Abstract:
A method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/037,726, filed Feb. 7, 1997, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/037,725, filed Feb. 7, 1997. 
   CROSS REFERENCE 
   Cross reference is made to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/020,056, entitled “Self-Service Checkout Terminal” by Stephen Swaine, Ali Vassigh, and Grant Paton, which is assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, and which is filed concurrently herewith. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a checkout or point-of-sale (POS) terminal, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for enhancing security and providing assistance in the operation of a self-service checkout terminal. 
   In the retail industry, the largest expenditures are typically the cost of the goods sold followed closely by the cost of labor expended. With particular regard to the retail grocery or supermarket industry, the impetus to reduce labor costs has focused on reducing or eliminating the amount of time required to handle and/or process the items or goods to be purchased by a customer. To this end, there have been a number of self-service checkout terminal concepts developed which attempt to substantially eliminate the need for a checkout clerk. 
   A self-service checkout terminal is a system which is operated by a customer without the aid of a checkout clerk. In such a system, the customer scans individual items for purchase across a scanner and then places the scanned item into a grocery bag, if desired. The customer then pays for his or her purchase either at the self-service checkout terminal if so equipped, or at a central payment area which is staffed by a store employee. Thus, a self-service checkout terminal permits a customer to select, itemize, and in some cases pay for his or her purchase without the assistance of the retailer&#39;s personnel. 
   A customer typically has little or no training in the operation of a self-service checkout terminal prior to his or her initial use of the checkout terminal. One concern that retailers have when evaluating a self-service checkout terminal is the level of supervision provided to inexperienced customers. 
   It is also known that some customers may have improper intentions when using a self-service checkout terminal. In traditional checkout systems, the clerk employed by the retailer to operate the checkout terminal provides a level of security against theft or other improprieties. However, in the case of a self-service checkout terminal, the terminal itself must provide the necessary supervision and security. Such supervision and security includes preventing a customer from either inadvertently or intentionally placing an item in a grocery bag without scanning the item, or scanning one item, but placing a second item of greater value in the bag. Thus, another concern when evaluating a self-service checkout terminal is the level of security provided against illicit use of the self-service checkout terminal by customers. 
   Therefore, self-service checkout terminals have heretofore been designed with supervision and security mechanisms which monitor the use of the self-service checkout terminal. For example, video cameras have been incorporated into self-service checkout terminals to monitor the manner in which a customer enters product information associated with an item (e.g. scanning or weighing the item). In particular, the video camera is positioned proximate the self-service checkout terminal and is coupled via a closed circuit video connection to an office or other area in the store in order to allow a security officer or the like to monitor the manner in which the customer enters information associated with an item. The manner in which a customer enters such information may be indicative of the customer&#39;s intentions when using the self-service checkout terminal. For example, if the customer places a number of items in a grocery bag, but the security officer did not see an attempt by the customer to actually scan the item, it may be inferred that the customer is attempting to commit an impropriety such as theft. However, if the customer actually made an attempt to scan the item, but was unsuccessful in doing so, it may be inferred that the customer&#39;s intentions were not illicit, but that the customer may actually be in need of assistance from the retailer&#39;s personnel. 
   Supervision and security mechanisms such as the one described above have heretofore been designed typically to consider only those characteristics associated with the manner in which a customer checks out (e.g. scans or weighs) an item through the self-service checkout terminal. However, it may also be desirable to monitor the quantity, type, and/or value of items checked out through the self-service checkout terminal, as opposed to only the manner in which the items were checked out. For example, it may be desirable to monitor situations such as when the customer enters a large number of coupons the total value of which exceeds a large percentage of the total value of the items included in the transaction. 
   What is needed therefore is a self-service checkout terminal which assists or otherwise supervises a customer in the use thereof. What is further needed is a self-checkout terminal which provides security from theft and other improprieties by monitoring the quantity, type, and/or value of the items being checked out. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal. The method includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto. 
   According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal. The method includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records to determine the number of identical records of a respective item contained in the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating an identical item value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the identical item value to an identical item trigger point and generating an identical item control signal in response thereto. 
   According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal. The method includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records to determine the average dollar amount of the items contained in the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating an average item value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the average item value to an average item trigger point and generating an average item control signal in response thereto. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful method for enhancing security and providing assistance in the operation of a self-service checkout terminal. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for enhancing security and providing assistance in the operation of a self-service checkout terminal. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide a self-service checkout terminal which assists or otherwise supervises a customer in the use thereof. 
