SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL WITH INTEGRATED COMPUTER-VISION ITEM RECOGNITION AND PAYMENT FUNCTIONS

Abstract

A transaction apparatus comprises a touch display, a framed element, and a vertical scanner. The framed element comprises at least two cameras focused on a scan area defined in front of the vertical scanner. The framed element is located above a top portion of the vertical scanner and the touch display is adjustable up and down relative to a top portion of the framed element. During a transaction when items are placed in the scan area, multiple images of the scan area are provided by the cameras. The vertical scanner scans any item barcodes for the items visible to a scan window of the scanner. The multiple images are processed to identify item codes for the items. Scanned item codes are compared against their corresponding item codes and the transaction is processed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/240,599 entitled “Modular, Portable, and Reconfigurable Interactive Displays, Terminals, and Peripherals with Interface and Store-Wide and Customer-Specific Automated Assistance, Managing, and Monitoring,” filed on Sep. 3, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Typically, self-checkouts (SCOs) rely on barcode scanning for item recognition, which can result in false reads and can require associate interventions; unnecessarily wasting a shopper's time at checkout. Because scanners are used for barcode reading, retailers often deploy other security cameras on or above the SCOs to monitor checkouts and to detect customer theft.

The most common type of customer theft is associated with a customer intentionally not scanning an item's barcode during checkout. Unfortunately, the industries response to remedy this type of theft has been to add additional cameras, which hinder SCO response times during the checkouts while security tests are being performed on captured images. The additional cameras are also intrusive and can adversely impact SCO usability. Views of the customer display can be partially obstructed by these additional cameras.

Some retailers have elected to deploy a single additional security camera placed high over the transaction area above the SCO. Unfortunately, a single camera is not as reliable as multiple cameras that capture multiple different views of the transaction area. A single camera's view may not be able to capture fine-grain details of the items during checkout and portions of the transaction area may be occluded in the view by the customer such that missing image details prevent security processes from accurately detecting theft during the checkouts.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, methods, transaction apparatuses, and transaction terminals for item recognition, item verification, and performing payment functions during a transaction are presented. Different configurations of transaction apparatuses are provided. An example apparatus includes multiple cameras integrated into a frame that surrounds the scan area. Images captured by the cameras provide unobstructive views of items in the scan area permitting item recognition and verification during the transaction. The apparatuses can include one or more scanners, a weigh scale, a touch display with integrated card reader, a printer, a media dispenser, and an acceptor. The touch display may be proximate to and directly above the scan area. Each of the cameras in the frame may capture a different view of the scan area. Optionally, lights integrated into the frame provide lighted guidance to an operator for the operator to focus on the scan area. Images captured by the cameras of the scan area permit rapid and accurate item identification, which is them compared against transaction data to detect whether or not a given transaction is or is not associated with theft. An integrated card reader into the base of the touch display permits payment functions to be readily accessed and processed while the operator remains in front of and focused on the scan area.

According to an aspect, a transaction apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment function is presented. The apparatus includes a touch display, a frame-based element, and a vertical scanner. The frame-based element further includes at least two integrated cameras. The touch display is situated above, below, or both above and below a top portion of the frame-based element. The vertical scanner is situated above a bottom portion of the frame-based element. The frame-based element is situated to ensure the integrated cameras capture a scan area where items are placed for a transaction, each camera capturing an image of the scan area at a different angle and different perspective from remaining cameras. The images adapted to be processed during a transaction for item recognition and item verification of the items within the scan area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram of transaction apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D are diagrams of transaction apparatuses for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 1E and 1F are diagrams of transaction apparatuses for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1G is a diagram of transaction apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1H is a diagram of transaction apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a transaction terminal for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a method for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, retailers struggle with theft detection during self-checkouts by customers. Simply adding cameras around the transaction area fails to adequately account for occluded views of the items and the transaction area itself. The position and location of the cameras also create adverse usability issues for the customers. The customer's focus is often on the display, which is not adjacent to the scan area such that the customer may be unaware of a non-scanned item while attempting to scan an item in the scan area while watching the display for the item price. Customers often forget what was scanned and was not scanned and have to check items with what is presented on the display. These issues are resolved with the teachings presented herein and below.

