U.S. patent application number 10/389474 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-18 for method and system for controlling messages printed by an in-store label printer and related label structure.
Invention is credited to Schuller, Robert J..
Application Number | 20030173118 10/389474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24661181 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030173118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schuller, Robert J. |
September 18, 2003 |
Method and system for controlling messages printed by an in-store
label printer and related label structure
Abstract
A method for selectively printing different messages on labels
printed by an in-store scale involves providing an in-store scale
including a label printing mechanism with a supply of labels and a
communications link for receiving information from a site external
to the store. The scale label printing mechanism is configured in a
first state and, during the first state, simultaneous printing of
two types of information on a first label takes place. In
particular, both (i) product information for a specified product to
which the first label will be applied and (ii) a first message
pertaining to a product which is different than the specified
product to which the first label will be applied, are printed on
the first label. The in-store scale receives a message control
signal via the communications link which configures the scale label
printing mechanism in a second state. During the second state,
simultaneous printing of two types of information on a second label
takes place. In particular, both (i) product information for a
specified product to which the second label will be applied and
(ii) a second message, different than the first message, and also
pertaining to a product which is different than the specified
product to which the second label will be applied, are printed on
the second label.
Inventors: |
Schuller, Robert J.; (Troy,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMPSON HINE LLP
2000 COURTHOUSE PLAZA N.E.
10 WEST SECOND STREET
DAYTON
OH
45402-1758
US
|
Family ID: |
24661181 |
Appl. No.: |
10/389474 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10389474 |
Mar 14, 2003 |
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09663285 |
Sep 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
177/25.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20130101;
G06Q 30/0241 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; Y10T 428/14 20150115;
G06Q 30/0238 20130101; G06Q 30/0225 20130101; G06Q 30/0235
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
177/25.15 |
International
Class: |
G01G 019/40 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for selectively printing different messages on labels
printed by an in-store scale system, the method comprising the
steps of: (a) providing an in-store scale system including a label
printing mechanism with a supply of labels, and a communications
link for receiving information from a site external to the store;
(b) configuring the scale system label printing mechanism in a
first state; (c) during the first state, for each label output by
the scale system label printing mechanism, simultaneously printing
both: (i) at:least one of product name and price information for a
product to which the label will be applied, and (ii) a first
message pertaining to a predetermined product which is different
than the product to which the label will be applied; (d) receiving,
by the scale system, a message control signal via the
communications link which configures the scale system label
printing mechanism in a second state; and (e) during the second
state, for each label output by the scale system, label printing
mechanism, simultaneously printing both: (i) at least one of
product name and price information for a product to which the label
will be applied, and (ii) a second message, different than the
first message, and also pertaining to the predetermined product
which is different than the product to which the label will be
applied.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes providing at
least one of a pre-printed name and design element of the
predetermined product on each label.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes providing a
pre-printed scannable coupon bar code on each label, and in steps
(c)(ii) and (e)(ii) the first and second messages each comprise at
least respective coupon discounts for the predetermined
product.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the pre-printed coupon bar code is
associated with a stored discount amount in at least one of an
in-store point-of-sale system and a store computer system, the
method comprising the further step of: (f) adjusting the stored
discount amount associated with the pre-printed coupon bar code to
correspond to the coupon discount amount printed in step
(e)(ii).