   It is moreover an object of the present invention to provide a self-checkout terminal which provides security from theft and other improprieties by monitoring the quantity, type, and/or value of the items being checked out. 
   The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a self-service checkout terminal which incorporates the features of the present invention therein; 
       FIG. 2  is a top elevational view of the self-service checkout terminal of  FIG. 1  (Note: the grocery bags  17  have been removed for clarity of description); 
       FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing a first alternate configuration of the bagwell  14 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing a second alternate configuration of the bagwell  14 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing a third alternate configuration of the bagwell  14 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a simplified block diagram of the self-service checkout terminal of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart setting forth a general procedure for checking out items through the self-service checkout terminal of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 8A–8B  are flowcharts setting forth in detail the itemization step of the general procedure of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart setting forth in detail the scan subroutine  72  of the itemization step of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart setting forth in detail the weigh subroutine  88  of the itemization step of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart setting forth in detail the manual entry subroutine  106  of the itemization step of  FIG. 8 ; and 
       FIGS. 12A–12B  are flowcharts setting forth in detail the coupon subroutine  126  of the general procedure of  FIG. 8 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a self-service checkout terminal  10  for use in a retail business such as a grocery store. The self-service checkout terminal  10  includes a base  11 , a first counter  12  supported on the base  11 , a bagwell  14  defined in the base  11  for accommodating one or more grocery bags  17 , a second counter  16 , a basket shelf  18 , a bag scale  20  positioned within the bagwell  14 , a product scale  21 , a scanner  22 , an automated teller machine (ATM)  23 , and a processing unit  29 . The ATM  23  includes a video system  24 , a card reader  25 , a display monitor  26 , a data input device  27 , and a printer  28 . 
   The scanner  22  conventionally scans or reads a product identification code such as a Universal Product Code (UPC), industrial symbol(s), alphanumeric character(s), or other indicia associated with an item to be purchased. One scanner which may be used in the present invention is a model number 7875 bi-optic scanner which is commercially available from NCR Corporation of Dayton, Ohio. 
   The scanner  22  includes a first scanning window  30  and a second scanning window  32 . The first scanning window  30  is disposed flush-mounted relative to an upper surface  12   a  of the counter  12 . The second scanning window  32  is disposed flush-mounted relative to a connecting panel  11   a  of the base  11  in a substantially perpendicular fashion relative to the upper surface  12   a  of the counter  12 . The product scale  21  is integrated with the scanner  22 . More specifically, the product scale  21  is flush-mounted relative the upper surface  12   a  of the counter  12  and envelops the scanning window  30 . If an item such as produce is placed upon the product scale  21  or the scanning window  30 , the product scale  21  may be used to determine the weight of the item. 
   The scanner  22  also includes a light source (not shown) such as a laser, a rotating mirror (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown), and a mirror array (not shown). In operation, a laser beam reflects off the rotating mirror and mirror array to produce a pattern of scanning light beams. As the product identification code on an item is passed over the scanner  22 , the scanning light beams scatter off the code and are returned to the scanner  22  where they are collected and detected. The reflected light is then analyzed electronically in order to determine whether the reflected light contains a valid product identification code pattern. If a valid code pattern is present, the product identification code is then converted into pricing information which is then used to determine the cost of the item in a known manner. 
   A video camera  24   a  of the video system  24  is disposed above the counters  12 ,  16  and is positioned for detecting motion within a “target area” of the video system  24 . What is meant herein by use of the term “target area” of the video system  24  is an area across which the video system  24  is capable of detecting motion. For example, a first target area is defined by the maximum range in which an item can be successfully scanned as it is passed across the scanner  22 . A second target area is defined by an area proximate the bagwell  14 . It should therefore be appreciated that motion proximate the bagwell  14  is indicative of an item being placed into or removed from one of the grocery bags  17 . A third target area is defined by an area proximate the ATM  23 . Motion proximate the ATM  23  is indicative of a customer attempting to use a component of the ATM  23  such as the data input device  27 . 
   The display monitor  26  displays instructions which serve to guide a customer through a checkout procedure. For example, an instruction is displayed on the display monitor  26  which instructs the customer to remove an item from a grocery cart or trolley (not shown) and pass the item over the scanner  22 . If the scanner  22  successfully scans or reads the product identification code associated with the item, then a visual indication is generated on the display monitor  26 . If for any reason the scanner  22  cannot read or otherwise determine the product identification code associated with the item, a visual error message is generated on the display monitor  26 . Moreover, the display monitor  26  may be a known touch screen monitor which can generate data signals when certain areas of the screen are touched by a user. 
