Abstract:
A transaction terminal which includes a projector instead of a liquid crystal display. The transaction terminal includes a projector for projecting images of transaction screens on a surface during a transaction, an input device for recording operator selections in the transaction screens during the transaction, and a computer for generating the images of the transaction screens, for displaying the screens via the projector, and for processing the operator selections during the transaction.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     One of the most costly elements of transaction terminal is the display. Displays are usually the main point of interaction by an operator. Displays sit in and upright and prominent position in front of an operator. Typical displays are liquid crystal displays, which come in various sizes. 
     In a transaction environment, such as a retail store, this position obscures the operator&#39;s view of views of the operator by others. This position is also inefficient because it requires the operator to change focus between the display and other transaction components. 
     It would be desirable to provide a transaction terminal that addresses these concerns. 
     SUMMARY 
     A transaction terminal is provided. 
     A transaction terminal which includes a projector instead of a liquid crystal display. The transaction terminal includes a projector for projecting images of transaction screens on a surface during a transaction, an input device for recording operator selections in the transaction screens during the transaction, and a computer for generating the images of the transaction screens, for displaying the screens via the projector, and for processing the operator selections during the transaction. 
     An example transaction method includes generating images of transaction screens during a transaction by a computer, projecting the images of the transaction screens in a section of a top surface of an item identification unit by a projector on a side of the item identification unit opposite an operator side of the item identification unit, recording operator selections in the transaction screens by an input device on the top surface of the item identification unit, and processing the operator selections by the computer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example transaction terminal. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of an example transaction terminal. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , example transaction terminal  10  includes computer  12 , projector  14 , input device  16 , and transaction peripherals  18 . 
     Computer  12  includes a processor, memory, program and data storage. Computer  12  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft operating system, which can display screen information within one or more windows. 
     Computer  12  executes transaction software  30 , which displays images of screens and records operator selections from those screens. 
     Projector  14  projects images of transaction screens on a projection surface. The projection surface may include a surface of transaction terminal  10  or a separate surface. 
     Input device  16  records operator selections during a transaction. Input device  16  may include a touch sensitive device or a keyboard. Input device  16  may occupy or overlap the same surface upon which projector  14  projects images or may occupy a different surface. 
     Transaction terminal  10  may include a self-service computer or an assisted-service computer. 
     For example, transaction terminal  10  may include, but not be limited to, a self-service or assisted-service terminal in a retail store, a travel kiosk at an airport, a quick service or pre-order pre-pay kiosk in a restaurant. 
     Transaction terminal  10  additionally includes transaction peripherals  18  necessary to accomplish its purpose for the environment it is in. For example, transaction terminal  10  may additionally include, but not be limited to, any of the following: one or more payment peripherals, a printer, an item identification unit such as a barcode reader or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader or a produce recognition unit, a scale, a cash money drawer, a biometric reader, a signature capture unit, a passport reader, and an electronic item surveillance (EAS) tag sense and deactivation unit. 
     For example, the payment peripherals may include one or more of a card reader for reading credit, debit, and/or loyalty cards; a currency acceptor; a currency dispenser; a coin acceptor; and a coin dispenser. 
     The printer may print a receipt, coupons, and other promotions. 
     The item identification unit may capture identification information in the form of a barcode or RFID tag identifier from items. The item identification unit may additionally or alternatively capture information from produce items. 
     The biometric reader may capture information from operators themselves, such as fingerprints. 
     The signature capture unit may capture an operator signature to be stored with a record of a transaction. 
     The passport reader may capture information from operator passports through optical character recognition and/or from electronic chips in the passports. 
     The EAS tag sense and deactivation unit may identify security tags on products and deactivate them following purchase. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an example transaction terminal  10  includes checkstand  32  with product placement shelves  34  on either side of item identification unit  44 . An operator side includes a card reader  36  and printer  38 . An opposite side includes projector  14 . 
     Item identification unit  44  includes a barcode reader with integrated scale  46  and horizontal weigh plate  48 . Weigh plate  48  includes horizontal window  42  through which scanning components within the barcode reader can read barcode labels on purchased items. The barcode reader may include any combination of an optical barcode reader which generates scanning light beams and an imaging barcode reader which captures images of barcodes using a camera element. The barcode reader is illustrated as having a single window  42 , but may include additional windows. For example, the barcode reader may include a vertical tower portion with a vertically oriented window facing the operator. Projector  14  may be mounted on top of the vertical tower portion. 
     Weigh plate  48  further includes a defined area  50  on the operator side containing input device  16 . Area  50  also serves as a projection surface where projector  14  projects images of transaction screens. 
     Locating input device  16  and display area  50  on item identification unit  44  focuses operator attention. 
     The fact that area  50  is horizontal and the projection angle from projector  14  is low, less than about thirty degrees, provides increased operator privacy over a vertically oriented liquid crystal display. 
     Projector  14  may be mounted to item identification unit  44  or integrated into item identification unit. Since projector  14  replaces a traditional liquid crystal display located above item identification unit  44 , the operator has better visibility and is not obscured. 
     In operation, projector  14  projects images of transaction screens within area  50  of weigh plate  48 . 
     An operator makes a selection in a first transaction screen to begin a new transaction. A self-service operator may also insert a loyalty card. 
     Transaction software  30  displays subsequent screens that guide the operator through the transaction. Input device  16  records operator selections during the transaction. As the operator presents items to item identification unit  44 , transaction software  30  displays item identification information and price information. Screens may include images of items that have been identified. 
     When the operator has scanned the last item, transaction software  30  displays payment instructions and processes payment information from card reader  36 . Transaction software  30  then generates a receipt and activates printer  38  to print the receipt. 
     Although particular reference has been made to certain embodiments, variations and modifications are also envisioned within the spirit and scope of the following claims.