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.

We claim: 
     
       1. A point-of-scale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,   coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,   coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   the coupon receiving means including a slot configured to receive a coupon, coupon sensing means at the slot, activation means for placing the bar code reader in a coupon reading mode when a coupon has been placed in the slot and sensed by the coupon sensing means, means for drawing the coupon through the slot for the coupon to be read, and associated means for interrupting a normal product reading scanning pattern generated by the scanning optics to divert a reading beam to the position of the redemption coupon, serving as said coupon reading means,   means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products, and   correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption.   
     
     
       2. A point-of-sale product and coupon bar code reader system for retail stores, including a product bar code reader having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the bar code reader,   coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,   coupon reading means connected to the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   decode means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products,   correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information representing purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption, and   the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader's reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon securing means for engaging a coupon and delivering it into a secure area after the coupon has been determined to be valid and redeemable.   
     
     
       3. The system of claim 2, further including coupon cancellation means for making a physical indication of cancellation on the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable. 
     
     
       4. A point-of-sale product and coupon bar code reader system for retail stores, including a product bar code reader having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the bar code reader,   coupon detection means for signifying to the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item.   coupon reading means connected to the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   decode means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products,   correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information representing purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption, and   the redemption coupon receiving means comprising an openable door adjacent to the product bar code reader for receiving coupons entered by an operator, and wherein the coupon reading means comprises movable mirror means for diverting the reading beam of the product bar code reader to a coupon scanning location when a coupon is to be read, and further including isolation means for sealing the scanning optics of the product bar code reader from a path through which the coupon travels.   
     
     
       5. The system of claim 4, further including means for engaging the coupon after it has been scanned and determined to be valid and redeemable, and for drawing the coupon away from the coupon receiving means and out of the reach of the operator. 
     
     
       6. The system of claim 5, further including a secure container, and including means associated with the coupon engaging means for delivering the validated coupon into the secure container. 
     
     
       7. The system of claim 6, further including coupon diverting means for directing the validated coupon in either of two flow paths after validation, leading to different areas of the secure container depending upon classification of the coupon. 
     
     
       8. A point-of-sale product and coupon bar code reader system for retail stores, including a product bar code reader having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the bar code reader,   coupon detection means for signifying to the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,   coupon reading means connected to the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   decode means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for purchased products,   correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information representing purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption, and   the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader's reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon cancellation means for cancelling the coupon and preventing future use of the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable.   
     
     
       9. The system of claim 8, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for mutilating the coupon to the extent that it cannot be read as valid in a future transaction. 
     
     
       10. The system of claim 8, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for applying ink to the coupon to prevent reading of the coupon's bar code in a future transaction. 
     
     
       11. A point-of-sale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,   coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,   coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code, and correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption, and   the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader's reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon securing means for engaging a coupon and delivering it into a secure area after the coupon has been determined to be valid and redeemable.   
     
     
       12. The system of claim 11, further including coupon cancellation means for making a physical indication of cancellation on the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable. 
     
     
       13. A point-of-sale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,   coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,   coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code, and correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption, and   the redemption coupon receiving means comprising an openable door adjacent to the product bar code reader for receiving coupons entered by an operator, and wherein the coupon reading means comprises movable mirror means for diverting the reading beam of the product bar code reader to a coupon scanning location when a coupon is to be read, and further including isolation means for sealing the scanning optics of the product bar code reader from a path through which the coupon travels.   
     
     
       14. The system of claim 13, further including means for engaging the coupon after it has been scanned and determined to be valid and redeemable, and for drawing the coupon away from the coupon receiving means and out of reach of an operator. 
     
     
       15. The system of claim 14, further including a secure container, and including means associated with the coupon engaging means for delivering the validated coupon into a secure container. 
     
     
       16. The system of claim 15, further including coupon diverting means for directing the validated coupon in either of two flow paths after validation, leading to different areas of the secure container depending upon classification of the coupon. 
     
     
       17. A point-of-scale bar code reader for retail stores, having a housing, a reading beam, scanning optics for producing scan lines with the reading beam, collection optics and bar code decoding software, and for reading and verifying the use of redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items for purchase in a consumer transaction, comprising, redemption coupon receiving means associated with the housing of the bar code reader,   coupon detecting means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read, as opposed to a purchased item,   coupon reading means associated with the scanning optics of the bar code reader for scanning and reading a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used in the scanning optics, when a redemption coupon is placed at said redemption coupon receiving means,   means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code, and correlation means for comparing the decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list or purchases as determined from bar codes of purchased items in the same consumer transaction, and for determining whether the consumer should be credited in a redemption amount associated with the coupon, based on whether an appropriate qualified item has been purchased to quality for coupon redemption, and   the coupon reading means including movable door means providing an opening for insertion of a coupon, serving as said redemption coupon receiving means, beam diverting means for diverting the product bar code reader's reading beam to scan a coupon when it is placed through the coupon opening, and coupon cancellation means for cancelling the coupon and preventing future use of the coupon after it has been determined to be valid and redeemable.   
     
     
       18. The system of claim 17, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for mutilating the coupon to the extent that it cannot be read as valid in a future transaction. 
     
