Abstract: The useful life of a laser, such as a laser diode, is extended by causing the laser to operate only intermittently when continuous operation is not required. When such a laser diode is used in a scanner for scanning coded symbols, such as bar codes, in merchandise check-out operations, continuous operation is required only when a coded symbol is present in a target area. A sensing device is provided for sensing the transitions in light reflected back from the target area, and a counter is provided for counting the number of such transitions. Since a much larger number of transitions are sensed and counted when a coded symbol is being read than when no such symbol is present in the target area, this difference in number of transitions is used to distinguish between the two conditions and to cause the laser diode to be turned on for continuous operation only when a coded symbol is present in the target area to be read.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling discount coupons includes a scanner, a point of sale terminal and a coupon acceptor. In one embodiment, a coupon file manager is also included. The coupon acceptor receives coupons which have been determined to be genuine and properly related to goods being purchased. The coupons are inserted into an opening in the acceptor and are then drawn into the acceptor by a pair of aligned counter-rotating cylinders. The coupons are also marked within the acceptor to indicate that they have been used. The coupon acceptor provides a secure structure so that coupons cannot be removed therefrom except by an authorized person.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for decoding data read from a bar code label which includes a filter for detecting the occurrence of a character in the data generated by an optical scanner in reading the bar code label, a first processor for detecting whether the character is valid or a suspect character which may be a valid or a non-valid character and a second processor means for processing the suspect characters to determine if they are valid for use in detecting the numerical characters in the data.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for enabling a checkout system to repeat the price of a previously processed purchased merchandise item which includes mounting a pair of photodetector members in a pair of apertures located in the checkout counter which is exposed to ambient light and enabling the photodetector members to generate a pair of control signals in response to positioning a finger of the checkout operator over one of the apertures and alternately covering and uncovering the second aperture with a second finger of the checkout operator.

Abstract: An attenuator for varying the power of a laser scanning light beam includes a bracket having a reduced portion intermediate its ends enabling one end to be rotated around its other end. A glass element is secured to the movable end and is moved to a position which intercepts the laser light beam at an angle of incidence which varies in accordance with the amount of rotation of the movable end around the other end.

Abstract: A scale utilizes a plurality of load cells positioned beneath a weighing platform for determining the weight of objects placed upon the platform. During a weighing operation, each load cell generates a voltage proportional to the response of said cell to the application of a weight to the platform. Each such generated voltage is transmitted serially through a multiplexer and is converted to a digital value by an analog-to-analog converter. These digital values are employed by a microprocessor to determine the weight of the object placed on the weighing platform. The scale is calibrated by weighing a test weight in a plurality of different locations on the weighing platform, and utilizing the individual digital values thus obtained for each load cell in a plurality of simultaneous equations, which are then solved in the microprocessor to provide constant values associated with each load cell, which are used in subsequent weighing operations.

Abstract: A compact optical scanning system comprises a portable enclosure structure having a cover portion which includes a glass enclosed aperture over which a UPC label attached to a purchased merchandise item is moved. Mounted within the enclosure is a laser whose output coherent light beam is reflected along a path extending in a direction parallel to the cover portion by mirrors and a bifocal lens member mounted on a shelf extending between opposite sidewalls of enclosure. One of the mirrors mounted on the shelf reflects the laser beam in a downward direction at a rotating multifaceted mirrored member mounted on and directly beneath the shelf and the bifocal lens. The rotating mirrored spinner directs the laser beam at a plurality of pattern mirrors which redirects the received laser beam towards the aperture, forming a scan pattern thereat for scanning the UPC label.

Abstract: A self-service checkout station allows a purchaser to scan coded labels on each merchandise item purchased and to generate the weight of the items at a first checkout counter. The weight of each merchandise item is compared with corresponding data stored in a remote memory member. If the weight of the item is found to be valid, the combined weight of the purchased merchandise items is then determined. The purchaser takes the purchased merchandise items to a second checkout counter where the combined weight of the merchandise items is again generated and compared with the previous generated combined weight. If the combined weights are found to be valid, the checkout operation is completed. A display member at the first checkout counter informs the purchaser of the price of each merchandise item being processed while a second display member at the second checkout counter displays the total amount due for the purchased merchandise items.

Abstract: A checkout counter includes an optical scanning system mounted therein and includes a cover member positioned in the top surface of the counter having an aperture through which the scanning system will scan a coded label on the merchandise item positioned adjacent to the aperture. A support member mounted on a rail portion of the checkout counter adjacent the cover member supports a writing pad, a keyboard, a display member and a card reader enabling a customer to conveniently observe the price of the item being scanned, and the amount of money due for the purchased items, when writing a check for the amount due, or when using a credit card or a debit charge to pay for the purchased merchandise items in response to information displayed in the display member.

Abstract: A method for fast weighing on an electronic scale is disclosed. Periodic samples are taken of the weight of an object placed upon the scale, and succeeding samples are compared for similarity within a given tolerance. The overall range of the scale is divided into various regions based upon frequency of use and reliability of readings. Fewest readings are required for that scale region of most frequent use and greatest reliability, thereby minimizing the time required for completing the weighing of objects with weights falling within that region.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a single display of a system having a terminal and both merchandise item scanning capability including a scanner and merchandise weighing capability including a scale to display both information derived from scanning a merchandise item and information derived from weighing a merchandise item is disclosed. The display has associated therewith a first light of a first color indicating a satisfactory scan or weighing and a second light of a different color for indicating an unsatisfactory scan or weighing. Controls are provided to prevent conflict in use of the display as between the scanner and the scale.

Abstract: A checkout counter having an optical scanning unit located therein and includes a surface portion comprising a scale apparatus which includes a transparent portion enabling scanning beams projected by the optical scanner unit to be transmitted through the scale apparatus for reading a coded label on a merchandise item positioned on the scale apparatus. The scale apparatus generates data signals representing the weight of the merchandise item which are then transmitted to a processor means which also receives data signals from the scanning unit identifying the merchandise item. The processor means will generate the price of the merchandise item using the data signals received. The price of the merchandise item is then displayed on a display unit and printed by a printing unit on a customer's receipt.

Abstract: A computer to computer data communication system for minimizing software protocol is disclosed wherein transmitted errors in data transmitted from one computer to another are detected when they occur by means of a bit-by-bit data echo transmission technique. True and inverted or complementary data are transmitted simultaneously serially over twisted pair lines for comparison, bit-by-bit by comparing each transmitted bit to the corresponding inverted bit to derive an error signal indicative of the condition of like polarity of the compared bits. If the compared bits are of like polarity, an error signal is generated to enable correction of the transmission error on a word by word basis, while inhibiting processing of the uncorrected data. Concurrently, received data is returned to the transmitting processor over a return data line for a like comparison.