as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2002/0194074 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Dec. 19, 2002
`
`Jacobs
`
`US 20020194074A1
`
`(54) SELF-CHECKOUT METHOD AND
`APPARATUS
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Erie L.L. Jacobs, Pointe Claire (CA)
`
`(SLY TRAC ccc tcnnanancsmnennnncennaccanneey GO6F 17/60
`(5B) OS CNE
`ceccctcicccseciscusrtstteetsieersnssesemneimeresreseer 705/16
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells LLP
`200 Park Avenue
`New York, NY 10166-0153 (US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A point-of-sale self-checkout
`terminal
`includes a code
`reader device for automated entry of a product identification
`(21) Appl. No.—10/150,146
`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 queriedto identify items basedon a prediction
`of purchase of the items, and the identified items are
`displayed for selection by the customer to purchasethe item.
`Inage processing and voice processing, can also be imple-
`mented to assist customers with the purchase of non-scan-
`nable items.
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May17, 2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/710,137,
`filed on Nov. 10, 2000.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/244,234,filed on Oct.
`30, 2000.
`
`100
`
`PLEASE CHOOSE A PRODUCEITEM OR ENTER THE LABEL CODE ON
` THE KEYPAD PRESS DONE TO CONFIRM OR "NOLABELTOCONTINUE
`
`coca pou.|CASHIER
`
`[1[2Is|
`
`Geo
`=
` CrJILbore
`
`NAVELORANGE
`
`APPLES
`
`CLOVER NETWORK 1019
`CLOVER NETWORK1019
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 1 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`7}fegalfecd
`a
`|
`IRIWIFRUIT|
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`Pewee
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`Qa||SRY
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`RAEBURN
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`NO
`LABEL
`
`CALL
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`ee
`
`Lact
`
`FIG. 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 2 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`TEST
`
`MAINTENANCE ee
`
`
`[FSvsens |vouneve|OMEa|
`|vo.uneoom|VOLUMEDOWN
`7te00Svotume 2d &
`| EXITMAINTENANCE |
`STOPROBOT 7
`
`
`
`CUSTOM
`SETUP
`
`TEST
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 3 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`|
`
`ca
`
`FIG. 4
`
`PLEASE ENTERYOURPASSWORD
`
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`FIG. 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 4 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`SocGO BACK
`MODIFICATION
`
`BEST-SELLER DATABASE
`MANAGEMENT
`
`FIG. 6
`
`LAYOUT
`
`FIG. 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 5 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`HOW OFTEN DO YOU WANT TO
`RESET THE DATABASE?
`
`a] er
`| GO BACK |
`
`TuEsoAY | emneson| aura
`MONDAY |
`[Frowy| [ssruRoay|
`SUNDAY
`
`FIG. 8
`
`ON WHICH WEEKDAY DO YOU WANT THE
`RESET TO TAKE PLACE?
`
`FIG. 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 6 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`SELECT LAYOUT TYPE FOR PRODUCE MAIN MENU
`
`
`
`J LUN
`
`8CONS*PINPAD(RIGHT) 8 ICONS*PINPAD(LEFT
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINE/EDIT
`OR PRESS "EXIT" TO RETURN TO MAINTENANCE MODE
`
`|REMOVETHISBUTTON|
`
`WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ASSIGN
`TO THIS BUTTON POSITION?
`
`A'TOP 12"
`
`ASPECIFIC
`
`Sr
`
`| PRODUCECATEGORY |
`
`FIG. 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 7 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANTTO DEFINE/EDIT
`OR PRESS "EXIT" TO RETURN TO MAINTENANCE MODE
`
`BANANA a)
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCE ITEM AND PRESS THE ITEM
`TO CONFIRM OR PRESS CLEAR TO ENTER A DIFFERENT PLU
`
`FIG. 14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 8 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCEITEM AND PRESS THEITEM
`TO CONFIRM OR PRESS CLEAR TO ENTERADIFFERENT PLU
`
`ay
`
`
`
`
`BANANA
`
`ORGANIC
`
`FIG. 15
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCEITEM AND PRESSTHEITEM
`TO CONFIRM OR PRESS CLEAR TO ENTERADIFFERENT PLU
`
`ae
`
`FIG. 16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 9 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`BEST
`ELLER #1
`
`BEST
`SELLER #2
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINE/EDIT
`OR PRESS “EXIT” TO RETURN TO MAINTENANCE MODE
`
`
`| GOBACK |
`
`[__exT_|
`
`FIG. 17
`
`DO YOU WANTTO:
`
`ASSIGN A GENERIC PRODUCE
`CATEGORY TO THIS BUTTON
`
`CREATE A SUBMENU FORTHIS
`GENERIC PRODUCE CATEGORY
`
`FIG. 18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 10 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`CHOOSE A GENERIC PRODUCT CATEGORY
`
`FROM THE FOLLOWING:
`
`
`FIG. 19
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANTTO DEFINE/EDIT
`
`ORPRESS"EXIT"TORETURNTOMAINTE=)(S=]
`aes ara4 Jend
`Z) e2
`|_|
`
`[ExT_|
`
`FIG. 20
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 11 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`OR PRESS"EXIT" TO RETURN TO THE MAIN MEN
`
`SELECTTHE BUTTON THAT YOU WANT TO DEFINE/Ea
`Poo
`LI LJ LI
`Lj LILd
`
`
`
`FIG. 21
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCEITEM AND PRESSTHE ITEM
`TO CONFIRM OR PRESS CLEAR TO ENTER A DIFFERENT PLU
`
`
`
`
`
`BRAEBURN
`
`=
`
`FIGs 22
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 12 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`a]
`
`FIG, 23
`
`ENTER THE PLU CODE OF THE PRODUCEITEM AND PRESS THE ITEM
`TO CONFIRM OR PRESS CLEAR TO ENTER A DIFFERENT PLU
`
`
`I
`
`SELECT THE BUTTON THAT YOU WANTTO DEFINE/EDIT
`OR PRESS"EXIT" TO RETURN TO THE MAIN MENU
`
`oR,
`
`.L
`
`FIG. 24
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 13 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`
`
`THE BUTTON YOU HAVE SELECTED
`IS A GENERIC CATEGORY
`WITH A SUBMENU THAT HAS
`
`ALREADY BEEN DEFINED
`
`
`DO YOU WISH TO CHANGE
`THIS BUTTON ANYWAYS?
`
`
`
`FIG. 25
`
`ARE YOU SURE YOU WISH
`REMOVE THIS BUTTON?
`
`
`
`FIG. 26
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 14 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`)|=IEEESR||| PLEASECHOOSEAPRODUCEITEMOR ENTERTHELABELCODEON
`THEKEYPADPRESSDONETOCONFIRMOR"NOLABEL’TOore |
`
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`ae=
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`*= ORGANIC a!
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`CEN *= ORGANIC
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`poo
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`FIG. 27
`
`PLEASE SELECT YOUR PRODUCE TYPE
`
`|GCY
`
`CRAB
`
`BRAEBURN
`
`)acaLl|
`|&CASHIER]
`
`——FTF
`
`FIG. 28
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 15 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`102
`
`SELECT CUSTOM SETUP
`IN MAINTENANCE MODE
`
`
`
`FIG. 29A
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 16 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`assaee eee ieee eae"
`
`
`
`PRODUCE
`TOP 12 MOST
`
`
`CATEGORY
`SOLD ITEMS
`
`
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`GENERIC
`SEN)
`
`NO
`
`-/CONFIRM
`OVERWRITE
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`SET BUTTON
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`bp SELECT IMAGE}|[SELECT CLEAR a
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`FIG. 29B
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2002
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`Sheet 17 of 21
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`US 2002/0194074 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 18 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
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`- Welcome*YouSieve" Valued:Stopper!