     
       19. The system of claim 17, wherein the coupon cancelling means comprises means for applying ink to the coupon to prevent reading of the coupon's bar code in a future transaction. .Iadd. 
     
     
       20.  A point-of-sale bar code reader for reading and verifying redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items being purchased in a consumer transaction, comprising a housing having a first window oriented generally horizontally and a second window oriented generally vertically,   a laser beam source located in the housing for generating a reading beam,   scanning optics contained within the housing for producing scan lines with the reading beam, wherein the scanning optics pass scan lines through the first window and pass scan lines through the second window, and wherein the scanning optics scan a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used to scan bar codes on the items being purchased,   collection optics and bar code decoding software,   correlation means for comparing decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with a list of the items being purchased as determined from bar codes of items scanned in a same consumer transaction, and for determining whether a redemption amount associated with the redemption coupon should be credited based on whether a qualified item has been purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       21.  A point-of-sale bar code reader for reading and verifying redemption coupons bearing bar codes, as well as reading items being purchased in a consumer transaction, comprising a housing having a first window oriented generally horizontally and a second window oriented generally vertically,   a scanning mechanism contained within the housing for producing a first scan pattern which is directed through the first window and a second scan pattern which is directed through the second window,   collection optics and bar code decoding software,   correlation means for comparing decoded information from a redemption coupon bar code with information relating to the items being purchased as determined from bar codes of items scanned in a same consumer transaction, and for determining whether a redemption amount associated with the redemption coupon should be credited based on whether a qualified item has been purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       22.  A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 further comprising coupon detection means for signifying in the decoding software that a redemption coupon is being read as opposed to an item being purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 further comprising a single laser beam, wherein the bar code on the redemption coupon is scanned using the same laser beam which is 
     
     
        used to scan bar codes on items being purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24.  A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 23 further comprising mirrors which (a) direct scanning beams formed from the laser beam through the first window and (b) alternately direct scanning beams formed from the same laser beam through the second window. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein a laser beam is used to scan the items being purchased and a different laser beam is used to scan the bar code on the redemption coupon. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 further comprising means for decoding the redemption coupon's bar code using the same bar code decoding software used for decoding bar codes of the items being purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 26 wherein the items being purchased are scanned by scanning beams passing through the first window and the redemption coupons are scanned only by scanning beams passing through the second window. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein the second window is positioned above and to one side of the first 
     
     
        window. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29.  A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 further comprising a movable mirror which shifts in position to divert scanning beams through the second window. .Iaddend. .Iadd.30. A point-of-sale bar code reader according to claim 21 wherein the scanning 
     
     
        mechanism comprises a rotating polygon mirror. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31.  A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons bearing bar codes and reading items being purchased in a consumer transaction, comprising the steps of generating a first pattern with a scanning mechanism and directing the first pattern through a first window in a scanner housing;   generating a second pattern with the same scanning mechanism and directing the second pattern through a second window, the second window being located on one side of the first window;   scanning bar codes on the items being purchased;   scanning a bar code on a redemption coupon; and   determining whether a redemption amount associated with the redemption coupon should be credited based on whether an appropriate qualified item   
     
     
        has been scanned in the same consumer transaction. .Iaddend. .Iadd.32.  A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 31 wherein the step of determining comprises decoding the bar code on the redemption coupon to obtain decoded information and comparing the decoded information with a list of the items being purchased as determined from bar codes of items scanned in the same consumer transaction. .Iaddend. .Iadd.33. A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 31 further comprising the steps of orienting the first window generally horizontally and orienting the second window generally vertically. .Iaddend. .Iadd.34. A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 31 further comprising the step of using a single reading beam from which the first scan pattern and the second scan pattern are generated. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35. A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 31 further comprising presenting items being purchased to the first window and scanning the bar codes thereon with the scan lines passing through the first window;   presenting the redemption coupon to the second window and scanning the bar code thereon with the scan lines passing through the second window.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.36.  A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 31 further comprising using decoding software to decode the bar codes on items being purchased and decoding the bar code on the redemption coupon using the same decoding software used to decode the bar codes on items being purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.37. A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 36 further comprising detecting in the decoding software that a bar code on a redemption coupon is being read as opposed to a bar code on an item being purchased. .Iaddend. .Iadd.38. A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons bearing bar codes and reading items being purchased in a consumer transaction, comprising the steps of generating a reading beam from a light source located within a housing;   producing a plurality of scan lines with the reading beam;   passing certain of the scan lines through a first window in the housing, the first window being oriented generally horizontally;   diverting certain of the scan lines to pass through a second window in the housing, the second window being oriented generally vertically and located to one side of the first window;   scanning bar codes on the items being purchased using the reading beam;   scanning a bar code on a redemption coupon using the same reading beam used to scan the bar codes on the items being purchased; and   determining whether a redemption amount associated with the redemption coupon should be credited based on whether an appropriate qualified item   
     
     
        has been scanned in the same consumer transaction. .Iaddend. .Iadd.39.  A method for reading and verifying redemption coupons according to claim 38 further comprising presenting items being purchased to the first window and scanning the bar codes thereon with the scan lines passing through the first window;   presenting the redemption coupon to the second window and scanning the bar code thereon with the scan lines being diverted through the second window. .Iaddend.