As will be demonstrated herein and below, transaction apparatuses, a transaction terminal, and a method of operating the apparatuses and terminals for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction are provided. Each apparatus minimally includes a frame-based element that is oriented above at least one scanner associated with a scan area. The frame-based element includes two to four integrated cameras focused on the scan area and capturing different views of the scan area. A touch display sits above the framed-based element or extends at least partially in front of the frame-based element. An operator performing a checkout is directed through lighted guidance—provided from the frame-based element—to place the items on a base component that represents the scan area. Item barcodes are read and/or item image recognition is performed on the items placed on the base component using the scanner and the images captured by the cameras. Transaction data is correlated with item information identified from the scanning and item image recognition and a determination is made as to whether any item was not properly recorded for the transaction. An integrated card reader in a base of the touch display, which is above and may partially overhang into the scan area, provides payment functions to the operator to readily pay for the transaction. The apparatuses and the transaction terminal can include many different configurations and arrangements.

FIG. 1A is a diagram 100A of transaction apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment. The apparatus includes a touch display 110A, a frame-based element 121A, at least one scanner 125, and a base 126 representing a scan area for items processed during a given transaction. It is noted that the base 126 can itself be a peripheral device such as a horizontal barcode scanner or a combination barcode scanner and weigh scale.

In an embodiment, the touch display 110A includes an integrated card reader 111 in a bottom or a base of the touch display 110A.

The frame-based element 121A is angled over the base 126 or scan area, a center portion of the frame-based element 121A is hollow or an aperture (not labeled in diagram 100A). A periphery of the frame-based element 121A includes two to four separate integrated cameras 121B and at least two Light Emitting Diode (LED) strips or light sources 121C. Cameras 121B are focused on the scan area of the base 126 and is oriented nearly directly above the base 126. Each camera 121B captures images that provide different perspective views or angles of the scan area vis-a-vis the other remaining cameras 121B. In an embodiment, each camera 121B includes a wide-area lens for capturing images with enhanced detail of items placed in the scan area.

The base 126, the vertical scanner 125, and the frame-based element 121A combine to form a C shape 120. The base 126 is the base of the C and represents the scan area, the vertical scanner 125 is the back of the C, and the frame-based element 121A is the top of the C. The C shape essentially surrounds items placed in the scan area or the base 126. An operator when placing items in the scan area can operate the display 110A as it is directly in front of the operator. The cameras 121C have an unobstructed and clear view of the scan area to capture images of the items placed in the scan area. Any exposed barcode of an item when placed in the scan area is captured by vertical scanner 125.

Scanner 125 is a vertical scanner that is adjacent to the base 126 at the bottom of the scanner window and that is adjacent to the bottom of the frame-base element 121A along a top of the scan window. Optionally, 125 and 126 are a bioptic scanner capable of scanning item bar codes on items vertically by vertical scanner 125 and horizontally by horizontal scanner 126. Optionally, 125 and 126 are a bioptic scanner with a built-in weigh scale, such that item weights are recorded when items are placed on the horizontal scanner 126. Optionally, base 126 is a weigh scale without any integrated horizontal scanner that records item weights when placed on weigh scale 126.

During operation of the apparatus, an operator, such as a customer who is performing a self-checkout, is guided by light sources 121C that illuminate the scan area to place items for a transaction on the base 126. At the same time, transaction interface screens are rendered directly in front of the customer on the display 110A, which sits above the scan area. This makes it ergonomically efficient for the customer to move items on to the base 126 and see recorded item details for the item on the display 110A in the transaction screens. The entire transaction area is compact and efficient. Camera 121B obtain unobstructed images of the items. Scanner 125 and/or 126 capture any detectable bar codes on the items. Non-detectable barcodes can be processed using the collected images to extract visual features, score the features, and identify the item identifiers for the corresponding items by comparing the scores to ranges of scores associated with model features of known items. Transaction data recorded by a transaction manager is then compared against the list of items identified from the images and the bar codes scanned, if a discrepancy is detected, the customer is alerted through the transaction screens of the discrepancy and/or an alert is raised to provide assistance to the customer before the transaction is permitted to complete. This ensures that theft does not take place. However, because of the arrangement of the cameras and the quality of the images, it is unlikely any discrepancies will be detected since any item placed on base 126 is identified. Yet should a customer quickly place an item on base 126 and rapidly remove it such that an image is covered by a hand of the customer, this can indicate a situation where a discrepancy exists such that the customer is alerted via the transaction screens and/or an alert is sent to an assistant to audit the customer transaction items.

