(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0194074 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 19, 2002
`Jacobs
`
`US 2002O194O74A1
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`SELF-CHECKOUT METHOD AND
`APPARATUS
`
`Inventor: Eric L.L. Jacobs, Pointe Claire (CA)
`Correspondence Address:
`Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells LLP
`200 Park Avenue
`New York, NY 10166-0153 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`10/150,146
`Filed:
`May 17, 2002
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/710,137,
`filed on Nov. 10, 2000.
`Provisional application No. 60/244,234, filed on Oct.
`30, 2000.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... G06F 17/60
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 705/16
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A point-of-Sale Self-checkout terminal includes a code
`reader device for automated entry of a product identification
`code present on items for purchase and a customer input
`device for receipt of data from a customer. A customer can
`initiate a purchase of a non-Scannable item and, in response,
`a database is queried to identify items based on a prediction
`of purchase of the items, and the identified items are
`displayed for Selection by the customer to purchase the item.
`Inage processing and Voice processing, can also be imple
`mented to assist customers with the purchase of non-Scan
`nable items.
`
`10
`
`
`
`PLEASE CHOOSEA PRODUCETEMORENTER THE LABELCODEON
`THE KEYPADPRESS DONE TO CONFIRMOR"NOLABEL"TO CONTINUE
`
`GOo
`
`NAVELORANGE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 1 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`10
`
`PLEASE CHOOSEAPRODUCETEMORENTERTHELABELCODEON
`THE KEYPADPRESS DONE TO CONFIRMOR"NOLABEL"TO CONTINUE
`
`deco
`
`KIWIFRUITNAVE ORANGE
`e
`
`
`
`BANANA
`
`APPLES
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PLEASE SELECT YOUR PRODUCETYPE
`
`to SS
`
`BRAEBURN
`
`CRAB
`
`i.e.
`
`GO BACK
`
`*F ORGANIC
`
`FG. 2
`
`NO
`LABEL
`
`(2) CALL
`E CASHER
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 2 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`MAINTENANCE MODE
`
`
`
`
`
`100%
`WOLUMEUP
`
`VOLUMEDOWN
`
`TEST
`
`Ele DCC
`
`(1/
`
`TEST
`
`CUSTOM
`SETUP
`
`
`
`
`
`EXT MAINTENANCE
`
`
`
`STOP ROBOT
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 3 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`
`
`PLEASE ENTERYOUR PASSWORD
`
`C.D
`CANCE I
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 4 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`PRODUCE
`EDITOR
`
`eck
`
`GO BACK
`
`
`
`F.G. 6
`
`BEST-SELLERDATABASE
`MANAGEMENT
`
`LAYOUT
`MODIFICATION
`
`gbok,
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 5 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`HOW OFTENDO YOU WANT TO
`RESET THE DATABASE?
`
`WEEKLY I
`
`FIG. 8
`
`
`
`ON WHICH WEEKDAY DOYOU WANT THE
`RESET TO TAKE PLACE
`
`Tuesday wonsor hursday
`MONDAY
`FRDay
`saturday
`SUNDAY
`
`GOBACK
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 6 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`
`
`SELECTLAYOUT TYPE FOR PRODUCEMAINMENU
`
`SELECT THEBUTTONTHAT YOU WANT TODEFINEEDIT
`OR PRESS"EXT"TO RETURNTOMAINTENANCE MODE
`
`WHAT DOYOU WANT TO ASSIGN
`TO THISBUTTON POSITION?
