Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they have deposited with a vendor for processing have been returned and are available for retrieval. The method includes storing customer identification data in a data repository that accompanies a film roll container, reading customer identification data from the data repository after development of the film roll in the film container, and generating a notification message for delivery to the customer corresponding to the customer identification data. The notification message informs the customer that the developed film is available for retrieval from the deposit site. Entry of the data for storage in the data repository may be performed by a customer or deposit site employee through a keypad or through a scanning device that reads a customer token.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system and method provide bin identification numbers for storage of developed film rolls in a system that provides reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they deposited with a vendor for processing are available for retrieval. The method determines whether the generated number is contained in a list of reserved bin numbers. If it is, another number is generated from the received data. This process continues until a generated number is generated that is not on the list of reserved bin numbers. That number is then added to the list and also stored in a data record corresponding to the received data. Upon retrieval of the developed film from the bin having the assigned bin number, the bin number is removed from the reserved list.

Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to itinerants that film rolls they have deposited at a place of lodging or a point-of-interest site for processing have been returned to the itinerant's place of lodging and are available for retrieval. A system that provides such notification for film deposited at a place of lodging includes a data capture device for reading customer identification data from an itinerant's electronic room key and film roll data from a film roll. A data server coupled to the data capture device stores the data in a data repository that accompanies the film roll to the film processing site. The data server also generates a data record for storage in a database. Upon return of the developed film, a notification message generator generates a notification message to the itinerant regarding return of the developed film roll.