Abstract: A retail terminal and method of operation thereof. The retail terminal has a weight scale, a bar code scanner, RFID tag antenna, a scan error indicator, means for communicating with a processor and a memory containing a weight learning database (WLDB). The method comprises the steps of: allowing placement of an item, having an RFID tag, to be weighed on the weight scale; allowing scanning of the item via the bar code scanner; allowing RFID tag to be read by antenna located in the scanner; obtaining a weight measurement of the item on the scale upon successful scanning of the item; and comparing the measured weight of the scanned item with a predetermined weight for that item stored in the WLDB.

Abstract: An improved self-checkout system and method which reduces transaction time. The self-checkout system includes a carrier for carrying a selected product, the carrier being coupled to a weighing apparatus for generating a first signal indicative of the actual weight of the product, an RFID tag interrogator for interrogating an RFID tag attached to the product and receiving product identification information relating to the product, an interface that is responsive to the received product identification information for communicating with a product information database to obtain weight information relating to the product, and a processor being responsive to: the obtained weight information for generating a second signal indicative of the expected weight; and the first and second signals for generating an alert signal.