Abstract: Unique data is obtained from a consumer; the identity data is verified for the consumer based on the unique data. A verification message is provided for at least a portion of a transaction during a transaction after the identity data is verified.

Abstract: Unique data is obtained from a consumer; the identity data is verified for the consumer based on the unique data. A verification message is provided for at least a portion of a transaction during a transaction after he identity data is verified.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking currency in a self-checkout station in one embodiment comprises a currency acceptor for collecting cash payment elements and determining the denominations of the collected cash payment elements, a cash dispenser for dispensing cash payment elements, a denomination counter for counting units of collected and dispensed cash payment elements, a processor, a memory, programmed instructions stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, close an open accounting log based upon a received accounting period signal, and data storage for storing the number of denomination units counted for collected cash payment elements.

Abstract: A self-checkout terminal system includes a self-checkout core application module for controlling a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout core application module controlling peripheral input and output devices at the self-checkout terminal for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a retail customer. An emulator module connected to the self-checkout core application module emulates, independent from the self-checkout core application, a native vendor software application in a network of cashier-operated checkout terminals administered by a vendor server computer, the emulator module passing commands and data to, and receiving commands and data from, the vendor server. The self-checkout core application converts inputs received at the peripheral input devices into inputs expected by the emulated native vendor software application, and converts device update outputs from the emulated native vendor software application into updates to the peripheral output devices.

Abstract: A method of operating a checkout terminal includes the step of detecting generation of a peripheral-request control signal. The peripheral-request control signal including instructions for operating a retail peripheral device. The method also includes the step of generating a dispenser control signal in response to the detecting step. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating a currency dispenser so as to dispense an amount of change due to a customer in response to the dispenser control signal. The currency dispenser is distinct from the retail peripheral device. A checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-checkout terminal system includes a self-checkout core application module for controlling a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout core application module controlling peripheral input and output devices at the self-checkout terminal for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a retail customer. An emulator module connected to the self-checkout core application module emulates, independent from the self-checkout core application, a native vendor software application in a network of cashier-operated checkout terminals administered by a vendor server computer, the emulator module passing commands and data to, and receiving commands and data from, the vendor server. The self-checkout core application converts inputs received at the peripheral input devices into inputs expected by the emulated native vendor software application, and converts device update outputs from the emulated native vendor software application into updates to the peripheral output devices.

Abstract: A system for verifying deactivation of an EAS tag at a self-checkout counter includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag deactivator for deactivating EAS tags attached to articles processed at a checkout station and an EAS tag interrogator associated with the checkout station that generates an electronic checkout disable signal in response to detection of an EAS tag by the EAS tag interrogator. The checkout disable signal may be used to disable the operation of a self-checkout station component so that the consumer is unable to process additional articles until the EAS tag deactivation operation is successful. The generation and use of the checkout disable signal helps ensure that a consumer at a self-checkout station deactivates all EAS tags attached to articles processed at a self-checkout station during checkout. The checkout disable signal may be sent to the processor of the terminal of the self-checkout station to cause the processor to disable components of the self-checkout station.

Abstract: In a system for processing store interventions in a network of self-checkout terminals, self-checkout terminals monitor the self-checkout activities performed to determine whether an issue has arisen requiring intervention by store personnel. Detected issues are prioritized and placed into an issues log. A remote authorization station connected into the network accesses the issues log to review and resolve the issues that have arisen in priority order. Further, where it is determined that an issue has arisen at a self-checkout terminal that cannot be resolved at that terminal, the transaction is suspended and then resumed at a personnel-operated terminal.

Abstract: A self-checkout terminal system includes a self-checkout core application module for controlling a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout core application module controlling peripheral input and output devices at the self-checkout terminal for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a retail customer. An emulator module connected to the self-checkout core application module emulates, independent from the self-checkout core application, a native vendor software application in a network of cashier-operated checkout terminals administered by a vendor server computer, the emulator module passing commands and data to, and receiving commands and data from, the vendor server. The self-checkout core application converts inputs received at the peripheral input devices into inputs expected by the emulated native vendor software application, and converts device update outputs from the emulated native vendor software application into updates to the peripheral output devices.

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 system and method of operating a retail checkout terminal includes the step of determining a first product code associated with a first item when a user enters the first item into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of determining if a master product database is devoid of first product information corresponding to the first item and generating a first no-record control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting if the user manually enters the first product information corresponding to the first item in response to generation of the first no-record control signal and generating a first manually-entered control signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of storing the first product information corresponding to the first item in a supplemental product database in response to generation of the first manually-entered control signal.

Abstract: A device for cutting and engaging a doughy material having a deformable consistency, forming a material, transferring the shape from a first location to a second location and disengaging the shape. The device includes a cutting edge carried by a housing for cutting an outline of the shape, a plunger for positively engaging a cut surface of the material to aid in transferring the material from a first location to a second location, recesses and raised shapes located on the plunger for imprinting an exposed surface of the material and aiding in engaging the material, and a handle connected to the plunger for manually actuating the device.