Scanner with coupon validation

• US RE37,166 E1
• Filed: 12/11/1995
• Issued: 05/08/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc. (Datalogic ADC Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Spectra-Physics Scanning Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Novak, Jeffrey M., Rando, Joseph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US08/570,626
• Time in Patent Office: 1,975 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/383, 235/487, 235/462, 235/462.36, 235/462.37, 235/462.38, 235/462.39, 235/462.4, 364/401
• US Class Current: 235/462.36
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10871 randomly oriented data-fields, code-marks therefore, e.g. concentric circles-code
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/14 using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light G06K7/10831 - G06K7/1097 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/387 Payment using discounts or coupons relating to marketing G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0225 Avoiding frauds
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0234 Rebates after completed purchase
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0235 constrained by time limit or expiration date
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0238 at point-of-sale [POS]
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0036 Checkout procedures
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/12 electronically operated digital data processing aspects G06Q20/00

Abstract

A point of sale (POS) bar code scanner such as in common use in retail stores includes provision for reading bar coded redemption coupons (or other bar coded documents redeemable for value) in a manner secure from a human operator. Integration of functions between the POS scanner and the coupon reader varies with different embodiments described. Through software associated with bar code decoding logic, a comparison is made between information on a validation coupon and information on items presented for purchase, and a decision is made as to whether the redemption coupon is valid and redeemable in this transaction. In one embodiment, the bar code scanner simply receives the redemption coupon face down on the product scanner window, and integrated decode logic of the scanner identifies the bar code as belonging to a redemption coupon, then makes the comparison and validation of the coupon for the particular transaction. In some embodiments of the invention, the POS product scanner has a special beam exit window through which the scanning beam is diverted when it is signified that a redemption coupon is to be read, with a coupon reading scan pattern. After validation the coupon may be punched or otherwise cancelled, and/or sent to a secure container. Several types of securing devices are disclosed, for preventing subsequent use of redeemed coupons.

Claims

1. A point-of-scale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising,

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

the coupon receiving means including a slot configured to receive a coupon, coupon sensing means at the slot, activation means for placing the bar code reader in a coupon reading mode when a coupon has been placed in the slot and sensed by the coupon sensing means, means for drawing the coupon through the slot for the coupon to be read, and associated means for interrupting a normal product reading scanning pattern generated by the scanning optics to divert a reading beam to the position of the redemption coupon, serving as said coupon reading means,

means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products, and

correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether the appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption.

2. A point-of-sale product and coupon bar code reader system for retail stores, including a product bar code reader having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising,

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means connected to the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

decode means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products,

correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information representing purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption, and

the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader'"'"'s reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon securing means for engaging a coupon and delivering it into a secure area after the coupon has been determined to be valid and redeemable.

3. The system of claim 2, further including coupon cancellation means for making a physical indication of cancellation on the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable.

4. A point-of-sale product and coupon bar code reader system for retail stores, including a product bar code reader having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising,

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying to the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means connected to the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

decode means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products,

correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information representing purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption, and

the redemption coupon receiving means comprising an openable door adjacent to the product bar code reader for receiving coupons entered by an operator, and wherein the coupon reading means comprises movable mirror means for diverting the reading beam of the product bar code reader to a coupon scanning location when a coupon is to be read, and further including isolation means for sealing the scanning optics of the product bar code reader from a path through which the coupon travels.

5. The system of claim 4, further including means for engaging the coupon after it has been scanned and determined to be valid and redeemable, and for drawing the coupon away from the coupon receiving means and out of the reach of the operator.

6. The system of claim 5, further including a secure container, and including a means associated with the coupon engaging means for delivering the validated coupon into the secure container.

7. The system of claim 6, further including coupon diverting means for directing the validated coupon in either of two flow paths after validation, leading to different areas of the secure container depending upon classification of the coupon.

8. A point-of-sale product and coupon bar code reader system for retail stores, including a product bar code reader having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising:

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying to the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means connected to the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

decode means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products,

correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information representing purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption, and

the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader'"'"'s reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon cancellation means for cancelling the coupon and preventing future use of the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for mutilating the coupon to the extent that it cannot be read as valid in a future transaction.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for applying ink to the coupon to prevent reading of the coupon'"'"'s bar code in a future transaction.

