Visual system for, and method of, displaying graphics and alphanumeric information

Abstract

A visual (e.g. liquid crystal) screen displays a sequence of graphics presentations and a specific event. The graphics sequence (e.g. visual representations of products in a market) has a display priority except when the specific event occurs. The specific event may be in graphics or alphanumeric form and related or unrelated to the graphics sequence. When the specific event has been displayed, the graphics sequence has priority again. In one embodiment, the specific event may be products identified and priced at a checkout counter by a bar code scanner or a keyboard. This information is processed alphanumerically. The processed information is displayed on the screen until the transaction completion (e.g. total purchase price is displayed). After a designated (e.g. 30 seconds) time following the purchase price display, the sequence of graphics presentations resumes display priority. In a second embodiment, the display screen is integrated with a bar code scanner in a housing and is displaced from the checkout counter to advertise a graphics sequence of product promotions in the market and also to provide price information requested by the customer. The display screen also provides a priority to the graphics sequence when there is no interaction with the customer. When the customer desires to price an item, the customer places the item at the scanner window. The scanned alphanumeric information is processed and the processed information (e.g. product description and price) is displayed alphanumerically for the designated time. The graphics sequence thereafter resumes priority unless another item is scanned within the designated time.