`
`A"TOP 12"
`BEST SELLERTEM
`
`ASPECIFIC
`PRODUCE ITEM
`
`PRODUCECATEGORY
`
`REMOVE THISBUTTON
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 7 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINE/EDT
`OR PRESS"EXIT"TORETURN TOMAINTENANCE MODE
`BEST
`BEST
`SELLERE1
`SELLERE2
`
`ENTER THE PLUCODE OF THE PRODUCETEMAND PRESS THEITEM
`TO CONFIRMOR PRESS CLEARTOENTERADIFFERENTPLU
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 8 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`ENTER THE PLUCODE OF THE PRODUCETEMAND PRESS THE TEM
`TO CONFIRMORPRESS CLEARTOENTERADIFFERENTPLU
`
`BANANA
`
`ORGANIC
`
`FIG. 15
`
`
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCETEMAND PRESS THE TEM
`TO CONFIRMOR PRESSCLEARTOENTERADIFFERENTPLU
`
`SpBACs
`
`FG 16
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 9 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINEEDIT
`OR PRESS"EXIT"TORETURN TOMANTENANCEMODE
`
`DOYOU WANT TO:
`
`ASSIGNAGENERIC PRODUCE
`CATEGORY TO THIS BUTTON
`
`CREATEASUBMENUFOR THIS
`GENERIC PRODUCE CATEGORY
`
`GOBACK
`
`FIG. 18
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 10 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`CHOOSEAGENERIC PRODUCT CATEGORY
`FROM THE FOLLOWING:
`
`BERREGRES w
`
`FIG. 19
`
`
`
`SELECT THEBUTTONTHAT YOU WANT TO DEFINEEDIT
`OR PRESS"EXIT"TO RETURN TOMAINTENANCE MODE
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 11 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`SELECT THEBUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINE/EDT
`OR PRESS"EXIT"TORETURN TO THE MAINMENU
`
`FIG. 21
`
`
`
`ENTER THE PLUCODE OF THE PRODUCE ITEMAND PRESS THE TEM
`TO CONFIRMOR PRESS CLEARTOENTERA DIFFERENTPLU
`
`BRAEBURN
`
`gback
`
`FIG. 22
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 12 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCETEMAND PRESS THE TEM
`TO CONFIRMOR PRESS CLEARTOENTERADIFFERENTPLU
`
`FIG. 23
`
`
`
`SELECT THEBUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINE/EDIT
`OR PRESS"EXIT"TO RETURNTO THE MAINMENU
`
`EXT
`
`FG. 24
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 13 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`THEBUTTON YOU HAVE SELECTED
`SAGENERICCATEGORY
`WITH ASUBMENUTHAT HAS
`ALREADY BEEN DEFINED
`
`DOYOU WISHTO CHANGE
`THISBUTTONANYWAYS
`
`FIG. 25
`
`ARE YOU SURE YOU WISH
`REMOVE THIS BUTTON?
`
`
`
`FG. 26
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 14 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`PLEASE CHOOSEAPRODUCE ITEMORENTER THE LABELCODEON
`THE KEYPAD PRESS DONE TO CONFIRMOR"NOLABEL"TOCONTINUE
`
`KIWIFRUIT
`
`acco
`-e)
`-é)
`
`ACA
`
`*F ORGANIC
`
`(2)2All
`E CASHER
`
`FIG. 27
`
`
`
`PLEASE SELECTYOUR PRODUCETYPE
`
`{
`GO BACK
`
`*F ORGANIC
`
`FG. 28
`
`NO
`LABEL
`
`A
`
`(2) CALL
`E CASHER
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 15 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`29A
`
`29B
`
`FIG. 29
`
`102
`
`SELECT CUSTOMSETUP
`NMAINTENANCEMODE
`
`ENTERPASSWORD
`106
`
`NO
`
`PASSWORD
`CORRECT?
`
`YES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GOBACK
`
`SELECTPRODUCE
`EDITOR
`
`DATABASE
`MANAGEMENT
`
`SELECT
`EDT
`
`LAYOUT
`
`
`
`"TOP 12"
`BUTTON ADDED
`
`FIG. 29A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 16 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`SPECIFICPRODUCEITEM GENERC
`PRODUCE
`CATEGORY
`
`
`
`TOP 12MOST
`SOLD TEMS
`
`
`
`GENERIC
`SEE)
`
`
`
`128
`
`SES
`SELECTIMAGE
`136 (SETEUTION
`137.
`
`
`
`SELECCLEAE-6
`CORRECT
`
`152
`
`148
`
`SELECT
`IMAGE
`YES
`
`FIG. 29B
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 17 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002 Sheet 18 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`welcome varsiyeviceshipper
`Campbelssop
`Bananas
`
`$14,695.
`- "$1.15. .
`
`FIG. 31
`
`31 O2
`
`3103
`
`32O1
`
`3.
`
`:
`
`---
`
`cucumber
`
`ag
`
`W
`
`u 3204
`
`-
`
`
`
`A
`
`h
`
`V
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.19
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 19 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`Papaya
`
`Parsley
`
`Bartlettpears
`
`Bostpears
`
`s:
`
`Pecans
`
`Chia peppers.