After the items are recorded in the transaction and no discrepancy is detected, the transaction screen provides a touch option for the customer to pay for the transaction. The customer may simply insert a payment card into card reader 111. In an embodiment, card reader 111 is wireless or tap-based card reader, a chip card reader, or a magnetic strip card reader. Card reader 111 may also be used for the customer at the start of the transaction to enter a loyalty card for the transaction. Alternatively or additionally, the customer can enter through the touch display identifying information to identify a loyalty account of the customer at any point during the transaction but before payment is processed. Once payment is confirmed, the customer is free to bag the items purchased and exit the store.

In an embodiment, base 126 is a weigh scale that reports item weights for items placed on the weigh scale 126. Images from cameras 121B provide images for a single item or items and item recognition is performed. The item recorded weight can be checked against an expected and a known item weight to determine if the item barcode that was scanned included an incorrect bar code based on the recorded item weight and a known item weight for the item associated with the scanned item barcode. Thus, the item identification can be cross referenced against scanned barcodes and known expected weights for the items as a security check to see if an item's barcode was swapped out with an incorrect barcode. Furthermore, any item intentionally occluded by the operator that is placed with other items on the weigh scale 123 which is not identified through image item recognition and not scanned by vertical scanner 125 can be detected by adding the weights of the recorded items together and detecting a reported total weight for the items which is higher than what it is expected to be. This can detect an attempt to bypass item barcode scanning by the operator.

In an embodiment, display 110 is an oversized display; for example, a 22-inch vertical display. This provides a larger touch surface area for the operator to interact with transaction options of the transaction interface and allows one or more of the camera feeds from cameras 121B to stream a live feed of the scan area directly to a bottom portion, screen, or window of the display 110. The operator can view the live feed to see the items placed in the scan area while at the same time operating the transaction interface screens situated above a bottom screen that displays the live feed of the scan area. This ensures that the operator does not need to focus on the scan area and can focus directly on display 110 to see both the operator's items and the item information for the items being recorded in the transaction interface screens.

FIG. 1B, shown with diagrams 100B, is an apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment. The arrangement of the apparatus in FIG. 1B is different from FIG. 1A. In particular, touch display 110B is situated down from a top of frame-based element 121B-1 such that display 110B is in front of and covering the aperture of fame-based element 121B-1. Frame-based element 121B-1 is also not angled and oriented over base element 126B as was the case with the apparatus of FIG. 1A. Frame-based element 121B-1 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to base element 126B. Similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1A, the apparatus of FIG. 1B includes at least two light guidance sources 121B-3 on the frame-based element 121B-1, includes two to four cameras 121-B on the frame-based element 121B-1, includes at least one vertical scanner 125B, includes a base 126B representing the scan area for a transaction, and includes an integrated card reader 111B at a bottom of display 110B.

FIG. 1C, shown with diagrams 100B, is an apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment. The arrangement of apparatus in FIG. 1C is different from FIG. 1B. In particular, touch display 110C sits above or on top of frame-based element 121C-1 and not within the aperture of the frame-based element 121C-1 as was the case in FIG. 1B. Remaining elements of the apparatus of FIG. 1C is similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1B, to wit, the apparatus of FIG. 1C includes at least two light guidance sources 121C-3, includes two to four cameras 121C-2, includes a vertical scanner 125C, includes a base 126C, and display 110C includes at its bottom an integrated card reader 111C.

FIG. 1D, shown with diagrams 100B, is an apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction according to an example embodiment. The arrangement of the apparatus in FIG. 1D is different from FIGS. 1B and 1C. In particular, touch display 110D sits partially in front of a top portion of frame-based element 121D-1 and sits partially above the top portion of frame-based element 121D-1. Remaining elements of the apparatus of FIG. 1D is similar to the apparatuses of FIGS. 1B and 1C, namely, the apparatus of FIG. 1D includes at least two light guidance sources 121D-3, includes two to four cameras 121D-2, includes a vertical scanner 125D, includes a base 126D, and display 100D includes at its bottom an integrated card reader 111D.

FIG. 1E, shown in the diagrams 100C, illustrates an apparatus that is missing a base. Moreover, the touch display 110E is situated on top of frame-based element 121E-1. The apparatus still includes an integrated card reader 111E at the bottom of touch display 110E, at least two light guidance sources 121E-3, two to four cameras 121E-2, and a vertical scanner 125E.

FIG. 1F, shown in the diagrams 100C, illustrates an apparatus that is similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1E but is different in that touch display 110F is situated such that it is partially above a top of frame-based element 121F-1 and partially before the top of frame-based element 121F-1. The apparatus still includes an integrated card reader 111F, at least two light guidance sources 121F-3, two to four cameras 121F-2, and a vertical scanner 125F.

It is noted that although not illustrated, an apparatus may be missing a base and include the touch display in an orientation similar to what was illustrated with the apparatus of FIG. 1B. That is, touch display 111B is suspended down in front of frame-based element 121B-1 so as to cover a portion of the aperture defined by framed-based element 121B-1. Thus although not illustrated, an apparatus of FIG. 1B is provided with a missing base 126B.

FIG. 1G is a diagram 100D illustrating an apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction according to an example embodiment. The apparatus includes a frame-based element 121F-1 that comprises a vertical post adjoined to an angle post at the end of the two angled posts the touch display 110F is affixed. Again, the apparatus includes a card reader 111F integrated into a bottom of touch display 110F, at least two light guidance sources 121F-2, two to four cameras 121F-3, a vertical scanner 125F, and a base 126F.

FIG. 1H is a diagram 100E illustrating an apparatus for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction according to an example embodiment. The apparatus of FIG. 1H is without a base. However, the apparatus is similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1G in that the frame-based element 121G-1 includes two vertical posts, each vertical post adjoined to an angled post, and the end of the angled posts affixed to a backside of touch display 110G. The apparatus still includes an integrated card reader 111G into a bottom of display 110G, at least two light guidance sources 121G-3, two to four cameras 121G-3, and a vertical scanner 125G.

The apparatuses discussed above for FIGS. 1A-1H can be configured to adjust the position of the corresponding touch displays in any of the display orientations presented. Moreover, the apparatuses can be mounted on a wall, affixed to a pedestal, placed on a media dispenser/accepter, and/or placed on a table/desk or any countertop. Thus, the apparatuses are portable and can be relocated. Furthermore, a variety of additional peripheral devices may be interfaced to the apparatuses via wired connections or via wireless connections.

FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 of a transaction terminal 200 for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment. The terminal 200 includes processors, a touch display 212, a frame-based element (hereinafter just “frame”) 213, at least one scanner 214, a printer 215 (optional), a weigh scale 216 (optional), a media acceptor/dispenser 217 (optional), a card reader 218, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 219.

Medium 219 includes executable instructions for a transaction manager 219-1 and an item tracker and recognizer 219-2. The instructions when executed by processors 211 cause the processors to perform operations discussed herein and below for 219-1 and 219-2.

Terminal 210 can be configured as any of the apparatuses discussed above with FIGS. 1A-1H. Optionally, the terminal 210 may also include one or more of a printer 215 and/or a media acceptor/dispenser 217. For example, the apparatuses of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1G may be interfaced to and rested on top of media acceptor/dispenser 217 or the apparatuses of FIGS. 1A-1H may be interfaced to and situated adjacent to media acceptor/dispenser 217 to form terminal 210. As another example, a small receipt printer 215 may be interfaced to and situated adjacent to any of the apparatuses of FIGS. 1A-1H to form terminal 210.