5. The method of claim 3 wherein in steps (c)(ii) and (e)(ii) the
first and second messages each further comprise coupon validity
information.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the pre-printed coupon bar code is
associated with a stored discount amount in at least one of an
in-store point-of-sale system and a store computer system, the
method comprising the further step of: (f) adjusting the stored
discount amount associated with the pre-printed coupon bar code at
a time which corresponds to expiration of the first coupon message
and beginning of a validity period of the second coupon
message.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein the pre-printed coupon bar code is
provided on a non-adhesive, rear surface portion of the labels, and
the first and second messages are printed on an opposed front
surface of the labels.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes providing a
stored table of message options in memory of the scale system, each
message option having an associated respective message indicator,
and in step (d) the message control signal received via the
communications link comprises at least one message indicator
associated with one of the message options stored in memory of the
scale system.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes providing the
first message at a storage location in memory of the scale system,
and in step (d) the message control signal received via the
communications link comprises at least the second message, the
method including storing the received second message in memory of
the scale system.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein in step (d) the message control
signal received via the communications link is sent by one of a
manufacturer, distributor and advertiser for the predetermined
product.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein step (a) includes providing a
stored table of predetermined message options in memory of the
scale system, the table associating a particular message indicator
with each message option, and in step (d) the message control
signal received via the communications link comprises at least one
message indicator associated with one of the message options stored
in memory of the scale system.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein subsequent to steps (c) and (e)
the printed labels are applied to product packages.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) occurs subsequent to
step (c).
14. An in-store label printing arrangement adapted for printing
coupon information on labels to be applied to packages, comprising:
an in-store scale system including a print head and a supply of
labels movable along a label path past the print head for having
indicia printed thereon, the labels each including a coupon bar
code on its rear surface, a controller operatively connected for
controlling the print head, memory having a table of message
options stored therein, each message option having an associated
respective message indicator; a communications link associated with
the controller of the scale system for receiving information from a
site external to the store; wherein in a first scale system
configuration the controller is operable to effect simultaneous
printing of both (i) product information of a product to which a
label is to be applied and (ii) a first coupon message according to
a selected message indicator stored in memory, the first coupon
message relating to a product which is different than the product
to which the label is to be applied; wherein the selected message
indicator stored in memory is changed according to a message
control signal received via the communications link, placing the
scale system in a second configuration; and wherein in the second
scale system configuration the controller is operable to effect
simultaneous printing of both (i) product information of a product
to which a label is to be applied and (ii) a second coupon message
according to the changed selected message indicator stored in
memory, the second coupon message also relating to a product which
is different than the product to which the label is to be
applied.
15. A method for in-store advertising by a product
manufacturer/distributo- r utilizing an in-store printing
mechanism, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an
in-store label printing mechanism including a communications link
for receiving information remotely from the product
manufacturer/distributor; (b) providing a table of predetermined
message options stored in memory of the in-store label printing
mechanism, the table associating a particular message indicator
with each message option; (c) providing a supply of labels each
having a pre-printed scannable coupon bar code on a rear surface
thereof; (d) printing, with the in-store label printing mechanism,
messages on labels according to a selected message indicator,
wherein the messages are printed on a front surface of the labels
and comprise at least coupon discount amounts and coupon validity
information; (e) sending at least one message control signal from
the product manufacturer/distributor to the in-store label printing
mechanism via the communications link, the message control signal
identifying a new selected message indicator, enabling the product
manufacturer/distributor to selectively control which of the
predetermined message options is printed on labels by the in-store
label printing mechanism; and (f) applying the printed labels to
product packages.
16. A method for controlling an in-store label coupon printing
system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an
in-store label printing mechanism including a controller and
associated memory, and a user input device; (b) providing a supply
of labels for the in-store printing mechanism, each label including
a pre-printed coupon bar code on a rear surface portion thereof;
(c) selectively utilizing the user input device to establish a
coupon message to be printed on a front surface of the labels by
the in-store printing mechanism; (d) providing a stored discount
amount associated with the coupon bar code in at least one of an
in-store point-of-sale system memory and a store computer system
memory; and (e) adjusting the stored discount amount to coincide
with changes made in the coupon message printed by the in-store
label printing mechanism.
17. A method for selectively printing different messages on labels
printed by an in-store scale system, the method comprising the
steps of: (a) providing an in-store scale system including a label
printing mechanism with a supply of labels, and a communications
link for receiving information from a site external to the store;
(b) during a first state of the scale system printing mechanism,
simultaneously printing on a first-label both: (i) at least one of
product name and price information for a specified product to which
the first label will be applied, and (ii) a first message
pertaining to a product which is different than the product to
which the first label will be applied; (c) receiving, by the
in-store scale system, a message control signal via the
communications link which configures the scale system label
printing mechanism in a second state; and (d) during the second
state, simultaneously printing on a second label both: (i) at least
one of product name and price information for a product to which
the second label will be applied, and (ii) a second message,
different than the first message, and also pertaining to a product
which is different than the specified product to which the second
label will be applied.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the product to which the first
message pertains in step (b)(ii) is the same as the product to
which the second message pertains in step (d)(ii).
