AU2015245938A1

AU2015245938A1 - Improvements to point of sale systems

Info

Publication number: AU2015245938A1
Application number: AU2015245938A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James VOTE
Original assignee: Triniteq Int Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Triniteq International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-11
Filing date: 2015-04-10
Publication date: 2016-10-27
Also published as: WO2015154136A1

Abstract

A point of sale system is described which, in one embodiment, comprises a terminal, and a signal receiver that is able to receive a signal containing data that is associated with an item and that is also able to communicate with the terminal. In at least one embodiment described, the terminal and the signal receiver are both adapted to be worn on the body of a user.

Description

PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 1

IMPROVEMENTS TO POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to point of sale systems and, in particular, to improvements to point of sale systems.

[0002] Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to being used in a bar environment, it will be appreciated that it is not necessarily limited to being used in this way, and that it may be used in other environments. For example, it may be used in any other environment where a salesperson needs to provide a customer with an item that the salesperson prepares in or retrieves from a designated area that is located away from the customer. Examples of such other environments include bakery shops and shoe shops.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The operation of selling pre-packed or dispensable items in given sizes from behind a counter can take time and create unnecessary stress for staff selling the items as well as for customers purchasing the items.

[0004] For example, in a bar where drinks and other items are sold by a bar tender from behind a counter, the basic steps of selling the items comprise a customer giving the bar tender their order which comprises the items the customer wishes to purchase from the bar. Once the bar tender has the customer’s order, they then move around the bar area gathering the ordered items. Typically, the bar tender does not make a written note of the ordered items, so they have to remember what items the customer ordered. The bar tender returns to the customer at the counter with all of the gathered items.

[0005] The next steps in the sales process can take different paths depending on the memory and addition skills of the bar tender. If the bar tender knows the total price of all of the items in the customer’s order, they will inform the customer of the total amount that they need to pay for all of their ordered items. Upon being given this information, the customer will then provide the bar tender with payment for the items they have ordered. Payment is typically in the PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 2 form of cash or via a credit or debit card. Once they have this, the bar tender will then move to a fixed point of sale (POS) terminal where they enter the items in the customer’s order and tender off the sale/process the customer’s payment. The bar tender then returns to the customer and gives them their change, if any, or returns their credit or debit card to them to conclude the sale.

[0006] Even if all sales were like this, it can be seen that the bar tender has to move to the point of sale terminal and then back to the customer. This wastes time. Also, if the point of sale terminal is busy the transaction will take longer so that even more time is wasted. Further, the bar tender must remember to correctly enter the ordered items into the point of sale terminal or stock variations will occur or the balance of the point of sale terminal will be put out.

[0007] If the bar tender does not know the total price of the order, they have to go to the POS terminal and enter the ordered items, and then store the order in the terminal. The bar tender then returns to the customer and advises the customer of the total price of the order. Upon being given this information, the customer provides the bar tender with payment for the ordered items. Again, payment is typically in the form of cash, or via credit card or debit card. Once they have this, the bar tender moves back to the POS terminal where they proceed to unstore the sale/order, and enter the tendered amount/process the customer’s payment. The bar tender then returns to the customer and gives them their change, if any, or returns their credit card or debit card to them to conclude the sale.

[0008] This second sales path can waste even more time than the first sales path because the bar tender needs to go to the POS terminal twice rather than once.

[0009] The to-ing and fro-ing of the bar tender between the customer and the POS terminal is unproductive and tiring for the bar tender. Also, the effect of wrong items or amounts being entered into the POS terminal can lead to incorrect stock levels and the balance of the POS terminal being out. If items are omitted from being entered into the POS terminal, a dollar loss for the business PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 3 will occur which can lead to management stress and repercussions for the staff such as the bar tender.

[0010] These problems can be compounded at busy times if the bar tender needs to wait for the POS terminal to become available for them to use.

Although increasing the number of POS terminals can lessen the waiting time, this would introduce the problem of POS terminals being unused during quiet times which is effectively a waste of assets.

[0011] Further, no matter how fast the POS terminal is or how many there are, the bar tender has to enter the items at the terminal which may be located away from the customer.

[0012] The use of a handheld ordering device with a touch screen such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer such as, for example, that marketed under the trade mark iPad™, or the like can improve sales operations to some extent. Indeed such devices have proven effective for taking customer orders in restaurants. However, the problem of using a handheld ordering device such as a PDA, tablet computer or the like in a bar setting is that because the device is handheld, it requires two hands to use it. Consequently, in order for a bar tender to use such a device they must first free-up their hands.

[0013] Another example of a handheld device is the “Inca POS” system, details of which can be found on the following webpage: http://www.incascanning.biz/. According to the Inca website, their product is “a small hand held scanner which reads strategically placed item barcodes beside your products in the bar.” The display of the device apparently only displays the individual prices of scanned items as well as the total price of the scanned items.

[0014] It would be desirable to improve the efficiency of selling items in a bar setting as well as other settings where a salesperson needs to move back and forth between a customer and another part of a store as part of the process of selling to the customer. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 4 [0015] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0017] Advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, byway of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0018] According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a point of sale system comprising a terminal, and a signal receiver that is able to receive a signal containing data that is associated with an item and that is also able to communicate with the terminal, wherein the terminal and the signal receiver are both adapted to be worn on the body of a user.

[0019] Adapting the terminal and the signal receiver to be worn on the body of the user is advantageous because it allows the user to sell the item to a customer without them having to move back and forth between the customer and a fixed point of sale terminal. It also means that the user does not need to wait to use a fixed point of sale terminal if it is being used by someone else. Also, it allows for the user to perform tasks such as retrieving the item from a storage area without having to put down the terminal or the signal receiver.

Consequently, the point of sale system according to the first broad aspect of the present invention is able to assist in improving the efficiency and productivity of the user. Improving the efficiency and productivity of the user is able to assist in providing increased customer satisfaction.

[0020] Preferably, the point of sale system is further adapted to be used in a bar. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 5 [0021] Preferably, the terminal is adapted to be worn on an arm of the user.

In one preferred form, the terminal is adapted to be worn on a wrist of the user.

In another preferred form, the terminal is adapted to be worn on a hand of the user. It is particularly preferred that the terminal includes a band for securing the terminal to the arm of the user.

[0022] Preferably, the signal receiver is adapted to be worn on a hand of the user. It is preferred that the signal receiver is adapted to be worn on a finger of the user. It is particularly preferred that the signal receiver includes one or more bands for securing it to the finger of the user. It is also particularly preferred that the signal receiver includes a finger glove-type membrane for securing the signal receiver to the finger of the user.

[0023] Preferably, the terminal includes a display for displaying information to the user. It is preferred that the display comprises a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. It is also preferred that the display comprises a touchscreen. It is particularly preferred that the touchscreen comprises a capacitive touchscreen.

[0024] It is preferred that the terminal comprises a personal computing device. For example, the terminal may comprise a smart phone, tablet computer, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). In the case of the terminal being a smart phone or a tablet computer, it is preferred that the terminal is an IOS™ or an Android™ compatible device.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a memory device that stores the data that is associated with the item and that the signal receiver is able to receive the signal from.

[0026] In one particular preferred embodiment, the memory device comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the signal receiver comprises an RFID antenna that is able to receive the signal from the tag, and one of the terminal and the signal receiver includes an RFID reader that is able to read the data contained in the received signal. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 6 [0027] Preferably, the RFID reader comprises a RFID reader integrated circuit (1C).

[0028] Preferably, the signal receiver includes at least one sensor that is operable to cause the RFID reader to read the data contained in the received signal. Preferably, the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor and/or a magnetic sensor. It is preferred that, in the case of a pressure sensor, the at least one sensor comprises a pressure switch, and, in the case of a magnetic sensor, the at least one sensor comprises a magnetic switch. It is also preferred that the at least one sensor is able to be positioned adjacent a fingertip of the user.

[0029] In another particular preferred embodiment, the memory device comprises a 1-Wire™ memory device, and the signal receiver comprises a 1-Wire™ connector that is able to receive the signal from the memory device.

[0030] Preferably, the 1 -Wire™ memory device comprises a 1-Wire™ button or tag.

