Checkout counter

A classification device for identification of articles in an automated checkout counter, comprising:

• a memory unit configured to store digital reference signatures, each of which digital reference signatures corresponds to an article identity, and
• a processor connected to the memory unit;
• wherein the classification device further comprises a first spectroscopy sensor which is connected to the processor, and a light source for illuminating an article wherein light emitted from the light source has a wavelength distribution covering at least operating wavelengths of the spectroscopy sensor;
• wherein the first spectroscopy sensor is configured to determine a measured signature of an article from a unique reflection spectrum when the article is placed before, on or after a weight sensor;
• wherein the processor is configured to compare the measured signature with the digital reference signature in order to identify the article as an existing article identity in the memory unit;
• and
• wherein the first spectroscopy sensor is an NIR sensor configured to measure light having a wavelength between about 850 nm and about 2500 nm.