19. A method for selectively printing different messages on labels
output by an in-store printing mechanism, the method comprising the
steps of: (a) providing an in-store label printing mechanism with a
supply of labels, and a communications link for receiving
information from a site external to the store; (b) simultaneously
printing on a first label both: (i) at least one of product name
and price information for a product to which the first label will
be applied, and (ii) a first message pertaining to a product which
is different than the product to which the first label will be
applied; (c) receiving, by the in-store label printing mechanism, a
message control signal via the communications link; and (d)
simultaneously printing on a second label both: (i) at least one of
product name and price information for a product to which the
second label will be applied, and (ii) a second message, different
than the first message and established by the message control
signal of step (c), and also pertaining to a product which is
different than the product to which the second label will be
applied.
20. A method for selectively printing messages on a label output by
an in-store printing mechanism, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing an in-store label printing mechanism with a supply of
labels, and a communications link for receiving information from a
site external to the store; (b) receiving, by the in-store label
printing mechanism, a message control signal via the communications
link; (c) subsequent to step (b), simultaneously printing on a
label both: (i) at least one of product name and price information
for a product to which the first label will be applied, and (ii) a
message pertaining to a predetermined product which is different
than the product to which the first label will be applied, the
message corresponding to the message control signal received in
step (b).
21. A label structure, comprising: a base paper including front and
rear surfaces, at least one pre-printed information region toward
the rear surface of the base paper, the printed information region
comprising: an adhesive layer adjacent the rear surface; an
adhesive deadening layer overlaying the adhesive layer in a defined
area; and printed information in at least portions of the defined
area.
22. The label structure of claim 21 wherein the printed information
overlays at least portions of the adhesive deadening layer and the
layer of printed information comprises a scannable coupon bar
code.
23. The label structure of claim 22 wherein a scannable product bar
code is positioned toward the front surface of the base paper at a
position spaced from but proximate to the scannable coupon bar
code.
24. The label structure of claim 23 wherein at least a portion of
the printed information region is defined by a separation line
formed in the base paper.
25. A roll of labels of the type specified in claim 23, wherein the
roll includes a backing material having a release coating on a
surface thereof, the rear surface of the labels applied to and
facing the backing material surface including the release
coating.
26. A labeled package assembly, comprising: a package; a label
adhesively attached to the package, the label including an
outwardly facing front surface having a scannable product
information bar code thereon and a rear surface which faces
inwardly toward an outer surface of the package, a portion of the
label rear surface having a scannable coupon information bar code
thereon; wherein the scannable product information bar code is
positioned at a location spaced from but proximate to a location of
the scannable coupon information bar code; wherein the portion of
the label rear surface including the scannable coupon information
bar code is defined by at least one separation line of the label
and is removable from the package in a manner which leaves the
scannable product information bar code remaining on the package.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to in-store printer
mechanisms utilized for printing labels applied to products and to
label structures utilized by such printer mechanisms, and more
particularly, to a method and system for controlling messages
printed on labels by an in-store scale for increasing marketing and
promotional opportunities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The perishable foods sections of most supermarkets and
grocery stores such as the meat department, bakery, deli and
produce department, typically include one or more in-store printers
for printing labels with item name, weight or count, and price
information. The labels are then applied to the packaged items.
Many such printers are provided as part of in-store scales or
systems including scales. FIG. 9A represents a front surface view
of a typical pre-printed label 200 which may be utilized in the
scale. The label 200 is often times pre-printed with store-specific
information such as the store name and/or logo in a predetermined
portion 202 of the label and a remaining portion 204 of the label
is left blank to permit the scale printer to print product name,
weight, price information, and product bar code in such space. FIG.