[0031] Preferably, the signal receiver includes an indicator that is operable to indicate if the data has been successfully read. It is preferred that the indicator comprises a visual indicator. It is particularly preferred that the visual indicator comprises a light source. For example, the light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0032] In one preferred form, the terminal is connected to the signal receiver by a cable. In an alternative preferred form, the terminal and the signal receiver are adapted to communicate with each other wirelessly. It is preferred that the terminal and the signal receiver are adapted to communicate wirelessly with each other via Bluetooth™. In a particular preferred form, at least one of the terminal and the signal receiver comprise a Bluetooth™ Low Energy Module.

[0033] Preferably, the point of sale system also comprises a computer that is located remotely from the terminal, wherein the terminal and the computer are able to communicate with each other. It is preferred that the computer and the PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 7 terminal are adapted to communicate with each other wirelessly. It is preferred that the terminal and the computer each comprise a respective wireless communication module so that the terminal and the computer are able to communicate with each other wirelessly. It is particularly preferred that the wireless communication modules of the computer and the terminal are WiFi™ wireless communication modules.

[0034] Preferably, the point of sale system also comprises a cash storage apparatus for storing cash payment for the item. In one preferred form, the cash storage apparatus comprises a cash drawer. In another preferred form, the cash storage apparatus comprises a cash pouch. It is preferred that the cash pouch is adapted to be worn by the user.

[0035] According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of selling an item to a customer, the method comprising: receiving data associated with the item using the signal receiver of the system according to the first broad aspect of the present invention; and processing the data using the terminal of the system.

[0036] According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal for a point of sale system, wherein the terminal is adapted to be worn on the body of a user.

[0037] According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal receiver for a point of sale system, wherein the signal receiver is adapted to be worn on the body of a user.

[0038] According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a computing means, causes the computing means to perform at least part of the method according to the second broad aspect of the present inventon as herein described. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 8 [0039] According to a sixth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computing means programmed to carry out at least part of the method according to the second broad aspect of the present inventon as herein described.

[0040] According to a seventh broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data signal including at least one instruction being capable of being received and interpreted by a computing system, wherein the instruction implements at least part of the method according to the second broad aspect of the present inventon as herein described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first point of sale system;

Figure 2 depicts a terminal and a signal receiver of the first point of sale system when respectively worn on the wrist and finger of a user;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronics of the terminal and the signal receiver of the first point of sale system;

Figure 4 depicts the user touching a RFID tag that is associated with a beverage item in a bar with the signal receiver of the first point of sale system;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a user finger on which is worn a signal receiver of a second point of sale system;

Figure 6 is a side view of the signal receiver of the second point of sale system while being worn on the user finger;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a user finger on which is worn a signal receiver of a third point of sale system;

Figure 8 is a side view of the signal receiver of the third point of sale system while being worn on the user finger;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a user finger on which is worn a signal receiver of a fourth point of sale system; PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 9

Figure 10 is a side view of the signal receiver of the fourth point of sale system while being worn on the user finger;

Figure 11 depicts a user finger on which is worn a signal receiver of a fifth point of sale system;

Figure 12 is another view of the signal receiver of the fifth point of sale system while being worn on the user finger;

Figure 13A depicts the user pressing the signal receiver of the fifth point of sale system against an RFID tag that is associated with a beverage item in the bar;

Figure 13B depicts the user placing the signal receiver of an embodiment of the fifth point of sale system close to an RFID tag that is associated with a beverage item in the bar;

Figure 13C shows a view of the RFID tag shown in Figure 3B when assembled with an associated holder;

Figure 13D shows the RFID tag shown in Figure 13C separated from the holder;

Figure 14 depicts a user finger on which is worn a signal receiver of a sixth point of sale system;

Figure 15 is a side view of the signal receiver of the sixth point of sale system while being worn on the user finger;

Figure 16 depicts a 1-Wire button of the sixth point of sale system;

Figure 17 depicts a user finger on which is worn a signal receiver of a seventh point of sale system;

Figure 18 depicts the user contacting the 1-Wire probes/connector of the signal receiver of the seventh point of sale system with a 1-Wire button that is associated with a beverage item in the bar;

Figure 19 depicts a terminal and a signal receiver of an eighth point of sale system while the terminal is worn on a user wrist, and while the signal receiver is worn on a finger of the user;

Figure 20 is a side view of the signal receiver of the eighth point of sale system depicted in figure 19 while being worn on the user finger;

Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a terminal, two signal receivers, a RFID tag, and a 1-Wire™ button/tag of a ninth point of sale system; and PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 10

Figure 22 depicts an example of a graphical user interface that may be displayed by the display of, for example, a hand worn OLED display.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the following specific embodiments. This detailed description is intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, compositions and methods are within the scope of the invention as described herein. Consistent with this position, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0043] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the examples herein. It is to be understood, however, that this detailed description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention, and should not be understood in any way as a restriction on the broad description of the invention as set out hereinbefore.

[0044] The entire disclosures of all publications (including patents, patent applications, journal articles, laboratory manuals, books, or other documents) cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any of the references constitute prior art or are part of the common general knowledge of those working in the field to which this invention relates.

[0045] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 11 [0046] Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0047] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0048] The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (for example, size, displacement and field strength etc.). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range that lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range. For example, a person skilled in the field will understand that a 10% variation in upper or lower limits of a range can be totally appropriate and is encompassed by the invention. More particularly, the variation in upper or lower limits of a range will be 5% or as is commonly recognised in the art, whichever is greater.

[0049] Throughout this specification relative language such as the words ‘about’ and ‘approximately’ are used. This language seeks to incorporate at least 10% variability to the specified number or range. That variability may be plus 10% or negative 10% of the particular number specified.

[0050] In the drawings, where appropriate, like features have been referenced with like reference numbers.

[0051] Referring to figures 1 to 3, there is depicted a first embodiment of a point of sale system 50 that is adapted to be used in a bar where drinks and other items are sold to customers by a bar tender or cashier. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 12 [0052] The point of sale system 50 comprises a plurality of components, subsystems and/or modules operably coupled via appropriate circuitry and connections to enable the point of sale system 50 to perform the functions and operations herein described. The point of sale system comprises suitable components necessary to receive, store and execute appropriate computer instructions such as a method of selling an item to a customer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] In the embodiment, the point of sale system 50 includes a terminal 51, and a signal receiver 52 that is able to receive a signal containing data that is associated with an item 53 and that is also able to communicate with the terminal 51. The system 50 is characterised in that the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52 are both adapted to be worn on the body of a user such as a bar tender or cashier.

[0054] Although, the embodiment of the invention is described with reference to being used in a bar environment, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to being used in this way, and that in alternative embodiments it may be used in other environments. For example, it may be used in any other environment where a salesperson needs to provide a customer with an item that the salesperson prepares in or retrieves from a designated area that is located away from the customer, including bakery shops and shoe shops.

[0055] In addition to the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52, the system 50 includes memory devices that are in the form of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags 54 that are associated with the items 53 that are being sold, a site computer 55, and a cash drawer 56 and/or a cash pouch 57. If the system 50 includes a cash drawer 56, the system 50 further includes a memory device in the form of an RFID tag 58 that is associated with the drawer 56.

[0056] The terminal 51 comprises operably connected/coupled components facilitating performance as described, including appropriate computer chips (integrated circuits), transceiver/receiver antennas, and software for the sensory technology being used, as does the site computer 55. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 13 [0057] The terminal 51 includes a controller comprising processing means in the form of a low-powered central processing unit (CPU) 70, data reading means in the form of an RFID reader integrated circuit (IC) 71, a display in the form of a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display 72, communication means in the form of a radio frequency (RF)/wireless communication or WiFi™ module 73, and storage comprising memory 74. The RFID reader IC 71, display 72, wireless communication module 73, and the memory 74 all interface with the CPU 70. Energy means in the form of a battery 75 of the terminal 51 provides electrical power to the CPU 70, RFID reader IC 71, display 72, wireless communication module 73, and the memory 74. In addition, the terminal 51 includes switching means in the form of a power switch 76 for turning the communication module 73 on and off, and a power supply circuit 77 for supplying electrical power to the various components of the terminal 51 and for connecting the battery 75 to a charging device. Furthermore, the terminal 51 includes attachment means in the form of a band 78 for securing the terminal 51 to a wrist 79 of the user.

[0058] The terminal 51 is capable of receiving instructions that may be held in the memory 74 and may be executed by the processor. The CPU 70 is operable to perform actions under control of electronic program instructions, as will be described in further detail below, including processing/executing instructions and managing the flow of data and information through the terminal 51.

