Checkout device including integrated barcode reader, scale, and EAS system

Abstract

A checkout device with a barcode reader, scale, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a scale assembly including a base portion and a weigh scale over the base portion. The weigh plate includes an aperture. A barcode reader is between the base portion and the weight scale and reads a barcode through the aperture in the weigh plate. A security label deactivation system is between the base portion and the weigh plate.

1 . A checkout device comprising: 
 a scale assembly including a base portion and a weigh scale over the base portion;    wherein the weigh plate includes an aperture;    a barcode reader between the base portion and the weight scale which reads a barcode through the aperture in the weigh plate;    a security label deactivation system; and    an interlock which enables the security label deactivation system only after successful reading of the barcode.    
   
   
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       15 . A system for data reading and electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag deactivation, comprising: 
 a housing including a window oriented generally horizontally;    a data reader disposed in the housing to read an item through the window as the item is passed through a scan volume defined above the window;    an EAS deactivation unit disposed in the housing and to a lateral side of the window; and    an interlock which enables the EAS deactivation unit only after successful reading of the item.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the system is an integrated system for bar code reading and EAS tag deactivation wherein the data reader comprises a bar code reader for reading a barcode label on the item.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the item is passed through the scan volume in a direction of item movement from a position upstream of the bar code reader to a position downstream of the bar code reader and wherein said one lateral side of the window is downstream of the window.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the interlock for the EAS deactivation unit is enabled upon receipt of a good read signal from the bar code reader, and wherein the EAS deactivation unit is part of an EAS system which operates to detect an EAS tag only if the barcode reader has successfully read the barcode label.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the EAS system comprises an electromagnetic coil packaged in a generally rectangular shape package in which the lengthwise dimension of the electromagnetic coil is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of item movement.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the electromagnetic coil comprises separate sense and deactivation coils.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the integrated system further comprises a weigh scale.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 a weigh plate, the window being disposed in the weigh plate; wherein the EAS deactivation unit is disposed between the weigh plate and the housing.    
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 a load cell mounted in the housing, the load cell supporting the weigh plate.    
   
   
       24 . A checkout system for data reading and electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag deactivation, comprising: 
 a scanner including a scanner housing which fits within a check stand hole and having a window facing a scan volume through which items are passed;    an EAS deactivation unit disposed in the scanner housing laterally to one side of the window and downstream of the scan volume; and    an interlock which enables the EAS deactivation unit only upon a successful scan of an item passed through the scan volume.    
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein the window of the scanner is oriented horizontally.  
   
   
       26 . A checkout system for data reading and electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag deactivation comprising: 
 a housing including a window facing a scan volume;    a data reader disposed in the housing to read an item through the window as the item is passed through the scan volume;    an EAS deactivation unit disposed in the housing adjacent to and downstream of the window; and    an interlock which enables the EAS deactivation unit only upon a successful read of an item passed through the scan volume.    
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 26  further comprising: 
 a weigh plate; and    a load cell.