11. A point-of-sale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising,

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code, and correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption, and

the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader'"'"'s reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon securing means for engaging a coupon and delivering it into a secure area after the coupon has been determined to be valid and redeemable.

12. The system of claim 11, further including coupon cancellation means for making a physical indication of cancellation on the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable.

13. A point-of-sale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising,

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code, and correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption, and

the redemption coupon receiving means comprising an openable door adjacent to the product bar code reader for receiving coupons entered by an operator, and wherein the coupon reading means comprises movable mirror means for diverting the reading beam of the product bar code reader to a coupon scanning location when a coupon is to be read, and further including isolation means for sealing the scanning optics of the product bar code reader from a path through which the coupon travels.

14. The system of claim 13, further including means for engaging the coupon after it has been scanned and determined to be valid and redeemable, and for drawing the coupon away from the coupon receiving means and out of reach of an operator.

15. The system of claim 14, further including a secure container, and including means associated with the coupon engaging means for delivering the validated coupon into a secure container.

16. The system of claim 15, further including coupon diverting means for directing the validated coupon in either of two flow paths after validation, leading to different areas of the secure container depending upon classification of the coupon.

17. A point-of-sale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising,

redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,

coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,

coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,

means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code, and correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to qualify for coupon redemption, and

the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader'"'"'s reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon cancellation means for cancelling the coupon and preventing future use of the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for mutilating the coupon to the extent that it cannot be read as valid in a future transaction.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for applying ink to the coupon to prevent reading of the coupon'"'"'s bar code in a future transaction.

20. A point-of-sale reader for reading bar codes on redemption coupons as well as reading bar codes on items being purchased in a consumer transaction, for use in a system capable of determining whether a redemption amount associated with the redemption coupon should be credited based on whether a qualified item has been purchased, comprising

21. A point-of-sale bar code reader, comprising

22. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 further comprising a single laser beam, the same laser beam used for scanning bar codes on items being purchased is used for scanning bar codes on redemption coupons.

23. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 22 further comprising mirrors which selectively direct scanning beams formed from the laser beam through a selected one of the first window and the second window.

24. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein a laser beam is used to scan items being purchased and a different laser beam is used to scan a bar code on a redemption coupon.

25. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 further comprising

26. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein items being purchased are scanned by scanning beams passing through the first window and the redemption coupons are scanned only by scanning beams passing through the second window.

27. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein the second window is positioned above and to one side of the first window.

28. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein the scan mechanism comprises a rotating element, the reader further comprising a movable mirror which shifts in position to divert scanning beams from the rotating element through the second window.

29. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein the scanning mechanism comprises a rotating element having a plurality of mirrors.

30. A reader for reading bar codes on redemption coupons as well as reading bar codes on items being purchased in a consumer transaction, comprising

31. A reader according to claim 30 further comprising means for determining whether a redemption amount associated with the redemption coupon should be credited based on whether a qualified item has been purchased.

32. A reader according to claim 30 wherein the reader comprises a laser scanner having a single reading beam, wherein bar codes on redemption coupons are read using the same reading beam which is used to scan bar codes on items being purchased.

33. A reader according to claim 30 further comprising means for decoding the redemption coupon'"'"'s bar code using same bar code decoding software used for decoding bar codes of the items being purchased.

34. A reader according to claim 30 wherein the items being purchased are read by scanning beams passing through the first window and the redemption coupons are read only by scanning beams passing through the second window.

35. A reader according to claim 30 wherein said means for selectively switching comprises a manually actuated switch.

36. A reader according to claim 30 wherein said means for selectively switching comprises manipulation of the reader by a user.

37. A reader according to claim 30 further comprising a door in said housing, wherein manipulation of the reader comprises opening said door.

38. A reader according to claim 30 wherein in said first operation mode, the first scan pattern is generated and directed out the first window and the second scan pattern is generated and directed out the second window.

39. A reader according to claim 30 wherein in said first operation mode, the first scan pattern is generated and directed out the first window and the second scan pattern is not generated.

40. A reader according to claim 30 wherein the first window and the second window are positioned on different sides of said housing.

41. A reader according to claim 30 further comprising a movable mirror which shifts in position to divert scanning beams through the second window.

