U.S. patent application number 11/397829 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for self-checkout method and apparatus including graphic interface for non-bar coded items.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fujitsu Transaction Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric L.L. Jacobs.
Application Number | 20060282331 11/397829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26936415 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060282331 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacobs; Eric L.L. |
December 14, 2006 |
Self-checkout method and apparatus including graphic interface for
non-bar coded items
Abstract
An apparatus and method for self-checkout of non-bar coded items
is provided. The apparatus includes a PLU entry device, a PLU
database and a processing unit. The PLU entry device includes a
display and a GUI. The GUI provides on the display a predetermined
image corresponding to a non-bar coded item, and means for the user
to select the predetermined image of the non-bar coded item. The
PLU entry device supplies a PLU corresponding to the non-bar coded
item selected by the user. The processing unit uses the PLU
supplied by the PLU entry device to retrieve a price of the
selected non-bar coded item from the PLU database. A GUI editor may
also be provided for configuring the GUI for non-bar coded items.
The processing unit may maintain for each item a count of the
number of units of the item sold within a predetermined period of
time. The processing unit also may maintain a list of most
frequently sold items. The image of at least one item on the list
is provided on a selected display screen. The processing unit may
update the display screen when the list of most frequently sold
items changes. An image of a generic category of items may be
provided on the display. The displayed image of the generic
category is selected by the user to view images of respective items
in the generic category.
Inventors: |
Jacobs; Eric L.L.; (Pointe
Claire, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10019-6131
US
|
Assignee: |
Fujitsu Transaction Solutions,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26936415 |
Appl. No.: |
11/397829 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09710137 |
Nov 10, 2000 |
|
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11397829 |
Apr 3, 2006 |
|
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60244234 |
Oct 30, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07G 1/0054 20130101;
G07G 1/145 20130101; G06Q 20/203 20130101; G07G 1/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/022 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/00 20060101
G06Q020/00; G06G 1/14 20060101 G06G001/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for self-checkout of non-bar coded items,
comprising: a PLU entry device having a display and a GUI, wherein
the GUI provides on the display a predetermined image corresponding
to a non-bar coded item, and provides a user with means for
selecting the predetermined image of the non-bar coded item; and a
GUI editor, wherein the GUI editor is used to configure the GUI for
non-bar coded items.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the GUI includes a plurality
of display screens, displayed one screen at a time, and the GUI
editor is used to configure selected ones of the display
screens.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the GUI editor is used to
select the image corresponding to the non-bar coded item from a
database of images.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the GUI editor is used to
configure display screens for a plurality of non-bar coded
items.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein after the display screens for
non-bar coded items is configured, GUI data for non-bar coded items
is broadcast to a plurality of self-checkout terminals.
6. A method for self-checkout of non-bar coded items, comprising
the steps of: providing the GUI for self-checkout of non-bar coded
items by a user, the GUI including predetermined images
corresponding to selected non-bar coded items and means for the
user to select an item corresponding to one of the displayed
images; maintaining a list of most frequently sold items; and
displaying an image of at least one item on the list of most
frequently sold items on a selected display screen.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising updating the display
screen when the list of most frequently sold items changes.
8. The method of claim 6 further comprising maintaining for each
item a count of a number of units of the item sold within a
predetermined period of time.
9. The method of claim 6 further comprising updating the list of
most frequently sold items as sales take place at checkout
terminals.
10. The method of claim 6 further comprising providing a GUI editor
for configuring the GUI for non-bar coded items.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/710,137 filed on Nov. 11, 2000 and entitled
"Self-Checkout Method and Apparatus Including Graphic Interface for
Non-Bar Coded Items," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/244,234 filed on Oct. 30, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, to a method and apparatus for
self-checkout. In particular, the invention relates to a method of
and apparatus for self-checkout of non-bar coded items which
includes using a graphic user interface (GUI) on a touch screen
display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In a traditional retail environment, a customer selects
various items for purchase and brings these items to a store clerk
for checkout. Over the past few decades, retail point of sale
systems have been greatly automated to expedite the checkout
process. Computer-based point-of-sale systems are now the norm in
the retail environment.
