公开(公告)号：US06809645B1

公开(公告)日：2004-10-26

申请号：US10232455

申请日：2002-08-30

申请人： Timothy E. Mason

发明人： Timothy E. Mason

IPC分类号： G08B1314

CPC分类号： G08B13/246

摘要： A system modifies the status of a surveillance tag indicator in a product data record corresponding to an article being processed at checkout stand. The system comprises a product database having product records corresponding to articles sold in a store, a surveillance tag interrogator associated with the checkout station that generates a surveillance tag present signal in response to detection of a surveillance tag, and a database modifier communicatively coupled to the database and the interrogator for modifying a surveillance tag indicator of a product record in response to the surveillance tag present signal from the interrogator. The database modifier, in response to the surveillance tag present signal, may set the surveillance tag indicator of a product record corresponding to an article being processed for checkout to indicate a surveillance tag is expected for the article thereafter. Subsequent queries of the product database using the barcode or other product identification data for the article retrieve a product record with an active surveillance tag indicator. One or more interrogators may be included in the system. Preferably, two interrogators are used with one being associated with the EAS deactivator of the checkout stand and the other being associated with the bag well of the checkout stand. Thus, the database modifier of the present invention updates the surveillance tag indicator to an active status in response to the unexpected detection of a surveillance tag being attached to the article being processed.

摘要翻译： 系统修改与在结帐台处理的物品相对应的产品数据记录中的监视标签指示器的状态。 该系统包括产品数据库，其具有对应于在商店中销售的商品的产品记录，响应于监视标签的检测而生成监视标签当前信号的与检验站相关联的监视标签询问器，以及数据库修改器，其通信地耦合到 数据库和用于响应于来自询问器的监视标签存在信号而修改产品记录的监视标签指示符的询问器。 数据库修改符响应于监视标签存在信号，可以设置与待处理的物品相对应的产品记录的监视标签指示符，以指示其后的文章预期的监视标签。 产品数据库的后续查询使用条形码或其他产品标识数据为文章检索具有主动监视标签指示器的产品记录。 一个或多个询问器可以包括在系统中。 优选地，使用两个询问器，一个与检出架的EAS去活化器相关联，另一个与结帐台的袋子井相关联。 因此，本发明的数据库修改器响应于正在处理的被处理物品附带的监视标签的意外检测，将监视标签指示符更新为活动状态。

公开(公告)号：US06788205B1

公开(公告)日：2004-09-07

申请号：US10231995

申请日：2002-08-30

申请人： Timothy E. Mason ,  Robert F. Sadler

发明人： Timothy E. Mason ,  Robert F. Sadler

IPC分类号： G08B1318

CPC分类号： G08B13/246 ,  A47F9/047 ,  G07G1/0054

摘要： A system for verifying deactivation of an EAS tag at a self-checkout counter includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag deactivator for deactivating EAS tags attached to articles processed at a checkout station and an EAS tag interrogator associated with the checkout station that generates an electronic checkout disable signal in response to detection of an EAS tag by the EAS tag interrogator. The checkout disable signal may be used to disable the operation of a self-checkout station component so that the consumer is unable to process additional articles until the EAS tag deactivation operation is successful. The generation and use of the checkout disable signal helps ensure that a consumer at a self-checkout station deactivates all EAS tags attached to articles processed at a self-checkout station during checkout. The checkout disable signal may be sent to the processor of the terminal of the self-checkout station to cause the processor to disable components of the self-checkout station. The processor of the self-checkout station terminal may disable operation of the scanner and/or keyboard so the consumer is not able to scan or otherwise submit additional articles for checkout processing. As long as the article with the active EAS tag remains in the EAS deactivator or article discharge area, the selfcheckout station remains disabled. Once the tag becomes deactivated or the article is removed from the checkout process, the checkout disable signal generation is terminated and the checkout process may continue. Other component disabling may include suspending queries of the product database or the accumulation of price data in response to the checkout disable signal.

摘要翻译： 一种用于验证在自签结计数器上的EAS标签的去激活的系统包括用于停用附着在检验站处理的商品的EAS标签的电子商品监控（EAS）标签去激活器，以及与该结账台相关联的EAS标签询问器， 响应于EAS标签询问器检测到EAS标签的电子结账禁用信号。 检出禁用信号可以用于禁用自检站组件的操作，使得消费者不能处理附加物品，直到EAS标签去激活操作成功。 生成和使用结帐禁用信号有助于确保自助结帐台上的消费者在结帐时停用在自助结账台处理的物品上附加的所有EAS标签。 检出禁止信号可以被发送到自检站的终端的处理器，以使处理器禁用自助结账站的组件。 自检站终端的处理器可以禁用扫描仪和/或键盘的操作，因此消费者不能扫描或以其他方式提交用于结帐处理的附加物品。 只要具有活动EAS标签的物品保留在EAS去活化剂或物品排放区域中，自取消站将保持禁用。 一旦标签被停用或者文章从结帐处理中移除，则终止检出禁止信号产生并且结帐过程可以继续。 其他组件禁用可以包括暂停产品数据库的查询或响应于检出禁用信号的价格数据的累积。

公开(公告)号：US06497361B1

公开(公告)日：2002-12-24

申请号：US09173366

申请日：1998-10-15

申请人： Timothy E. Mason

发明人： Timothy E. Mason

IPC分类号： G06K1500

CPC分类号： G08B13/242 ,  G06Q20/1085 ,  G07G1/0054 ,  G08B13/246 ,  G08B13/2482

摘要： In a retail self-checkout system, a customer places an item to be purchased into an itemization area. The system identifies the item by using an item detector/scanner or, alternatively, through a customer input at a touchscreen display or other suitable device. The system then determines whether the item satisfies predetermined security criteria to ensure that the item in the itemization area is in fact the identified item. If the item satisfies the security criteria, the system deactivates a security tag affixed to the item to be purchase. If the item fails to satisfy the security criteria, an alarm summons store personnel to provide human intervention in the self-checkout process.

摘要翻译： 在零售自助结帐系统中，客户将要购买的商品放入分页区域。 系统通过使用物品检测器/扫描器或者通过触摸屏显示器或其他合适的装置上的客户输入来识别物品。 然后，系统确定该物品是否满足预定的安全标准，以确保分项区域中的物品实际上是所识别的物品。 如果该项目满足安全标准，系统将停用要附加到要购买的商品的安全标签。 如果该项目不符合安全标准，则会发出警报，召集人员将人员干预提供给自检结果。

公开(公告)号：US06857505B1

公开(公告)日：2005-02-22

申请号：US10191172

申请日：2002-07-09

申请人： Timothy E. Mason ,  Robert F. Sadler ,  Scott A. Barnhart

发明人： Timothy E. Mason ,  Robert F. Sadler ,  Scott A. Barnhart

IPC分类号： A47F9/04 ,  G07G1/00 ,  G07G1/14 ,  A47F10/00

CPC分类号： A47F9/046 ,  G07G1/0045 ,  G07G1/14

摘要： A method of operating a checkout terminal includes the step of detecting generation of a peripheral-request control signal. The peripheral-request control signal including instructions for operating a retail peripheral device. The method also includes the step of generating a dispenser control signal in response to the detecting step. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating a currency dispenser so as to dispense an amount of change due to a customer in response to the dispenser control signal. The currency dispenser is distinct from the retail peripheral device. A checkout terminal is also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 操作结账终端的方法包括检测周边请求控制信号的产生的步骤。 所述外围请求控制信号包括用于操作零售外围设备的指令。 该方法还包括响应于检测步骤产生分配器控制信号的步骤。 此外，该方法包括操作货币分配器的步骤，以便响应于分配器控制信号而分配由客户引起的一定量的变化。 货币分配器与零售外围设备不同。 还公开了结帐终端。

公开(公告)号：US5967264A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-19

申请号：US71024

申请日：1998-05-01

申请人： Dusty L. Lutz ,  Christopher A. Malchak ,  Timothy E. Mason ,  Ali M. Vassigh

发明人： Dusty L. Lutz ,  Christopher A. Malchak ,  Timothy E. Mason ,  Ali M. Vassigh

IPC分类号： G07G1/12 ,  A47F9/04 ,  G01G19/414 ,  G01G19/415 ,  G06Q50/00 ,  G07G1/00

CPC分类号： G01G23/3735 ,  A47F9/048 ,  G01G19/415 ,  G07G1/0054

摘要： A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items. The method further includes the step of comparing the first weight decrease value to the first weight increase value and generating a first match control signal in response thereto if the first weight decrease value matches the first weight increase value.

