Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A merchandise checkout system in which a first scanning device is brought into service at peak times to scan the bar codes of checkout items held by waiting customers in a checkout lane. Each first scanning device is preferably a mobile unit linked with a central computer tuned to a single transceiver frequency associated with each lane so that multiple scanning units may be placed into service simultaneously. Purchase information is transmitted both to a tote display screen for review by a customer and to a temporary holding memory of the computer, linked with the computerized cash register of a lane. A specialized bagging cart is described to assist a clerk during scanning. After the checkout items are totalled, a multi-part queue number-total/subtotal slip including a bar code readable by a second scanning device at a cash register component is generated and presented to the waiting purchaser for later presentation to the cashier. The computer memory is capable of storing multiple files of purchase information associated with each lane. The cashier is thereby freed to only scan the queue number-total/subtotal slip to verify and tender the payments of customers serviced by the first scanning device, thereby increasing throughput. The queue number-total/subtotal is retrieved from the customer before payment, whereupon the customer is presented with an enlarged, organized receipt.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim