Automatic output accounting procedure for shop - has moving mat with bar code reader, weigher and photoelectric cells arranged for fraud prevention

Abstract

Abstract The procedure accounts for articles (1) having a bar code containing weight information which can be read by a digital read system (2) associated with a recording case (3). The client places the articles manually on the upper piece (4) of a transporter mat (5) arranged in a normally closed enclosure (6) which has an opening (7) to make the end (8) of the mat accessible. The articles are placed one-by-one on the end of the mat and oriented by bar code which is directed towards the read system. The mat is set in motion when the client passes an article through the opening. - When the article is placed on the mat, it is weighed (7') and its bar code is read. The two values are compared and if they do not agree the mat is stopped and a signal is triggered. To prevent the client replacing a weighed and read article on the mat by an article of the same weight but of higher price, access to the interior of the enclosure across the opening is barred by a photoelectric cell (9) which operates when the mat is in motion. To prevent the client throwing an article into the enclosure through the opening when the mat is stationary and the photoelectric cell not operating a second photoelectric cell (10) is situated beyond the read system which operates when the mat is at rest. Both photoelectric cells are connected to an alarm system. When all the articles have been read the client acts on the recording case causing the opening to be blocked. He then pays for the articles in the enclosure by credit card or special ticket after which they can be removed.

Inventors

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