[0004] Such point-of-sale systems include one or more terminals,
and a database of prices, inventory and other information related
to the items for purchase. Each terminal typically has an optical
scanner which scans the items to be purchased for a machine
readable bar code that identifies the item on its packaging. When
an item is scanned, the optical scanner sends a signal
corresponding to the product number of the item to a data
processing component of the point-of-sale system, which then
obtains from the database the price and the description of the
scanned item.
[0005] More recently, self-checkout point-of-sale systems have been
popularized. These systems typically comprise self-checkout
terminals each of which typically is provided with a bar code
scanner with an integrated scale that allows the customer to scan
the bar codes on the items to be purchased. The terminal typically
also has other input and output devices such as a printer,
electronic fund transfer terminal (EFT), a video camera unit and a
display.
[0006] Automated self-checkout systems, such as the U-Scan
Express.RTM. available from Optimal Robotics Corp., have become
popular among retailers throughout North America. Some
self-checkout systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,083,638,
5,115,888, 5,123,494, 5,125,465 and 5,168,961, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0007] In the typical retail market, most produce items, as well as
other items such as items priced according to weight but usually
not having a standardized weight, do not have a Universal Product
Code (UPC), in the form of a bar code, associated with them. A
Product Look Up (PLU) code is assigned instead to such items. The
PLU code corresponds to a numeric identification of the item and,
in most cases, is attached to the item with a sticker.
[0008] The non-bar coded item typically is checked out by the item
being placed on the scale at the checkout station, if the item is
priced according to weight, and then the PLU code of the item being
entered by the customer at the self-checkout station, or by the
cashier at a manned checkout station, using the numeric keypad. The
processing unit then assigns a price to the item based on the PLU
code and, if applicable, the weight of the item detected by the
scale. Many customers at such self-checkout stations do not know,
however, that they need to enter manually the PLU code for such
items, and therefore such customers experience delay in the
checkout process.
[0009] At a self-checkout terminal, the customer is provided means
to call for assistance from a supervisory employee when a non-bar
coded item is to be processed. The video camera unit at the
self-checkout terminal captures a video image of the uncoded item
placed on the terminal's scale by the customer. The video image of
the uncoded item is displayed at a supervisor station display which
allows the supervisory employee to view the non-bar coded item and
thereafter enter the appropriate PLU code for the item. This
employee typically supervises, however, several self-checkout
terminals, and therefore the customer might encounter delay waiting
for a non-bar coded item to be processed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
self-checkout of non-bar coded items. The apparatus includes a PLU
entry device, a PLU database and a processing unit. The PLU entry
device includes a display and a GUI. The GUI provides on the
display a predetermined image corresponding to a non-bar coded
item, and means for the user to select the predetermined image of
the non-bar coded item. The PLU entry device supplies a PLU
corresponding to the non-bar coded item selected by the user. The
processing unit uses the PLU supplied by the PLU entry device to
retrieve the price of the selected non-bar coded item from the PLU
database.
[0011] The apparatus may include a GUI editor. The GUI editor may
be used to configure the GUI for non-bar coded items.
[0012] The processing unit may maintain for each item a count of
the number of units of the item sold within a predetermined period
of time. The processing unit also may maintain a list of most
frequently sold items, and the image of at least one item on the
list may be provided on a selected display screen. The processing
unit may update the display screen when the list of most frequently
sold items changes.
[0013] An image of a generic category of items may be provided on
the display. The displayed image of the generic category may be
selected by the user to view images of respective items in the
generic category.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention can be more readily understood from
the following detailed description by referring to the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary image in a GUI for non-bar coded
items, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
that might appear on a touch screen monitor for selecting a generic
category of items;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary GUI screen for selecting one of
specific types of apples;
[0017] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary GUI screen presenting maintenance
mode options;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary GUI screen for entering a
password;
[0019] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary GUI screen for entering an
alternate password;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary GUI screen presenting custom setup
options;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen presenting edit
options;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
reset frequency for the database of most frequently sold items;
[0023] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
day of the week upon which the database is to be reset;
[0024] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting
visual layout of the GUI for non-bar coded items;
[0025] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
button to which an item or generic category may be assigned;
[0026] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
type of an item to be assigned to the selected button;
[0027] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
third button to be defined;
[0028] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
specific item to assign to a button;
[0029] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen indicating
selection of an organic fruit/vegetable;
[0030] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen informing that
an incorrect PLU code was entered;
[0031] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
fourth button to be defined;
[0032] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
generic category to be assigned to a selected button;
[0033] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
generic category;
[0034] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
fifth button to be defined;
[0035] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
button to be assigned in the submenu;
[0036] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting
an item to assign to the selected button in the submenu;
[0037] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting
an item to assign to a second button in the submenu;
[0038] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for selecting a
third button to be assigned in the submenu;
[0039] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for presenting
a warning if a selected button has been assigned to a generic
category with a pre-defined submenu;
[0040] FIG. 26 shows an exemplary GUI editor screen for confirming
removal of a selected button;
[0041] FIG. 27 shows an exemplary screen in the GUI for non-bar
coded items;
[0042] FIG. 28 shows an exemplary screen in the GUI for non-bar
coded items when a generic category button is selected;
[0043] FIG. 29 shows a flow chart for a process, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, of setting up a non-bar
coded items GUI.