During operation of terminal 210, an operator of terminal 210 places items to be purchased within the scan area. The vertical scanner 214 and/or horizontal scanner 214, when the base of an apparatus is a bioptic scanner 214, captures any visible barcodes for the items and reports the item codes to transaction manager 219-1. Item tracker and recognizer receives images of the items in the scan area from the cameras of the frame 213. Each portion of the images are identified as being associated with a specific unique item. The portions of the images belonging to a single item and processed to extract features based on the corresponding item's size, shape, edges, packaging, etc. Each items features are scored, and each score is compared against ranges of scores associated with known items to obtain an item identifier for the corresponding item. Item tracker and recognizer 219-2 reports the item identifiers or codes to transaction manager 219-1 and transaction manager 219-1 presents through a transaction interface the item details and item pricing for the items placed in the scan area to the operator. If an item barcode recorded by the scanner 214 does not comport with an item code recorded for that corresponding item by item tracker and recognizer, then an alert is raised by transaction manager 219-1. This can be an indication that a barcode sticker on the packaging of the item was swapped out with a barcode for a different product. Alternative, transaction manager 219-1 may disregard the scanned item barcode and use the item code provided by item tracker and recognizer 219-2 for the transaction along with a notice in the transaction interface screens that notifies the operator that the scanned barcode was incorrect and that the correct item is listed in the item details. In a case, where an item was completely or partially covered by a hand of an operator and quickly removed from the scan area, item tracker and recognizer 219-2 notifies transaction manager 219-1 that an item is unaccounted for when a total recorded item count does not match a total items seen count. Transaction manager 219-1 may display an interface screen on the touch display 212 asking the customer if there was an item that the customer put back or failed to scan and if the customer does not correct by putting the item in the scan area, transaction manager 219-1 may raise an alert to an attendant to come and audit the transaction items for the transaction.

When the transaction items are verified by transaction manager 219-1, transaction manager 219-1 displays a payment option screen for the customer to select a payment method such as by card or by cash. When by card, the customer inserts a payment card into card reader 218, taps a payment card on card reader 218, or swipes a payment card through card reader 218. In an embodiment, the card reader 218 is integrated into a bottom of touch display 212 as illustrated above with apparatuses of FIG. 1A-1H. The transaction is completed the customer can collect the items, bag them when necessary, and exit the store. Optionally, transaction manager 219-1 causes printer 215 to print a transaction receipt for the customer to take before leaving the store.

In an embodiment, transaction terminal 210 is an SST, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, or a kiosk. The operator is a customer performing a self-checkout or an attendant performing a customer-assisted checkout on behalf of the customer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a method 300 for item recognition, item verification, and payment functions during a transaction, according to an example embodiment. The software module(s) that implements the method 300 is referred to as a “computer-vision item transaction manager.” The computer-vision item transaction manager is implemented as executable instructions programmed and residing within memory and/or a non-transitory computer-readable (processor-readable) storage medium and executed by one or more processors of a device or set of devices. The processor(s) of the device that executes the computer-vision item transaction manager are specifically configured and programmed to process the computer-vision item transaction manager. The computer-vision item transaction manager may or may not have access to one or more network connections during its processing. The network connections can be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

In an embodiment, the device that executes computer-vision item transaction manager is terminal 210. In an embodiment, the device that executes the computer-vision item transaction manager is any of the touch displays discussed above with the apparatuses of FIGS. 1A-1H. The touch displays include the one or more processors.

In an embodiment, the computer-vision item transaction manager is all of, or some combination of, 219-1 and/or 219-2. The computer-vision item transaction manager presents another and, in some ways, an enhanced processing perspective from that which was described above for the apparatus of FIG. 1A and/or the terminal 210 of FIG. 2.

At 310 computer-vision item transaction manager scans first item codes from a scan area using a scanner that is adjacent to the scan area during a transaction. Any item barcodes visible to a vertical scan window of the scanner is captured as the first item codes.

At 320, the computer-vision item transaction manager obtains multiple images from multiple cameras of each of a plurality of items located in the scan area during the transaction. The multiple cameras integrated into a framed element and focused on the scan area.

At 330, the computer-vision item transaction manager performs item recognition on the multiple images for each item and assigns second item codes to the items. That is, independent of the first item codes, the computer-vision item transaction manager assigns item codes to each of the items within the scan area using the multiple images captured for each item within the scan area.

At 340, the computer-vision item transaction manager compares the first item codes against the second item codes. This will detect when an item barcode that was scanned does not match an identified item at 330.

At 350, the computer-vision item transaction manager determines whether to issue an alert based on 340. In some instances, the alert is processed to cause transaction interface screens to be presented to an operator indicating that the scanned item codes do not comport with the assigned item codes. Alternatively and/or additionally, the alert is processed to cause an attendant to be dispatched to the operator for purposes of performing an item audit for the transaction.