42. A bar code reader according to claim 30 wherein the scanning mechanism comprises a rotating polygon mirror.

43. A method for reading bar codes on objects, comprising the steps of

44. A method according to claim 43 further comprising

45. A method according to claim 43 wherein said step of selectively switching comprises actuating a manual switch located on the reader.

46. A method according to claim 43 wherein said step of selectively switching comprises manipulating the reader which causes the reader to switch from the first mode to the second mode.

47. A method according to claim 46 wherein manipulating the reader comprises opening a door on the scanner.

48. A method according to claim 43 further comprising

49. A method according to claim 48 further comprising

50. A method according to claim 43 further comprising

51. A method according to claim 43 further comprising generating the first scan pattern and the second scan pattern with a common scanning element.

52. A point-of-sale system for retail stores, for reading and verifying the use of coupons bearing coupon bar codes as well as reading items being purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising

53. A reader, comprising

54. A reader according to claim 53 wherein the reader comprises a laser scanner having a single reading beam, wherein bar codes on redemption coupons are read using the same reading beam which is used to scan bar codes on items being purchased.

55. A reader according to claim 53 wherein said reader includes a manually actuated switch for selectively switching the reader between the first and second modes.

56. A reader according to claim 53 wherein said means for selectively switching comprises a switch actuated via manipulation of the reader.

57. A reader according to claim 56 further comprising a door in said housing, wherein the manipulation of the reader comprises opening said door for providing access to the second window.

58. A reader according to claim 53 wherein in said first operation mode, only the first scan pattern is generated and in the second operation mode, only the second scan pattern is generated.

59. A reader according to claim 53 wherein in said first operation mode, only reading via the first scan pattern is enabled.

60. A reader according to claim 53 wherein the first window and the second window are positioned on different sides of said housing.

61. A reader according to claim 53 wherein the first window and the second window are positioned on a same side of said housing.

62. A reader according to claim 53 wherein the first window is oriented generally horizontally and the second window is oriented generally vertically.

63. A reader according to claim 53 further comprising a movable mirror which shifts in position to divert scanning beams through the second window.

64. A reader according to claim 53 wherein the optics include a scanning mechanism comprising a rotating polygon mirror.

65. A method of scanning items comprising the steps of

66. A method according to claim 65 further comprising

67. A method according to claim 65 wherein the first mode of operation comprises using the first scan pattern for data reading and wherein the second mode of operation comprises using the second scan pattern for coupon reading.

68. A method according to claim 65 wherein said step of selectively switching comprises actuating a manual switch located on the reader.

69. A method according to claim 65 wherein said step of selectively switching comprises manipulating the reader.

70. A method according to claim 69 wherein manipulating the reader comprises opening a door on the reader.

71. A method according to claim 65 further comprising

72. A method according to claim 65 further comprising

73. A method according to claim 65 further comprising

74. A method according to claim 65 further comprising

75. A method for reading and verifying coupons bearing coupon bar codes as well as reading items being purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising the steps of

positioning an item reader at a point-of-sale location for reading item bar codes on the items being purchased;

76. A method of scanning items comprising the steps of

77. A method according to claim 76 wherein the switch is actuated by opening a door on the reader.

78. A method according to claim 76 further comprising

79. A method of scanning items with a reader, comprising the steps of

80. A method according to claim 79 wherein manipulation of the reader comprises opening a door on the reader.

81. A method according to claim 79 further comprising

82. A method according to claim 79 further comprising

83. A method according to claim 79 wherein the first scan pattern is optimized for scanning bar codes on a first type of items and the second scan pattern is optimized for scanning bar codes on a second type of items.

84. A method according to claim 83 wherein the first type of items comprises products being purchased in a consumer transaction and the second type of items comprises coupons.

85. A method according to claim 79 wherein

86. A method according to claim 79 further comprising

87. A method of bar code scanning, comprising the steps of

88. A method of bar code scanning according to claim 87 further comprising

89. A method of bar code scanning according to claim 87 further comprising

90. A method of bar code scanning according to claim 87 further comprising disabling generating of the first scan pattern while operating in the second mode of operation.

91. A method according to claim 87 further comprising

92. A method according to claim 87 wherein the first type of item comprises a product being purchased in a consumer transaction and the second type of item comprises a coupon.

93. A method according to claim 87 further comprising

94. A method according to claim 87 further comprising