`
`anarance
`peppers
`
`3305
`
`
`
`3301
`
`Bartlettpears
`
`Boscpears'
`
`Associed Tsagreen
`ci, Anaheim green
`bili Pepper "E" sig, E"
`
`Beloiage
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.20
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 20 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`st sy
`
`Welcomervoir Store valued Shoppe s
`Campbells Soup
`Bananas
`
`"ass.
`
`site
`* : ...
`
`A
`
`
`
`FG. 35
`
`contris,
`scription
`
`Y as as p
`
`so
`
`S
`
`3602-3603
`
`up Yo no p
`
`S
`
`V
`Up up to
`
`p
`
`V
`to so. O
`
`o
`
`0 (0.
`
`V
`
`s
`
`sos
`
`FIG. 36
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.21
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002. Sheet 21 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`ti-
`
`
`
`at
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.22
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`SELF-CHECKOUT METHOD AND APPARATUS
`0001. This application is a continuation-in-part of appli
`cation Ser. No. 09/710,137 filed Nov. 10, 2000, entitled
`“Self-Checkout Method And Apparatus Including Graphic
`Interface For Non-Bar Coded Items” and claims benefit to
`provisional application serial No. 60/244,234 filed Oct. 30,
`2OOO.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002 The present invention relates to a method and
`apparatus for Self-checkout. In particular, the invention
`relates to a method of and apparatus for Self-checkout of
`non-bar coded items which includes using a graphic user
`interface (GUI) on a touch Screen display.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003. In a traditional retail environment, a customer
`Selects various items for purchase and brings these items to
`a Store clerk for checkout. Over the past few decades, retail
`point of Sale Systems have been greatly automated to expe
`dite the checkout proceSS. Computer-based point-of-Sale
`Systems are now the norm in the retail environment.
`0004 Such point-of-sale systems include one or more
`terminals, and a database of prices, inventory and other
`information related to the items for purchase. Each terminal
`typically has an optical Scanner which Scans the items to be
`purchased for a machine readable bar code that identifies the
`item on its packaging. When an item is Scanned, the optical
`Scanner Sends a signal corresponding to the product number
`of the item to a data processing component of the point-of
`Sale System, which then obtains from the database the price
`and the description of the Scanned item.
`0005 More recently, self-checkout point-of-sale systems
`have been popularized. These Systems typically comprise
`Self-checkout terminals each of which typically is provided
`with a bar code Scanner with an integrated Scale that allows
`the customer to Scan the bar codes on the items to be
`purchased. The terminal typically also has other input and
`output devices Such as a printer, electronic fund transfer
`terminal (EFT), a video camera unit and a display.
`0006 Automated self-checkout systems, such as the
`U-Scan Express(R available from Optimal Robotics Corp.,
`have become popular among retailers throughout North
`America. Some Self-checkout Systems are described in U.S.
`Pat. Nos. 5,083,638, 5,115,888, 5,123,494, 5,125,465 and
`5,168,961.
`0007. In the typical retail market, most produce items, as
`well as other items. Such as items priced according to weight
`but usually not having a Standardized weight, do not have a
`Universal Product Code (UPC), in the form of a bar code,
`associated with them. A Product Look Up (PLU) code is
`assigned instead to Such items. The PLU code corresponds
`to a numeric identification of the item and, in most cases, is
`attached to the item with a Sticker.
`0008. The non-bar coded item typically is checked out by
`the item being placed on the Scale at the checkout Station, if
`the item is priced according to weight, and then the PLU
`code of the item being entered by the customer at the
`Self-checkout Station, or by the cashier at a manned checkout
`Station, using the numeric keypad. The processing unit then
`
`assigns a price to the item based on the PLU code and, if
`applicable, the weight of the item detected by the Scale.
`Many customers at Such Self-checkout Stations do not know,
`however, that they need to enter manually the PLU code for
`Such items, and therefore Such customers experience delay
`in the checkout process.