9B represents a front surface view of another label 210 which has
been used in the past and which is pre-printed with store-specific
information such as the store name and/or logo in a predetermined
portion 212 and is also pre-printed in label portion 214 with an
advertisement message/logo which may relate to any other product
sold in the store. Remaining portion 216 is left blank to permit
the scale printer to print product name, weight, price information,
and product bar code in such space. The problem with the
pre-printed advertisement is that it is permanent and cannot be
adjusted at the store.
[0003] Increasingly, in-store equipment such as scales/scale
systems may include a communications link for receiving information
externally of the store. As used herein the term scale system
refers to any scale device or any larger device which includes a
scale, such as a weigh/wrap machine. For example, prior art scale
systems exist in which pricing information in the goods database is
updated remotely from a central location so that all related stores
in a chain use the same pricing scheme. Chain personnel can also
use communications links with in-store scale systems to monitor
scale status/function. Still further, prior art in-store scale
systems exist which are capable of printing two labels, one which
includes the product and price information and another which prints
a marketing message. An example of such a prior art system is
illustrated in FIG. 10 where a store 300 is shown and external site
302 is shown. A scale system 304 including a controller 306 and
associated printer 308 is located in the store 302, along with a
second printer 310 which is connected to controller 306 for control
thereby. The controller 306 is also connected via communications
link 312 to a computer 314 at external site 302. In the illustrated
system, computer 314 has been used to control pricing information
used by scale 304 for printing on a first label by printer 308, and
to also control merchandising messages printed on a second,
separate label by printer 310, where the pricing information
printed by printer 308 and the merchandising information printed by
printer 310 related to the same product. Examples of merchandising
messages printed on the second label by printer 310 include "Great
For The Grill" or "100% Pure Ground Beef" or "50.cent. Off". Such
prior art systems have also been used to print similar
merchandising messages, regarding the product to which a pricing
label is applied, on the pricing label itself.
[0004] Product manufacturers, distributors, advertisers and store
operators are continually looking for new and improved ways to
market and advertise products within the store. Accordingly, given
the number of labels printed on a daily basis by such scales, and
the fact that the packages containing such labels are typically
placed directly in front of consumers or into the consumer's hands,
it would be desirable to utilize such scales to deliver marketing
and promotional messages for numerous products in a controlled
manner.
[0005] In the label printing field it is also known to provide
coupons on labels which are applied to products. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,578,797 provides a label structure which includes both a
product bar code and a coupon bar code on a front surface of the
label. The coupon portion of the label is designed to be torn off
by the customer. However, some customers may not tear off the
coupon. In such cases, this label structure can be problematic
because checkout scanners can be confused by the presence of two
bar codes on the label. Accordingly, it would also be desirable to
provide a label structure which provides coupon capability while
overcoming the aforementioned problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for
selectively printing different messages on labels printed by an
in-store scale involves providing an in-store scale including a
label printing mechanism with a supply of labels and a
communications link for receiving information from a site external
to the store. The scale label printing mechanism is configured in a
first state and, during the first state, simultaneous printing of
two types of information on a first label takes place. In
particular, both (i) product information for a specified product to
which the first label will be applied and (ii) a first message
pertaining to a product which is different than the specified
product to which the first label will be applied, are printed on
the first label. The in-store scale receives a message control
signal via the communications link which configures the scale label
printing mechanism in a second state. During the second state,
simultaneous printing of two types of information on a second label
takes place. In particular, both (i) product information for a
specified product to which the second label will be applied and
(ii) a second message, different than the first message, and also
pertaining to a product which is different than the specified
product to which the second label will be applied, are printed on
the second label. Thus, the method enables messages imprinted on
labels to be selectively controlled by parties such as the
manufacturer or distributor of the predetermined product, or an
advertising agency charged with increasing sales of the
predetermined product.
[0007] In one variation of the method, the first and second
messages relate to coupon discount amounts for the predetermined
product. In connection with this variation, another aspect of the
invention provides a label structure including a base paper having
front and rear surfaces, at least one pre-printed information
region toward the rear surface of the base paper. The pre-printed
information region is formed by an adhesive layer adjacent the rear
surface of the base paper, an adhesive deadening layer overlaying
the adhesive layer in a defined area, and a layer of printed
information overlaying at least portions of the adhesive deadening
layer. The layer of printed information may include a coupon bar
code which can be tied to the coupon discount information to be
printed on the front surface of the label. Because the coupon bar
code is provided on the rear surface of the label, it will face
inward against a package and will not cause confusion with the
product bar code on the front surface of the label during scanning,
in the event the customer does not detach the coupon before
checkout.
[0008] Still a further aspect of the invention provides a method
for controlling an in-store label coupon printing system involves
providing an in-store label printing mechanism including a
controller and associated memory, and a user input device. A supply
of labels is also provided for the in-store printing mechanism,
each label including a pre-printed coupon bar code on a rear
surface portion thereof The user input device is selectively
utilized to establish a coupon message to be printed on a front
surface of the labels by, the in-store printing mechanism. A stored
discount amount associated with the coupon bar code is provided in
at least one of an in-store point-of-sale computer system memory
and a store computer system memory. The stored discount amount is
adjusted as needed to coincide with changes made in the coupon
message printed by the in-store label printing mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a label
printing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a scale mechanism including
a label printer;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of steps according to one embodiment
of a method of the present invention;
[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B show front and rear surface views of one
embodiment of a label structure according to the invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG.
4A;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of a supply roll of labels;
[0015] FIGS. 7A and 7B show front and rear surface views of a
printed label;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a labeled package
assembly;
[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B show front and rear surface views of prior
art labels; and
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a prior art system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring to drawing FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a system
10 useful in carrying out the present invention includes a store
12, a communications path 14, and a retail headquarters, product
manufacturer, distributor or advertising agency location 15. The
store includes scale system 16 which is connected to the
communications path 14 via communications link 18 for receiving
externally generated messages, such as those generated by a
computer 20 at location 15. The store 12 also includes a store
computer system 22 which may be used for tracking and maintaining
inventory and a point-of-sale (POS) computer system 24 which is
utilized for customer checkout and typically includes a plurality
of bar code scanners. Communications link 26 between the scale
system 16 and POS system 24 may be provided and communications link
28 between the store computer system 22 and scale system 16 may
also be provided. While the use of communications link 18 to enable
the scale to receive external messages is preferred, it is
recognized that the scale could receive such externally generated
messages via indirect links such as a communications link comprised
of link 30, store computer system 22 and link 28. Links 18, 26, 28
and 30 are preferably hard-wired links such as typical telephone
line or coax links, but it is recognized that wireless links could
also be utilized. Communications path 14 may preferably be an
Internet link but might also be a dedicated type link. In either
case the path may be formed by any one of hard-wired, fiber-optic
or wireless type arrangements, and combinations of the same.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the scale system 16 includes a
controller 40 with an associated communications interface 42. The
controller 40 typically includes associated memory for storing
firmware, software and data as needed. At least one load cell and
associated circuitry 44 are provided for delivering weight
information to the controller 40. The controller 40 is connected
for controlling a display 46 such as an LED or LCD, and also for
controlling a printing mechanism portion which includes print head
48, label supply 50, and mechanism such as a motor drive (not
shown) for moving label stock past the print head 48 along a
predefined path 52. A user input device 54 such as a plurality of
user input keys or a touch screen arrangement associated with the
display 46 enables a user to input information such as the product
type and cost per pound or product code, as well as other
information, to the controller 40.
[0021] Scale system 16 may be representative of the typical scale
system utilized in one or more of the perishables departments of a
supermarket or grocery store for printing labels which are then
applied to products. For example, stand alone scales in the deli
department print labels which are typically applied to lunch meats,
cheeses, side salads and the like. Such scales can also be utilized
in the produce department or meat and fish departments. Weigh/wrap
type machines are also commonly used. Regardless of where the scale
system is located, the present invention enables it to be utilized
in a new and improved manner for selective control of messages
printed on labels. In particular, referring to the flow chart 60 of
FIG. 3, exemplary steps in one embodiment of the message control
method of the present invention are shown. It is assumed at initial
step 62 that the in-store scale system 16 including label printing
mechanism 48, supply of labels 50, and communications link 18 for
receiving information from a site external to the store is
configured in a first state. At step 64 a specified product (e.g.
lunch meat) is weighed and price calculated. At step 66
simultaneous printing of two types of information on a first label
takes place. In particular, both (i) product information (name and
price) for the specified product to which the first label will be
applied and (ii) a first message pertaining to a product (e.g.
potato chips) which is different than the specified product, are
printed on the first label. Thereafter, at step 68 a stand by for
the next weigh and print is indicated. If there is no change from
the first state of the scale system printer then path 70 will be
followed and the next label will be simultaneously imprinted with
specified product information and the first message. However, if
there is a change from a first state of the scale printer to a
second state of the scale system printer, then path 72 will be
followed and the next scale weigh operation will take place at step
74 and at step 76 simultaneous printing of two types of information
on a second label takes place. In particular, both (i) product
information (name and price) for the specified product to which the
second label will be applied and (ii) a second message, different
than the first and pertaining to the a product which is different
than the specified product, are printed on the second label. A new
standby state 78 is then shown, with optional paths 80 and 82
according to whether a state change in the scale system printer
occurs.
[0022] As used herein, the terminology "simultaneous printing" of
information on a label refers to printing which takes place on the
label as it passes by the printhead in a single pass, and
encompasses, without limitation, both side-by-side printing of
information and printing first information on a first portion of
the label as the first portion passes by the print head and,
subsequently, printing second information on a second portion of
the label as the second portion of the label passes by the print
head.
[0023] The state change of the scale system printer may be
controlled by receipt by the in-store scale of a message control
signal via the communications link which configures the scale label
printer in a second state. In one embodiment the scale 16 includes
a stored table of selectable message options, each including an
associated message indicator as shown in representative Table I
below:
1TABLE I STORED MESSAGE OPTIONS TABLE Message Indicator Message
Option 0000 50 Cents Off - Expires MM/DD/YY 0001 25 Cents Off -
Expires MM/DD/YY 0010 10 Cents Off - Valid MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0011
2 For 1 Special - Valid MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0100 Try New (BRAND)
Chips - Now With Less Fat 0101 Try (BRAND)'s New Barbecue Style
[0024] In this arrangement, the scale system also includes a memory
location including a selected message indicator. Thus, in state 1
of the example described above the stored selected message
indicator could be "0000" in which case during the printing
operation of step 66 the scale controller references stored message
options Table I and retrieves the "50 Cents Off--Expires MM/DD/YY"
message for printing. The control message received via the
communications link to cause the state change will be another
message indicator such as "0010" which in turn is automatically and
immediately overwritten into the selected message indicator memory
location. Thereafter, during the printing operation of step 76 the
scale controller references stored message options Table I and
retrieves the "10 Cents Off--Valid MM/DD/YY--MM/DD/YY" message for
printing. Alternatively, the control message received via the
communications link may include a new message indicator and
associated time or date at which such new message indicator is to
be utilized as the selected message indicator. In such cases the
data structure storing the selected message indicator may also
comprise a table such as Table II below:
2TABLE II SELECTED MESSAGE INDICATORS Start Date Selected Message
Indicator MM/DD/YY 0000 MM/DD/YY 0010 MM/DD/YY 0100
[0025] In this arrangement the scale system controller is
configured to utilize a running time clock to determine when to
change the scale system printer state and begin using a new message
indicator. Thus, externally generated message control signals can
be utilized to establish a future message selection pattern as
desired.