[0059] In the embodiment, electronic program instructions for the terminal 51 are provided via a single software application (app) or module and can be downloaded from a website (or other suitable electronic device platform) or otherwised saved to or stored on storage of the terminal 51.

[0060] The flexible OLED display 72 enhances the display aspect of the terminal 51, as a flat screen is not so easy to fit to a user’s wrist or to the back of their hand. Also a wraparound screen such as the flexible OLED display 72 is much thinner and more durable than a flat screen display. The clear display 72 is viewable at difficult angles and has low power consumption. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 14 [0061] The display 72 has input means in the form of a touchscreen, thereby providing an interface for allowing the user to interact with the terminal 51. In alternative embodiments of the invention, alternative user interfaces may be provided. For example, the touchscreen may be any type of touchscreen such as a resistive touchscreen or a capacitive touchscreen. However, in the case of 4 or 5 wire resistive touchscreens, they can be damaged by sharp objects that may be used to touch the screen. Also, they can wear out after a lot of use.

Capacitive touchscreens can be set to a no contact mode, and can also recognize gestures e.g. “flicking” between screens.

[0062] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the terminal 51 is a mobile communication device and comprises a smartphone such as that marketed under the trade mark IPHONE™ by Apple Inc, or by other provider such as Nokia Corporation, or Samsung Group, having Android™, WEBOS™, Windows™, or other Phone app platform. Alternatively, the terminal 51 may comprise other computing means such as a personal, notebook or tablet computer such as that marketed under the trade mark IPAD™ or IPOD TOUCH™by Apple Inc,or by other provider such as Hewlett-Packard Company, or Dell, Inc, for example, or other suitable device.

[0063] The terminal 51 also includes an operating system which is capable of issuing commands and is arranged to interact with the app to cause the terminal to carry out the respective steps, functions and/or procedures in accordance with the embodiment of the invention described herein. The operating system may be appropriate for the terminal 51. For example, in the case where the terminal 51 comprises an IPHONE™ smartphone, the operating system may be iOS (Apple™).

[0064] The app, and other electronic instructions or programs for the computing subsystems and components of point of sale system 50, including the terminal 51 and the site computer 55, can be written in any suitable language, as are well known to persons skilled in the art. In embodiments of the invention, the electronic program instructions may be provided as stand-alone application(s), as a set or plurality of applications, via a network, or added as middleware, depending on the requirements of the implementation or embodiment. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 15 [0065] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the software may comprise one or more modules, and may be implemented in hardware. In such a case, for example, the modules may be implemented with any one or a combination of the following technologies, which are each well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and the like.

[0066] Computing means of subsystems and components of the point of sale system 50 can of any suitable type, including: a programmable logic controller (PLC); digital signal processor (DSP); microcontroller; personal, notebook or tablet computer, or dedicated servers or networked servers.

[0067] Processing means of subsystems and components of the point of sale system 50 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a data signal processor (DSP) or an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the computing means. In embodiments of the invention, the processing means may be a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip) or a macroprocessor, for example.

[0068] In embodiments of the invention, storage of subsystems and components of the point of sale system 50 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM)) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), tape, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), etc.). The respective storage may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical and/or other types of storage media. Furthermore, the respective storage can have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processing means. For example, the ROM may store various instructions, programs, software, or applications to be executed by the PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 16 processing means to control the operation of the point of sale system 50 and the RAM may temporarily store variables or results of the operations.

[0069] The use and operation of computers using software applications is well-known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein except as is relevant to the present invention.

[0070] Furthermore, any suitable communication protocol can be used to facilitate connection and communication between any subsystems or components of the point of sale system 50, and the point of sale system 50 and other devices or systems, including wired and wireless, as are well known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein except as is relevant to the present invention.

[0071] Where the words “store”, “hold” and “save” or similar words are used in the context of the present invention, they are to be understood as including reference to the retaining or holding of data or information both permanently and/or temporarily in the storage means, device or medium for later retrieval, and momentarily or instantaneously, for example as part of a processing operation being performed.

[0072] Additionally, where the terms “system", “device”, and “machine” are used in the context of the present invention, they are to be understood as including reference to any group of functionally related or interacting, interrelated, interdependent or associated components or elements that may be located in proximity to, separate from, integrated with, or discrete from, each other.

[0073] Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, the word “determining” is understood to include receiving or accessing the relevant data or information.

In the embodiment of the invention, the display for displaying the user interface and user input means are integrated in the touchscreen. In alternative embodiments these components may be provided as discrete elements or items.

[0074] In the embodiment, the signal receiver 52 includes an RFID antenna/coil 90 that includes alert means in the form of a light emitting diode PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 17 (LED) 91, and a sensor in the form of a small pressure switch 92. In other embodiments, the sensor could be provided in the form of, for example, a magnetic sensor switch. The signal receiver 52 is connected to the terminal 51 by a cable 93 through which the signal receiver 52 is able to be powered by and communicate with the terminal 51. In addition, the signal receiver 52 includes a first band 94, and a second band 95. The first band 94 is adapted to be worn on an index finger 96 of the user such that the band 94 is located between the first and second joints of the finger 96. The second band 95 is adapted to be worn on the finger 96 such that it is located between the second and third joints of the finger 96. The antenna 90 is secured to the second band 95, and the cable 93 is secured to both the first band 94 and the second band 95.

[0075] Each tag 54 is associated with a respective item 53, and stores the data that is associated with that item 53. The data stored on each tag 54 is a unique identification number (UID) that is associated with the item 53 that the tag 54 is associated with. The UID stored on each tag 54 is able to be read from the tag 54 using the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52 in combination.

[0076] The tag 58 stores data that is associated with the cash drawer 56, if present. In particular, the tag 58 stores a UID that is associated with the drawer 56. The UID stored on the tag 58 is able to be read from the tag 58 using the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52 in combination. In embodiments of the invention, additional and/or alternative data and information may be stored as pertinent to the embodiment.

[0077] The site computer 55 includes a controller in the form of a central processing unit (CPU) 110, storage in the form of memory 110 and a hard drive 112, and communication means in the form of a RF/wireless communication or WiFi™ module 113. The memory 110, hard drive 112, and wireless communication module 113 all interface with the CPU 110. A database 114 which is stored on the hard drive 112 contains the UID of each item 53 as well as a description, price, and status of each item 53. If the system 50 includes the cash drawer 56, the database 114 also stores a UID of the drawer 56 as well as an associated description, e.g. “Cash drawer”. In embodiments of the invention, PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 18 additional and/or alternative data and information may be stored as pertinent to the embodiment.

[0078] It will be understood that, in embodiments of the invention, the database 114 may reside on any suitable storage device, which may encompass solid state drives, hard disc drives, optical drives or magnetic tape drives. The database 114 may reside on a single physical storage device or may be spread across multiple storage devices or modules.

[0079] The database 114 is coupled to the CPU 110 and other components and in data communication therewith in order to enable information and data to be read to and from the database 114 as is well known to persons skilled in the art. Any suitable database structure can be used, and there may be one or more than one database. In embodiments of the invention, the database 114 can be provided locally as a component of the site computer 55 (such as in the hard drive 112) or remotely such as on a remote server, as can the electronic program instructions, and any other data or information to be gathered and/or presented.

[0080] The cash drawer 56, if present, is situated at a fixed location at or near the bar so that it can be accessed by the user wearing the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52. The cash pouch 57, if present, will typically be worn by the user, e.g. around their waist, so that they can access it.

[0081] When the pressure switch 92 of the antenna 90 is pressed against the tag 54 associated with one of the items 53 at the bar (or - for an embodiment where the pressure switch 92 is provided in the form of a magnetic sensor switch - when the magnetic sensor switch detects a magnetic field on the tag 54), this causes the CPU 70 to “wake-up” and take the reader 71 out of first state, comprising a low power or sleep mode of operation, and into a second state, comprising an active or awake mode of operation. In the embodiment described, the terminal 51 is operable to automatically return to the low power mode of operation (i.e. go to sleep) after a prescribed period of inactivity. The CPU 70 will then issue a command to the reader 71 to read the UID that is stored on the tag 54. Upon receiving this command, the reader 71 reads the UID stored on the tag 54 via the antenna 90. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 19 [0082] In use, a user, e.g. a bar tender or cashier, wearing the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52 will take an order from a customer. For example, the order could be for a pint of Stella™ beer, and a Scotch & Dry. After taking the customer’s order, the user initially moves to a Stella™ beer dispenser (e.g. a beer tap). Located on or near the dispenser may be two tags 54 that are associated with the item 53, i.e. Stella™ beer, that is dispensed by the dispenser. One of the tags 54 may be marked “Stella™ pint”, and the other tag 54 may be marked “Stella™ Ά pint”. While pouring a pint of Stella™ into a suitably sized drinking glass for the customer, the user will touch the tag 54 marked “Stella™ pint” with the antenna 90 of the signal receiver 52 so that its pressure switch 92 is depressed. Depressing the switch 92 causes the CPU 70 of the terminal 51 to wake-up (or - for an embodiment where the pressure switch 92 is provided in the form of a magnetic sensor switch - the magnetic sensor switch will detect a magnetic field near the tag 54 which will then provoke or cause the CPU (70) of the terminal 51 to wake-up) which will then take the reader 71 out of sleep mode and into awake mode. The CPU 70 will then issue a command to the reader 71 to read the UID that is stored on the tag 54 marked “Stella™ pint”. If the reader 71 successfully reads the UID, the LED 91 of the signal receiver 52 will be turned on/illuminated momentarily (e.g. flashed) to signify a good (i.e. successful) read of the tag 54 data. If the reader 71 does not successfully read the UID from the tag 54, the LED 91 is not illuminated, which signifies a bad (i.e. unsuccessful) read of the data. In the case of a bad read, the user needs to touch the tag 54 again in the same manner as before in order to re-try reading the data stored on the tag 54.

[0083] Although the LED is on the printed circuit board of the antenna 90 and is located near the finger tip of the user in the described embodiment, it may be mounted in another way so that it is near another part of the finger. Regardless of where the LED is mounted, in embodiments of the invention it is positioned so that the user can conveniently see whether or not the LED illuminates and therefore whether or not a successful read has occurred.

[0084] The battery of the terminal 51, which also powers the signal receiver 52, is only used when the terminal 51 and the reader 52 commence reading tags. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 20 [0085] Figure 4 shows the user touching a tag 54 of a beverage item 120 with the antenna 90 of the signal receiver 52 so that the pressure switch 92 of the signal receiver 52 is depressed (an alternate embodiment is shown in Figure 13B in which the pressure switch 92 is provided in the form of a magnetic sensor whereby the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field near the tag 54’). The antenna 90 of the signal receiver 52 is positioned adjacent to the tag 54 associated with the beverage item 120 so that the signal receiver 52 can receive an electromagnetic signal that contains the UID stored on that tag 54.

[0086] After reading the UID from the tag 54 that is associated with the item which the customer has ordered, the RFID reader 71 sends the UID of the read tag 54 to the computer 55 via the communication module 73 communicating with the communication module 113 of the computer 55. Upon its communication module 113 receiving this information, the computer 55 looks up the item associated with the received UID in the database 114, and operates its module 113 to transmit back to the module 73 the description, price and other information that is associated with the UID and that is stored on the database 114. It will also transmit other data such as the time the data on the tag 54 was read, PLU status, status of the item as well as the current time. This data is then displayed on the display 72 of the terminal 51 for a short period of time.

[0087] The touch screen of the terminal 51 is used by the user to input commands to perform relevant actions including, for example, show the sub total of the sale, error correct the item, show a journal of the sale, and identify the drawer or purse/pouch where the money received from the sale is to be deposited by the user.

[0088] The user then moves to a Scotch dispenser and repeats the above-described steps. However, instead of touching the tag 54 marked “Stella™ pint”, the user touches the tag 54 associated with the Scotch dispenser so that the UID of that tag 54 is read by the reader 71. After the UID of the tag 54 associated with the Scotch dispenser has been successfully read by the reader 71 and then transmitted to and processed by the computer 55, and the computer 55 has transmitted to the terminal 51 the data in the database 114 that is associated with the UID, the display 72 of the terminal 51 displays “Scotch” and “mixer”. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 21 [0089] Next, the user would then move to a post mix dispenser and operate it to dispense “Dry Ginger” into the glass containing the Scotch. They then touch “mixer” which is displayed on the display 72 with the signal receiver 52 so that the button 92 is depressed and so that the display 72 will then display the post mixers that are available. If the mixers are displayed on different screens, they can scroll through the screens by gesturing until they reach the screen that contains the correct mixer, which in this particular example is “Dry Ginger”. The user then selects the mixer by touching the display 72.

[0090] A journal of all of the ordered entered items 53 is stored in the memory 74 of the terminal 51 along with a running sub-total of the prices of all of the ordered items 53.

[0091] The user then returns to the waiting customer with all of the ordered items. If the terminal 51 has fallen asleep and entered the sleep mode of operation, the user then touches a “Wake up” button that is displayed on the display 72 to return it to the awake mode of operation. The display 72 then displays the sub-total that is stored in the memory 74 of the terminal 51. The user informs the customer of the displayed sub-total amount, and the customer responds by handing the user payment (e.g. cash) for the ordered items.

[0092] If the system 50 includes the cash pouch 57 for controlling cash, the user presses a “Tender” button on the display 72, and then enters the amount of cash tendered by the customer using the touchscreen of the display 72. The amount of change, if any, that is owed to the customer is then automatically calculated and displayed on the display 72. If change is owed to the customer, the user will remove the correct change from the pouch 57 and then give the change to the customer. The sale is then finalized and the terminal 51 uses its wireless communication module 73 to transmit a “total line” for the sale to the computer 55 which stores this data in the database 114 on its hard drive 112 after its wireless communication module 113 receives it.

[0093] If the system 50 uses a drawer system for controlling cash and therefore includes the cash drawer 56, the user operates the terminal 51 and the signal receiver 52 in a similar manner to that described above to read the data PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 22 that is stored on the RFID tag 58 that is associated with the drawer 56. The data that is read from the tag 58 is the UID that is associated with the drawer 56. The read UID of the drawer 56 is transmitted wirelessly to the computer 55. The computer 55 then wirelessly sends back a command to open the drawer 56.

Upon receipt of the command, the drawer 56 opens and the user deposits the money tendered by the customer in the drawer 56 and removes any necessary change from the drawer 56 and gives the change to the customer. The sale is then finalized and the terminal 51 uses it wireless communication module 73 to transmit a “total line” for the sale to the computer 55 which stores this data in the database 114 on its hard drive 112.

[0094] Lastly, the terminal 51, including the RFID reader 71, communication module 73, and CPU 70 enters the sleep mode until the next order is received from a customer.

[0095] If the user reads the wrong tag 54 using the terminal 51 and signal receiver 52, they can press an error correction “E/C” button that is displayed on the screen of the display 72. Pressing the E/C button will cause the terminal 51 to remove the last item entered and display it on the display 72 in red. This information is also sent to the computer 55 so that its database 114 is kept up to date.

[0096] The system 50 can allow a running tab to be used by storing sales data for a customer (e.g. the items the customer has put on the tab) on a RFID tag (e g. a MIFARE™ RFID tag) that is embedded in a tab card that is associated with the customer. When it comes time for the customer to pay for the items that were put on their tab, the sales data stored on the embedded tag can be downloaded by the user using the terminal 51 and signal receiver 52, and an itemized account/receipt can then be produced and given to the customer so that the customer can then pay for the items from the bar that they put on their tab.

[0097] An RFID tag that is associated with (e.g. secured to) a pager (e.g. a table/food pager/buzzer) or other article can be read using the terminal 51 and signal receiver 52 so as to link food items to the pager number/article identifer. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 23 [0098] An RFID tag can be linked to a membership number, or other identification, of a customer and can be used to identify the customer. The tag may be embedded in a membership card (e.g. a MIFARE™ RFID tag) or other article, and the tag may be read so that the price of items being purchased by the customer can be changed on the fly. This allows for the utilisation of special pricing for members. Different levels of membership may be used. Also, a record of a sale to the customer can be recorded in a secure purse area of the tag. The secure purse area can be used as a tab for use in a bar, or for a charge account, for example.

[0099] If a cash pouch system is used, an RFID tag such as a manager’s tag can be linked to a “pick-up” amount. The tag would be read after money in the pouch 57 is removed for storage elsewhere, and would update the database 114 to indicate the reduced amount of money that is held in the pouch 57. This would allow managers to collect money from the user before the amount of money stored in the pouch 57 reaches too high an amount and becomes a security risk.