`0009. At a self-checkout terminal, the customer is pro
`Vided means to call for assistance from a Supervisory
`employee when a non-bar coded item is to be processed. In
`Some implementations, a video camera unit at the Self
`checkout terminal captures a Video image of the uncoded
`item placed on the terminal's Scale by the customer. The
`Video image of the uncoded item is displayed at a Supervisor
`Station display which allows the Supervisory employee to
`View the non-bar coded item and thereafter enter the appro
`priate PLU code for the item. This employee typically
`Supervises, however, Several Self-checkout terminals, and
`therefore the customer might encounter delay waiting for a
`non-bar coded item to be processed.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0010. The present invention provides an apparatus and
`method for self-checkout of non-bar coded items. The
`apparatus includes a PLU entry device, a PLU database and
`a processing unit. The PLU entry device includes a display
`and a GUI. The GUI provides on the display a predetermined
`image corresponding to a non-bar coded item, and means for
`the user to Select the predetermined image of the non-bar
`coded item. The PLU entry device supplies a PLU corre
`sponding to the non-bar coded item Selected by the user. The
`processing unit uses the PLU supplied by the PLU entry
`device to retrieve the price per pound or per unit of the
`Selected non-bar coded item from the PLU database. This
`data can be used to calculate price in relation to the weight
`or quantity of the item.
`0011. The apparatus may include a GUI editor. The GUI
`editor may be used to configure the GUI for non-bar coded
`items.
`0012. The processing unit may maintain for each item a
`count of the number of units of the item sold within a
`predetermined period of time. The processing unit also may
`maintain a list of most frequently Sold items, and the image
`of at least one item on the list may be provided on a Selected
`display Screen. The processing unit may update the display
`Screen when the list of most frequently Sold items changes.
`0013 An image of a generic category of items may be
`provided on the display. The displayed image of the generic
`category may be Selected by the user to view images of
`respective items in the generic category.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0014. The present invention can be more readily under
`stood from the following detailed description by referring to
`the accompanying drawings wherein:
`0015 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary image of a non-bar
`coded item Selection GUI that can appear on a touch Screen
`monitor for Selecting a generic category of items,
`0016 FIG. 2 shows an exemplary GUI screen for select
`ing one of Specific types of apples,
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.23
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`0017 FIG. 3 shows an exemplary GUI screen presenting
`maintenance mode options,
`0.018
`FIG. 4 shows an exemplary GUI screen for enter
`ing a password;
`0019 FIG. 5 shows an exemplary GUI screen for enter
`ing an alternate password;
`0020 FIG. 6 shows an exemplary GUI screen presenting
`custom Setup options,
`0021 FIG. 7 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen
`presenting edit options,
`0022 FIG. 8 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a reset frequency for the database of most fre
`quently Sold items,
`0023 FIG. 9 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a day of the week upon which the database is to be
`reSet,
`0024 FIG. 10 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`selecting visual layout of the GUI for non-bar coded items;
`0025 FIG. 11 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a button to which an item or generic category may
`be assigned;
`0.026
`FIG. 12 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a type of an item to be assigned to the Selected
`button;
`0027 FIG. 13 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`selecting a third button to be defined;
`0028 FIG. 14 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a specific item to assign to a button;
`0029 FIG. 15 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen
`indicating Selection of an organic fruit/vegetable;
`0030 FIG. 16 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen
`informing that an incorrect PLU code was entered;
`0031 FIG. 17 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`selecting a fourth button to be defined;
`0032 FIG. 18 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a generic category to be assigned to a Selected
`button;
`0033 FIG. 19 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a generic category;
`0034 FIG. 20 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`selecting a fifth button to be defined;
`0035 FIG. 21 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a button to be assigned in the Submenu;
`0036 FIG.22 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting an item to assign to the Selected button in the
`Submenu;
`0037 FIG.23 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting an item to assign to a Second button in the
`Submenu;
`0038 FIG. 24 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`Selecting a third button to be assigned in the Submenu;
`
`0039 FIG.25 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`presenting a warning if a Selected button has been assigned
`to a generic category with a pre-defined Submenu;
`0040 FIG. 26 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for
`confirming removal of a Selected button;
`0041 FIG. 27 shows an exemplary screen in the GUI for
`non-bar coded items,
`0042 FIG.28 shows an exemplary screen in the GUI for
`non-bar coded items when a generic category button is
`Selected;
`0043 FIGS. 29A and 29B show a flow chart for a
`process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention, of Setting up a non-bar coded items GUI.
`0044 FIG. 30 shows a block diagram of a self-checkout
`System.
`004.5 FIGS. 31-35 show exemplary screens of the GUI
`for non-bar coded items with alphanumeric lookup.