   In addition to the display monitor  26 , a voice generating device  34  is included in the self-service checkout terminal  10  to provide audio feedback to the customer during the checkout procedure. In particular, if a customer successfully scans or otherwise enters product information associated with an item, an audible message is generated on the voice generating device  34  which informs the customer of information associated with the item such as description and price. Therefore, the voice generating device  34  allows the customer to obtain information associated with each item being entered without requiring the customer to look at the display monitor  26  after scanning each item thereby increasing the customer&#39;s efficiency in operating the self-service checkout  10 . 
   The counter  16  defines an arcuate surface as shown in  FIG. 2 . What is meant herein by the term “arcuate surface” is a surface which possess a curved or bowed shape. Such an arcuate surface allows the counter  16  to be positioned relatively close to both the scanner  22  and the bagwell  14  thereby permitting the counter  16  to function as a “set-aside surface” for use by the customer during operation of the self-service checkout terminal  10 . What is meant herein by the term “set-aside surface” is a surface on which items which have been scanned or otherwise entered may be temporarily placed prior to being loaded into one of the grocery bags  17  in the bagwell  14 . 
   Such set-aside surfaces are necessary to allow the customer to selectively choose the order in which items are loaded into the grocery bags  17 . For example, if the customer scanned a loaf of bread, the customer may wait to load the bread into the grocery bag  17  until the bag is nearly full thereby preventing the bread from being crushed. 
   It should be appreciated that other surfaces included in the self-surface checkout terminal  10  may also be used as set-aside surfaces. For example, a portion of the counter  12  proximate the ATM  23  may also be used by a customer as a set-aside surface. 
   The bagwell  14  is disposed between the scanner  22  and the ATM  23  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In particular, the counter  12  has a bagwell opening  12   b  defined therein at a location interposed between the scanner  22  and the ATM  23 . The bagwell  14  is defined in the base  11  at a location in which the bagwell  14  is aligned with the bagwell opening  12   b . Moreover, the bagwell  14  includes a number of posts  14   a  which cooperate to support a number of the grocery bags  17 . The bagwell  14  is configured to allow two or more grocery bags  17  to be accessed by the customer at any given time. In particular, the posts  14   a  are of a sufficient length to secure a number of unopened grocery bags  17  along with two or more opened grocery bags  17  thereby allowing a customer to selectively load various item types into the grocery bags  17 . For example, the customer may desire to use a first grocery bag  17  for household chemical items such as soap or bleach and a second grocery bag  17  for edible items such as meat and produce. 
   The bagwell  14  is positioned proximate the scanner  22  and the product scale  21 . In particular, the center of the bagwell  14  is separated from the center of the scanner  22  by a distance D as shown in  FIG. 2 . It should be appreciated that the distance D is predetermined to be small enough in magnitude in order to be within a customer&#39;s arm reach thereby allowing the customer to move items from the scanner  22  and/or the product scale  21 , and into the grocery bags  17  while remaining stationary. 
   Various configurations of the bagwell  14  are contemplated for use in the self-service checkout terminal  10 . More specifically, the configuration of the bagwell  14  may be altered to facilitate the incorporation thereof into a specific design of the self-service checkout terminal  10  as shown in  FIGS. 3–5 . For example, the number and orientation of the posts  14   a  may be altered, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in which two pairs of the posts  14   a  are positioned so as to extend inwardly and be opposed to one another. 
   Returning now to  FIGS. 1–2 , the bag scale  20  weighs the contents of the one or more of the grocery bags  17  which are positioned on the bag scale  20  during a checkout procedure. The bag scale  20  is used for monitoring the insertion of items into and the removal of items from the grocery bags  17 . Such monitoring may be used in a security system associated with operation of the self-service checkout terminal  10 . 
   The basket shelf  18  is slidably engaged with a side panel  31  of the base  11 . In particular, the basket shelf  18  may be positioned in an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) thereby allowing the customer to place a shopping or hand basket (not shown) or the like thereon during the checkout procedure. Alternatively, the basket shelf may be positioned in a retracted position in which the basket shelf  18  is slid into a slot  31   a  defined in the side panel  31  thereby allowing the customer to position a shopping cart (not shown) adjacent the side panel  31  in order to facilitate the unloading of items from the cart during the checkout procedure. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a simplified block diagram of the self-service checkout terminal  10 . The processing unit  29  is electrically coupled to the bag scale  20 , the product scale  21 , the scanner  22 , the video system  24 , the card reader  25 , the display monitor  26 , the data input device  27 , the printer  28 , and the voice generating device  34 . The processing unit  29  is also electrically coupled to a network  33  and a memory device  35  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   The processing unit  29  monitors output signals generated by the scanner  22  and the video system  24  through communication lines  40  and  42 , respectively, so as to supervise and provide security monitoring of a checkout procedure as described further below. 
   The processing unit  29  communicates with the display monitor  26  through a data communication line  44 . The processing unit  29  generates output signals on the data communication line  44  which cause various instructional messages to be displayed on the display monitor  26 . The display monitor  26  may include known touch screen technology which can generate output signals when the customer touches a particular area of the display screen associated with the display monitor  26 . The signals generated by the display screen are transmitted to the processing unit  29  via the data communication line  44 . 
   The processing unit  29  is coupled to the product scale  21  via a data communication line  48 , whereas the processing unit  29  is coupled to the bag scale  20  via a data communication line  47 . Moreover, the processing unit  29  is coupled to the voice generating device  34  via a data communication line  41 , whereas the processing unit  29  is coupled to the printer  28  via a data communication line  45 . 
   The data input device  27  is coupled to the processing unit  29  through a data communication line  49 . The data input device  27  may include one or more of a known keypad or a touch pad. 
   The card reader  25  is coupled to the processing unit through a data communication line  43 . The card reader may include a known credit and/or debit card reader, or a smart card reader. 
   In addition to the video camera  24   a , the video system  24  includes a frame grabber (not shown) and a processing system (not shown) such as a personal computer (PC). The PC and the frame grabber are collectively referred to as a video processor. The video processor receives a standard video signal format, such as RS-170, NTSC, CCIR, or PAL, from the video camera  24   a.    
   Video output signals from the video camera  24   a  are input to the frame grabber. The frame grabber operates to convert the analog video signals from the video camera  24   a  into a digital image which is stored within a memory for subsequent processing by the video processor. Once representations of the stream of digital images from the video camera  24   a  are sequentially stored in memory, the video processor may begin to analyze or otherwise process the video image. 
   The processing unit  29  includes network interface circuitry (not shown) which conventionally permits the self-service checkout terminal  10  to communicate with the network  33  such as a LAN or WAN through a wired connection  46 . The processing unit  29  communicates with the network  33  during the checkout procedure in order to communicate with a paging system (not shown) or the like which pages or otherwise alerts the retailer&#39;s personnel as described further below. In addition, the processing unit  29  communicates with the network  33  to obtain information such as pricing information on an item being scanned, and also to verify customer credit approval when appropriate. The network interface circuitry associated with the self-service checkout terminal  10  may include a known Ethernet expansion card, and the wired connection  46  may include a known twisted-pair communication line. Alternatively, the network interface circuitry may support wireless communications with the network  33 . 
   The processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  via a data communication line  51 . The memory device  35  is provided to maintain an electronic transaction table which includes a record of the product information associated with each item which is scanned or otherwise entered during the customer&#39;s use of the self-service checkout terminal  10 . For example, if the customer scans a can of soup, the description of the soup and the pricing information associated therewith is recorded in the transaction table in the memory device  35 . Similarly, if a customer manually entered a product identification code via the data input device  27 , the product information associated with the item would be recorded in the transaction table. Moreover, if a customer entered a coupon or voucher, the information associated therewith would also be recorded in the transaction table. 
   It should therefore be appreciated that the sum of each of the items recorded in the transaction table minus any reductions (e.g. coupons) is the amount that the customer pays for his or her transaction. Moreover, data stored in the transaction table is printed out on the printer  28  thereby generating a receipt for the customer at the end of his or her transaction. 
   Moreover, the memory device  35  is provided to maintain a number of electronic logs associated with operation of the self-service checkout terminal  10 . More specifically, the memory device  35  electronically maintains an event log and a suspicion log. 
   The event log is provided to track or otherwise tally the number of occasions in which a given customer operates the self-service checkout terminal  10  improperly. In particular, the event log tracks those occasions in which the customer unintentionally operated the self-service checkout terminal  10  improperly, along with those occasions in which it can be inferred with a high degree of confidence that the customer intentionally operated the self-service checkout terminal  10  improperly for illicit purposes such as theft. For example, if the processing unit  29  determines that the customer scanned a number of items, but then later voided from the transaction a large portion of the items, an entry is made in the event log. This is true since the customer may have unintentionally miscalculated the total amount of the transaction and therefore scanned more items than he or she could pay for thereby necessitating that the customer remove some of the items from the transaction. However, the possibility does exist that the customer may have intentionally scanned items that he or she later voided in an attempt to commit theft. Therefore, an entry is made in the event log. 
   The suspicion log on the other hand, is provided to track or otherwise tally only the number of occasions in which a given customer operates the self-service checkout terminal  10  improperly, and it can be inferred with a high degree of confidence that the customer was intentionally operating the self-service checkout terminal  10  improperly for illicit reasons such as theft. 
   It should be appreciated that a predetermined threshold value may be established for both the event log and the suspicion log. More specifically, a retailer may establish a threshold value for each of the logs that once exceeded causes the processing unit  29  to communicate with the network  33  in order to page or otherwise alert the retailer&#39;s personnel as to certain events surrounding the operation of the self-service checkout terminal  10  by a given customer. For example, a customer service manager may be paged to assist the given customer if the event log exceeds a value of three. Moreover, a security officer may be paged to audit or otherwise investigate the given customer&#39;s transaction if the suspicion log exceeds a value of 1½. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a flowchart which sets forth a general procedure  50  for checking out items through the self-service checkout terminal  10 . When a customer arrives at the self-service checkout terminal  10 , the self-service checkout terminal  10  is in an idle state (step  52 ). An initialization step  54  is executed prior to checking out items for purchase. In particular, one or more initialization instructions are displayed on the display monitor  26  which instruct the customer to (1) touch a particular area of the display monitor  26  or push a particular button on the data input device  27  in order to select a desired method of payment, and/or (2) identify himself or herself by inserting a shopping card, debit card, credit card, or smart card into the card reader  25 . 
   At the completion of the initialization step  54 , the routine  50  advances to an itemization step  56  where the customer scans the individual items for purchase across the scanner  22 , weighs and enters items for purchase with the product scale  21 , manually enters product information associated with an item via the data input device  27 , or enters information related to a coupon or voucher via the data input device  27  or the scanner  22  (if the coupon has a bar code printed thereon). At the completion of the itemization step, the routine  50  advances to a finalization step  58  in which (1) a grocery receipt is printed by the printer  28 , and (2) payment is tendered by either charging a credit card or debit card account or decreasing an amount stored on a smart card via the card reader  25 . After completion of the finalization step  58 , the routine  50  returns to step  52  in which the self-service checkout terminal  10  remains in the idle condition until a subsequent customer initiates a checkout procedure. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a flowchart setting forth the itemization step  56  in greater detail. After the initialization step  54  (see  FIG. 7 ) is completed, the routine  56  advances to step  60  where a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  which instructs the customer to either (1) pass or otherwise scan individual items across or adjacent the scanner  22  with the product identification code facing the scanning windows 30, 32, (2) place an item on the product scale  21  in order to determine and enter the weight thereof, (3) manually enter product information associated with an item via the data input device  27 , or (4) enter the code associated with a coupon via either the data input device  27  or the scanner  22 . 
   The routine  56  then advances to step  62  where the processing unit  29  scans or reads the data communication lines  40 ,  48 , and  49  to determine if the customer is either (1) scanning an item via the scanner  22 , (2) placing an item on the product scale  21 , or (3) operating the data input device  27 . In particular, (1) the scanner  22  generates an output signal on the data communication line  40  once the customer scans an item, (2) the product scale  21  generates an output signal on the data communication line  48  once the customer places an item thereon, and (3) the data input device  27  generates an output signal on the data communication line  49  once a customer presses a key associated therewith. The presence of such output signals is indicative of a customer attempting to enter information associated with an item or a coupon. If such output signals are present, the routine  56  advances to step  64 . If such output signals are not present, the routine  56  advances to step  66 . 
   In step  64 , the processing unit  29  scans or reads the data communication line  40  to determine whether the scanner  22  has successfully read or otherwise captured the product identification code associated with the item. More specifically, the scanner  22  generates an output signal which is sent to the processing unit  29  once the scanner  22  successfully reads the product identification code associated with the item. If the code is successfully read from the item, the routine  56  advances to step  68 . If the code is not successfully read from the item, the routine  56  advances to step  70 . 
