Abstract: A checkout lane alert system and method is a live, computer base, in-store system that integrates real time shopper traffic data with computerized statistical analysis to generate accurate short term forecasts of shopper traffic at the checkout lanes of the store. Shopper entry time data from a recognition system is used in the analysis. The system combines real time data with pregathered statistical data about the population that shops in a particular type of store and data which characterizes the checkout lane throughput capability for the store to predict checkout lane traffic and staffing requirements. The system of the present invention is adapted for use in stores having express and non-express checkout lanes.

Abstract: A checkout lane alert system and method is a live, computer base, in-store system that integrates real time shopper traffic data with computerized statistical analysis to generate accurate short term forecasts of shopper traffic at the checkout lanes of the store. Shopper entry time data from a recognition system is used in the analysis. The system combines real time data with pre-gathered statistical data about the population that shops in a particular type of store and data which characterizes the checkout lane throughput capability for the store to predict checkout lane traffic and staffing requirements.

Abstract: A system for automatically recognizing persons or objects as they move past a selected location and for classifying the persons or objects in accordance with selected criteria. The system includes emitters for emitting beams toward a person or object moving past a selected location to generate reflected beams from the person or object. The included angle of the emitted and reflected beam is a function of the height of the person or object. A detector detects the reflected beams and generates signals representative of the included angle, and thus representative of a time-dependent height profile of the person or object from which the beams are reflected. The person or object is classified according to selected criteria.

Abstract: A system for automatically counting people as they move past a selected location, and for measuring their heights. The system includes emitters for emitting beams toward persons moving past a selected location to generate reflected beams from the person, such that the included angle of the emitted and reflected beams is a function of the person's height. A detector detects the reflected beams and generates signals representative of the included angle, and thus representative of the height of the person. The signals representative of the height of the person are converted to data that may be used for evaluation purposes. The system is particularly adaptable for use in retail stores for determining the number of shopper units in the store during selected time periods and evaluating store performance based, in part, on the conversion of shopper units to actual customers.

Abstract: An automatic switching unit for use in combination with a backup processor and a series communications system such as for a retail store operation, and where the series communications system includes a controller having multiple serial ports, each port being connected in a series loop with a plurality of data terminals for registering sales transactions. The switching unit includes a monitor for monitoring each of the series loops to detect the malfunction of any port, and also includes a switching network. When the monitor detects a malfunction of any port, the switching network automatically connects the backup processor and all the data terminals in those loops associated with serial ports detected to be malfunctioning in a single series loop, and automatically disconnects the malfunctioning ports from the single series loop.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically bypassing an inoperative data terminal so that other data terminals connected in series therewith will continue to receive data transmitted from a central data processor. The system includes data terminal status indicators, a manual bypass capability, and a remote audiovisual alarm.