Using a mobile device to assist in exception handling in self-checkout and automated data capture systems
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An automated optical code reading and control system, comprisinga portal data reader having a read zone;
- a conveyor system configured to automatically transport items into and through the read zone of the portal data reader, the portal data reader being operable to identify the items being transported through the read zone;
an exception identification system operable to detect an exception item that has been transported into or through the read zone without being successfully identified by the portal data reader;
a customer display and input device operable by the customer to receive exception information from the exception identification system pertaining to the exception item and to display certain exception information for allowing the customer to input a proposed solution for handling the exception item;
a handheld display device operable by a clerk and including a display screen and being operable (1) to receive the exception information and the proposed solution and (2) to take input from the clerk to accept or deny the proposed solution for handling the exception item.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Self checkout and automated checkout systems and methods for multiple lane checkout stations, the automated checkout lane having a conveyor system that automatically transport objects through a portal data reader, wherein an operator (such as a checkout clerk) is provided with a portable/handheld data input and display device that allows the operator to move between multiple checkout stations for handling reading exceptions at the checkout station by employing the portable device.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. An automated optical code reading and control system, comprising
a portal data reader having a read zone; -
a conveyor system configured to automatically transport items into and through the read zone of the portal data reader, the portal data reader being operable to identify the items being transported through the read zone; an exception identification system operable to detect an exception item that has been transported into or through the read zone without being successfully identified by the portal data reader; a customer display and input device operable by the customer to receive exception information from the exception identification system pertaining to the exception item and to display certain exception information for allowing the customer to input a proposed solution for handling the exception item; a handheld display device operable by a clerk and including a display screen and being operable (1) to receive the exception information and the proposed solution and (2) to take input from the clerk to accept or deny the proposed solution for handling the exception item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A method of operation for an automated data reading system, comprising the steps of
moving, via a conveyor, items along an item path through a read zone of a portal data reader; -
determining that an item is being transported through the read zone; capturing an image of the item as it is moved along the item path and through the read zone; attempting to identify the item with the portal data reader by reading an optical code on the item; determining an exception to item identification if the portal data reader is unsuccessful in identifying the item; sending exception information to a customer display and input device operable for receiving input from the customer of a proposed solution to the exception; sending the exception information and the proposed solution to a handheld device having a display, wherein a clerk employs the handheld device to resolve the exception by accepting or denying the proposed solution. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method of operation for a retail self-checkout data reading system, comprising the steps of
via a customer, presenting items through a read zone of a data reader; -
identifying the item with the data reader by reading an optical code on the item; capturing an image of the item as it is presented in the read zone; determining if there is any exception to item identification and if there is an exception, sending the image of the item to a customer display and input device and displaying the image thereon, wherein the customer employs the customer display and input device using the displayed image to input a proposed solution to solve the exception; sending the proposed solution to a handheld device having a display, wherein a clerk employs the handheld device to resolve the exception by accepting or denying the proposed solution. - View Dependent Claims (17)
-
Specification