摘要翻译： 一种在具有扫描后架子的自助服务检验终端的后扫描区域中监视项目改组的方法，其中定位有杂货容器的袋状空间和定位成检测位于两者上的物品的重量的重量 扫描后货架和杂货容器中的步骤包括以下步骤：检测具有重量标尺的扫描后货架中的第一数量物品的移除，并产生响应于该重量的第一减重值，其对应于 第一个数量的项目。 该方法还包括以下步骤：检测第二数量的物品到重量级的杂货容器中的位置，并响应于此产生对应于第二数量物品的重量的第一增重值。 该方法还包括以下步骤：如果第一减重值与第一加权增加值匹配，则比较第一减重值和第一加权增加值，并响应于此产生第一匹配控制信号。

公开(公告)号：US07127706B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-24

申请号：US10017971

申请日：2001-12-14

申请人： Timothy E. Mason

发明人： Timothy E. Mason

IPC分类号： G06F9/44 ,  G06F17/00

CPC分类号： G06F8/60 ,  G06Q20/20

摘要： A system determines the physical configuration of a convertible checkout station and configures the software to operate the station in correspondence with the determined configuration. The system comprises a physical configuration actuator that responds to a checkout station physical configuration and a physical configuration signal generator responsive to the actuator to generate a signal identifying the physical configuration of the checkout station. The signal may be provided to a processor that controls operation of the station and the processor uses the signal to configure software for the station.

摘要翻译： 系统确定可转换签出站的物理配置，并配置软件以与确定的配置相对应地操作站。 所述系统包括响应于所述致动器响应于检验站物理配置的物理配置致动器和物理配置信号发生器，以产生识别所述检验台的物理配置的信号。 信号可以被提供给控制站的操作的处理器，并且处理器使用信号来配置站的软件。

公开(公告)号：US06794586B1

公开(公告)日：2004-09-21

申请号：US10185885

申请日：2002-06-27

申请人： Timothy E. Mason

发明人： Timothy E. Mason

IPC分类号： G01G1940

CPC分类号： G01G19/4144

摘要： A system provides a more robust measurement of scanned items at a self-checkout station. The system comprises an item verifier for verifying placement of an item on a scale of a self-checkout station and a measurement adjuster operatively coupled to the item verifier for adjusting the item verifier operation in response to an error signal from the item verifier. In one embodiment, the measurement adjuster increases the number of samples for determining the weight of an item. By increasing the number of samples collected before determining item weight, the probability that temporary vibrations will not disturb weight measurement is increased. An exemplary method to implement the system includes verifying placement of an item on a scale and adjusting the weighing of the item in response to a failure to sense a weight that corresponds to the item placed on the scale. The adjustment may include increasing the number of samples collected or the time between samples.

摘要翻译： 系统在自助结账台提供更强大的扫描物品测量。 该系统包括用于验证物品在自动检出台的比例上的放置的物品验证器，以及可操作地耦合到物品验证器的测量调节器，用于响应来自物品验证器的错误信号调整物品验证器操作。 在一个实施例中，测量调节器增加用于确定物品重量的样本数量。 通过增加在确定物品重量之前收集的样品数量，临时振动不会影响重量测量的概率增加。 实施该系统的示例性方法包括：在物品的秤上放置物品并响应于感测到与放置在秤上的物品相对应的重量的失败而调节物品的称重。 该调整可以包括增加收集的样品数量或样品之间的时间。

公开(公告)号：US06779722B1

公开(公告)日：2004-08-24

申请号：US10185325

申请日：2002-06-28

申请人： Timothy E. Mason

发明人： Timothy E. Mason

IPC分类号： G06K1500

CPC分类号： A47F9/046 ,  G01G19/4144 ,  G07G1/0054 ,  G07G1/145

摘要： A system facilitates the collection of reliable data for computing a new weight associated with an item identifier in a database for operating self-checkout stations in a store. The system includes an authorized personnel identifier for identifying authorized personnel scanning an item and a provisional weight multiplier operatively coupled to the authorized personnel identifier for multiplying a contribution of a sensed weight for the scanned item to a new weight computation for the scanned item. The system preferably counts a measured weight for an item scanned by a store attendant as two or three measurements in collecting the number of weight readings required for establishing a new weight for an item identifier. Thus, the system utilizes the more trustworthy data obtained by a store employee to confirm a new data value without significantly jeopardizing the integrity of the new data value computation.

