Method and apparatus for operating a self-service checkout terminal which has a single weight scale for performing both an itemization and a security function

摘要

A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal having a weight scale associated therewith includes the step of generating an item- entered control signal when a user enters a first item for purchase with a code entry device. The method also includes the step of monitoring output from the weight scale in response to generation of the item- entered control signal and generating an entered-item-detected control signal if the weight scale detects that the user placed the first item for purchase in a shopping container. In addition, the method includes the step of operating the self-service checkout terminal so as to allow the user to enter subsequent items for purchase in response to generation of the entered-item-detected control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating a unentered-item-detected control signal if the weight scale detects that the user placed a second item for purchase in the shopping container without having entered the second item for purchase into the self-service checkout terminal. Yet further, the method includes the step of operating the self-service checkout terminal so as to allow the user to enter the second item for purchase into the self-service checkout terminal in response to generation of the unentered- item-detected control signal. A self-service checkout terminal is also disclosed.