`~ CattipbellsSoup > »
`$0.89
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 19 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
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`= 3301
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`3301
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 20 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`WelcomeYourStore?Maluedved Shopoait”
`Campbells Soup
`wert
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`;
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`BH
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`-Quaeercalscéteai *
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`' Manufacturers,Coupon«
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 19,2002 Sheet 21 of 21
`
`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`*“’ Non-Barcoded items Custom Setup
`He
`
`Bution Preview
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`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,
`2000.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to a method and
`[0002] The present
`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
`
`retail environment, a customer
`In a traditional
`[0003]
`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 codethat 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 componentof 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® available from Optimal Robotics Corp.,
`have become popular amongretailers 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.
`
`In the typical retail market, most produce items, as
`[0007]
`well as other items such as items priced according to weight
`bul 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 uncodeditem 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 codeditem, and meansfor
`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 periodof time. The processing unit also may
`maintain a list of most frequently sold items, and the image
`ofat least one item onthe 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:
`
`1 shows an exemplary image of a non-bar
`[0015] FIG.
`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 [orselect-
`ing one of specific types of apples;
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`[0017] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary GUI screen presenting
`maintenance mode options;
`
`[0018] 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;
`
`[0026] 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 sereen 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;
`
`for a
`[0043] FIGS. 29A and 29B show a flow chart
`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.
`
`FIGS, 31-35 show exemplary screens of the GUI
`[0045]
`for non-bar coded items with alphanumeric lookup.
`[0046] FIG. 36 showsdata stored in exemplary database
`records.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Improvements in the operation and usability of
`[0047]
`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
`purchasedand to enter appropriate checkout data. An editor
`for provisioning data and setting up various features ofthe
`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 andhas 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), ete., 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
`
`

`

`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`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-checkoutstation (i-c., processing unit 301)
`alsocan include a networkinterface used for communication
`over a network(¢.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.
`
`interface
`[0051] FIGS, 1-2 and 31-35 show customer
`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 shownin 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 scannerscale, 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
`PLUentry 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 mayselect 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 bestseller or most frequently sold
`items, and this information can be displayed as soon as the
`screen is displayed. If the purchase item is shownbyan 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 usedto
`provide alphabetic character input (or, in some implemen-
`lations, 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 displayedafter 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
`syslem 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.¢c., a group of contiguous letters delimited
`by a space character) as well as a word fragment (1.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 storedin 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).
`
`Preferably, the product query algorithm will match
`[0055]
`search termsto an item’s keywords regardless of the relative
`
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`US 2002/0194074 Al
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`ordering of the search terms and keywords. Further, a search
`term will match a keyword if the term is presentas an initial
`substring of the keyword. Thus, the term “Pear Bos” will
`match “Bose 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
`(¢.g., “pears”) will match a keyword expressed in the
`singular (e.g., “pear’). Conversion between singular and
`plural tenses may be done, ¢.g., by using a lookuptable. 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 exceedsthe 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.
`
`In the example implementations (#1 and #2), the
`(0057]
`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 purchaseof 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.
`
`In some implementations, the system-determined
`[0058]
`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 ofa 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 (¢.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 anexample, 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 at four
`respective self-checkout terminals in a grocery store:
`
`Terminal 1
`Database
`
`Terminal 2
`Database
`
`Terminal 193
`Database
`
`Terminal 4
`Database
`
`carrots = 156
`peaches = 48
`
`lemons = 200
`tomatoes = 156
`
`bananas = 750
`carrots = 155
`
`cucumbers = 6
`bananas = 46
`
`{0062] After the terminals have communicated amongst
`themselves, (or the purchase information has been aggre-
`gated in a central data system) the following results may be
`displayed on the touch screen monitor of cach of the
`self-checkout terminals:
`
`Top 1 = bananas
`Top 2 = carrots
`Top 3 = lemons
`
`Top 4 = tomatoes
`Top 5 = peaches
`Top 6 = cucumbers
`
`[0063] Each database record mayalso contain other infor-
`mation such as an expected weight range, density range, and
`size information, This additional data may be employedin
`enhanced versions of a self-checkout system. Two such
`enhancements include the use of image processing and voice
`recognition.
`
`In an implementation that includes image process-
`{0064]
`ing, the system-selected items 191, 3201 may be selected
`
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`US 2002/0194074 A