摘要翻译： 系统有助于收集可靠数据，用于计算与数据库中的项目标识符相关联的新权重，用于在商店中操作自助结账站。 该系统包括用于识别扫描物品的授权人员的授权人员标识符和与授权人员标识符操作耦合的临时加权乘数，用于将被扫描物品的检测到的重量的贡献乘以用于被扫描物品的新的重量计算。 系统优选地计算由商店服务员扫描的物品的测量重量，作为两个或三个测量结果，用于收集为项目标识符建立新的权重所需的重量读数的数量。 因此，系统利用商店雇员获得的更可信赖的数据来确认新的数据值，而不会显着危及新数据值计算的完整性。

公开(公告)号：US06712268B1

公开(公告)日：2004-03-30

申请号：US10185457

申请日：2002-06-27

申请人： Timothy E. Mason ,  Antonio R. Bogat

发明人： Timothy E. Mason ,  Antonio R. Bogat

IPC分类号： G06K1500

CPC分类号： G06F17/30489 ,  G06F17/30879 ,  G06Q20/20 ,  G06Q30/0283 ,  G07G1/0045

摘要： A system, method and/or apparatus aids in preventing duplicate bar code entries in an item security database. Bar codes from items that vary with respect to a security characteristic such as a non-weight characteristic are compiled into a custom bar code format or template that is stored in a custom bar code format file. An obtained bar code from a scanned item is compared to the custom bar code format. If the obtained bar code compares to the custom bar code format, the bar code is manipulated according to the custom bar code format. The manipulated bar code is used to retrieve a security characteristic (value or data) regarding the scanned item and/or to create a bar code entry with an associated security characteristic if the bar code entry is not in the item security database.

摘要翻译： 系统，方法和/或设备有助于防止项目安全数据库中的重复条形码条目。 来自不同于诸如非重量特征之类的安全特性的项目的条形码被编译成存储在自定义条形码格式文件中的自定义条形码格式或模板。 从扫描项目获得的条形码与自定义条形码格式进行比较。 如果获得的条形码与自定义条形码格式比较，则条形码将根据自定义条形码格式进行操作。 如果条形码条目不在项目安全数据库中，则操纵的条形码用于检索关于扫描的项目的安全特性（值或数据）和/或创建具有相关联的安全特性的条形码条目。

公开(公告)号：USRE41093E1

公开(公告)日：2010-02-02

申请号：US10038377

申请日：2001-10-19

申请人： Dusty L. Lutz ,  Christopher A. Malchak ,  Timothy E. Mason ,  Ali M. Vassigh

发明人： Dusty L. Lutz ,  Christopher A. Malchak ,  Timothy E. Mason ,  Ali M. Vassigh

IPC分类号： A63F9/02

CPC分类号： G01G23/3735 ,  A47F9/048 ,  G01G19/415 ,  G07G1/0054

摘要： A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items. The method further includes the step of comparing the first weight decrease value to the first weight increase value and generating a first match control signal in response thereto if the first weight decrease value matches the first weight increase value.

摘要翻译： 一种在具有扫描后架子的自助服务检验终端的后扫描区域中监视项目改组的方法，其中定位有杂货容器的袋状空间和定位成检测位于两者上的物品的重量的重量 扫描后货架和杂货容器中的步骤包括以下步骤：检测具有重量标尺的扫描后货架中的第一数量物品的移除，并产生响应于该重量的第一减重值，其对应于 第一个数量的项目。 该方法还包括以下步骤：检测第二数量的物品到重量级的杂货容器中的位置，并响应于此产生对应于第二数量物品的重量的第一增重值。 该方法还包括以下步骤：如果第一减重值与第一加权增加值匹配，则比较第一减重值和第一加权增加值，并响应于此产生第一匹配控制信号。