CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 12/236,481 filed on September 23, 2008 all of which subject matter is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to retail scanning systems and methods thereof. In particular, retail scanning systems and methods are provided herein whereby multiple items entering the field of view of a multi-item scanning device may be simultaneously scanned, identified and stored for later processing at a point of sale station or device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Optical systems for reading optical code symbols such as bar code, matrix code and two-dimensional symbologies are well known. Some known imaging optical code reading systems are capable for reading a variety of different codes from various angles and distances. Generally, imagers and laser beam scanning systems electro-optically transform optical code into electrical signals that are decoded into alpha-numerical characters or other data. These data are in digital form and are used as input to a data processing system in, for example, a point of sale (POS) environment for looking up a price for the article.

[0004] Over time, advances in scanning technology have been produced and implemented in many retail and/or package handling environments. For example, in certain package handling environments, high-speed scanning that encompasses 360° or near 360° scanning has been used with great success. In certain retail environments, lower . speed scanning that encompasses 360° or near 360° scanning (i.e., omnidirectional) has also met with a certain level of success. However, improvements of such scanning, especially in the retail environment, can still be made.

[0005] For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,019,714 (Knowles) provides a laser scanning system that includes plural modular laser scanners. Each laser scanner produces a line scan pattern. Each module is arranged to receive light reflected from an object to convert that light into electrical output signals. The system also includes means for decoding the output signals and for providing the decoded signals to a peripheral device like a computer.

[0006] In another example, U.S. Patent No. 5,252,814 (Tooley) provides a scanner at a checkout counter that appears to provide a scanning operation for items to be purchased. Interestingly, Tooley uses scanning light beam type of optical scanners placed at various angles about a digitizing plate on which the items for purchase are placed for scanning. Figure 1 of the Tooley indicates -that use of the scanning system herein necessitates a custom designed, two- tiered check-out lane. Such an approach is problematic because use of Tooley's scanning system necessitates the use of newly designed, constructed and installed check-out lanes. Given that a typical retail store like a grocery store could have ten or more such check-out lanes, use of Tooley's scanning system would be cost prohibitive.

[0007] Also, U.S. Patent No. 5,436,439 (Nishimura, et al.) provides a laser scanning bar code reader. A conveyor conveys items for purchase to the reader. The laser scanning bar code system herein consists of two laser scanning devices positioned above the conveyor surface that scan the bar codes of items conveyed beneath the two laser scanning devices.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,330,973 (Bridgelall, et al.) provides code reading systems with plural imaging or scanning modules pointed in various directions toward a target item.

[0009] What is therefore needed is a system that has the ability to scan, identify and catalogue multiple items at once for faster, more efficient check-outs in retail establishments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, a system for simultaneously scanning multiple items for purchase in a retail establishment comprising a conveying device on which the items are conveyed and a multi-item scanning device positioned onto the conveying device is provided. The multi-item scanning device has at least two imaging devices attached to the multi-item scanning device for scanning multiple items for purchase. In practice, the two or more imaging devices create a field of view in which the system scans the at least two items for purchase substantially simultaneously and preferably simultaneously within the field of view.

[0011] According to some aspects, the system further comprises a memory device that records the identity of each item scanned within the field of view. The memory device is regulated and controlled by software that also catalogues and organizes the identity of each item scanned within the field of view.

[0012] Each item for purchase^ that is scanned through the multi-item scanning device comprises readable media that possesses product identity information therein and which is able to be scanned by the multi-item scanning device. The multi-item scanning device scans the readable media on an item for purchase. According to some aspects, the multi-item scanning device comprises a housing that has an external surface and an internal surface positioned oppositely to the external surface. Within the housing, multiple imaging devices are attached to the internal surface of the housing.

[0013] According to some aspects, when multiple imaging devices are positioned within the housing, they are attached to the internal surface of the housing in multiple orientations and operate to create a 360° field of view within the housing. Software further operates to distinguish and identify multiple items simultaneously scanned by the multi-item scanning device. The software can also operate to store into memory the identity each item scanned through the multi-item scanning device.

[0014] When two or more items are scanned simultaneously between about 50% to about 99% of the readable media on all of the items scanned are read by the multi-item scanning device. According to some aspects, between about 70% and about 99% of the readable media on all of the items scanned are read by the multi-item scanning device. In the cases in which readable media is not successfully scanned those one or more items are identified by the system as having not been scanned.

[0015] According to another aspect, a method of simultaneously scanning and identifying multiple items for purchase includes providing a conveying device having a conveyor, providing a multi-item scanning device that is attached to the conveying device at a point downstream of the conveyor, and conveying two or more items on the conveyor starting from a point upstream on the conveyor to a point downstream on the conveyor to the multi-item scanning device. The two or more items are substantially simultaneously scanned in the multi- item scanning device within a field of view resident within the multi-item scanning device, hi some embodiments, the method further includes the step of recording the identity of each item scanned within the field of view using a memory device connected to or in communication with the multi-item scanning device. According to another aspect, multiple items are conveyed on the conveyor in multiple configurations and orientations without regard to a particular formation for scanning.

