Scanner with coupon validation

Abstract

A point of sale (POS) bar code scanner such as in common use in retail stores includes provision for reading bar coded redemption coupons (or other bar coded documents redeemable for value) in a manner secure from a human operator. Integration of functions between the POS scanner and the coupon reader varies with different embodiments described. Through software associated with bar code decoding logic, a comparison is made between information on a validation coupon and information on items presented for purchase, and a decision is made as to whether the redemption coupon is valid and redeemable in this transaction. In one embodiment, the bar code scanner simply receives the redemption coupon face down on the product scanner window, and integrated decode logic of the scanner identifies the bar code as belonging to a redemption coupon, then makes the comparison and validation of the coupon for the particular transaction. In some embodiments of the invention, the POS product scanner has a special beam exit window through which the scanning beam is diverted when it is signified that a redemption coupon is to be read, with a coupon reading scan pattern. After validation the coupon may be punched or otherwise cancelled, and / or sent to a secure container. Several types of securing devices are disclosed, for preventing subsequent use of redeemed coupons.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is in the field of bar code scanners. More specifically, the invention relates to point of sale bar code scanners, and the problem of efficiently validating redemption coupons used at retail stores. More broadly, the invention is concerned with the redemption of anything of value bearing a bar code in a retail purchase transaction, including food stamps or other redeemable certificates.Point of sale (POS) bar code scanners are in wide use in retail situations such as grocery stores, drug stores and general merchandising stores. Many of the stores which utilize or could utilize POS bar code scanners for scanning products for purchase also routinely honor coupons which grant the bearing customer a specified rebate on the purchase price of specifically identified items, usually within a prescribed period of time, prior to an expiration date. Each coupon usually specifies the item, its size, the value of the coupon against purchase of the item, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Principal aims of the invention are to make the coupon redemption process faster than conventional methods, in order to speed the checkout process and make the clearing process more efficient, as well as to provide a space-efficient and ergonomically efficient system at the checkout stand.

The special coupon door in one embodiment opens to a slidable stage or tray which receives a coupon face down. Closing of the coupon door will cause the movement of the coupon stage to move the coupon across a field so as to assure a reading by the beam as scanned in the coupon reading scan pattern.

In another embodiment, the special coupon door opens to a slot in a counter top or in the scanner itself or a side housing connected to the scanner. A sensor can be provided to sense the presence of an item in the slot, rather than relying solely on the opening and / or closing of the coupon door. The sensor then activates a motor which moves a mirror to divert a laser scan beam to pass through to the attached or integrated coupon reading device. As it passes through the slot, the coupon is scanned and read by the beam, which may be through a clear window which helps completely seal the coupon scanner from the entry of dirt and debris into the area of the beam, scanning mechanism and collection optics.

It is therefore among the objects of the present invention to enable automated and reliable validation of redemption coupons (and other bar-coded items redeemable for value) at point of sale retail stores, without the need for returning of redeemed coupons by the store to the manufacturer. An accompanying object is to accomplish this using a single bar code reading beam, i.e. the beam already provided with the POS bar code scanner, and / or common collection optics or decode software, so as to result in an economical and efficient system with minimal space requirements.

Problems solved by technology

However, this practice has been cumbersome and time consuming for the retailers and also for the manufacturers.

Further, there was no guarantee to the manufacturer or distributor that the coupon was actually used within the allowed time period since there was a lag in time between redemption to the customer and return of the coupon to the manufacturer.

The manufacturer did not even have sufficient control to assure that the proper purchase occurred for acceptance of the coupon.

It was connected generally between the scanner and the POS system (the terminal or cash register), and as such potentially could degrade product bar code reading performance.

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