   In step  68 , the processing unit  29  adds a record of the item scanned in step  64  to the transaction table. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the network  33  to obtain the product information (e.g. description and price) of the scanned item. Thereafter, the processing unit  29  updates the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the transaction table to be updated in the memory device  35  to include the product information associated with the scanned item. The routine  56  then advances to a scan subroutine  72 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a flow chart setting forth the scan subroutine  72  in greater detail. After completion of step  68  (see  FIG. 8 ), the subroutine  72  advances to step  74 . In step  74 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of identical items included in the transaction table has been exceeded. What is meant herein by the term “trigger point” is a predetermined, configurable value associated with a particular characteristic of the scanned or otherwise entered items or coupons that when exceeded causes the processing unit  29  to update the event and suspicion logs. In particular to step  74 , the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of previously entered items in the transaction table that have identical product information associated therewith as the item that was scanned in step  64  (see  FIG. 8 ). If the number of identical items in the transaction table exceeds the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  72  advances to step  76 . If the number of identical items in the transaction table does not exceed the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  72  advances to step  78 . 
   In step  76 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  72  then advances to step  78 . 
   In step  78 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the average item value of the items in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the average value of the items in the transaction table. If the average value of the items in the transaction table is below the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  72  advances to step  80 . If the average value of the items in the transaction table is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  72  ends thereby advancing to step  82  of the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   In step  80 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  72  then ends thereby advancing to step  82  in the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   In step  82 , the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  64  (see  FIG. 8 ), if an item is not scanned by the scanner  22 , the routine  56  advances to step  70 . In step  70 , the processing unit  29  scans or reads the data line  48  to determine if a customer has weighed and thereby entered product information associated with an item via the product scale  21 . More specifically, the product scale  21  generates an output signal which is sent to the processing unit  29  once the product scale  21  has detected the weight of an item being placed thereon. If the product scale  21  detects the weight of an item thereon, the routine  56  advances to step  84 . If the product scale  21  does not detect the weight of an item thereon, the routine  56  advances to step  86 . 
   In step  84 , the processing unit  29  adds a record of the item weighed in step  70  to the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  communicates with the network  33  to obtain the product information (e.g. description and price) of the weighed item. Thereafter, the processing unit  29  updates the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the transaction table to be updated in the memory device  35  to include the product information associated with the weighed item. The routine  56  then advances to a weigh subroutine  88 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a flow chart setting forth the weigh subroutine  88  in greater detail. After completion of step  84  (see  FIG. 8 ), the subroutine  88  advances to step  90 . In step  90 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of identical items in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of previously entered items in the transaction table that have identical product information associated therewith as the item that was weighed in step  70  (see  FIG. 8 ). If the number of identical items in the transaction table exceeds the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  88  advances to step  92 . If the number of identical items in the transaction table does not exceed the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  88  advances to step  94 . 
   In step  92 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  88  then advances to step  94 . 
   In step  94 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of items from a given department in the store (e.g. the meat department or the produce department) has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of items in the transaction table that are from the same department. If the number of items in the transaction table that are from the same department is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  88  advances to step  96 . If the number of items in the transaction table that are from the same department is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  88  advances to step  98 . 
   In step  96 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  88  advances to step  98 . 
   In step  98 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the average value of the items in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the average value of the items in the transaction table. If the average value of the items in the transaction table is below the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  88  advances to step  100 . If the average value of the items in the transaction table is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  88  ends thereby advancing to step  82  of the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   In step  100 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  88  then ends thereby advancing to step  82  in the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   As discussed above, in step  82  the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on the either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  70  (see  FIG. 8 ), if an item is not detected thereon by the product scale  21 , the routine  56  advances to step  86 . In step  86 , the processing unit  29  scans or reads the data communication line  49  to determine if a customer manually entered product information associated with an item via the data input device  27 . More specifically, the data input device  27  generates an output signal which is sent to the processing unit  29  once the data input device  27  has detected a customer entering product information associated with an item. If the data input device  27  detects product information associated with an item being entered, the routine  56  advances to step  102 . If the data input device  27  does not detect product information associated with an item being entered, the routine  56  advances to step  104 . 
   In step  102 , the processing unit  29  adds a record of the item manually entered in step  86  to the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  communicates with the network  33  to obtain the product information (e.g. description and price) of the manually entered item. Thereafter, the processing unit  29  updates the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the transaction table to be updated in the memory device  35  to include the product information associated with the manually entered item. The routine  56  then advances to a manual entry subroutine  106 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a flow chart setting forth the manual entry subroutine  106  in greater detail. After completion of step  102  (see  FIG. 8 ), the subroutine  106  advances to step  108 . In step  108 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of items which have been manually entered has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of items in the transaction table that have been manually entered via the data input device  27 . If the number of items that have been manually entered is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  106  advances to step  110 . If the number of items that have been manually entered is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  106  advances to step  112 . 