[0016] According to another aspect, a method for later scanning mis-scanned readable media on an item includes conveying multiple items to a point-of sale station, scanning the items with a multi-scanning device, and mis-scanning at least one of the items for purchase. The mis-scanned item is identified, and an operator is alerted to the mis-scanned item. The mis-scanned item is re-scanned.

[0017] In some embodiments, each item identified as mis-scanned item is photographed by a photographic or other imaging device or is otherwise identified as a mis-scanned item by, for example, digital or electronic labeling. An image is produced from each photographed unscanned item. An operator views each photo or electronic label produced for each mis- scanned item. Upon item identification the operator re-scans each mis-scanned item based upon each photo or digital identification produced to identify each said unscanned item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the embodiments set forth herein will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 provides a perspective view of a check-out lane with a multi-scanning device positioned thereon;

[0020] Figure 2 provides an upstream view of the inner surface of one embodiment of the multi-scanning device herein; and

[0021] Figure 3 is a side partial view of the multi-scanning device herein with items for purchase traveling therethrough.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] By the term "readable media" it is meant herein all manner of machine and/or digitally readable indicia that contains information including but not limited to barcodes, UPC code, Aztec Code, DataMatrix 2D barcode, RFID and other such readable media being read and decoded by all manner of optical scanning devices commonly known in the art. [0023] By the term "retail establishment" it is meant herein any and all manner of retail stores in which at least one check-out lane would be suitable for use in a store including but not limited to a grocery store, hardware store, consumer goods store and other store types.

[0024] By the term "software" it is meant herein one or more computer operable programs suitable for directing the performance of tasks necessary to operate the systems and the methods herein.

[0025] By the term "omnidirectional" it is meant herein that scanning of a purchasable item (i.e., scanning the bar code of the purchasable item) is possible regardless of the orientation of the bar code on a purchasable item.

[0026] A system for simultaneously scanning a first item and a second item for purchase in a retail establishment comprises a conveying device on which first and second items are conveyed and a multi-item scanning device positioned onto the conveying device. The multi- item scanning device has at least two imaging devices attached to the multi-item scanning device for scanning the first and second items for purchase. In practice, the at least two imaging devices create a field of view in which the system scans the first and second items for purchase substantially simultaneously and preferably simultaneously within the field of view.

[0027] The system is designed for simultaneously scanning at least two items, but equally works well at scanning one item for purchase in a retail establishment. For clarity, the system will be shown scanning a first and a second item, but in practice the system is designed to scan simultaneously, and identify each unique item of the two or more items simultaneously scanned in the system by the multi-scanning device.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the system for simultaneously scanning a first item and a second item for purchase in a retail establishment further comprises a memory device that records the identity of the first and second items scanned within the field of view. The memory device is regulated and controlled by software that also catalogues and organizes the identity of each of the first and second items scanned within the field of view.

10030] hi exemplary embodiments, the first and second items include readable media that possess product identity information therein. The multi-item scanning device scans and decodes the readable media of the first and second items to generate decoded information regarding the respective items. The decoded information regarding the respective items is identified, catalogued, and stored in the digital files opened for the respective items.

[0031] hi exemplary embodiments, the multi-item scanning device comprises a housing that has an external surface and an internal surface positioned oppositely to the external surface. Within the housing, the two or more imaging devices are connected to the internal surface of the housing in multiple orientations and operate to create a 360° field of view within the housing. All of the fields of view of the multiple imaging devices together fully cover the entire volume of the housing. Software further operates to distinguish a first item from a second item, and to identify the first and second items that were simultaneously scanned by the multiple imaging devices.

[0032] When two or more items are scanned simultaneously, between about 50% to about 99% of the readable media on all of the two or more items are read by the multi-item scanning devices. In some embodiments, between about 70% and about 99% of the readable media on all of the items are read by the multi-item scanning device. In the cases in which readable media is not successfully scanned (i.e., mis-scanned) those one or more items are identified by the system as mis-scanned items. In exemplary embodiments, the operator of the system ensures that mis-scanned items are re-scanned through the multi-item scanning system. [0033] A method of simultaneously scanning and identifying multiple items for purchase in some embodiments of the present invention begins with providing a conveying device having a conveyor and providing a multi-item scanning device attached to the conveying device. The multi-item scanning device is attached to the conveying device at a point downstream of the conveyor. Two or more items on the conveyor are conveyed starting from a point upstream on the conveyor to a point downstream on the conveyor and to the multi-item scanning device. The two or more items are substantially simultaneously scanned in the multi- item scanning device. The scanning takes place within the field of view resident within the multi-item scanning device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of recording the identity of each item scanned within the field of view using a memory device connected to, or in communication with, the multi-item scanning device. The items conveyed on the conveyor can be conveyed in multiple configurations and orientations without regard to a particular formation for scanning.

