Abstract: A method of displaying an item name having a first word, a second word, and a third word on an item list of an item selection menu of a retail terminal includes the step of displaying a first version of the item name on the item list of the item selection menu such that the first word is followed by the second word which is followed by the third word. The method also includes the step of displaying a second version of the item name on the item list of the item selection menu such that the second word is followed by the first word which is followed by the third word. Moreover, the method includes the step of displaying a third version of the item name on the item list of the item selection menu such that the third word is followed by the first word which is followed by the second word. A retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-service checkout terminal includes a terminal base having (i) a user side on which a user is positioned during operation of the self-service checkout terminal, (ii) a rear side which is opposite the user side, (iii) an upstream end portion, and (iv) a downstream end portion which is opposite the upstream end portion. The self-service checkout terminal includes a scanner for scanning a product code associated with an item for purchase. The scanner is secured to the upstream end portion of the terminal base. The self-service checkout terminal also includes a printer secured to the user side of the terminal base. The self-service checkout terminal further includes an item collection surface for supporting the item for purchase subsequent to scanning thereof. The item collection surface being secured to the downstream end portion of the terminal base.

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 self-service checkout terminal includes a terminal base having (i) a user side on which a user is positioned during operation of the self-service checkout terminal, (ii) a rear side which is opposite the user side, (iii) an upstream end portion, and (iv) a downstream end portion which is opposite the upstream end portion. The self-service checkout terminal includes a scanner for scanning a product code associated with an item for purchase. The scanner is secured to the upstream end portion of the terminal base. The self-service checkout terminal also includes a printer secured to the user side of the terminal base. The self-service checkout terminal further includes an item collection surface for supporting the item for purchase subsequent to scanning thereof. The item collection surface being secured to the downstream end portion of the terminal 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.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a weight scale associated therewith includes the step of executing a security software application so as to provide security to the retail terminal during operation thereof. The method also includes the step of determining a current weight value associated with output from the weight scale. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the current weight value to a previous-stable-weight value and generating a weight change control signal if the current weight value is not within a predetermined tolerance range of the previous-stable-weight value. Yet further, the method includes the step of utilizing the current weight value during execution of the security software application in response to generation of the weight change control signal. A retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal having a scanner device for allowing a user to enter an item for purchase, and a weight scale for detecting placement of the item for purchase in a post-scan area associated with the self-service checkout terminal includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when the user scans the item for purchase with the scanner device. The method also includes the step of disabling the scanner device in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating an item-not-detected control signal if the weight scale does not detect placement of the item for purchase in the post-scan area within a first predetermined period of time subsequent to generation of the item-entered control signal. Yet further, the method includes the step of enabling the scanner device in response to generation of the item-not-detected control signal. A self-service checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of resetting a product scale of a retail checkout terminal includes the step of detecting absence of an item on the product scale. The method also includes the step of generating an absence signal in response to the detecting step. The method further includes the step of determining a first idle value with the product scale. The method also includes the step of comparing the first idle value to a reset value. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating a first control signal if the first idle value matches a reset value. The method also includes the step of generating a second control signal if the first idle value does not match the reset value. Yet further, the method includes the step of resetting the product scale in response to generation of the second control signal. An apparatus for resetting a product scale of a retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing security for a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of determining a time-of-day value and a day-of-week value. The method also includes the step of operating the terminal at a first security level if (i) the time-of-day value is within a first predetermined time-of-day range, and (ii) the day-of-week value is within a first predetermined day-of-week range. The method further includes the step of operating the terminal at a second security level if (i) the time-of-day value is within a second predetermined time-of-day range, and (ii) the day-of-week value is within a second predetermined day-of-week range.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a checkout terminal, with the terminal having a first scale, includes the step of storing a first identification code associated with an input item in a memory in response to entry of the input item into the terminal. The method also includes the step of detecting the weight of the input item with the first scale and storing an input weight value associated with the weight of the input item in the memory in response thereto. The method further includes the step of retrieving a second identification code associated with a removal item from the memory in response to a user voiding entry of the removal item. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting the weight of the removal item with the first scale and generating a removal weight value associated with the weight of the removal item in response thereto.

Abstract: A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a checkout terminal, with the terminal having a scale, includes the step of storing a first identification code associated with a first item in a memory in response to entry of the first item into the terminal. The method also includes the step of detecting the weight of the first item with the scale and storing a first weight value associated with the weight of the first item in the memory in response thereto. The method further includes the step of storing a second identification code associated with a second item in the memory in response to entry of the second item into the terminal. The method moreover includes the step of detecting the weight of the second item with the scale and storing a second weight value associated with the weight of the second item in the memory in response thereto.

Abstract: A system including a host terminal having a controller which is coupled to a plurality of bridge interfaces, with each bridge interface being coupled to a separate plurality of secondary terminals over an associated data link. Each bridge interface has a communications chip, like an RS-422 chip therein. The controller is able to communicate with any secondary terminal in the separate pluralities of secondary terminals via the associated bridge interface without having to rely on a transmit/receive control line from the controller to each of said communication chips. In another embodiment, the bridge interface is used as a repeater.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling the contrast of a liquid crystal display (LCD). The circuit includes a switching regulator circuit which generates a negative voltage at the output thereof, with the switching regulator circuit having a feedback node therein and also having a voltage regulator with a control input therein. An injected current coupled to the feedback node and the control input to the voltage regulator is used to provide a changed negative voltage at the output of the regulator circuit. Control values stored in the memory of a controller are used to select the injected current. The changed negative voltage at the output of the regulator circuit is used to control the contrast of the LCD.

Abstract: A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items.