[0026] Utilizing the stored message table technique enables the
store owner/operator and the outside entity (product manufacturer,
distributor or advertiser) to agree upon permissible messages in
advance. However, an alternative embodiment in which the scale
system merely stores the message to be printed for state 1 in
memory and in which the message control signal received by the
scale contains the new message for printing (as opposed to a
message indicator) in state 2 is contemplated. Still further, where
the stored message table arrangement is utilized, it is possible
that the communications link could be utilized to update or revise
the stored message table in memory of the scale. In either
embodiment, the system and method enables messages printed on
labels in the store to be selectively controlled by parties such as
chain personnel at retail headquarters, the manufacturer or
distributor of the predetermined product, or an advertising agency
charged with increasing sales of the predetermined product.
[0027] It is recognized that Table I is merely representative of
one type of message options table and that others could be
utilized. For example, an alternative message options table is set
forth below as Table III:
3TABLE III STORED MESSAGE OPTIONS TABLE Message Indicator Message
Option--Part 1 Message Option--Part 2 0000 50 Cents Off Expires
MM/DD/YY 0001 25 Cents Off Expires MM/DD/YY 0010 10 Cents Off Valid
MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0011 2 For 1 Special Valid MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY
0100 Try New (BRAND) Now With Less Fat Chips 0101 (BRAND)'s
Barbecue Preferred 2 To 1 Style
[0028] Notably, Table II includes two message option parts which
the controller can retrieve for printing at different locations on
the label. It is also contemplated that a three-dimensional message
table or map could be utilized. Such a table could store messages
as a function of message indicator and specified product to which a
label is to be applied, so that the message is varied according to
selected message indicator and the product to which the label is to
be applied. For example, if steak is purchased a message for one
product might be printed while if hot dogs are purchased a message
for another product might be printed.
[0029] As demonstrated by the last two messages in each of Tables I
and III, the messages which are selected for printing may be
non-coupon messages. However, in a preferred arrangement the
messages which are selected for printing on labels output by the
scale system relate to coupon discount information for the
predetermined product. For example, as indicated in Table I above
the message may be an amount off, a 2 for 1 type special, or might
also be a percent off type coupon discount amount. In this regard,
a preferred label structure 90 for use in combination with the
message control method is illustrated in front and rear surface
views respectively in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Label structure 90 includes
a front face 92 having a store name/logo 94 pre-printed thereon, a
central region 96 defined by a separation line 98 and a lower
region 100 defined by the edges of the label and separation line
102. Separation lines 98 and 102 may be formed by any known means
including perforation or other weakening of the base paper. The
region between store name/logo 94 and the separation line 102 will
be used during a printing operation of the scale system to print
name and price information and/or product bar code for the
specified product to which the label is to be attached. The region
below separation line 102 will be used during a printing operation
of the scale system to print the message information for the
predetermined product. In this regard, the lower region may include
a pre-printed name and/or design element of the predetermined
product in region 104, with the selectable message then being
printed to the right of region 104.
[0030] Where the selectable message is a coupon discount message,
the label structure rear surface 110 preferably includes a
pre-printed coupon bar code 112 on the lower portion of the label
so that when the lower portion of the label is detached, the coupon
bar code stays with the coupon message printed on the front side.
On the rear side of the region defined by separation line 98, other
pre-printed information may be provided such as recipe type
information. Where the selectable message information is a coupon
discount message, a further step is in order to correlate the
change in coupon discount information to the coupon bar code which
will be scanned at check-out by the P.O.S. computer system 24 (FIG.
1). One or both of the P.O.S. computer system 24 and the store
computer system 22 will include a stored discount amount associated
with the coupon bar code 112. When the coupon discount message is
changed, the stored discount amount associated with bar code 112
will also need to be changed at some point in the future.
Generally, the stored discount amount associated with bar code 112
will be changed at a time corresponding to both the expiration of
the valid period for coupons having a first coupon message and the
beginning of the valid period for other coupons having a second
coupon message. Links 26 and 28 facilitate adjustment of the stored
discount amount associated with the coupon bar code 112 as needed.
The expiration date of a given coupon discount is printed on the
front of the label (see Tables I and III) to prevent problems with
customers attempting to use a coupon after the stored amount has
been changed.
