Charles R Welch

US Patent:

58839682, Mar 16, 1999

Filed:

Feb 9, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/598395

Inventors:

Charles W. Welch - Marlton NJ
J. Michael Rozmus - Marlton NJ
James L. Whiteman - Moorestown NJ
Michael Negin - Mt. Laurel NJ
William J. Herd - Blackwood NJ

Assignee:

AW Computer Systems, Inc. - Mt. Laurel NJ

International Classification:

G06K 962

US Classification:

382100

Abstract:

Purchase of an item bearing a unique identification code is verified by (a) ascertaining the identification code of an item to be purchased; (b) acquiring data representative of color features of the item to be purchased; and (c) comparing the data representative of color features of the item to be purchased to data representative of expected color features for items having the same identification code. Other physical characteristics of an item, such as height, may also be employed. The disclosed system is also capable of detecting whether a shopping cart is empty or not, and determining whether a non-empty cart is an indication that a theft is being attempted.