[0044] FIG. 30 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for
self-checkout of non-bar coded items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] A GUI for processing the purchase of non-bar coded
(primarily produce) items at a self-checkout terminal is provided
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A GUI
editor for setting up the GUI for non-bar coded items also may be
provided.
[0046] Hereinafter, reference will be made to the processing of
produce items for illustration purposes. However, as it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art, the GUI also may be provided
for the processing of other non-bar coded items. Images and PLU
codes for other non-bar coded items, such as bakery and bulk items,
can also be stored in a database of the processing unit.
[0047] FIG. 30 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for
self-checkout of non-bar coded items, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Self-checkout apparatus 300
includes a processing unit 301 which may be configured similar to
known microprocessor-based computers and has a central processing
unit (CPU), a plurality of storage devices, an input/output (I/O)
interface and a network interface. The storage devices may include
program memory, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory
[such as read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable
ROM (EEPROM), etc.], and any or a combination of the mass storage
devices known conventionally in the art, such as floppy disk,
optical disk, hard disk and/or tape cartridge drives, plus
appropriate device drivers. The CPU communicates via the I/O
interface with a PLU database 303, one or more scales 304, PLU
entry device 302, and a bar code scanner, as well as with other
input devices and output devices.
[0048] Processing unit 301 communicates via the network interface
with devices, such as a host station, on a network which may be any
one or a combination of local area network (LAN), wide area network
(WAN), wireless and other networks. The network interface includes
the appropriate units for interfacing with the network, including,
for example, Ethernet card, modem, radio frequency (RF)
transceiver, etc. For example, processing unit 301 may download
product and other information from a central point-of-sale database
on the network, on power-up as well as periodically during
operation, via the network interface. Thus, the PLU database stored
in the storage devices may be updated.
[0049] PLU entry device 302 includes display 302a and GUI 302b, and
may be used by the customer to enter the PLU of an item that does
not have a bar code. For example, when a shopper at the
self-checkout terminal places an item on scale 304, a GUI screen
shown in for example FIG. 1 by default is displayed on the display.
The GUI provides the customer with directions to guide him/her
along to specify the item that is on the scale. The images of a
number of pre-selected non-bar coded items and/or generic
categories are displayed. Since verbal instructions as well as
graphic content are provided, the customer is easily able to
identify the product that is on the scale. Display 302a preferably
is a touch screen display. Other displays coupled with a pointer
device may also be used.
[0050] After the customer has specified, using the GUI, the item
that is on the scale, the processing unit 301 uses a PLU associated
with the specified item to retrieve a price of the item from the
PLU database.
[0051] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the GUI for processing of non-bar coded (as well as other) items is
provided on a touch screen display of a self-checkout terminal. The
GUI for the processing of non-bar coded items, such as produce
items, may display photo quality images of the non-bar coded items
on the touch screen monitor. The customer typically places the
non-bar coded item on a scale at the terminal and then selects the
image of the non-bar coded item displayed by the GUI on the touch
screen monitor. The scale may be integrated with a bar code scanner
such that the integrated device provides the functions of a scanner
as well as a scale. A processing unit of the self-checkout terminal
automatically assigns a price to the item based on the PLU code of
the item and its detected weight.
