Abstract: One step of a method of detecting when a certain number of events occur within a time frame causes a database having several event records to include a first event record in response to a first event occurring. Another step of the method updates the first database record in response to each event that occurs within a first period from the first event occurring. The first period being based upon the time frame. The method also determines, based upon the several event records, that the certain number of events occurred within the time frame. An apparatus which detects when a certain number of events occur within a time frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: One step of a method of evaluating an expression includes generating a database query that is representative of the expression. Another step of the method includes processing the database query to obtain database result information from a database. The method also includes the step of resolving the expression to an expression value by analyzing the database result information. A computer readable medium that configures a processor to evaluate an expression is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal includes the step of determining if a user of the retail terminal operates an input device so as to enter a first character, a second character, and a third character associated with a first item name and generating a character-entered control signal in response thereto. The method also includes the step of displaying a first menu having a first plurality of item names containing each of the first character, the second character, and the third character in response to generation of the character-entered control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of determining if the user operates the input device so as to select the first item name from the first plurality of item names listed on the first menu. A retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a checkout terminal having a movable item shelf includes the step of positioning the item shelf in an assisted shelf position. The method also includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform an assisted retail function while the item shelf is positioned in the assisted shelf position. The method further includes the step of moving the item shelf from the assisted shelf position to a self-service shelf position. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform a self-service retail function while the item shelf is positioned in the self-service shelf position. A checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a department store retail system in order to perform a purchase transaction, with the department store retail system has a first self-service checkout terminal positioned in a first department of the department store and a supervisor terminal, includes the step of generating a first item-entered control signal if a customer enters a first item for purchase from the first department in the first self-service checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of determining if the customer has an additional item for purchase from the first department to enter in the first self-service checkout terminal in response to generation of the first item-entered control signal and generating a first no-additional-items control signal if the customer has no additional items from the first department to enter in the first self-service checkout terminal.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout system which includes a base having a scanner secured thereto includes the step of securing an itemization-only retail terminal to the base. The method also includes the step of coupling the itemization-only retail terminal to the scanner. The method further includes the step of operating the itemization-only retail terminal and the scanner so as to allow a first user to enter a first number of items for purchase into the self-service checkout system for a first time period while (i) the itemization-only retail terminal is secured to the base, and (ii) the itemization-only retail terminal is coupled to the scanner. Moreover, the method includes the step of detaching the itemization-only retail terminal from the base. Yet further, the method includes the step of decoupling the itemization-only retail terminal from the scanner. The method further includes the step of securing a full-tendering retail terminal to the base.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of detecting an improper-terminal-use activity and generating an improper-use control signal in response thereto. The method also includes the step of operating a status device in a first mode of operation in response to generation of the improper-use control signal. The method further includes the step of updating an electronic log value in response to generation of the improper-use control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating a first intervention signal if the log value has a predetermined relationship to a log threshold. The method also includes the step of operating the status device in a second mode of operation in response to generation of the first intervention control signal, wherein the first mode of operation is different from the second mode of operation.