[0035] In some embodiments, a multi-network in a store is used as the locus of the recording of each item scanned within the field of view in the multi-item scanning device. In these embodiments, the system for scanning one or more items is in operative communication with a store's multi-network. One or more memory devices attached to the multi-network are used to store, identify, and organize the identity of one or more items for purchase that are scanned within the multi-item scanning device. A suitable store multi-network is described in further detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/172,326 filed on July 25, 2008, which is herein incorporated fully by reference.

[0036] A method for later scanning mis-scanned readable media on an item in some embodiments of the present invention begins when multiple items are conveyed to a point-of- sale station. The multiple items are scanned with a multi-scanning device, and at least one of the items for purchase is mis-scanned. The mis-scanned item conveyed to the point-of-sale station is identified, and an operator is alerted to the at least one mis-scanned item. The mis- scanned item is then re-scanned.

[0037] In some embodiments, each item identified as mis-scanned is photographed by a photographic or other imaging device. The item could otherwise be identified as a mis-scanned item by, for example, digital labeling. An image is produced from each photographed mis- scanned item. The operator views each image or the digital label, or both for each mis-scanned item. Upon identification of the mis-scanned item by the operator, the operator re-scans the mis-scanned item. Alternatively, upon the identification of the mis-scanned item by the operator's review of the image or the digital label, or both, the operator manually enters the identity of the mis-scanned item into the memory device.

[0038] FIGURE 1 provides a perspective view of a check-out lane 10 with a multi-item scanning device 20 positioned thereon. As shown, the multi-item scanning device 20 is placed at a position downstream on the check-out lane 10. Multiple items for purchase 5 are positioned on check-out lane, i.e., the conveyor 15 thereof, and are meant to be shown moving in a left to right direction of motion orientation, such direction of motion occurring from upstream on the conveyor 15 to downstream on the conveyor 15.

[0039] FIGURE 2 provides a view of multi-item scanning device 20 from the perspective of one looking into the device 20 from an upstream position. As noted hereinabove, multiple items for purchase 5 may enter the multi-item scanning device 20 at the same time or nearly simultaneously. Upon such entry, each item 5 also enters a field of view 30 created by two or more imaging devices 25. In exemplary embodiments, the multi-item scanning device 20 comprises between about two to about twenty scanning devices 25 positioned about interior 23 of casing 24. Persons of skill will readily recognize that more than twenty scanning devices 25 may be used. The appropriate number of scanning devices 25 to be used is a design choice and hinges upon the area and degree of scanning coverage producible and desirable in a field of view 30 of multi-item scanning device 20. To that end, the field of view 30 of multi-item scanning device 20 herein is omnidirectional.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the field of view 30 provides 360° scanning orientation inside the multi-item scanning device 20, so that readable media 35 attached to an item 5 is readable irrespective of the physical orientation of the readable media. Such 360° scanning orientation is important because it enables 1) a greater possibility of an actual and accurate scan of readable media on an item for purchase 5 irrespective of the orientation of the readable media on an item 5 for purchase and 2) it allows for the simultaneous scanning of two or more items 5 for purchase that exist within the field of view 30.

[0041] In some embodiments, the field of view 30 within the multi-item scanning device 20 provides a 360° field of view 30 at substantially any point within the multi-item scanning device 20. A 360° field of view 30 is not limited by, for example, a readable medium 35 on the item 5 for purchase that is held adjacent to the surface of the conveyor 15 when the readable medium 35 of an item 5 for purchase is positioned on the bottom of the item 5.

[0042] The system allows for the greater possibility of an accurate scan of the readable media 35 irrespective of its singular orientation or its orientation with respect to one or more other items present within a the field of view 30 of multi-item scanning device 20. In exemplary embodiments, the field of view 30 covers nearly the entire volume of the sensing region of the multi-item scanning device 20. Because of the 360° scanning orientation created within the field of view 30, the opportunity for mis-scans of the readable media 35 on the multiple items 5 for purchase diminishes, or is even eliminated. Such a system runs continuously or nearly continuously so that a shopper's check-out time is diminished in comparison to traditional check-out methods.