[00100] A “journal” feature/option may also be displayed on the display 72. When the user selects this option by pressing/touching it on the display 72, details of the last sales items will be displayed on the display 72. Each subsequent touch of the journal feature will display the next previous sales items. This feature can be used to show a customer what was ordered or for a manager to check on correct operation. If it is necessary to keep records on the information recorded on the terminal 51 during the user’s shift and be able to compare it with the information that has been recorded by the computer 55 during their shift, the journal can be downloaded onto the computer 55 at the end of the user’s shift.

[00101] The current time can be displayed by the display 72 of the terminal 51 by the user selecting a time option on the display 72. The displayed time can be synchronised with the time of the computer 55. Also, the time option can be used to check the connection between the terminal 51 and the computer 55 via wireless RF communication between the terminal 55 and the computer 55. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 24 [00102] The terminal 51 is also provided with a “note” function that can be selected by the user. As data read by the terminal 51 and signal receiver 52 in combination is sent back to the computer 55 by the terminal 51 at the time a tag is touched by the receiver 52, a full journal of the items whose tags are touched is stored by the computer 55. Also, the computer 55 stores the exact time that each tag in the journal was touched. This will allow for the assessment of the speed of service of the user of the terminal 51 and any long trips they had to make in order to fulfill the order.

[00103] As previously mentioned, if the system 50 uses a drawer system for storing money, each drawer 56 has a respective RFID tag 58 associated with it. The tag 58 may be located on or near the drawer 56. Upon being read by the combination of the terminal 51 and receiver 52, the tag 58 will provides the UID which is stored on it to the terminal 51 via the receiver 52. The terminal 51 then sends this information on to the computer 55. The data sent back to the terminal 51 by the computer 55 after it looks-up the UID in the database 114 will include the electronic serial number (ESN) of the drawer 56, so only the drawer 56 that the tag 58 is associated with will open. The drawer 56 has an RF module that is programmed to only output a pulse signal when it receives its own ESN. The RF module will not output a pulse unless it receives the particular ESN of the drawer 56. As the computer 55 maintains a record of the ESN of each drawer 56, it can report on how much money has been deposited into each drawer by each user.

[00104] As previously mentioned, in the embodiment described the computer 55 has a database 114 of all of the items that are being sold as well as their different sizes (e.g. pint, jug, etc., in the case of the system 50 being used in a bar). Moreover, the UID of each terminal 51 and signal receiver 52 combination of the system 50 is stored in the database 114. The computer 55 uses its RF module 113 to transmit a signal polling each terminal 51 and signal receiver 52 combination using the UID of the combination/reader. The computer 55 waits a defined period of time, and if the polled terminal 51 and signal receiver 52 combination does not have any data to transmit to the computer 55, the computer 55 will poll the next terminal 51 and signal receiver 52 combination/reader using the UID of that reader/combination. The computer 55 PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 25 repeats this process for each reader/terminal and signal receiver combination until it reaches the first polled reader and starts the process again.

[00105] The computer 55 also stores a database of the sales of each reader. This information can be passed on in real-time, for example onto reporting software, security cameras, or mobile devices.

[00106] Referring to figures 5 and 6, a signal receiver 130 of a second point of sale system includes a module 131 that includes communication means in the form of a Bluetooth™ Low Energy v4 module, processing means in the form of a CPU, and data reading means comprising an RFID reader IC. An RFID antenna 90 includes a sensor in the form of a switch 92 that is mounted on a support comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) 132 of the antenna 90. The PCB 132 is mounted on or otherwise secured to a support comprising a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 133 of the signal receiver 130. The signal receiver 130 also includes energy means in the form of a battery 134 that supplies electrical power to the various active components of the signal receiver 130 that require electrical power to operate.

[00107] The flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 133 is worn on the end of the user finger 96 as shown so that the antenna 90, including the switch 92, is located adjacent to the tip of the finger 96. Means for allowing the FPCB 133 to be worn by, and secured to the user finger 96, is provided in the form of straps 135 that extend around the finger 96. Clips 136 are provided to allow the length of the straps 135 to be adjusted so that the FPCB 133 can be secured to fingers of various sizes. A first band 94 of the signal receiver 130 secures the battery 134 between the first and second joints of the finger 96. A second band 95 of the signal receiver 130 secures the module 131 between the second and third joints of the finger 96. The battery 134 is coupled to the module 131 by a flexible and electrically conductive member 137, and the module 131 is coupled to the FPCB 132 so that the finger 96 is able to be readily bent and straightened. The member 137 could, for example, be a flexible printed circuit board.

[00108] The RFID antenna 90 of the signal receiver 130 is connected to the RFID reader IC of the module 131 so that the RFID reader IC is able to read the PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 26 data that is contained in an electromagnetic signal received by the antenna 90 from an RFID tag such as RFID tag 54 or 58. The RFID reader 1C is connected to the CPU of the module 131 so that the CPU is able to receive the read data from the RFID reader IC. The Bluetooth™ module is connected to the CPU so that the CPU can cause the Bluetooth™ module to wirelessly transmit the data to a terminal of the second point of sale system. The terminal of the second point of sale system is much like the terminal 51 of the first point of sale system 50 except that instead of an RFID reader IC, the terminal includes a Bluetooth™ module so that the terminal is able to receive the data that is transmitted to it by the Bluetooth™ module of the signal receiver 130.

[00109] From the perspective of the user to whose finger 96 the signal receiver 130 is secured, the operation of the second point of sale system is much the same as that of the first point of sale system 50.

[00110] Referring to figures 7 and 8, a signal receiver 140 of a third point of sale system is similar to the signal receiver 130 except that rather than having its CPU, Bluetooth™ module, and RFID reader on the same module like the module 131 of the signal receiver 130, the signal receiver 140 includes a first module 141 that includes the CPU and the Bluetooth™ module, and a second module 142 that includes the RFID reader IC. The second module 142 is located between the third joint and the tip of the finger 96 and is secured to the finger 96 by straps 135 which, like the straps 125 of the signal receiver 130, may be part of the FPCB 133.

[00111] The battery 134 is connected to the first module 141 by a FPCB 143, and the first module 141 is connected to the second module 142 by a FPCB 144. Each FPCB 143, 144 is bent or curved into a semi-circle-type configuration as shown in figure 8 when the finger 96 to which the signal receiver 140 is secured is straight. An advantage of this arrangement is that, in the embodiment during normal use, when the finger 96 is fully bent the FPCB 143 and the FPCB 144 will not stress, or will mitigate any stress to, the PCB of the first module 141 or the PCB of the second module 142 to which each FPCB 143 is connected, to avoid or reduce damage occurring as a consequence of movement of the finger 96. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 27 [00112] The RFID antenna PCB 132 of the signal receiver 140 may be a normal rigid PCB, or it may be a FPCB.

[00113] The battery 133 of the signal receiver 130 is a 90mAh battery that is 30mm long, 11 mm wide, and 6mm high in the embodiment.

[00114] Referring to figures 9 and 10, a signal receiver 150 of a fourth point of sale system is also similar to the signal receiver 130 except that rather than having its CPU, Bluetooth™ module, and RFID reader on a module 131 that is separate from the battery 134, the signal receiver 150 includes a single module 151 that includes the CPU, Bluetooth™ module, RFID reader, and the battery. The module 151 is located between the first and second joints of the finger 96.

[00115] The module 151 is connected to the antenna PCB 132 of the signal receiver 150 by a cable 152. The cable 152 is positioned so that it is located on a side of the finger 96 to which the signal receiver 150 is secured. The cable 152 extends through a guide 153 that is secured to a second band 95 of the signal receiver 150.

[00116] The straps 135 of the signal receiver 150 are actually part of the FPCB 133. The straps 135 form a band that the finger 96 extends through as shown in the drawings.

[00117] The antenna 90 of the signal receiver 150 includes a LED 91 that is secured to the FPCB 133 such that it can be viewed by the user as shown in figure 9. The portion of the FPCB 133 on which the LED 91 resides and the straps 135 may be secured together by hook and loop fastener such as, for example, Velcro™ hook and loop fastener.