`FIG. 36 shows data stored in exemplary database
`0046)
`records.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0047 Improvements in the operation and usability of
`point-of-Sale Self-checkout Systems can be provided by a
`Self-checkout System that includes a Scanning device for
`automated Scanning of bar-coded items as well as a cus
`tomer-operated interface for checkout of items that are not
`coded for Scanning. The customer-operated interface can be
`a graphical user interface (GUI) (a "non-Scannable item
`GUI”) that may include features Such as a touch-Screen
`display and input device, iconic representations of items for
`purchase, and Search facilities to help identify items being
`purchased and to enter appropriate checkout data. An editor
`for provisioning data and Setting up various features of the
`non-Scannable item interface can also be provided. The
`checkout System, and in particular, the non-Scannable item
`GUI, can be used for checkout of items Such as produce and
`bakery items in a grocery Sales environment and for non
`Scannable items in other retail environments. To do So, a
`flexible method of provisioning data and icon images asso
`ciated with the non-Scannable items is provided.
`0048 FIG. 30 shows a block diagram of an implemen
`tation of a point-of-Sale Self-checkout Station that includes a
`non-scannable item GUI. The self-checkout station 300
`includes a processing unit 301 which may be configured
`Similar to known microprocessor-based computers and has a
`central processing unit (CPU), a plurality of Storage devices,
`an input/output (I/O) interface and a network interface. The
`Storage devices may include program memory, random
`access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory, read-only
`memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM
`(EEPROM), etc., and any or a combination of the mass
`Storage devices known conventionally in the art, Such as
`floppy disk, optical disk, hard disk and/or tape cartridge
`drives, plus appropriate device drivers. The CPU commu
`nicates via the I/O interface with a PLU database 303, one
`or more scales 304, a touch-screen display 302 (or other
`entry device, Such as a touchpad), and a bar code Scanner.
`Items may include other types of machine-detectible iden
`tification encodings instead of, or in addition to, Scannable
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.24
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`bar codes (e.g., magnetic encodings, magnetic transducers,
`and other machine-readable printed codes). Consequently,
`implementations may be equipped with other types of reader
`devices to detect encoded product identifications (IDS), e.g.,
`magnetic Sensors to read magnetic encodings, and other
`types of Scanning Sensors for other printed code types.
`0049. The self-checkout station (i.e., processing unit 301)
`also can include a network interface used for communication
`over a network (e.g., a local area network, wide area network
`(WAN), wireless and other networks) with other devices.
`These other devices may include a host computer, Such as a
`Store's central controller, and may also include other check
`out Stations and Supervisory Stations. The network interface
`includes the appropriate units for interfacing with the net
`work, including, for example, Ethernet card, modem, radio
`frequency (RF) transceiver, etc. For example, processing
`unit 301 may download product and other information from
`a central point-of-Sale database on the network, on power-up
`as well as periodically during operation, via the network
`interface. Thus, the PLU database 303 stored in the storage
`devices may be updated.
`0050 Self-checkout orders commonly include a combi
`nation of Scannable (i.e., bar-coded) and non-Scannable
`items. To purchase a Scannable item, the customer moves the
`item past an automated Scanning device which reads the
`Scannable product identifier and thereby determines the
`item's identification. If the customer wants to purchase a
`non-Scannable item, the customer may do So by entering of
`a product identifier using the non-scannable item interface.
`This product identifier can be received through the entry of
`an alpha-numeric identifier, an icon Selection, or by a
`combination of these methods (the chosen mechanisms may
`differ in different implementations). In Some implementa
`tions, speech and Visual inputs may be processed by the
`Self-checkout System to assist in identifying a produce.