[0043] As shown in FIGURE 2, imaging devices 25 are positioned about the interior of multi-item scanning device 20 in various and diverse orientations. The effect of the number and orientations of the various imaging devices 25 is to create a 360° or omni-directional scanning orientation within multi-item scanning device 20. It should also be stated that such imaging devices 25 are positioned about the length of multi-item scanning device 20. Such positioning creates a three-dimensional field of view 30 instead of a two-dimensional field of view 30 that would be less effective for the simultaneous scanning of the readable media 35 located on the multiple items 5 for purchase within the field of view 30.

[0044] In FIGURE 3, a cross-sectional view of the check-out lane 10 is provided with multiple items 5 for purchase moving through and being scanned in a multi-item scanning device 20. Several imaging devices 25 are shown which operate to create an omnidirectional or 360° field of view 30 inside of the multi-item scanning device 20. As shown, multiple items 5 for purchase are scanned simultaneously within multi-item scanning device 20. Such scanning also occurs upwardly as is shown by imaging devices 25 shown hidden within check-out lane 10.

[0045] During scanning, items 5 for purchase are substantially continuously conveyed into and out of the multi-item scanning device 20. In some embodiments, the items 5 are conveyed without stopping. In other embodiments, the items 5 are conveyed without substantially slowing down once they reach the multi-item scanning device 20. Items 5 for purchase passing through the multi-item scanning device 20 are randomly configured. By the term "randomly configured" it is meant herein that they can be placed onto the conveyor 15 leading into the multi-item scanning device 20 without regard to the position of readable medium 35 (shown in FIGURE 2) on the item 5 for purchase and thus can be oriented in almost any configuration for scanning within the multi-item scanning device 20.

[0046] In addition to providing redundant scanning, in some embodiments, multi-item scanning device 20 also provides an imaging function for each item scanned. That is, at the moment of a first scan of an item 5, at the moment of a redundant scan of the item 5, or at both, an image of the item 5 is recorded into the memory device. This image is later added to the digital file opened for the item 5 on the memory device generated about the item 5 such that a store associate, the operator of the system, or a customer can visually verify the identity of the item 5. In some embodiments, such images are later provided to the customer once payment for all of the items has been received and the financial transaction concluded.

[0047] Multi-item scanning device 20 varies in suitable height, length, and geometric configuration in order to facilitate the various sizes and orientations of purchasable items to be scanned. In some embodiments, the multi-item scanning device 20 accommodates nearly any purchasable item that would normally be placed onto a conveyor for scanning and check-out in a grocery store, consumer goods store, and the like. Any item 5 for purchase with one or more readable media 35 (shown in FIGURE 2) and the proper physical dimensions to travel through the multi-scanning device 20 is suitable for scanning through the system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the multi-item scanning" device 20 includes a theft mitigation system. Since substantially all items entering and travelling through the multi-item scanning device 20 travel at about the same rate, an item 5 travelling through the multi-item scanning device 20 at a rate of speed outside of the known standard deviation for such items will be recognized by multi-item scanning device 20 through a speed detection device. Such speed detection is substantially instantaneous to the actual event of the item traveling through the multi-item scanning device 20. Commonly known and used radar detection systems (e.g., radar systems that use K band, Ka band and/or X band radar transmissions) can be used for speed detection. When an item 5 is recognized as moving outside the acceptable speed the system can do any of the following: 1) stop the conveyor about which the multi-item scanning device 20 is positioned and alert a store associate to review the event; 2) alert a store associate to the event while the conveyor continues to convey items 5 for purchase through multi-item scanning device 20; 3) capture a visual image of the item 5 passed through the multi-item scanning device 20 at a higher than expected rate of speed and alert a store associate to review the image; or 4) a combination of any of the previous three items can occur.

[0049] Multi-item scanning device 20 can be any of several types of scanning devices 25. For example, in some embodiments, the multi-item scanning device 20 is an image scanner. An image scanner takes a picture of an item 5 or an object on an item 5 moving through the multi-item scanning device 20. The picture captures the bar code (or other similar identifying attribute) and the bar code can be decoded from the image to identify the item. Suitable image scanners for use herein are produced any one of the following companies: METROLOGIC®; SYMBOL®; or HANDHELD PRODUCTS®.

[0050] In some embodiments, multi-item scanning device 20 is a traditional type of scanning device like a pen type scanner or a laser type scanner. Such laser scanners operate by reading the barcode or other readable media directly on an item for purchase and then employ a decoder to decode the read image. Such scanning devices are well known in the prior art.

[0051] In addition, in some embodiments, two or more types of scanning devices are used together within multi-item scanning device 20 to produce the desired field of view. Persons of skill in the art will readily recognize the myriad choices of scanning device types as well as their configurations within multi-item scanning device 20 herein.

[0052] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0053] In addition, it should be understood that the figures in the attachments, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionality and advantages of embodiments of the present invention, are presented for exemplary purposes only. Embodiments of the present invention are sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.

[0054] Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of this technical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of embodiments of the present invention in any way.