At 370, the computer-vision item transaction manager (e.g., 310-360) is processed automatically when the items are placed in the scan area. So, as soon as items are placed in the scan area, the scanner attempts to scan first item codes and the images of the scan are used to process item recognition and assign the second item codes.

It should be appreciated that where software is described in a particular form (such as a component or module) this is merely to aid understanding and is not intended to limit how software that implements those functions may be architected or structured. For example, modules are illustrated as separate modules, but may be implemented as homogenous code, as individual components, some, but not all of these modules may be combined, or the functions may be implemented in software structured in any other convenient manner.

Furthermore, although the software modules are illustrated as executing on one piece of hardware, the software may be distributed over multiple processors or in any other convenient manner. The above description is illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of embodiments should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing description of the embodiments, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting that the claimed embodiments have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Description of the Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A transaction apparatus, comprising:

a touch display;

a frame-based element that comprises at least two integrated cameras; and

a vertical scanner;

wherein the touch display is located above, below, or both above and below a top portion of the frame-based element;

wherein the vertical scanner is located above a bottom portion of the frame-based element;

wherein the frame-based element is positioned to ensure the at least two integrated cameras capture a scan area where items are placed for a transaction, each camera capturing an image of the scan area at a different angle and different perspective from remaining cameras;

wherein the images adapted to be processed during the transaction for item recognition and item verification of the items within the scan area.

2. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame-based element is angled over the scan area or perpendicular to the scan area.

3. The transaction apparatus of claim 1 further comprising, a base adjacent to a bottom of the vertical scanner, wherein the base defines the scan area.

4. The transaction apparatus of claim 3, wherein the base is a horizontal scanner.

5. The transaction apparatus of claim 4, wherein the horizontal scanner includes an integrated weigh scale.

6. The transaction apparatus of claim 4 further comprising, a bioptic scanner wherein the bioptic scanner comprises the vertical scanner and the horizontal scanner.

7. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the touch display includes an integrated card reader.

8. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the touch display is adjustable upward and downward relative to the top portion of the frame-based element.

9. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame-based element comprises four sides, each side including a separate one of the at least two integrated cameras, wherein the at least two integrated cameras comprise four cameras.

10. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transaction apparatus is adapted to be affixed to a wall.

11. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transaction apparatus is adapted to rest on a horizontal surface.

12. The transaction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transaction apparatus is portable and adapted to be moved from one surface to another surface.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame-based element further comprises at least two light sources that are adapted to illuminate the scan area.

14. A transaction terminal, comprising:

a processor;

a touch display;

a vertical scanner;

a card reader; and

a framed element with at least two integrated cameras focused on a scan area;

wherein the vertical scanner is integrated inside of a bottom portion of the framed element and a back portion of the scan area;

wherein the touch display is adjustable upward and downward from a top portion of the framed element;

wherein the card reader is integrated into a bottom or a side portion of the touch display;

wherein the processor is adapted to execute instructions to obtain images of items placed in the scan area during a transaction and to use the images to perform item recognition on the items during the transaction.

15. The transaction terminal of claim 14, wherein the framed element is angled from a top portion of the vertical scanner over the scan area or wherein the framed element is perpendicular to the scan area.

16. The transaction terminal of claim 14 further comprising, a base, wherein the base is adjacent to a bottom and front portion of the vertical scanner, and wherein the base defines the scan area.

17. The transaction terminal of claim 15, wherein the base is a horizontal scanner or a combined horizontal scanner and weigh scale.

18. The terminal of claim 14, wherein the processor is further adapted to execute the instructions to identify a scanned item code for a scanned item that does not match and identified item code for the scanned item based on the item recognition.

19. A method, comprising:

scanning first item codes from a scan area by a scanner that is adjacent to the scan area during a transaction;

obtaining multiple images from multiple cameras of each of a plurality of items located in the scan area during the transaction, the multiple cameras integrated into a framed element and focused on the scan area;

performing item recognition on the multiple images for each item and assigning second item codes to the items;

comparing the first item codes against the second item codes;

determining whether to issue an alert based on the comparing; and

processing the transaction based on the first item codes and the second item codes.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising, processing the method when the items are placed in the scan area.