`0051 FIGS. 1-2 and 31-35 show customer interface
`Screens displayed in two example implementations (imple
`mentation #1 and #2) of non-scannable item GUIs. Each of
`the example implementations uses an interactive touch
`screen display 302 combining a touch-sensor screen 302b
`and a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD),
`or other graphical display element 302a for customer inter
`action. Implementation #1 (FIGS. 1-2) includes a on-screen
`numeric keypad 192 for the entry of product lookup (PLU)
`codes, and displayS interactive icons 191 that can be used to
`Select an item from System-determined initial grouping of
`products. The System-determined grouping is a grouping
`that is determined Separate from an explicit Search request
`by a customer for a desired item. Examples of System
`determined groupings include predetermined grouping and
`predictively determined grouping (e.g., a grouping of fre
`quently-purchased non-Scannable items). Implementation
`#2 (FIGS. 31-35) also includes a on-screen numeric keypad
`3102, as well as a System-determined initial group of inter
`active icons 3201. Implementation #2 also includes a alpha
`betic keyboard interface 3204 used to enter search terms so
`that the customer can locate and Select products in addition
`to those shown in the initial group 3201. The self-checkout
`System's non-Scannable item GUI is accessed when the
`customer wishes to purchase a non-bar-coded item. AcceSS
`to the interface may be triggered when the customer places
`an unscanned item on a Scanner Scale, or by explicit Selec
`
`tion of a on-screen control from the display 302 (e.g., a
`button labeled “Purchase Item Without A Bar Code).
`0052. When the non-scannable item GUI is activated, a
`PLU entry screen 100, 3100 may be displayed. As shown in
`screen 100 of implementation #1, the customer can identify
`an item by PLU code entry using a graphical touch-Screen
`keypad 192. If the item is displayed in the grouping 191, the
`customer can also Select the appropriate item to enter the
`purchase. In Some implementations, icons 191 display
`images representing a generic category and Selection of the
`generic category's icon will provide a more detailed Sub
`menu. If the item is not labeled with a PLU code, and an
`appropriate icon 191 is not displayed, the user may select the
`“No Label” button 103 to obtain assistance from store
`personnel. Interface screen 3100 of implementation #2 also
`permits entry of a PLU code using a graphical touch-Screen
`interface. If the item is not labeled with a PLU code, the user
`can select the “No Label” button 3103 to access a second
`interface screen 3200 (FIG. 32). Interface screen 3200
`initially displays the System-determined icon grouping 3201
`as well as an on-screen keyboard 3202. Icons initially
`displayed in 3201 can be best seller or most frequently sold
`items, and this information can be displayed as Soon as the
`Screen is displayed. If the purchase item is shown by an icon
`3201, the user may Select that icon to purchase the item,
`otherwise keyboard 3204 may be used to enter terms used to
`search a product database 303 and locate the desired item.
`0053 To locate a desired item, keyboard 3204 is used to
`provide alphabetic character input (or, in Some implemen
`tations, expanded input sets Such as alpha-numeric) to the
`checkout System. The checkout System receives the input
`characters, parses the input into Search terms, queries a
`product database, and display results as user-Selectable
`icons. Referring to FIG. 33, as letters are entered on the
`keyboard 3204, they are displayed in a display area 3305 and
`matching products are determined based on the entered
`characters and displayed as icons 3301 displayed on the
`interface 3300. As additional letters are entered, the display
`area 3301 is again updated to reflect the additional input
`(compare the icons of FIG.33 which are displayed after the
`entry of the letter “P” with the icons of FIG. 34 which are
`displayed after the further entry of the letter “E”).
`0054) To identify the matching products, the checkout
`System parses input characters to form Search terms and uses
`those terms to query the database 303 and thereby locate
`matching items. The Search terms included in the query can
`include words (i.e., a group of contiguous letters delimited
`by a space character) as well as a word fragment (i.e., a
`group of contiguous letters not yet delimited by a Space
`character). Querying database 303 includes comparing each
`of the Search terms to keywords associated with each
`product. The item-keyword database may be Stored in a local
`database 303 or a central database (e.g., a store controller
`database). FIG. 36 shows example item-keyword records
`for a number of products. As shown in FIG. 36, for each
`product, the database stores an icon 3601, a PLU number
`3602, a descriptors 3603 that may be used by other store
`Systems (e.g., by a store's master controller), and keywords
`in one or more languages (e.g., English 3604, Spanish 3605,
`and French 3606).