[0052] A graphic numeric "keypad" also may be provided (as a touch
screen zone) on the touch screen monitor. The numeric keypad on the
touch screen monitor allows the customer to enter the PLU code once
the non-bar coded item has been placed on the scale. The processing
unit assigns a price to the item according to the PLU code entered
and the weight of the item detected by the scale.
[0053] A number of categories of images may be displayed on the
screen. One category which may be generated by the processing unit
corresponds to a list of produce items sold most frequently at the
self-checkout terminals. Another category of images corresponds to
specific produce items, such as a specific fruit or vegetable
(e.g., kiwi, red pepper). Yet another group of images may
correspond to generic produce categories, such as a family of
fruits or vegetables (e.g., citrus, pears, stone fruit or beans).
Lemons and limes, for example, may be represented by the generic
citrus category.
[0054] The image shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a screen
that might appear on the touch screen monitor in a GUI for non-bar
coded items. After the user selects a button corresponding to the
generic apples category from a GUI screen, shown for example in
FIG. 1, the GUI then may provide a second screen which includes
buttons corresponding to specific types of apples, such as
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0055] In addition, a button (e.g., identified in FIG. 1 as "No
Label") may be provided on the display for selection by 5 the
customer when no PLU code sticker is present on the produce item,
or when no image of the produce item is displayed on the touch
screen monitor.
[0056] A database of specific produce (or non-bar coded) item
images and their associated PLU codes may be stored on the hard
disk of the processing unit. A database of generic produce (or
non-bar coded) category images also may be stored on the hard disk
of the processing unit. A database system may be in place in the
processing unit to dynamically maintain a list of the most
frequently sold items at each self-checkout terminal in the
store.
[0057] The images of the most frequently sold items, corresponding
to information stored in the most frequently sold items database,
are displayed on the touch screen monitor. The list of the most
frequently sold items may change continuously as a result of
ongoing sales at the self-checkout terminals. The system
automatically updates the images on the touch screen monitor for
those buttons pre-defined as buttons for most frequently sold
items. The updating of the buttons may be dynamic and occur in
between the processing of two orders at the self-checkout
terminal.
[0058] The processing unit of each self-checkout terminal may
maintain an item count of every produce (or non-bar coded item)
sold. Checkout terminals may communicate to find the highest count
of produce (or non-bar coded) items in their database. The produce
(or non-bar coded) items with the highest count overall may be
displayed on the touch screens of the self-checkout terminals.
[0059] As an example, the following may be a snapshot (in time) of.
information stored in the databases corresponding to counts of
produce (or non-bar coded) items sold at four respective
self-checkout terminals in a grocery store: TABLE-US-00001 Terminal
1 Terminal 2 Terminal 3 Terminal 4 Database Database Database
Database carrots = 156 lemons = 200 bananas = 750 cucumbers = 6
peaches = 48 tomatoes = 156 carrots = 155 bananas = 46
[0060] After the terminals have communicated amongst themselves,
the following results may be displayed on the touch screen monitor
of each of the self-checkout terminals: TABLE-US-00002 Top 1 =
bananas Top 2 = carrots Top 3 = lemons Top 4 = tomatoes Top 5 =
peaches Top 6 = cucumbers
[0061] An editor for setting up the non-bar coded items GUI, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, will be
described below in connection with FIGS. 3-26 and 29.
[0062] A GUI editor may be provided as a tool for an administrator
of the self-checkout system to set up the GUI for non-bar coded
items. The term "administrator" is used herein to mean a person who
has access privileges for configuring the GUI for non-bar coded
items. Such person need not be a computer specialist or expert,
particularly when the person has the benefit of a GUI editor such
as the one described below.
[0063] Using the GUI editor, the administrator may select, and
configure the terminals to show, the appropriate GUI screens, such
as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for non-bar coded items.
[0064] Configuration of the GUI for non-bar coded items may be
performed at, for example, one of the self-checkout terminals in a
maintenance mode. The maintenance mode screens at the self-checkout
terminal allow the administrator to use a GUI editor for setting up
the screens for processing non-bar coded items. After configuration
of the GUI for non-bar coded items has been completed at the
selected terminal, the GUI data may be broadcast to the remaining
self-checkout terminals in the store on a LAN or wireless network,
in order for the GUI for non-bar coded items to be installed on
those terminals.
