Point of sale (POS) based bar code reading and cash register systems with integrated internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminals

A point of sale (POS)-based bar code driven retail transaction terminal system installable in a counter-surface at a point of sale (POS) environment, said POS-based bar code driven retail transaction terminal system comprising:

• a bioptical laser scanning bar code reading unit having a bottom portion having a horizontal scanning window installable through said counter-surface, and a vertical portion operably connected with said bottom portion and having a vertical scanning window;
• an electronic produce scale integrated within said bottom portion of said bioptical laser scanning bar code reading unit;
• a housing connected to said vertical portion of said bioptical laser scanning bar code reading unit, defining a cashier's side of the system and a customer's side of the system;
• a cashier-scale terminal integrated with said bioptical laser scanning bar code reading unit, and having a first visual display panel and a first keyboard provided on the cashier's side of said housing;
• and
• a customer-kiosk terminal integrated with said bioptical laser scanning bar code reading unit, and having a second visual display panel and second keyboard integrated therewith provided on the customer's side of said housing;
• and
• a computing platform for running a cashier-clerk/customer retail transaction application that automatically and sequentially generates and displays graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on said first and second display panels, and supports data entry operations at said cashier-scale terminal and said customer-kiosk terminal, in accordance with a cashier-clerk/customer interaction script automatically generated by said cashier-clerk/customer retail transaction application running on said computing platform;
• wherein said cashier-scale terminal is arranged opposite said customer-kiosk terminal so that said cashier faces the customer during a retail transaction carried out at said POS-based bar code driven transaction terminal system;
• wherein said first display panel at said cashier-scale terminal enables the cashier to enter information into said cashier-scale terminal regarding produce items to be weighed by said electronic produce scale, as well as display such information for the cashier to review;
• and
• wherein said second display panel at said customer-kiosk terminal enables the customer to view a displayed price of scanned items and a displayed weight and price of weighed items, as well as enter and display information pertaining to financial transactions being carried out in connection with the purchase of products and/or produce at said POS environment;
• and
• wherein behavioral interaction of both the cashier and the customer are automatically guided in accordance with said cashier-clerk/customer interaction script so as to ensure that a predetermined quality of service is delivered to the customer by said cashier.