise an automatic distributor of containers 2 (bags) provided with a magazine 5 of containers and further provided with the identifier production device 4, configured to affix an identifier 3 to the containers 2 taken from the magazine 5. This automatic distributor of containers enables containers 2 to be used that are not pre-printed but printed in situ, in particular at the time, also in real time or almost real time.

[0021] The management apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a weighing station with at least one scale 6 (for example, an electronic scale) configured to weigh goods introduced inside a container 2. The scale 6 may comprise, in particular, a self-service scale of the type used in a retail sales outlet, for example in a greengrocery department.

[0022] The management apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a user interface 7 arranged in the weighing station, near the scale 6, or associated with the scale 6, or integrated with the scale 6, to enable a user to enter a datum on the weighed goods. The user interface 7 may comprise, in particular, a keypad integrated with the scale 6, in which each buton can correspond to a type of product to be purchased. The user interface 7 may be, for example, of the type used in a greengrocery department of a retail outlet, so that a type of greengrocery product will correspond to each button or key of the keypad.

[0023] The management apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, first detection means 8 arranged near the scale 6 to recognize the identifier 3 of a container 2 used for the purchase. The first detection means 8 may comprise, in particular, an optical reader, for example integrated with the scale 6 or connected or attached to the scale 6, that is suitable for reading an identification code. The first detection means 8 may be provided for use by a user or consumer located in the weighing station.

[0024] The management apparatus 1 comprises a payment station 9 (for example, a check-out of a retail shop or supermarket) distant from the weighing station and configured to issue a commercial transaction document (for example, a receipt, ticket or proof of sale of the goods).

[0025] The management apparatus 1 comprises second detection means 10 arranged in the payment station 9 to recognize the identifier 3 of a container 2. The second detection means 10 may comprise, in particular, an optical reader, connected to the payment station 9, suitable for reading an identification code. The second detection means 10 may be provided, in particular, for use by a check-out operator or an employee of the commercial transaction manager. It is possible for the second detection means 10 to be usable by the user or consumer in a payment station 9 with self-service payment methods.

[0026] The management apparatus 1 comprises control means 11 that is electronic and programmable for managing (by management software) commercial transactions. The control means 11 is configured (i.e. provided with an appropriate computer programme that is implementable on the control means) to receive a detected weight from the scale 6 together with a datum (for example, the type of goods selected with a button of the keypad) entered by a user via the user interface 7. The control means 11 is further configured to receive, together with the detected weight and the entered datum, also a first recognition signal recognizing the identifier 3 issued by the first detection means 8, for example through the effect of reading the identifier 3 present on the container 2 performed at the same time as weighing.

[0027] The control means 11 is configured to associate together the aforesaid entered datum, the aforesaid detected weight and the aforesaid first recognition signal. This is possible because it is information received from the control means 11 at the same time as the weighing carried out by the user. By doing so, the container 2 is associated by the control means 11 with the goods contained therein and with the weight thereof, as well as with the corresponding weight calculated on the basis of the weight detected by the scale 6 and of the datum entered by the user.

[0028] The control means 11 is configured to receive a second recognition signal recognizing the aforesaid identifier 3 on the container 2 that is issued by the second detection means 10 when the user goes to the payment station 9 with the goods contained in the container 2 that was previously used on the scale 6.

[0029] The control means 11 is configured to compare the second recognition signal with the first recognition signal, in order to recognize whether the container 2 present on the check-out is the same container 2 used on the scale 6.

[0030] The control means 11 is configured to send a control signal to the payment station 9 to issue a commercial transaction document when the second detection means 10 recognizes the same identifier previously recognized by the first detection means 8. The commercial transaction document (receipt) may include, in particular, the datum on the type of product previously entered by the user and/or the weight of the goods previously detected by the scale 6 and/or the price of the goods calculated on the basis of the entered datum and of the detected weight.

[0031] The control means 11 may comprise, in particular, a control unit operationally associated with the weighing station (in particular, a scale 6, user interface 7 and first detection means 8) and/or a control unit operationally associated with the payment station 9. The management apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a communication system (in particular, of electronic type) for exchanging data between the payment station 9 and the weighing station. The management apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a communication network 12 (in particular, of electronic type) for exchanging data between one or more payment stations 9 and one or more weighing stations of a shop, or supermarket or shopping mall. The communication system may comprise, in particular, a LAN local network.

[0032] The payment station 9 may comprise, in particular, a printer configured to issue the commercial transaction document that may show the data on the goods contained in the container 2. The printed document may show, in particular, the weight of the goods and/or the corresponding datum entered by the user. The printed document may show, in particular, the price of the goods or other data on the commercial transaction. The printed document may show, in particular, a datum identifying the document, for example an identification code (generally a linear or two-dimensional barcode).