[0065] The selected checkout terminal on which the GUI for non-bar
coded items will be configured enters a maintenance mode from one
of a number of possible paths. For example, the terminal may enter
the maintenance mode by default upon boot-up or by command from a
shell or user interface.
[0066] An example of a GUI screen which may be displayed when the
terminal enters the maintenance mode is illustrated in FIG. 3. The
maintenance mode screen provides assorted user interface features
for performing maintenance at the terminal, including testing the
various components of the terminal, such as the bill dispenser and
the speaker. Moreover, the administrator is provided with means,
e.g., a graphic button/key, to enter custom setup of the terminal
(step 102 shown in FIG. 29).
[0067] Custom setup is password protected, i.e., the user is
required to enter a password to enter custom setup. An example of a
GUI screen for entering custom setup is illustrated in FIG. 4. The
user may enter the password and select a "DONE" button on the touch
screen monitor (step 104). If the password is incorrect (step 106),
a message asking the user to try again may appear on the screen, as
shown for example in FIG. 5.
[0068] When the password is correct, the administrator is provided
with a number of custom setup functions by the GUI. The user
interface provides means on the touch screen monitor, e.g., button
identified as "Produce Editor" in FIG. 6, for the user to select
access to the GUI editor for non-bar coded items (step 108). An
additional password also may be required for access to the GUI
editor. The GUI again may prompt the user for a password as shown
for example in FIG. 4 (step 110).
[0069] After a correct password is supplied (step 112), the GUI
editor provides the administrator with two edit options (step 114),
as shown for example in FIG. 7. The administrator may select the
first option (shown in FIG. 7 as "Best-Seller Database Management")
to configure a database of specific features, such as the best
seller items, described further below. The administrator may select
the second option (shown in FIG. 7 as "Layout Modification") to
configure a layout of the GUI for non-bar coded items.
[0070] When the administrator selects the first option, the GUI
editor prompts the administrator to select a frequency for
resetting the database of the most frequently sold items (step
116), as shown for example in FIG. 8. The frequencies that may be
selected include, for example, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly,
etc. After the administrator selects the update frequency, the GUI
editor prompts the administrator to select a day of the week on
which the database is to be reset (step 118), as shown for example
in FIG. 9.
[0071] After the administrator completes configuration of the
best-seller database, the GUI editor provides the administrator
with the edit options again (FIG. 7). The administrator then may
select the "Layout Modification" option. A number of possible
visual layouts of the GUI for non-bar coded items are displayed by
the GUI editor for selection (step 120), as shown for example in
FIG. 10.
[0072] After one of the layouts is selected, the GUI editor prompts
the administrator to select one of the buttons to be defined in the
GUI for non-bar coded items (step 122), as shown for example in
FIG. 11. Next, the GUI editor prompts the administrator to assign
the selected button to an item or generic category (step 124). As
shown for example in FIG. 12, the button may be assigned to one of
the following item/category types: (i) a best seller; (ii) a
specific produce item, e.g. kiwi; or (iii) a generic produce
category, e.g., a family of fruits or vegetables.
[0073] For example, if "A Top 12 Best-seller Item" is selected
(step 126), the selected button is assigned dynamically to the item
that is currently highest in the list of most frequently sold
produce items at the self-checkout terminals (step 128). After the
button is assigned to the best seller item, the GUI editor prompts
the administrator to select one of the remaining buttons, and the
process is repeated for that second selected button.
[0074] FIG. 13 shows a GUI editor screen prompting the
administrator to select another one of the buttons after the second
button is assigned to, for example, the next best seller. After the
third button is selected, the GUI editor prompts the administrator
to assign the selected button to a produce item or generic
category, as shown for example in FIG. 12.
[0075] For example, if "A Specific Produce Item" is selected (step
130), the administrator is prompted to enter a PLU code of the item
to be assigned to the selected button (step 132). The image
corresponding to the entered PLU code appears in a portion of the
GUI editor screen, as shown for example by the image of the banana
in FIG. 14. As shown for example in FIG. 15, an organic fruit or
vegetables can be selected by specifying its corresponding PLU
code.
[0076] The administrator may confirm that the image that appears in
the GUI editor screen should be assigned to the button by pressing
the displayed image (steps 134, 136 and 137). On the other hand, if
the wrong code was entered (step 134), the administrator may select
"CLEAR" to enter the PLU code again (step 138). If the PLU code
entered by the administrator is not valid (step 135), the GUI
editor displays a message that the image is not on file, as shown
for example in FIG. 16, and disables the "OK" button. Under this
circumstance, the GUI editor waits for the "CLEAR" key to be
selected and a valid PLU code to be entered.
[0077] Next, a fourth button to be defined may be selected from the
main screen, as shown for example in FIG. 17. After a fourth button
is selected, the screen for selecting an item or generic category,
as shown for example in FIG. 12, again is presented by the GUI
editor.
[0078] For example, "A Generic Produce Category" button may be
selected (step 140). The generic category options include, as shown
for example in FIG. 18, assigning a generic category to the
selected button, or creating a submenu of other buttons to be
linked to the category button. If the administrator chooses to
assign the button to a generic category (step 141), the GUI editor
prompts the administrator to select one of a number of generic
categories (e.g., Apples) displayed on the screen (step 142), as
shown for example in FIG. 19. When the administrator selects one of
the generic categories, the selected button is set to the selected
category (step 144).
[0079] Next, the GUI editor prompts the administrator to select a
fifth button to be defined, as shown for example in FIG. 20. After
a fifth button is selected, the GUI editor prompts the
administrator to select an item or generic category to the selected
button, as shown for example in FIG. 12. For example, this button,
like the previous, may be assigned to a generic category. Then, the
GUI editor prompts the administrator to either (i) assign a generic
category to the button or (ii) create a submenu of other buttons to
be linked to the button, as shown for example in FIG. 18.
[0080] The option to create a submenu for this button may be
selected, and then specific items may be assigned to buttons in the
submenu. If the option to create a submenu is selected (step 141),
the GUI editor prompts the administrator to select a button in the
submenu (step 146), as shown for example in FIG. 21. Next, the GUI
editor prompts the administrator to enter a PLU code of the item to
be assigned to the selected button (step 148). When the PLU code is
entered, the image corresponding to the entered PLU code appears in
a portion of the GUI editor screen, as shown for example in FIG.
22. The administrator may confirm that the image that appears in
the GUI editor screen should be assigned to the button in the
submenu, by pressing the displayed image (step 150). The selected
button in the submenu then is set to the selected item
corresponding to the entered PLU code (step 151). If a mistake is
made (step 149), the "CLEAR" button may be selected (step 152) and
a correct PLU code entered (step 148).
[0081] This process may be repeated, as shown for example in FIGS.
23 and 24, until all buttons in the submenu have been assigned to
items. The "EXIT" button may be selected when the process is
complete.
[0082] Let's now return to the GUI editor screen shown in FIG. 20.
One of the already assigned buttons may be selected. After one of
the assigned buttons (e.g., button assigned to the "Apples"
category) is selected, the GUI editor screen shown in FIG. 12 is
presented. If the administrator attempts to assign the button to
another item or category, a warning screen, as shown for example in
FIG. 25, appears. If the already assigned button corresponds to a
generic category with a pre-defined submenu, all the information
stored concerning the submenu could be lost if the "YES" button is
selected.
[0083] Let's return again to the GUI editor screen shown in FIG.
20. After one of the assigned buttons is selected, the GUI editor
screen shown in FIG. 12 again is presented. The administrator may
choose to "Remove this Button" to delete the selected button. If
the administrator chooses to "Remove this Button" a confirmation
screen appears, as shown for example in FIG. 26. The "YES" button
may be selected to confirm the deletion. The "Go Back" button may
be selected to return to the edit options screen (i.e., FIG. 7),
and then the "Go Back" button may be selected again to exit the GUI
editor and return to the custom setup screen (i.e., FIG. 6), and a
third time to return to the maintenance mode screen (i.e., FIG.
3).
[0084] FIG. 27 illustrates how the GUI for non-bar coded items
created by the editor process described above might look on the
touch screen of a self-checkout terminal. After a customer selects
the apples generic category button, the GUI screen shown in FIG. 28
is displayed.
[0085] Various changes and modifications of the described
embodiments could be effected by one skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention recited in the
appended claims. Improvements and modifications which become
apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art after reading this
disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims are deemed within
the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore
contemplated that the appended claims would cover any such
modifications or improvements.
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