Scan-ahead system for processing merchandise at a checkout register
First Claim
1. A method for processing a plurality of merchandise bearing a bar coded identifier from a customer at a checkout register utilizing a portable terminal having an integrated bar code reader, said method comprising the steps:
- a) initiating a pre-payment itemization transaction with the portable terminal;
b) creating a customer data file upon the initiation of the pre-payment itemization transaction;
c) decoding the bar coded identifier on one of the plurality of merchandise bearing a bar coded identifier with the portable terminal;
d) updating the customer data file to include the one of the plurality of merchandise decoded in step c);
e) placing a merchandise article associated with the decoded identifier into a securable storage container;
f) repeating step c), d) and e) for each of the plurality of merchandise bearing a bar coded identifier;
g) closing the storage container to prevent further additions or removals of the scanned merchandise from the storage container;
h) associating a transaction identifier with the customer data file;
i) entering the transaction identifier on a data entry device of the checkout register;
j) making accessible the customer data file corresponding to the transaction identifier to the checkout register; and
k) receiving payment at the checkout register.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a checkout system providing for the pre-processing of scannable merchandise in a customer'"'"'s possession. The system employs a portable data scanner which is in communication with a checkout register. The portable data scanner is used to record in a data file an itemized list of articles reflecting merchandise in the customer'"'"'s possession prior to reaching the checkout register. The customer is provided with a transaction identifier which can be read by the checkout register to retrieve the data file and finish processing of the transaction, thereby increasing the throughput of the checkout register. The merchandise is placed in a container which is sealed prior to reaching the checkout register.
96 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for processing a plurality of merchandise bearing a bar coded identifier from a customer at a checkout register utilizing a portable terminal having an integrated bar code reader, said method comprising the steps:
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a) initiating a pre-payment itemization transaction with the portable terminal; b) creating a customer data file upon the initiation of the pre-payment itemization transaction; c) decoding the bar coded identifier on one of the plurality of merchandise bearing a bar coded identifier with the portable terminal; d) updating the customer data file to include the one of the plurality of merchandise decoded in step c); e) placing a merchandise article associated with the decoded identifier into a securable storage container; f) repeating step c), d) and e) for each of the plurality of merchandise bearing a bar coded identifier; g) closing the storage container to prevent further additions or removals of the scanned merchandise from the storage container; h) associating a transaction identifier with the customer data file; i) entering the transaction identifier on a data entry device of the checkout register; j) making accessible the customer data file corresponding to the transaction identifier to the checkout register; and k) receiving payment at the checkout register. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A merchandise checkout system employing a wireless communication network for remotely pre-processing a plurality of merchandise items bearing bar coded identification indicia from a customer in a checkout queue for payment of the plurality of merchandise items by the customer at a checkout register, said checkout system comprising:
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a) a portable terminal having i) an integrated bar code reader for reading and decoding the bar coded identification indicia from the plurality of merchandise items; ii) a communication means coupled to the integrated bar code reader for transmitting the decoded bar coded item identification indicia from the plurality of merchandise items over the wireless communication network and for receiving a transaction summary code indicative of the plurality of merchandise items communicated over the communication means; and iii) a printer for printing a receipt of said transaction summary code; b) a central data process and storage means coupled to the wireless communication network for compiling a customer data file from the decoded bar coded item identification indicia from the plurality of merchandise items transmitted by the communication means and for generating the transaction summary code to said communication means; c) a point of sale terminal comprising i) data retrieval means coupled to the central data process and storage means for retrieving the customer data file on the data processing and storage means; and ii) payment processing means for receiving payment from the customer; and d) a securable storage container for storing the plurality of processed merchandise items. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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13. A method for processing a plurality of merchandise collected by a customer at a checkout register with the assistance of a roving attendant having a portable data entry terminal, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) generating an itemized file identifying the plurality of merchandise collected by the customer at a location remote from the checkout register with the portable terminal operated by the roving attendant; b) placing the customer collected merchandise items in a securable storage container; c) closing the storage container to prevent further additions or removals of the scanned merchandise from the storage container; d) storing the itemized file; e) retrieving the stored itemized file at the checkout register; and f) receiving payment at the checkout register for the plurality of merchandise collected by the customer and itemized with the portable terminal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method for processing a plurality of merchandise bearing a coded identifier from a customer at a checkout register utilizing a portable terminal having an integrated code reader, said method comprising the steps:
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a) initiating a pre-payment itemization transaction with the portable terminal; b) creating a customer data file upon the initiation of the pre-payment itemization transaction; c) decoding the coded identifier on one of the plurality of merchandise bearing a coded identifier with the portable terminal; d) updating the customer data file to include the one of the plurality of merchandise decoded in step c); e) placing the merchandise article associated with the decoded identifier into a securable storage container; f) repeating step c), d) and e) for each of the plurality of merchandise bearing a coded identifier; g) closing the storage container to prevent further additions or removals of the scanned merchandise from the storage container; h) associating a transaction identifier with the customer data file; i) entering the transaction identifier on a data entry device of the checkout register; j) making accessible the customer data file corresponding to the transaction identifier to the checkout register; and k) receiving payment at the checkout register. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification