US 5,992,570 A · Self-service checkout apparatus

Abstract

A self-service checkout apparatus for processing items selected by a customer for purchase includes a customer operated device, such as a scanner/scale, for identifying each item selected for purchase. The apparatus also includes a self-service terminal which includes a card or cash payment accepting device, a cash dispensing device for providing a customer with cash by way of change or cashback, and an electronic controller connected to the customer operated device and arranged to determine the price of each item identified by the customer operated device. The terminal displays the total amount payable on a screen. A customer exit is normally closed by a security gate which is arranged to be opened in response to the customer making payment for the total amount. The terminal can be used to provide ATM services independently of a checkout transaction.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A checkout apparatus for processing items selected by a customer for purchase, the checkout apparatus comprising:

customer operated means for identifying each item selected for purchase;
an integrated self-service terminal including payment accepting means for enabling the customer to make payment for the purchased items, cash dispensing means for providing the customer with cash by way of change, and electronic control means connected to the customer operated means and for determining the price of each item identified by the customer operated means;
the self-service terminal employing a display screen being arranged both to guide the customer through a merchandising transaction and to provide to the customer an indication of the total amount to be paid by the customer for the purchased items;
and
the self-service terminal providing at least one of a number of automated teller machine (ATM) services independently of the processing of items selected for purchase, the number of ATM services including (i) allowing a customer to withdraw cash from a bank account, (ii) allowing a customer to shift money between bank accounts, and (iii) allowing a customer to check the amount of money in a bank account.

2 more elements

A self-checkout apparatus for processing items selected by a customer for purchase, and a customer operated bar code scanner for identifying each item selected for purchase, the self-checkout apparatus comprising:

a self-service terminal providing integrated automated teller machine and point of sale functionality which includes a payment accepting mechanism for enabling the customer to make payment for the purchased items, a cash dispenser arranged to provide the customer with cash by way of change or as part of an automated teller machine transaction, and an electronic controller which is connected to said customer operated bar code scanner and which is arranged to determine the price of each item identified by said customer operated barcode scanner, said self-service terminal being arranged to provide to the customer an indication of the total amount to be paid by the customer for the purchased items;
and
a common display screen arranged to display messages for guiding a customer through both checkout transactions, and automated teller machine transactions.

A method of completing both banking and sales transactions in a retail establishment utilizing an integrated self-service checkout terminal comprising the steps of:

displaying a first set of instructions on a common display of the integrated self-checkout terminal while the integrated self-service checkout terminal is in an idle state;
recording an indication by the customer to start the transaction by an input device in the integrated self-service checkout terminal;
displaying on the common display a second set of instructions for the customer to indicate whether the customer wishes to make the transaction a banking transaction or a shopping transaction;
recording a response by the customer by the input device;
and
completing the transaction by the integrated self-checkout terminal.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-service checkout apparatus

Life of this patent

Self-service checkout apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28