Abstract: An apparatus and system are presented for scanning optical codes presented to a hybrid optical code scanner where the scanner uses a laser pattern mirror to aid in determining the location of a sweet spot for an imaging scanner in the hybrid optical code scanner. The pattern mirror is positioned so as to reflect laser beams and an image of an optical code to an operator when the optical code is positioned in the imaging scanner's sweet spot.

Abstract: A device, methods and system for improving the contrast ratio of an image of an optical code captured by an image capture device. A command implemented by the image capture device of the form “shift and add” causes the image capture device to generate a modified row of pixel data having improved contrast from a plurality of pixel rows in the image capture device.

Abstract: A wireless hybrid imaging optical code reader is operable in both handheld and fixed configurations, the fixed configuration corresponding to the imaging optical code reader being mounted upon a fixed laser optical code scanner. The imaging optical code reader comprises first and second imaging windows and an optical element which allows light from only one of the imaging windows to be incident upon an imaging device of the imaging optical code reader dependent upon whether the imaging optical code reader is being used in the hand held or fixed configuration.

Abstract: A queue management system and method which uses a computer to manage queue priorities and contact customers. The queue management system includes communication circuitry, and a processor for storing contact information of a customer in a list, for establishing a position of the customer in a queue, and for automatically causing the communication circuitry to wirelessly contact a personal communication device carried by the customer using the contact information if the position is first for service in the queue.

Abstract: An image scanner apparatus, method and system to scan a bar code or other optical code using an image capture device where the blurring associated with the movement of the bar code pass the image scanner is reduced or eliminated by using differential panning of the bar code. An image of the bar code is panned or moved across the image capture device in a direction that negates at least some of the apparent movement of the bar code past the image scanner. The apparent motion of the bar code to the image capture device is reduced thus reducing the blurring of the bar code in the captured image.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated age verification in self service transaction processing. Upon identification of an age restricted product presented for purchase, presentation of a purchaser identification document is requested. Encoded information is read from the document and a purchaser photograph obtained from the document is examined. An image of the purchaser is also captured. The purchaser birth date encoded on the document is evaluated and the captured image of the purchaser is compared with the image of the purchaser photograph. The purchase is authorized if the purchaser birth date indicates that the purchaser meets the age requirements for the purchase and the captured purchaser image matches the photograph.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems used to reduce the time needed to process images of a bar code or optical code captured by a image bar code scanner. Image bar code scanners read bar codes or optical codes by capturing digital images of the codes using an image capture device and then processing the captured images to decode the optical code or bar code. The processing time is reduced by rotating the images to align the axis of the codes contained in the captured images with the rows of photo detectors in the image capture device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The ambient noise is measured after the radio frequency identification interrogator has transmitted a signal. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A retail terminal and method of operation thereof. The retail terminal has a weight scale, a bar code scanner, RFID tag antenna, a scan error indicator, means for communicating with a processor and a memory containing a weight learning database (WLDB). The method comprises the steps of: allowing placement of an item, having an RFID tag, to be weighed on the weight scale; allowing scanning of the item via the bar code scanner; allowing RFID tag to be read by antenna located in the scanner; obtaining a weight measurement of the item on the scale upon successful scanning of the item; and comparing the measured weight of the scanned item with a predetermined weight for that item stored in the WLDB.

Abstract: An improved self-checkout system and method which reduces transaction time. The self-checkout system includes a carrier for carrying a selected product, the carrier being coupled to a weighing apparatus for generating a first signal indicative of the actual weight of the product, an RFID tag interrogator for interrogating an RFID tag attached to the product and receiving product identification information relating to the product, an interface that is responsive to the received product identification information for communicating with a product information database to obtain weight information relating to the product, and a processor being responsive to: the obtained weight information for generating a second signal indicative of the expected weight; and the first and second signals for generating an alert signal.

Abstract: Convenience Store Effectiveness Model (CSEM) is a self-contained PC application to quantitatively predict operational and financial impact of changes to Convenience Store (CStore) and Financial Services Center (FSC) operations. CSEM includes Simulation Analysis Module and Financial Analysis Module. Simulation Analysis Module includes FSC model and CStore model. CStore model predicts the effect of an unlimited number of changes in store design, customer demand patterns, and checkout procedures on store performance. Financial Analysis Module creates a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement showing cash flows, Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for deploying FSCs using simulation results or user input values. An analyst can use CSEM to provide a sound and quantified basis for developing a business case for investing in new technologies, i.e., FSC, or other design and procedure changes in a convenience store environment.