   In step  110 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  106  then advances to step  112 . 
   In step  112 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of identical items included in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of previously entered items in the transaction table that have identical product information associated therewith as the item that was manually entered in step  86  (see  FIG. 8 ). If the number of identical items in the transaction table is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  106  advances to step  114 . If the number of identical items in the transaction table is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  106  advances to step  116 . 
   In step  114 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  106  advances to step  116 . 
   In step  116 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of voided items has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of voided items in the transaction table. If the number of voided items in the transaction table is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  106  advances to step  118 . If the number of voided items in the transaction table is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  106  ends thereby advancing to step  82  of the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   In step  118 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  106  then ends thereby advancing to step  82  in the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   As discussed above, in step  82  the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on the either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  86  (see  FIG. 8 ), if the data input device  27  did not detect product information associated with an item being entered, the routine  56  advances to step  104 . In step  104 , the processing unit  29  scans or reads the data communication lines  49 ,  40  to determine if a customer is entering information associated with a coupon via the data input device  27  or the scanner  22 , respectively. More specifically, the data input device  27  or the scanner  22  generates an output signal which is sent to the processing unit  29  once the data input device  27  or the scanner  22  has detected a customer entering information associated with a coupon. If the data input device  27  or the scanner  22  detects information associated with a coupon being entered, the routine  56  advances to step  120 . If the data input device  27  or the scanner  22  does not detect information associated with a coupon being entered, the routine  56  advances to step  122 . 
   In step  120 , the processing unit  29  adds a record of the coupon entered in step  104  to the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  communicates with the network  33  to obtain the information (e.g. value) associated with the coupon. Thereafter, the processing unit  29  updates the transaction table. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the transaction table to be updated in the memory device  35  to include the information associated with the coupon. The routine  56  then advances to a coupon subroutine  124 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a flow chart setting forth the coupon subroutine  124  in greater detail. After completion of step  120  (see  FIG. 8 ), the subroutine  124  advances to step  126 . In step  126 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the ratio of the coupon value to the item value has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the value of the item in the transaction table that is associated with the coupon that was entered in step  104  (see  FIG. 8 ). If the coupon value exceeds a predetermined percentage of the value of the item thereby exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  128 . If the coupon value does not exceed a predetermined percentage of the value of the item thereby not exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  130 . 
   In step  128 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  124  then advances to step  130 . 
   In step  130 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the number of identical coupons in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the number of previously entered coupons in the transaction table that have identical information associated therewith as the coupon that was entered in step  104  (see  FIG. 8 ). If the number of identical coupons in the transaction table is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  132 . If the number of identical coupons in the transaction table is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  134 . 
   In step  132 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  124  advances to step  134 . 
   In step  134 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the total number of coupons in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the total number of coupons in the transaction table. If the total number of coupons is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  136 . If the total number of coupons is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  138 . 
   In step  136 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  124  advances to step  138 . 
   In step  138 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the total value of the coupons in the transaction table has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the total value of the coupons in the transaction table. If the total value of the coupons included in the transaction table is greater than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  140 . If the total value of the coupons included in the transaction table is less than the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  142 . 
   In step  140 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  124  advances to step  142 . 
   In step  142 , the processing unit  29  determines if a trigger point associated with the ratio of the total coupon value to the total item value has been exceeded. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine (1) the total value of the items in the transaction table, and (2) the total value of the coupons in the transaction table. If the total coupon value exceeds a predetermined percentage of the total value of the items thereby exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  advances to step  144 . If the coupon value does not exceed a predetermined percentage of the value of the item thereby not exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the subroutine  124  then ends thereby advancing to step  82  in the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   In step  144 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the subroutine  124  then ends thereby advancing to step  82  in the routine  56  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   As discussed above, in step  82  the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on the either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  104  (see  FIG. 8 ), if information associated with a coupon is not entered into the data input device  27  or the scanner  22 , the routine  56  advances to step  122 . In step  122 , the processing unit  29  determines that a customer (1) did not properly scan an item across the scanner  22  because an output signal was not detected on the data communication line  40 , (2) did not properly weigh and thereby enter product information associated with an item via the product scale  21  because an output signal was not detected on the data communication line  48 , (3) did not properly manually enter product information associated with an item via the data input device  27  because an output signal was not detected on the data communication line  49 , and (4) did not properly enter information associated with a coupon via the data input device  27  or the scanner  22  because a valid output signal was not detected on the data communication lines  49  or  40 , respectively. Therefore, the processing unit  29  determines that the output signal present in step  62  was not associated with the proper entry of an item or coupon, but instead the result of invalid code or other type of unsuccessful entry attempt. The routine  56  then advances to step  82 . 
