Self-checkout apparatus

US6837428B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Mike Lee · San Jose, US
• Chuck Kurtz · Jacksonville Beach, US
• Ron Wallace · Lexington, US
• Scott Dickover · Jacksonville, US
• Mike Radzimski · Jacksonville, US
• Wes Dickover · Jacksonville, US
• Scott Martin · Jacksonville, US
• Terry Nesbit · Jacksonville, US
• Derek E. Williams · Austin, US
• John C. Allard · Boca Raton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 7, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2005
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07G1/0054
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A self-checkout system includes a first conveyor having a security tunnel which measures a characteristic of a product placed on the conveyor. A code identifying the product is first input into the system through UPC scanning or other input means, and then placed on the conveyor. When the characteristic of the product is measured (e.g., weight, height, width, length), it is compared to corresponding information within the system. If the data matches or is within a predetermined tolerance, the product is transported down the conveyor to a second conveyor, which further transports the product to a bagging area. When the customer is finished scanning products, an input device allows the customer to select self-payment through either cash, credit, debit, or other means (e.g., ebt, store credit and the like). Other features include automatic security tag deactivation and coupon redemption.