[00118] In this embodiment, the switch 92 that is mounted on the PCB 132 of the antenna 90 is a waterproof low pressure switch. In some embodiments where the switch 92 is provided in the form of a magnetic sensor switch, a magnetic sensor switch of the type DFN2020-3, for example, may be used. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 28 [00119] In embodiments of the invention, sensor(s) other than, or in addition to a pressure switch may be provided, operable to sense things other than, or additional to, pressure/contact. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor comprises a magnetic switch 92, which is mounted on the PCB 132 of the antenna 90, and may comprise a surface mount device such as that designated by DFN2020-3. The magnetic switch 92 is operable to “wake” up the CPU from the sleep mode (i.e the low power mode) of operation and start the RFID reader upon sensing of a suitable magnetic field. This advantageously allows the RFID tag 54 to be read with out the need to make contact with tag 54, and such a RFID read can be made from any angle. Speed of operation is thereby improved, as the RFID reader will wake up on proximity to the RFID tag 54 (i.e upon detection of the associated magnetic field) rather than on contact to the RFID tag 54.

[00120] Referring to figures 11 and 12, a signal receiver 160 of a fifth point of sale system is similar to the signal receiver 150, except that the antenna PCB 132 is secured directly to the module 151 of the signal receiver 150. Also, the signal receiver 150 includes a separate antenna 161 for the Bluetooth™ module. The antenna 161 is etched onto the surface of a PCB 162 and is connected to a PCB 163 of the module 151 such that the output of the antenna 161 is connected to an input of the RFID reader.

[00121] The module 151 is secured to the end of the finger 96 such that the antenna 90, including the button 92, are located adjacent the tip of the finger 96, and such that the PCB 162 onto which the Bluetooth™ antenna 161 is etched is located adjacent a side of the end of the finger 96 as shown in the drawings.

[00122] The module 151 is secured to the end of the finger 96 such that the antenna 90, including the magnetic switch 92, in an embodiment where such a switch is provided, are located adjacent to the tip of the finger 96, and such that the PCB 162 onto which the Bluetooth™ antenna 161 is etched is located adjacent a side of the end of the finger 96 as shown in the drawings.

[00123] Figure 13A shows the signal receiver 160 being pressed against a RFID tag 154 that is associated with a beverage item 164 such that the button 92 PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 29 of the signal receiver 160 is depressed. As with all of the point of sale systems described herein that utilise RFID tags for storing a UID that is associated with an item being sold, depressing the button 92 will cause the RFID reader to read the data that is stored on the tag 54 and that is contained in an electromagnetic signal that is output by the tag 54.

[00124] Figure 13B shows a signal receiver 160’ (embodied in a manner which is substantially functionally equivalent to the the signal receiver 160 described herein) when held close to an RFID tag 54’ that is associated with a beverage item 164’ such that the magnetic sensor switch 92, in an embodiment where such a switch is provided, will wake up the CPU and start to read the tag 54’. Figure 13B shows the case where an indicia 310 of a terminal 51’ (embodied in a manner which is substantially similar to the terminal 51 described herein) is illuminated indicating (visually) that the interface between the RFID tag 54’ and the signal receiver 160’ has occurred successfully and transmission of the relevant data is authorised.

[00125] Figure 13C shows a close up view of the RFID tag 54’ assembled with a holder 300 (in the condition shown in Figure 13B). Figure 13D shows the RFID tag 54’ separated from the holder 300 and orientated (with the rear, or normally interior facing, surface of the tag 54’ visible) so that a magnet 315 of the RFID tag 54’ is visible. Figure 13D also shows a recess 305 provided generally centrally in the holder 300, the recess being shaped or configured in the embodiment shown so as to be capable of receiving or accommodating the magnet 315 of the RFID tag 54’ when the tag 54’ is assembled with the holder 300.

[00126] Referring to figures 14 and 15, a signal receiver 170 of a sixth point of sale system includes a module 171 that includes processing means in the form of a CPU, communication means in the form of a Bluetooth™ Low Energy module, 1-Wire™ spring-loaded or sprung probes/connector 172, and energy means in the form of a battery that provides electrical power to the CPU, Bluetooth™ module, and any other active components of the module 171 that require electrical power to operate. The module 171 is secured to the finger 96 between the first and second joints of the finger 96 by attachment means in the PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 30 form of a band 94. The probes 172 are positioned so that when the finger 96 is bent at the second joint, each of the probes 172, which may be spring-loaded, can touch a respective contact 173 of a 1-Wire™ button/tag 174 (see figure 16) on which data, in the form of a UID that is associated with an item in the bar, is stored. Touching the contacts 173 of the button 174 causes the signal receiver 170 to read the data from the button 174 and to transmit the read data to the terminal of the point of sale system.

[00127] The button/tag 174 comprises a Dallas™ 1-Wire™ security tag (i.e. DS2401, etc.) that is fitted on a small disc and can be read via the 2 sprung probes 172. The button 174 is approximately 15mm round, and would typically be placed on top of an item label.

[00128] An advantage of using 1-Wire™ buttons for storing data rather than RFID tags is that a lot less electrical power is required to read the former compared to the latter. This is because neither the terminal nor the signal receiver requires a RFID reader, and this significantly reduces current and therefore power consumption. Another advantage is that the speed of reading a 1-Wire™ tag is much faster than the speed at which a RFID tag can be read. Also, 1-Wire™ buttons can be mounted directly to a metal surface such as a metal bench, whereas an RFID tag requires at least a 2mm plastic mount.

[00129] A signal receiver 180 of a seventh point of sale system is shown in figure 17 being worn on the finger 96 of a user. The signal receiver 180 is similar to the signal receiver 170.

[00130] Figure 18 shows the probes 172 of the signal receiver 180 contacting a 1-Wire™ button/tag 174 that is associated with an item 181 at the bar so that the data stored on the button 174 is read by the signal receiver 180. The read data is transmitted to the terminal of the point of sale system by the Bluetooth™ module of the signal receiver 180 so that the terminal can process the data in the usual way.

[00131] The sixth and seventh point of sale systems may be modified so that their signal receivers 170, 180 do not include a Bluetooth™ communication PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 31 module, but are instead connected to the terminal by a cable so that the signal receivers 170, 180 are able to communicate with the terminal via the cable. In particular, the modified signal receivers 170, 180 are connected to the terminal by the cable so that the signal receivers 170, 180 are able to output the signal they receive from the 1-Wire™ button 174 to the CPU of the terminal. Owing to the fact that the modified signal receivers 170, 180 do not include a Bluetooth™ communication module, the terminal does not need to be Bluetooth™-enabled.

[00132] If the signal receivers 170, 180 are connected to the terminal by a cable, the batteries of the signal receivers 170, 180 may be dispensed with so that the signal receivers 170, 180 are able to be powered from the terminal through the cable.

[00133] Referring to figures 19 and 20, an eight point of sale system includes a terminal 190 and a signal receiver 191 that is connected to the terminal 190 by a cable 192. Terminal 190 includes a display 72 that is surrounded by input forms in the form of 8 buttons 193 that are located under a membrane, and a LED 194. Buttons 193 can be used by a user to input information into the terminal 190. The terminal 190 also includes attachment means in the form of an an adjustable wristband 195 that secures the terminal 190 to the wrist 79 of the user.

[00134] Signal receiver 191 includes sensing means in the form of a finger glove-type membrane 196 that is worn on the tip of the finger 96 as shown. An RFID antenna and pressure sensitive switch (not depicted) are located underneath the membrane 196 adjacent to the tip of the finger 96. Cable 192 is connected to the antenna and is secured to a band 94 that is located between the first and second joints of the finger 96. Both the band 94 and the membrane 196 are able to be adjusted so that they can be worn on fingers 96 of different sizes.

[00135] Figure 19 depicts the terminal 190 and the signal receiver 191 being used to read the UID data that is stored on an RFID tag 54 that is associated with an item (i.e. Bacardi™ rum nip) 197 at the bar. The operation of the eighth PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 32 point of sale system that includes the terminal 190 and signal receiver 191 is similar to that of the first point of sale system 50.

[00136] Referring to figure 21, a ninth point of sale system includes a terminal 200, a first signal receiver 201, a second signal receiver 202, an RFID tag 203 containing data in the form of a UID that is associated with a first item 204, and a 1-Wire™ button/EEPROM DS2401/DS4231 205/tag/memory device containing/storing data in the form of a UID that is associated with a second item 206.

[00137] The first signal receiver 201 is an RFID signal receiver so that it can receive an electromagnetic signal that is transmitted by the tag 203 and that contains the UID associated with the first item 204. The RFID signal receiver may be like any of the previously described RFID signal receivers.