[0033] It is noted that the scope of this invention also covers embodiments in which one or more (or all the) elements disclosed with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1 can also be present in the embodiment of Figure 2, and, vice versa, embodiments in which one or more (or all the) elements disclosed with reference to the embodiment of Figure 2 can also be present in the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0034] The management apparatus 1 can be used to actuate a management method for managing commercial transactions that comprises the step of providing empty containers 2 that are suitable for being filled with goods in which each container has an identifier 3 (for example, a code printed on the container) that could also be affixed in situ by an identifier production device 4.

[0035] The management method comprises the step of sending to electronic control means 11 (for example an electronic control unit for managing and controlling the weighing station and/or for managing and controlling the retail outlet) the following information: the weight detected by the scale 6, the datum on the goods entered by the user via the user interface 7, and the first recognition signal recognizing the identifier 3 of the container 2 issued by the first detection means 8.

[0036] The management method comprises the step of associating together the aforesaid entered datum, the aforesaid detected weight and the aforesaid first recognition signal, so that the container 2 used for containing the goods during weighing is associated with the goods on the aforesaid entered datum and/or with the aforesaid detected weight and/or with the corresponding price of the goods calculated on the basis of the entered datum and the detected weight.

[0037] The management method comprises the step of sending to the electronic control means 11 the second recognition signal recognizing the identifier 3 of the container 2 issued by the second detection means 10 in the payment station 9.

[0038] The management method comprises the step of comparing the second recognition signal with the first recognition signal to ascertain whether the container 2 used in the weighing station is the one present in the payment station 9.

[0039] The management method comprises the step of sending a control signal to the payment station 9 to issue the commercial transaction document with the entered datum and/or the detected weight and/or the calculated price, when the second detection means 10 recognizes the same identifier recognized by the first detection means 8.

[0040] The configuration of the aforesaid control means 11 may comprise, in particular, implementing computer programming instructions.

[0041] The payment station 9 may comprise, for example, a cash-point station of the retail sales outlet distant from the weighing station that is provided with the scale 6 where the user uses the container 2 for weighing the goods.

Claims

1. Commercial transaction management apparatus (1), comprising: empty containers (2) suitable for being filled with goods, at least one of said containers (2) presenting an identifier (3); a scale (6) configured to weigh goods introduced in a container that has an identifier (3); a user interface (7) arranged near said scale (6) to allow a user to enter data relating to the weighed goods; first detection means (8) arranged in the vicinity of said scale (6) to detect said identifier (3) of said container (2); a payment station (9) distant from said scale (6) and configured to issue a commercial transition document; second detection means (10) arranged in said payment station (9) to detect said identifier (3) of said container (2); control means (11) configured for:

* receiving a weight detected by said scale (6) together with a datum entered by a user by said user interface (7) and with a first detection signal of said identifier (3) emitted by said first detection means (8);

* associating said first detection signal with said entered data and/or with said detected weight and/or with a price calculated on the basis of said entered data and/or said detected weight, whereby said container (2) is associated with the goods contained in said container (2) and/or with the weight of the goods and/or with the price of the goods;

* receiving a second detection signal of said identifier (3) emitted by said second detection means (10);

* comparing said second detection signal with said first detection signal;

* sending a control signal to said payment station (9) to issue a commercial transition document, which includes said inserted data and/or said detected weight and/or said calculated price, when said second detection means (10) detects the same identifier (3) detected by said first detection means (8).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said payment station (9) comprises a printer configured to issue said commercial transition document showing said detected weight and/or said entered data and/or said calculated price relating to the goods contained in said container (2).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said identifier (3) comprises an identification code printed on the respective container (2), in particular a code with graphic elements, for example a linear or two-dimensional barcode, or an alphanumeric code or with printable ASCII characters.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said identifier (3) comprises a passive RFID tag.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said containers (2) comprises a flexible casing with handles which can be closed manually by a user by knotting the handles together.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a dispenser of containers provided with a magazine (5) of containers (2) and with an identifier production device (4) configured for affixing an identifier (3) on the containers (2) taken from said magazine (5).

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first detection means (8) comprises an optical reader and/or wherein said second detection means (10) comprises an optical reader.

8. Method for managing commercial transactions, comprising the steps of providing empty containers (2) suitable for being filled with goods, at least one of said containers (2) presenting an identifier (3); sending to electronic control means (11) a weight detected by a scale (6), a product data entered by a user through a user interface (7), and a first detection signal of an identifier (3) of one of said containers (2) emitted by first detection means (8); associating said first detection signal with said goods data and/or with said detected weight and/or with a calculated price of the goods, whereby said container (2) is associated with the goods relating to said data and/or with said measured weight and/or with said calculated price; sending to said electronic control means (11) a second detection signal of an identifier (3) of a container (2) emitted by second detection means (10); comparing said second detection signal with said first detection signal; sending a control signal to a payment station (9) to issue a commercial transition document, which includes said entered data and/or said detected weight and/or said calculated price, when said second detection means (10) detects the same identifier (3) detected by said first detection means (8).