Ncr Corporation

Edward G Rantze

Joseph M Lindacher

Charles K Wike, Jr

David Lee Gregerson

Paul F Nugent, Jr

Jose L Izaguirre

Charles Kenneth Wike

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for identifying a product through reading of the product label by a retail terminal. The product/product label is scanned by an imager of a retail terminal. An attribute recognition program such as an optical character recognition (OCR) program is used on the scanned product label which generates text strings from alphanumeric label information and graphics maps/images from graphics/logos. Text strings and/or graphics data are then compared to various text strings and graphics data in a database or look-up table to return information relative to the scanned text string(s)/graphic(s). In one form, kiosks, incorporating an imager and the necessary hardware and software to scan a product label and process the scanned information in accordance with the present principles, may provide printouts of product information, instructions, order forms or the like for the scanned product. Additionally, standard queries or user-generated queries may be answered relative to the scanned product label. Data, stored either locally or at a remote site accessible via a network or the like, is correlated to a plurality of text strings/graphics that correspond to alphanumeric text/graphics on a plurality of product labels.

Retail terminal utilizing an imaging scanner for product attribute identification and consumer interactive querying

A customer self-service terminal for use in conducting retail transactions. The terminal includes a camera having multi-mode image capability. When a customer wishes to conduct a transaction, the camera is used to scan product barcodes. The camera is set to capture an image of a barcode for extraction of data contained in the barcode. When all desired products have been scanned, the camera is used to record steps in the tendering of payment. The customer presents a financial identification card such as a credit or debit card and swipes it through a magnetic stripe reader. The customer then places the card in the field of view of the camera which is set to a video graphic mode to capture an image of the card for storage. The customer is then presented with a transaction document for signing. The camera is set to a live video mode to record the act of signing. After the transaction document has been signed, the camera captures an image of the signature. The captured images are associated with the transaction record and stored along with the transaction record, and the transaction is completed. The camera may also be set to provide a live video feed, which may be used sent to a remote security station for monitoring by a store employee.

Method and apparatus for multiple format image capture for use in retail transactions

A circuit and method of providing power to an external peripheral which employ a loopback circuit as an indicator to deliver power. The loopback circuit includes first circuit lines which are coupled together and which receive only a first signal from a port in the computer and route the first signal back to the port. The circuit further includes second circuit lines which carry second signals between the port and the peripheral device, and a third circuit line carries power to the peripheral device from the computer. The method includes the step of sending a signal from a port in a computer to a first circuit coupled to the port, receiving the signal by the port from the first circuit, and providing power from the computer to the peripheral device through a second circuit between the port and the peripheral device.

Circuit and method of providing power to an external peripheral

A method and apparatus for operating a retail terminal, such as a kiosk, includes a proximity detector that is operable to ascertain movement of a consumer relative to the retail terminal and the distance therefrom. The retail terminal may use the movement/distance measurement to either power-up the retail terminal from a power-down mode or change the mode of operation of the retail terminal. A transmitter emits waveforms of preferably different frequencies that reflect from objects (e.g. a consumer) within various zones. The reflected waveforms are received by a detector in the retail terminal and analyzed to determine movement and/or distance that the consumer is relative to the retail terminal. A retail terminal is also provided.

Method and apparatus for operating a retail terminal having a proximity detector that is operable to ascertain movement and distance of a consumer relative to the retail terminal

A barcode is scanned by a scanner having a laser emitting a pulsed laser beam which reflects off the barcode and is detected by a light detector. A receiver operatively joined to the light detector is tuned to the frequency of the pulsed laser beam for increasing signal gain.

Pulsed barcode scanner

A self-service computer system which is sturdy and has a small footprint in a transaction establishment. The system includes a first module including a computer, a bar code reader coupled to the computer for reading bar codes on item purchased by a customer, a card reader coupled to the computer for reading a customer payment card, and a mount for the computer, bar code reader, and card reader; a second module below the first module including a receipt printer coupled to the computer for printing a customer receipt and a housing for the receipt printer; and a third module below the second module including a pedestal for supporting the first and second modules on a horizontal surface.

Self-service computer assembly with integrated receipt printer

A barcode scanner includes a spinner disposed in optical alignment with a light emitter for reflecting a light beam from a plurality of mirror facets. A motor is joined to the spinner for rotating the spinner to align in turn the spinner facets with the light emitter. A plurality of pattern mirrors are optically aligned with the spinner for reflecting the light beam from the spinner facets as a plurality of scan lines. A controller is operatively joined to the light emitter for turning the light emitter on during a first mode of operation for effecting all of the plurality of scan lines in sequence. A control tab is joined to the spinner for rotation therewith. A sensor is spaced adjacent to the spinner for detecting proximity of the control tab, and is operatively joined to the light emitter for periodically turning on the light emitter during a second mode of operation for effecting less than all the scan lines corresponding with detection of the control tab adjacent to the sensor.

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Lawrenceville, GA, United States of America

Edward G Rantze