[00138] The second signal receiver 202 is a 1-Wire™ signal receiver so that it can receive an electromagnetic signal that is transmitted by the button 205 and that contains the UID associated with the second item 206. The 1-Wire™ signal receiver may be like any of the previously described 1-Wire™ signal receivers.

[00139] The first and second signal receivers 201, 202 may both be worn on one or more fingers of one user, similarly to the previously described signal receivers. Also, the first and/or second signal receiver(s) 201, 202 may be connected to the terminal 200 by a cable so that the receiver(s) 201, 202 can communicate with the terminal 200. In this case, the terminal 200 would need a RFID reader so that the terminal 200 is able to read the data it receives from the receiver 201.

[00140] Alternatively, the first and/or second signal receiver(s) 201, 202 may include a Bluetooth™ module so that they are able to transmit the UID data which it/they read to the terminal 200. In this case, the terminal 200 would need to be Bluetooth™ enabled so that the terminal 200 and the receiver(s) 201, 202 can communicate with each other. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 33 [00141] Providing the first and second signal receivers 201, 202 enables the point of sale system to read RFID tags such as the RFID tag 203, and 1-Wire™ buttons such as the button 205.

[00142] Figure 22 depicts an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) 230 that may be displayed on the terminal display of any of the point of sale systems described herein. The GUI 230 provides the user with basic functions similar to those of a normal point of sale system, including the following functions: • Error Correct 231 - enables the user to correct the last item; • Scroll up/down 232 - allows the user to scroll through each of the items 233 that the customer has ordered and that have been entered by the user; • Tender amount 234 - entered by the use of display buttons 235 for different tendered amounts, such as $5, $10, $20, and $50; • Direct tender 236 - enables the user to calculate the change that needs to be returned to the customer after the tender amount 234 has been entered; • Price Levels 237 - enables various price levels (e.g. standard 238, happy hour 239, or special 240) to be selected manually by the user or for them to be changed automatically (e.g. happy hour prices 239 which are only available during a particular time); and • Send 241 - downloads the sale to the site computer (e.g. the site computer 55 in the case of the first point of sale system.

[00143] Other functions provided by the GUI 230 include: • Scan table 242;

Food screen? 243; WO 2015/154136 PCT/AU2015/000215 34 • Insert finger 244; • Download complete 245; • Tag cashier RFID 246; • Point-OS 247; • Charge cycle 248; and • Corrected 249.

[00144] In alternative embodiments of the invention additional and/or alternative functions may be provided. For example, other functions that are not provided by the GUI 230 depicted in figure 22 but which could be provided, include: • Discount - for enabling the user to provide a customer who is a member of the bar etc. where the items are being sold with a discount via an RFID member card; • Tab/Account - for enabling the user to provide customers who are members of the bar etc. with a tab, or local account customers with an account; and a • Table/Pager - for enabling the user to link an order to a particular table or food pager/buzzer at the establishment, e.g. bar, where the point of sale system is being used.

[00145] In embodiments, the terminal can have a management function for use by management. For a member of management to use this function, they would need to logon to the terminal as a suitably authorized person. This could be done by using the terminal and its signal receiver to read a RFID or 1-Wire™ tag that belongs to the management member, or by the member entering a staff PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 35 identification, and any prescribed security details, at a prompt displayed on the display of the terminal.

[00146] Rather than the terminals of the various systems sending data back to a central site computer for each scanned item as soon as the item has been scanned, in embodiments of the invention, the terminals of the systems may be used as a data collecting device that can send the data to the computer at the end of the user’s shift, at the close of business, or any other time by suitably operating the terminals (e.g. touching an option/button on the display of each terminal). The data could be stored as an electronic journal. The data that is sent in this manner could, for example, be a journal of the transactions made during the day. Once the data has been sent and received by the computer, it can be used to produce reports such as, for example, reports that are similar to the type of reports that a basic cash register can produce.

[00147] In the case where the data is stored in an electronic journal, the journal could show the amount of money that a staff member/user should be carrying (in the case that the system uses cash pouches for storing cash). The user could count the money that is in their pouch and enter this amount into their terminal. The terminal would show a balance if the amount stored in the pouch of the user was under, over, or equal to the amount of money that the user should be carrying.

[00148] Also, each system may have more than one terminal and signal receiver combination/reader. For example, where a bar has more than one cashier or bar tender providing service to customer, each cashier or bar tender can be provided with their own reader to use.

[00149] Features that are considered unique to the embodiment of the point of sale system disclosed hereinbefore include that the terminal of the system can have full point of sale functions and can display a description of the item as well as its current price. It also allows for special pricing, including happy hour pricing and member pricing to be controlled by the site computer. Consequently, it is not necessary to update the terminal in order to apply a different pricing level. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 36 [00150] In the case that the terminal stores prices for items and other files, this data could be updated by transmitting the updated information to the terminal wirelessly. For example, at the start of a shift the latest prices may be loaded on to the terminal. Another example is special prices may be loaded on to the terminal at the start of happy hour. This would be done for each terminal at the site where the point of sale system is being used.

[00151] In the embodiment, the display of the terminal can display information clearly to a user, and, in the case of the display being a flexible OLED, the information it displays can be viewed at difficult angles. Also, the display has low power consumption.

[00152] The embodiment of the system also allows for real-time statistics regarding who did a sale, how long it took to get the sale, and areas of the establishment (e g. bar) the user had to move around when making the sale. Other information that could be captured includes the current amount of money taken during a particular shift or during a particular day, which staff member has the most sales, etc. This is particularly the case where the system relies upon the use of wireless communication so that the terminals of the system can transmit this statistical information to the site computer or somewhere else for processing and analysis.

[00153] The embodiment of the system allows for the recording of back office statistics in relation to what each user did and where to an accuracy of within 1 second of the user performing the action.

[00154] In the embodiment, a practically unlimited number of items can be stored on the database of the site computer. This is in contrast to the limited number that can be stored on a conventional bar code scanner reader, which is approximately 1000 in the case of the Inca™ prior art device discussed earlier.

[00155] The embodiment of the system also allows for a full journal of a sale to a customer to be displayed to the customer on the terminal. If a query is made (e.g. on the cost of an item), it is possible for the user to roll back the items in the journal to show the description and price of the item in question. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 37 [00156] The embodiment of the system also allows food items to be ordered, and for cooking instructions to be set for the item.

[00157] In relation to drink items, and mixed drinks in particular, the embodiment of the system enables the type of post mix that has been added to a short of spirit, rather than simply that a post mix was added to the drink.

[00158] Owing to the terminal being worn on a wrist of a user, and the signal receiver being worn on a finger of the user, the reading of data stored on a tag is made easier with the terminal and signal receiver in the embodiment. This is in contrast to conventional barcode scanning where precision is required to read a slim barcode. Moreover, because the terminal and signal receiver are worn by the user in the embodiment, they are always there on hand ready for the user to use, and it is not necessary for the user to retrieve them from a pocket or somewhere else where they may have stowed them so that they can then use them.

[00159] The embodiment of the system allows for easy operation. All that a user needs to do to enter an item that is ordered by a customer is to touch the tag or button that is associated with the item with the signal receiver in order to read the UID that is stored on the tag or button.

[00160] It is also possible, in embodiments of the invention, for the tag or button to store information other than just a UID. For example, it can store stock levels as well as the time it was last checked.

[00161] In embodiments of the invention, the display of the terminal is preferably a colour display that is able to display different functions in different colours. For example, an item that has been corrected may be displayed in red, while the subtotal line for an order may be shown in yellow.

[00162] In the embodiment, there is no need to press a button or trigger solely for the purposes of turning the terminal on. All that a user need do is touch the tag or button whose UID they wish to read with the signal receiver and the terminal will automatically awaken from its sleep mode, read the received signal PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 38 to obtain the UID therefrom, and send the read UID to the site computer for processing.

[00163] The embodiment of the system also has a low cost compared to prior art touchscreen terminals that are currently used at the counter of bars and other establishments where items are sold to customers.

[00164] The terminal and signal receiver of the embodiment is more durable than existing fixed point of sale terminals. Also, it can be waterproof in embodiments, and is not accessible to being damaged by customers.

[00165] In embodiments of the invention, the site computer or data collecting unit (DCU) of the point of sale system can include a wireless/RF interface as already described. It could also include an infrared (IR) interface. Further, it could have peripheral equipment such as a printer, cash drawer, or bar code scanner connected to it. The bar code scanner could be used for scanning take away items into the computer.