[0031] Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an important distinction
exists between pre-printed information provided on a label and
information which is printed by the in-store scale system. In
particular, "pre-printed" information exists on the labels when
supplied to a store and therefore cannot be changed or modified by
the store unless a different label format is chosen/selected or
unless an attempt is made to overwrite or black out a pre-printed
message on the front of a label. Referring to the cross-sectional
view of FIG. 5 the label structure 90 is formed by a base paper
114. Toward the front surface side of the base paper a layer 116
formed by a thermally sensitive composition is first provided and
atop the thermal layer 116 a layer or coating 118 of a sealing
composition is provided to prevent loss of the thermal layer 116.
Atop the sealing layer 118 an ink-based layer 120 of pre-printed
information is provided in those regions where such pre-printing is
desired. When indicia 122 (e.g. selectable messages) are printed by
the thermal print head of the scale, such messages are formed in
the thermal layer 116 but are visible through the clear sealing
layer 118. Toward the rear side of the base paper 114 a layer 124
of an adhesive composition is provided for securing the label to a
product package. In those regions where pre-printed information is
provided on the rear surface of the label 90, the adhesive layer
124 is covered by an adhesive deadening layer 126 so that that
portion of the label can be removed from the package easily. The
adhesive deadening layer may typically be formed by a layer of
white ink applied over the adhesive. An ink-based layer 128 of
pre-printed information (e.g. coupon bar code or recipe) is then
applied over the adhesive deadening layer. Referring to FIG. 6 a
representative supply roll 130 of label structures 90 is shown. The
supply roll includes a liner 132 having a silicone release layer
134 applied thereto such that when the adhesive side of label
structures 90 is applied to the liner they can be easily removed
for dispensing from the scale and application to a product
package.
[0032] The manufacturing method for producing such label stock
involves starting with a wide roll of stock with label material
with adhesive side attached to the release surface base paper. The
label material is then re-applied to the base paper. The label
material is then die cut to form individual labels and length cut
to form multiple label supply rolls.
[0033] After printing product information and message information
on a label as described above, the resulting label structure may be
that shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B where front and rear surface portions
of a printed label structure 140 are shown. In particular the front
surface 142 of printed label structure 140 includes a product bar
code 144 thereon as printed by the scale print head. The rear
surface 146 of the label structure includes the pre-printed coupon
bar code 148. This arrangement eliminates the possibility that the
P.O.S. scanners will confuse the two bar codes during check-out.
Because the coupon portion of the label might be removed by the
consumer prior to check-out, the product bar code 146 on the front
surface is preferably positioned at a location spaced from but
proximate to a location of the scannable coupon information bar
code. In this regard, the term "proximate" is used to refer to a
location which results in positioning of the product bar code 142
toward the same side 150 (FIG. 8) of a product package 152 as the
coupon bar code 148 when the label is applied to the product
package forming a label and package assembly 154.
[0034] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in
detail it is to be clearly understood that the same is intended by
way of illustration and example only and is not intended to be
taken by way of limitation.
[0035] For example, while a major advantage of the above-described
method provides retailers, product manufacturers, distributors and
advertisers the ability to selective control messages printed on
labels printed in a store, it is recognized that the user input
device 54 may be used to selectively control messages as well.
Thus, a method for controlling an in-store label coupon printing
system is provided which involves providing an in-store label
printing mechanism including a controller and associated memory,
and a user input device, and providing a supply of labels for the
in-store printing mechanism, each label including a pre-printed
coupon bar code on a rear surface portion thereof. The user input
device is selectively utilized to establish a coupon message to be
printed on a front surface of the labels by the in-store printing
mechanism. A stored discount amount associated with the coupon bar
code is provided in at least one of an in-store point-of-sale
computer system memory and a store computer system memory. The
stored discount amount can be adjusted to coincide with changes
made in the coupon message printed by the in-store label printing
mechanism.
[0036] Further, while the use of a scale system with an associated
print head is primarily discussed herein, it is recognized that
other in-store label printing mechanisms could also be used for
selective control of messages printed on labels.
[0037] Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention are to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *