Abstract: A system and method for multi-reading RFID codes is disclosed. The system may comprise a portal, a RFID reader, an entrance sensor, an exit sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the RFID code data and the read timestamp for each article, receive the start trigger timestamp and the stop trigger timestamp, determine a read area time range based on the start trigger timestamp and the stop trigger timestamp, determine an active read area timeframe based on the read area time range as adjusted by a pre-read offset and a post-read offset, associate RFID code data with the first group if the read timestamp associated with the RFID code data occurred during the active read area timeframe, and process the RFID code data of the first group and transmit a result of the processing of the first group to an output interface.

Abstract: An RFID portal reads multiple associated RFID tags on articles in groups moved through an RFID code reader having interrogation/charging and receiving/detection antennas concentrated on the group when in a reading zone. The articles are movable through a passage between the reading zone and an outside area. The passage has conductive walls at the reading zone associated with antennas for applying and collecting focused RF signals, and the walls define a vestibule lined with broadband or specific stopband electromagnetic damping structures as well as elongating signal paths into and/or out of the reading zone. Attenuation by one or more of broadband and stopband damping and signal path elongation can achieve 10 dB attenuation or more, sufficient to minimize interaction with stray RFID tagged articles that may be outside of the group in the reading zone.

Abstract: An RFID portal reads multiple associated RFID tags on articles in groups moved through an RFID code reader having interrogation/charging and receiving/detection antennas concentrated on the group when in a reading zone. The articles are movable through a passage between the reading zone and an outside area. The passage has conductive walls at the reading zone associated with antennas for applying and collecting focused RF signals, and the walls define a vestibule lined with broadband or specific stopband electromagnetic damping structures as well as elongating signal paths into and/or out of the reading zone. Attenuation by one or more of broadband and stopband damping and signal path elongation can achieve 10 dB attenuation or more, sufficient to minimize interaction with stray RFID tagged articles that may be outside of the group in the reading zone.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced security for a self-checkout system is disclosed where predicted weights of items are used to predict the total order weight. The predicted total order weight is compared to an actual weight of the order based on a weighing of the total order, and an output provided indicating whether the comparison is within acceptable limits or if a security alert or attendant assistance is needed.

Abstract: A customer self-checkout system includes one or more checkout stations and multiple supervisor terminals. The supervisor terminals provide support to, and control over, the self-checkout system and checkout stations. A controller is used to coordinate communications among the checkout stations and supervisor terminals over a wired and/or wireless network interfaces. A user may provide input at supervisory terminal using an interface providing context sensitive prompting to enable control using a simple keyboard interface.

Abstract: A point-of-sale self-checkout terminal includes a code reader device for automated entry of a product identification code present on items for purchase and a customer input device for receipt of data from a customer. A customer can initiate a purchase of a non-scannable item and, in response, a database is queried to identify items based on a prediction of purchase of the items, and the identified items are displayed for selection by the customer to purchase the item. Inage processing and voice processing, can also be implemented to assist customers with the purchase of non-scannable items.

Abstract: A self-checkout system for processing an article with an security tag attached thereto includes a self-checkout station, a product code input device, a deactivation device and a prompting system to provide instructions to a user. The system can automatically prompt a user to pass an article within a deactivation region generated by the deactivation device to deactivate an anti-theft tag.