[00166] In embodiments of the invention, the site computer could be a computer such as a desktop computer, or it could be a portable computing device such a tablet computer, e.g. an i-Pad™ or Android™ tablet. The use of a portable computing device would be advantageous because such devices normally have a small footprint. The computer could have a touchscreen so that it can be used like a touchscreen point of sale terminal along with providing electronic storage and processing for sales data.

[00167] In embodiments, the DCU could communicate with other data collecting units around the site, and sales data stored on the DCUE could be polled or sent back in real-time to a back office personal computer for up to date sales analysis.

[00168] In embodiments, the DCU would be a simple and easy device to use, and it could be picked-up at the end of a day’s trading and taken home so that the data stored on it could be downloaded at a remote location, if required. PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 39

Alternatively, it could be put into a safe or the like for secure storage outside of business hours.

[00169] In embodiments, the DCU could sit on a small pedestal and be covered by a splash proof cover. If a printer is connected to the DCU, it could be used to print receipts, reports, and pick-ups, and could also be used to print kitchen dockets in the case of food items being sold.

[00170] In embodiments, the DCU may include an additional energy source, such as a battery back-up, so that the complete site could still operate even if mains power was lost. For example, the site could continue to operate for approximately 15-20 hours without mains power if the battery back-up has a sufficient capacity. The actual amount of time that the site could continue to operate without mains power would depend at least in part on the amount of screen use.

[00171] In embodiments, the data flow of the DCU could be controlled by a small embedded CPU that could be switched between other devices, e.g. a printer, bar code scanner, as well as communications with other units. If present, the drawer could be connected via the printer which has two cash drawer outputs.

[00172] In embodiments, the terminal that is worn by the user may be started or powered-up by pressing an on/off button. Upon starting the terminal the functionality of the unit may be checked, and a battery gauge may be displayed on the display of the terminal.

[00173] In embodiments, the user may be required to logon to their terminal before they can commence using it. This could be done, for example, by the user logging on by using the terminal and its associated signal receiver to read an RFID tag that is associated with the user.

[00174] In embodiments where the terminal includes a wireless/RF communications module/unit, the terminal could look for “clear air space” before wirelessly transmitting the data it has collected back to the site computer/data PCT/AU2015/000215 WO 2015/154136 40 collecting device. The site computer could respond by storing the data. The site computer could store the data so that it could be used for producing/printing out reports later, or it could transfer it to a back office personal computer.

[00175] In embodiments, the terminal could store over 1000 transactions before telling the user that it needs to download the transaction data to the site computer. As previously mentioned, the downloading of the transaction data could be done wirelessly.

[00176] In embodiments, the site computer or a back office personal computer could collect sales data as the sales occurred and display a real-time display of the cash take at the site. The display could be in the form of a graph which could be programmed to display a fixed daily expense which may include daily utility expenses, daily staff costs, etc. The business owner and/or management would then have a true indication of profit and loss on a sale by sale basis. This back office function could also show staff efficiency trends or even the most popular items, e.g. the 10 most sold items. The graph or graphs that are displayed could be of any suitable type, e.g. bar graphs, pie graphs, etc.

[00177] In embodiments where the signal receiver uses a Bluetooth™ Lower Energy module, this allows for the use of near field communication which can make payment a lot faster and safer as the customer’s phone could be used as the gateway to payment. Payment would be fully electronic and secure, and this would eliminate the use of cash in such transactions.

[00178] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A point of sale system comprising a terminal, and a signal receiver that is able to receive a signal containing data that is associated with an item and that is also able to communicate with the terminal, wherein the terminal and the signal receiver are both adapted to be worn on the body of a user.
2. The point of sale system defined by claim 1, wherein the point of sale system is further adapted to be used in a bar.
3. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the terminal is adapted to be worn on an arm of the user.
4. The point of sale system defined by claim 3, wherein the terminal is adapted to be worn on a wrist of the user.
5. The point of sale system defined by claim 3, wherein the terminal is adapted to be worn on a hand of the user.
6. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the terminal includes a band for securing the terminal to the arm of the user.
7. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal receiver is adapted to be worn on a hand of the user.
8. The point of sale system defined by claim 7, wherein the signal receiver is adapted to be worn on a finger of the user.
9. The point of sale system defined by claim 8, wherein the signal receiver includes one or more bands for securing it to the finger of the user.
10. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the signal receiver includes a finger glove-type membrane for securing the signal receiver to the finger of the user.
11. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the terminal includes a display for displaying information to the user.
12. The point of sale system defined by claim 11, wherein the display comprises a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.
13. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the display comprises a touchscreen.
14. The point of sale system defined by claim 13, wherein the touchscreen comprises a capacitive touchscreen.
15. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the terminal comprises a personal computing device.
16. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the system further comprises a memory device that stores the data that is associated with the item and that the signal receiver is able to receive the signal from.
17. The point of sale system defined by claim 16, wherein the memory device comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the signal receiver comprises an RFID antenna that is able to receive the signal from the tag, and one of the terminal and the signal receiver includes an RFID reader that is able to read the data contained in the received signal.
18. The point of sale system defined by claim 17, wherein the RFID reader comprises a RFID reader integrated circuit (IC).
19. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the signal receiver includes at least one sensor that is operable to cause the RFID reader to read the data contained in the received signal.
20. The point of sale system defined by claim 19, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure switch and/or a magnetic switch.
21. The point of sale system defined by claim 19 or 20, wherein the at least one sensor is able to be positioned adjacent a fingertip of the user.
22. The point of sale system defined by claim 16, wherein the memory device comprises a 1-Wire™ memory device, and the signal receiver comprises a 1-Wire™ connector that is able to receive the signal from the memory device.
23. The point of sale system defined by claim 22, wherein the 1-Wire™ memory device comprises a 1-Wire™ button or tag.
24. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the signal receiver includes an indicator that is operable to indicate if the data has been successfully read.
25. The point of sale system defined by claim 24, wherein the indicator comprises a visual indicator.
26. The point of sale system defined by claim 25, wherein the visual indicator comprises a light source.
27. The point of sale system defined by claim 26, wherein the light source comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).
28. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the terminal is connected to the signal receiver by a cable.
29. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the terminal and the signal receiver are adapted to communicate with each other wirelessly.
30. The point of sale system defined by claim 29, wherein the terminal and the signal receiver are adapted to communicate wirelessly with each other via Bluetooth™.
31. The point of sale system defined by claim 30, wherein at least one of the terminal and the signal receiver comprise a Bluetooth™ Low Energy Module.
32. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the point of sale system also comprises a computer that is located remotely from the terminal, wherein the terminal and the computer are able to communicate with each other.
33. The point of sale system defined by claim 32, wherein the computer and the terminal are adapted to communicate with each other wirelessly.
34. The point of sale system defined by claim 33, wherein the terminal and the computer each comprise a respective wireless communication module so that the terminal and the computer are able to communicate with each other wirelessly.
35. The point of sale system defined by claim 34, wherein the wireless communication modules of the computer and the terminal are WiFi™ wireless communication modules.
36. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the point of sale system also comprises a cash storage apparatus for storing cash payment for the item.
37. The point of sale system defined by claim 36, wherein the cash storage apparatus comprises a cash drawer.
38. The point of sale system defined by any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein the cash storage apparatus comprises a cash pouch.
39. The point of sale system defined by claim 38, wherein the cash pouch is adapted to be worn by the user.
40. A method of selling an item to a customer, the method comprising: receiving data associated with the item using the signal receiver of the system according to the first broad aspect of the present invention; and processing the data using the terminal of the system.
41. A terminal for a point of sale system, wherein the terminal is adapted to be worn on the body of a user.
42. A signal receiver for a point of sale system, wherein the signal receiver is adapted to be worn on the body of a user.
43. A computer-readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that, when executed by a computing means, causes the computing means to perform at least part of the method in accordance with claim 40.
44. A computing means programmed to carry out at least part of the method in accordance with claim 40.
45. A data signal including at least one instruction being capable of being received and interpreted by a computing system, wherein the instruction implements at least part of the method in accordance claim 40.
46. A point of sale system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
47. A method of selling an item to a customer, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
48. A terminal for a point of sale system, the terminal being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
49. A signal receiver for a point of sale system, the signal receiver being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.