`0055 Preferably, the product query algorithm will match
`Search terms to an item's keywords regardless of the relative
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1019.25
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 A1
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`ordering of the Search terms and keywords. Further, a Search
`term will match a keyword if the term is present as an initial
`substring of the keyword. Thus, the term “Pear Bos” will
`match “Bosc Pears.” Additionally, implementations may
`provide for automatic conversion between plural and Singu
`lar terms Such that a term entered by the user in the plural
`(e.g., “pears”) will match a keyword expressed in the
`Singular (e.g., “pear). Conversion between singular and
`plural tenses may be done, e.g., by using a lookup table. In
`Some implementations, a lookup table may also be used to
`convert a term entered by a user into an alternative term or
`to expand an entered term into multiple terms. This conver
`Sion and expansion feature may be used, for example, to
`convert a regional product name to a Standard term, or where
`a product may be known by multiple terms (e.g., in a
`hardware Store implementation, the Search term “fastener”
`may be expanded to the Boolean Search expression "bolt or
`screw or rivet”). Where term substitution and/or expansion
`is employed, the display of results may be in accordance
`with an ordering that favors results matching the Specific
`terms entered, rather than the expanded or Substitute terms.
`0056. In some implementations, the icon display 3301 is
`automatically updated as each letter is entered. In other
`implementations, the icon display may be updated when
`there is a pause in data entry (e.g., after a 500 millisecond
`pause), or upon explicit request by the user (e.g., Selecting
`an "Enter' button). Implementations can also include Scroll
`buttons (e.g., buttons 3302) used to scroll the displayed
`icons when the number of items exceeds the available Screen
`space. After the desired item icon is displayed and Selected,
`another screen (FIG. 35) may be displayed for the entry of
`quantity information using keypad 3501.
`0057. In the example implementations (#1 and #2), the
`system-determined icons (191 and 3201, respectively) are
`displayed when the non-Scannable item GUI is accessed.
`These initial icons sets 191, 3201 may be selected based on
`an expectation or probability that a particular items is to be
`purchased. This expectation can be determined based on the
`frequency of purchase of particular items during a preceding
`period (e.g., during the past month) in all customer orders.
`In other implementations, the initial icons 191, 3201 may be
`customer Specific and can be determined based on a cus
`tomer's Specific Sales history. The initial icon Set can also be
`determined based on other Statistical/probabilistic factors.
`For example, the icons 191, 3201 may be determined based
`on a Statistical correlation that a particular item will be
`purchased when another item has already been entered as
`part of an order. For example, in a hardware Store imple
`mentation, if copper piping has already been entered in an
`order, the icons 191, 3201 may correspond to non-bar-coded
`joints and fasteners used to connect copper piping.
`0.058. In some implementations, the system-determined
`icons 191, 3201 can be determined on a user-specific basis.
`To enable this feature, the database 303 includes customer
`purchase history information. Following receipt of a cus
`tomer identification by the Self-checkout System (e.g., by the
`Swiping of a bar-coded frequent-shopper card in front of a
`Scanner, Swiping of a credit or debit card entry, or using data
`entered directly by the customer), the database 303 is
`queried to determine the user's purchase history. The icons
`191, 3201 are then determined based on the user's purchase
`history or other user-specific information. Correspondingly,
`at the end of order processing, customer purchase data may
`
`be stored in the database 303 reflecting the newly purchased
`items. In other implementations, the Sales history database
`may be implemented by data Stored on the frequent-shopper
`card (e.g., using a magnetic Strip or in "Smart card”
`memory).
`0059) Implementations can include further refinements,
`Such as the ability to determine the frequently Sold items on
`a Seasonal basis. In Such implementations, the database 303
`can Store customer purchase information along with pur
`chase dates So that Seasonal buying patterns can be deter
`mined. Thus, for example, during the week before Hallow
`een, icons for purchase of pumpkins may be displayed based
`on a customers purchases of pumpkins during that week of
`the previous year. This information may be stored without
`differentiating based on the particular customers, or may be
`Stored on a customer-Specific basis.
`0060. The icon grouping 191, 3201 may change continu
`ously as a result of ongoing Sales at the Self-checkout
`terminals. For example, in a frequently-Sold item implemen
`tation, the System automatically updates the images on the
`touch Screen monitor for those buttons pre-defined as but
`tons for most frequently Sold items. The updating of the
`buttons may be dynamic and may occur in between the
`processing of two orders at the Self-checkout terminal, or
`may be at greater intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly). The
`processing unit of each Self-checkout terminal, or a central
`database, may maintain an item count of every produce (or
`non-bar coded item) Sold. Checkout terminals may commu
`nicate to find the highest count of produce (or non-bar
`coded) items in their database.
`0061 As an example, the following may be a snapshot (in
`time) of information Stored in the databases corresponding
`to counts of produce (or non-bar coded) items sold a