   As discussed above, in step  82  the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on the either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  62 , if output signals are not present on the data communication lines  40 ,  48 , or  49 , the routine  56  advances to step  66 . In step  66 , the processing unit determines if an excessive amount of time has elapsed since the customer&#39;s last successful entry. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the amount of time which has elapsed since the last entry into the transaction table. If the amount of time since the last entry exceeds a predetermined value thereby exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the routine  56  advances to step  146 . If the amount of time since the last entry does not exceed a predetermined value thereby not exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the routine  56  advances to step  146 . 
   In step  146 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the routine  56  advances to step  82 . 
   As discussed above, in step  82  the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on the either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  66 , if the amount of time since the last entry does not exceed a predetermined value thereby not exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the routine  56  advances to step  148 . In step  148 , the processing unit determines if an excessive amount of time has elapsed since the customer began the checkout operation. In particular, the processing unit  29  communicates with the memory device  35  to determine the amount of time which has elapsed since the completed the initialization step  54  (see  FIG. 7 ). If the amount of time since the customer completed the initialization step  54  exceeds a predetermined value thereby exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the routine  56  advances to step  150 . If the amount of time since the customer completed the initialization step  54  does not exceed a predetermined value thereby not exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the routine  56  advances to step  152 . 
   In step  150 , the processing unit  29  increments the event log and the suspicion log by a predetermined value. More specifically, the processing unit  29  generates an output signal which is sent to the memory device  35  which causes the event log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one, and the suspicion log to be incremented in the memory device  35  by a value of one-half. 
   Thereafter, the processing unit  29  determines if the total value of either the event log or the suspicion log exceeds the respective predetermined threshold value for each log. More specifically, if the event log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel in order to assist the customer. In addition, if the suspicion log exceeds its predetermined threshold value, the processing unit  29  causes an output signal to be sent to the network  33  which in turn pages or otherwise summons the retailer&#39;s personnel such as security personnel to audit or otherwise investigate the customer&#39;s transaction. If neither the event log nor the suspicion log exceeds its respective threshold value, the routine  56  advances to step  82 . 
   As discussed above, in step  82  the processing unit  29  monitors the communication line  49  from the data input device  27  and the communication line  44  from the display monitor  26  to determine whether the customer has more items to be entered. In particular, a message is displayed on the display monitor  26  instructing the customer to touch a particular touch screen area displayed on the display monitor  26 , or to touch a particular key associated with the data input device  27 , when the customer has completed entering all of the items for purchase. 
   If a particular signal is detected on either of the communication lines  44  or  49 , the processing unit  29  determines that the checkout procedure is complete and the routine  56  advances to the finalization step  58  (see  FIG. 7 ). If a particular signal is not detected on the either the communication lines  44  or  49 , the routine advances to step  62 . 
   Returning now to step  148 , if the amount of time since the customer completed the initialization step  54  does not exceed a predetermined value thereby not exceeding the trigger point associated therewith, the routine  56  advances to step  152 . In step  152 , since (1) output signals were not present on the data communication lines  40 ,  48 , or  49  indicating that an entry attempt was occurring, (2) the processing unit  29  did not determine that excessive time had elapsed since the customer&#39;s last successful entry, and (3) the processing unit  29  did not determine that excessive time had elapsed since the customer completed the itemization step  54  (see  FIG. 7 ), the processing unit  29  concludes that there is no present attempt being made by a customer to scan or otherwise enter an item or coupon. Thus, the routine  56  advances to step  82  to loop through the routine  56  once again. 
   While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 
   For example, the routine  56  may be modified to include steps in which the value of the suspicion log is reduced if the customer is identified as a “preferred customer”. In particular, if the customer is identified as a customer which frequents the retailer via the information encoded on his or her smart card during the initialization step  54  (see  FIG. 7 ), certain trigger points (e.g. total item value) may not cause the suspicion log to be incremented.